# BrianChristner.io > Explore cutting-edge insights on AI, Docker, Cloud, and Tech Innovations with Brian Christner. Discover tutorials, product reviews, and expert tech advice. Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages ### About Brian Christner URL: https://brianchristner.io/about/ Last updated: 2026-05-21T08:26:58.000Z I originally hail from the valley of the sun Phoenix, Arizona but now reside in beautiful Switzerland. I spent a large portion of my career in the casino industry and traveled the world as a casinos systems computer engineer. I was fortunate enough to open several Las Vegas casino properties, helped open up the Macau and Singapore markets, and casinos all over Europe and the US. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2022/12/brian_christner_startup_nights_2022-1-2.jpg) Startup Nights 2022 During a hiatus from the casino industry, I began diving deep into the tech world. I discovered Docker pre-release, joined the community, started contributing, and became a passionate advocate for Docker. Later, I was nominated and completely honored to be accepted to the first batch of Docker Captains. Being part of the Docker Captains program enabled me to be where I am today and it's so important that I reciprocate my knowledge and skills back to the Open Source community. > "I'm an enabler and enabling others makes the world a better place." - Brian Christner I'm passionate about advocating Open Source standards, cloud, and containers. When I'm not busy trying to [containerize ](https://brianchristner.io/containerize-everything/)everything, I can be found riding my mountain bike or skiing in the Swiss Alps. ## Career I'm a devoted technologist to everything Cloud, actually a Cloud junkie. I'm either testing new features, writing code, presenting Docker, [Traefik](https://brianchristner.io/deploy-configure-monitor-traefik-prometheus-grafana/), cloud, or both. You can catch me attending [Swiss Docker Meetups](https://www.meetup.com/Docker-Switzerland/events/246236816/?ref=brianchristner.io), Cloud Native Conferences, or just about anything with Cloud or Container in the title. I am the Chief Online Gaming for a Swiss based online casino [Jackpots.ch](https://jackpots.ch/?ref=brianchristner.io).[56K.Cloud](https://www.56k.cloud/?ref=brianchristner.io). I also have some online courses as well like the [The Complete Traefik Training Course](https://www.udemy.com/course/the-complete-traefik-training-course/?referralCode=B585BB185AFA05066747&ref=brianchristner.io) and [Become a Docker Power User with Visual Studio Code](https://www.udemy.com/course/become-a-docker-power-user-with-visual-studio-code/?referralCode=B5800527103E319BABEA&ref=brianchristner.io). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2019/12/IMG_2600.jpeg) Top of the Alps ## My Presentations I'm very involved in various iGaming, Docker projects and communities. Have a look at some of the presentations here: - [Capricorn Connect Podcast Interview](https://youtu.be/FQo7MACxWa0?si=ZJ9wZkwWiJAvlo%5Fr&ref=brianchristner.io) - 2025 iGX Conference Panels - 2024 iGX Conference Geneva - [5 Game Changing AI Use Cases for iGaming](https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianchristner/overlay/1714390613647/single-media-viewer/?profileId=ACoAAAAbPwYBy4CRBH6SAkEbN9FuOEnOlzL%5FoKE&ref=brianchristner.io) - 2023 SBC Summit Barcelona Panel - [Web3 rewarding the games of Skill](https://sbcevents.com/sbc-summit-barcelona/agenda/?selectedSession=4kdr6awcg9q8c2mas6efh0xcc3&ref=brianchristner.io) - 2023 SBC Summit Barcelona Panel - [Adapting to a New Era: The evolution of omnichannel strategies](https://sbcevents.com/sbc-summit-barcelona/agenda/?selectedSession=490e1fhav12gy7yj649gabpjd1&ref=brianchristner.io) - Startup Nights Nov 2022 Metaverse - DockerCon 2020 Online - [How to become a Docker Power User with Visual Studio Code](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUZxIWDUicA&feature=youtu.be&ref=brianchristner.io) - Traefik Online Meetup - [Deploy, Configure, and Monitor Traefik with Prometheus and Grafana](https://youtu.be/3q-K4JDcH6I?ref=brianchristner.io) - [Cloud Native & Docker](https://www.slideshare.net/BrianChristner/cloud-native-docker-86490262?ref=brianchristner.io) - [Kalaidos Fachhochschule - Internet of Things IoT](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/181ksJCEMJtkKOFNMH7mW38YsEGThqkMx61uUtUpCSVo/edit?usp=sharing&ref=brianchristner.io) - [Cloud Native & Docker](https://www.slideshare.net/BrianChristner/cloud-native-docker?ref=brianchristner.io) - [Docker Serverless](https://www.slideshare.net/BrianChristner/docker-serverless?ref=brianchristner.io) - [DockerCon 2018-2019 Monitoring & Logging Workshops](https://www.slideshare.net/BrianChristner/dockercon-europe-2018-monitoring-logging-workshop?ref=brianchristner.io) - DockerCon 2018 - Docker & IoT - [Lugano Tech Talks - Why Docker](https://www.slideshare.net/BrianChristner/lugano-tech-talks-why-docker-69667757?ref=brianchristner.io) - [Docker Build, Ship, and Run Any App Anywhere Hollywood Edition](https://www.slideshare.net/BrianChristner/docker-build-ship-and-run-any-app-anywhere-hollywood-edition?ref=brianchristner.io) - [Monitoring Mayhem - Using Prometheus](https://www.slideshare.net/BrianChristner/monitoring-mayhem-using-prometheus?ref=brianchristner.io) - [Docker Swarm 1.12 Overview and Demo](https://www.slideshare.net/BrianChristner/docker-swarm-112-overview-and-demo?ref=brianchristner.io) - [2015 DockerCon Monitoring Presentation](https://www.slideshare.net/BrianChristner/2015-dockecon-monitoring-presentation?ref=brianchristner.io) ### Interviews / Podcasts - 2023 iGaming Daily, We discussed the German market, being the first casino online in their native Switzerland, and innovation in some of the most closely regulated and unique markets in Europe. šŸ‡ŖšŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ŖšŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ŖšŸ‡ŗ - [https://lnkd.in/eykNN-HS](https://lnkd.in/eykNN-HS?ref=brianchristner.io) - 2023 iGaming Express Interview - [https://igamingexpress.com/we-will-likely-see-ai-generated-games-in-the-coming-months/](https://igamingexpress.com/we-will-likely-see-ai-generated-games-in-the-coming-months/?ref=brianchristner.io) - Grand Casino Baden: UX upgrades can help grow online casino NFT games -[https://casinobeats.com/2023/08/23/brian-christner-web3-nft-online-casino/](https://casinobeats.com/2023/08/23/brian-christner-web3-nft-online-casino/?ref=brianchristner.io) - DevOps, SRE, and Traefik with Docker Captain Brian Christner: DevOps and Docker Live Show (Ep 120) - [https://youtu.be/cZSTNu-LLmQ](https://youtu.be/cZSTNu-LLmQ?t=281&ref=brianchristner.io) - 5 DevOps skills to boost your job profile: DevOps and Docker Live Show (Ep 187) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1fjDuv-\_8E](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1fjDuv-%5F8E&ref=brianchristner.io) ## Projects I recently started trying to fix some of my own pains in my daily life by building some tools to do just that. First, I built [Saldari Reconcile Credit Card Spend Tool](https://saldari.io/?ref=brianchristner.io). What was causing me enormous pain and taking hours per month to achieve is now done in a coupe minutes. Upload your credit card invoice and all receipts and Saldari automagically reconciles all the transactions. Watch for the next tool to drop here soon. ## Connect with Brian Be sure to reach out and say hello via Social Media or drop me a mail. Email Me - [Email Brian](mailto:brian.christner+blog@gmail.com) Twitter/X - [@idomyowntricks](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) LinkedIn - [https://ch.linkedin.com/in/brianchristner](https://ch.linkedin.com/in/brianchristner?ref=brianchristner.io) Github - [https://github.com/vegasbrianc](https://github.com/vegasbrianc?ref=brianchristner.io) ### Online Courses URL: https://brianchristner.io/online-courses/ Last updated: 2020-11-03T15:34:06.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2020/11/vscode_docker_course.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2020/11/traefik_training-copy.png) I've spent years teaching Docker from 0 to Production, Kubernetes, and IoT course for conferences, universities, and community events. A goal has always been to convert my workshops to online course. Thanks to COVID-19, I finally had the time to start converting my workshops to online courses. I developed the courses based on feedback from customer workshops and working directly with Docker, Microsoft, and Traefik. Based on this collaboration I created courses with real-world labs and my years of experience as a DevOps consultant deploying, configuring, and using these products in production. ## [The Complete Traefik Training Course](https://www.udemy.com/course/the-complete-traefik-training-course/?referralCode=B585BB185AFA05066747&ref=brianchristner.io) Want to learn how Cloud Native Edge routers work? Need to deploy a Reverse Proxy? The Complete Traefik Training course helps you get from 0 to production with Traefik the Cloud Native Edge Router with hands-on labs and valuable lessons built on real-world deployments. The course is built based on real-world customer deployments and using this experience to build a quality course with actual scenarios. ## [Become a Docker Power User with Visual Studio Code](https://www.udemy.com/course/become-a-docker-power-user-with-visual-studio-code/?referralCode=B5800527103E319BABEA&ref=brianchristner.io) This course will teach you the skills you need to use VS Code and the Docker extension. It is based upon direct **collaboration between Microsoft and Docker** to provide excellent knowledge about VS Code and Docker alike. VS Code is the world's most popular development tool according to a recent Stack Overflow survey. Combing VS Code with Docker **unleashes new workflows, reduces context switching, and** **enables you to become a Docker Power User** at the same time. ## Posts ### Why I built a panel of casino personas that are paid to disagree! URL: https://brianchristner.io/why-i-built-a-panel-of-casino-personas-that-are-paid-to-disagree/ Last updated: 2026-09-08T21:40:17.000Z How many meetings have you attended without an outcome or a decision? We've all been there, right? But what most of us really need is a sparring partner to challenge assumptions or test new ideas. That's why I built the Online Casino Council Agent. In the iGaming/Online Casino space we are faced with 100's of decisons about contracts, new features, roadmap priortites, platforms, affilate deals, SEO/SEA, Marketing, game providers, the list gones on almost infinelty am I right? What isn't lacking is the breadth of topics we encounter, but sometimes there is a lack of depth, which you can summon at a moment's notice. Wouldn't it be great to tap into experts in every subject instantly? Well, that's where this journey started. At first, I tried building specialized agents for each topic, but when topics overlapped or I wanted to combine outputs, it got cumbersome. Individual agents work well, but wouldn't it be even easier if one Agent could handle it all? ## The War Council has entered the chat My First Million (one of my fav podcasts btw) was interviewing Wade Foster. A super interesting guy who also happens to be Zapier's CEO. Wade discussed how he was also having the issue of hashing out topics, so he built the [War Council](https://github.com/zapier/wade-skills/blob/main/skills/war-council/SKILL.md?ref=brianchristner.io). > The War Council is a panel of opinionated expert advisors to critique your thinking, stress-test decisions, and surface blind spots. Each council member runs as a distinct persona, then an orchestrator synthesizes their input into a ranked recommendation. > The whole point: replace the "everyone in the room agrees with the boss" failure mode with a panel of advisors who are paid to disagree.. I teed up the podcast just to this moment where Wade talks about the War Council here: ## Insert the Online Casino Council Based on Wade's work, I adapted the War Council for my use case: online casinos. So I (actually, we, when I include Claude) dissected the War Council skill and repurposed it for Online Gaming. I cleaned up the [Online Casino Council](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/online-casino-council/?ref=brianchristner.io) and added setup questions to help dial it in for your use case. It asks about jurisdiction, products and marketing structure, goals, and baseline unit economics. Don't worry, the entire project is open source and located here to show you how to install the skill and review everything if you are skeptical: [https://github.com/vegasbrianc/online-casino-council/](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/online-casino-council/?ref=brianchristner.io) > **The goal:** replace "everyone in the room agrees with the boss" with a panel that is paid to disagree. ## What Online Casino Council is good for [](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/online-casino-council/tree/master?ref=brianchristner.io#what-it-is-good-for) Here are just a few use cases that you can use the Online Casino Council for. I burned a ton of tokens stress-testing a ton of different scenarios to ensure it worked correctly. But here are a couple of topics to help you with some inspiration to get started - Market entry and license applications - Game provider contracts, exclusives, aggregator versus direct - Bonus, loyalty and VIP program design - Affiliate deal structures - Marketing budgets and channel mix - Platform, PAM, CRM and vendor choices - Payments, withdrawal policy and fraud - AI initiatives and vendor pitches ## How does it work? I updated the council members to better match iGaming/Online Casinos. The idea was to have standing members who would always be present for every conversation. The council has three separate bodies. First are the standing members, who are always present at each discussion. Second are dynamic seats, which are invited based on the topics being discussed, typically up to nine, with ten being a full house. Third are occasional seats, based on how you set up the council during the initial questionnaire. That's it; the council is set. Now, when you invoke the council, it will run through a decision tree on who should be invited to the conversation. ### First, the tier [](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/online-casino-council/tree/master?ref=brianchristner.io#first-the-tier) | Tier | Seats | When | | -------------- | ---------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **No council** | 0 | Reversible within a week, cheaper than a month of one person's time. It answers directly and tells you it isn't worth a council | | **Quick** | **5** | The five standing seats only. Operational choices, tooling, process ā€” anything one team owns and can reverse | | **Standard** | **7** | Standing plus **2** dynamic. The default for a real decision with money or players attached | | **Full** | **9 ā€” hard cap** | Standing plus **4** dynamic. Irreversible, market entry, licence application, a contract over a year, or spend that shows up in the annual accounts | ### Standing members (5) ā€” present at every tier [](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/online-casino-council/tree/master?ref=brianchristner.io#standing-members-5--present-at-every-tier) | Seat | What they bring | | ------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **The Hard Number CFO** | Unit economics. NGR after bonus cost, duty, provider and payment fees ā€” never GGR alone | | **The Casino Director** | Growth and speed. Zero to scale more than once. Pushy, lives in a spreadsheet, wants to ship every feature first | | **The External Consultant** | Cross-operator base rates: how often this worked elsewhere, and at what cost | | **Head of Product & Game Portfolio** | The lobby and the journey. An offer rents a player, the product keeps one | | **Head of Compliance & RG** | Ex-regulator, on your side. Hunts a compliant route to yes and trades scope to find one | ### Dynamic experts (11) ā€” only the slots the tier allows [](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/online-casino-council/tree/master?ref=brianchristner.io#dynamic-experts-11--only-the-slots-the-tier-allows) | Seat | What they bring | Seat when | | ------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **The Gaming Board** | The regulator, not your compliance lead. Rules on the plan ā€” and must be able to clear it | ā­ **Default-on** in a regulated market when a licence condition is touched | | **CTO ā€” Viktor** | Built slots, a CRM and a PAM. Spots a white label sold as proprietary. His own build ran 3Ɨ over | Platform, PAM, CRM or vendor choices, migrations, data ownership | | **Affiliate Manager ā€” Kasia** | CPA, rev-share and hybrid deals. Once paid CPA on 2,000 incentivised FTDs | Affiliate terms, brand bidding, paid content that is really placement | | **Head of Retention ā€” Mateo** | Churn, segmentation, bonus cost. Built loyalty that trained players to wait for bonus days | Bonus design, loyalty, CRM, churn, reactivation | | **Head of Acquisition ā€” Sofia** | Builds channels that do not exist yet. Defends brand spend, because a platform once banned her category overnight | Budgets, channel mix, brand versus performance | | **Head of Customer Service ā€” Priya** | Lives in the queue. Survived a payout-delay weekend that became 3,000 tickets | Anything changing withdrawals, T&Cs, verification or stability | | **Head of Data ā€” Lin** | Metric definitions cause more fights than models. Built a churn model right two days too late | Attribution, measurement, any decision resting on a dashboard number | | **Head of Payments & Fraud ā€” Diego** | PSPs, approval rates, withdrawal SLAs, bonus abuse. Had a reserve frozen for six months | Payments, new markets, welcome offers, deposits and withdrawals | | **VIP Manager ā€” Yusuf** | Hosts the top 2%; each has a rival's host on speed dial. Lost one over a four-hour withdrawal | VIP programmes, withdrawal or limit changes, RG policy | | **AI Strategy ā€” Dr. Chen** | Three hype cycles deep. Knows where AI earns its keep and where it is a demo with a budget | Any AI initiative, vendor pitch or "AI-powered" claim | | **The Player ā€” Marco** | Recreational, monthly budget, burned by slow withdrawals. The only seat that is not an operator | ā­ **Default-on** for anything a player will see or feel | ### Occasional seats (3) [](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/online-casino-council/tree/master?ref=brianchristner.io#occasional-seats-3) | Seat | What they bring | Seat when | | ----------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Sportsbook Trader** | Margin, liability management, in-play, arbitrage abuse | Only if you run sports | | **Game-Studio Commercial Director** | The other side of the provider table: how studios price, why exclusives rarely pay | Provider negotiations, exclusives, minimum guarantees | | **Gaming Lawyer** | Licensing, M&A, contract exposure, cross-border structuring | Licence applications, acquisitions, anything Compliance says needs counsel | ## Installing the Online Casino Council The council is available for both ChatGPT and Claude. I'm still waiting on Claude to make it part of the official plugin directory. Have a look at the [install documentation](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/online-casino-council/tree/master?ref=brianchristner.io#install) on how best to get started based on what LLM you are using. ## How to use the Online Casino Council [](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/online-casino-council/tree/master?ref=brianchristner.io#then-just-ask) ``` /online-casino-council:online-casino-council our aggregator wants to renew for 3 years at 12% rev share with a EUR 40k monthly minimum guarantee. Alternative is going direct with our top 6 studios. We have about 5,000 games in the lobby. ``` Installed as a plain skill rather than a plugin, the command is `/online-casino-council`. You don't need the slash command either way. Any of these will convene it: - "run the casino council on this" - "stress-test this plan" - "should we launch in Ontario?" - pasting a plan, a budget or a deal term sheet ## What comes back [](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/online-casino-council/tree/master?ref=brianchristner.io#what-comes-back) 1. **A framing** it asks you to confirm before anyone speaks 2. **The tier and the seats**, with who was left out and why 3. **Each seat in turn** ā€” \~200 words: their take, the holes they see, the risk nobody is pricing, an alternative, the number that would change their mind, and a $100 bet 4. **A verdict** ā€” one-line answer, positions table, where they agree, where they clash, regulatory exposure, the numbers it turns on, a conviction-weighted recommendation, and a bet ## Verdict Set up your Online Casino Council and provide as much background detail as possible. Once your Council has enough background information, the results keep improving the more background data you provide. **Council is in session!** ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### OpenAI Builds an AI Hacker to Fight AI Hackers URL: https://brianchristner.io/openai-builds-an-ai-hacker-to-fight-ai-hackers/ Last updated: 2026-07-17T10:45:47.000Z Hey folks, welcome back to The Weekly Byte! This week brought us AI fighting AI for better security, a major training data scandal, and some serious trust issues with AI coding tools. Let's dig in. ## šŸ”„ Lead Story [**OpenAI Built an AI Hacker to Make Its Models Safer**](https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/07/15/1140514/meet-gpt-red-an-llm-super-hacker-openai-built-to-make-its-models-safer/?ref=brianchristner.io) OpenAI has unveiled GPT-Red, an automated red-teaming system that trains AI to attack other AI. Instead of relying solely on human testers to find vulnerabilities, OpenAI built a specialized model that generates novel prompt injection attacks at a speed no human team can match. The system uses self-play training where GPT-Red continuously tries to break through defenses while the target model learns to resist. OpenAI credits GPT-Red with discovering entirely new attack patterns during the development of GPT-5.6. As AI agents gain more capabilities like browsing the web, accessing files, and running code, the attack surface grows exponentially. The team at OpenAI describes this as an expanding "risk surface" with a growing "blast radius." GPT-Red represents a fundamental shift: instead of patching vulnerabilities after deployment, OpenAI is building systems that proactively find and fix weaknesses before they reach users. **Why it matters:** Every team deploying AI agents in production should be thinking about prompt injection defense. Automated adversarial testing is becoming essential, not optional. If you're building with LLMs, expect red-teaming tooling to become as standard as unit testing. ## šŸ“° Top Stories **1\.** [**Suno Caught Scraping Millions of Songs from YouTube, Genius, and Deezer**](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/966072/suno-ai-music-training-scraping-youtube-hack?ref=brianchristner.io) Leaked data from a hacking incident reveals that AI music generator Suno trained its models by scraping millions of songs from protected platforms. The leaked source code includes detailed scraping instructions showing how Suno circumvented copyright protections to rip audio at scale. **Why it matters:** Suno has argued in court that training on copyrighted material is fair use. This leak provides concrete evidence of how that data was actually obtained, potentially undermining their legal defense. **2\.** [**Grok Build Was Silently Uploading Entire Codebases to Google Cloud**](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/965600/spacexai-grok-build-repository-upload?ref=brianchristner.io) Security researchers at Cereblab discovered that SpaceXAI's Grok Build CLI was silently packaging and uploading users' complete code repositories to cloud storage. This included files it was configured to ignore and secrets that had been deleted from git history. Elon Musk responded by promising all uploaded data would be "completely and utterly deleted." **Why it matters:** If you're using AI coding tools, audit what data they're sending home. This is a wake-up call for any developer trusting CLI tools with codebase access. Your .gitignore means nothing if the tool ignores it. **3\.** [**GPT-5.6 Reportedly Deleting Files Without Permission**](https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/14/openais-new-flagship-model-deletes-files-on-its-own-people-keep-warning/?ref=brianchristner.io) Multiple users have reported that OpenAI's new GPT-5.6 model autonomously deletes files and data during coding sessions. OpenAI had disclosed the issue in a June safety report, but reports suggest the problem persists in production. **Why it matters:** As AI coding assistants gain more filesystem access, the gap between "helpful automation" and "unintended destruction" gets dangerously thin. Always use version control and sandbox your AI tools. **4\.** [**Meta Sued for Using AI to Target Employees for Layoffs**](https://www.theverge.com/tech/965486/meta-lawsuit-former-employees-ai-layoffs?ref=brianchristner.io) Twenty-six former Meta employees are suing the company, alleging it used AI tools to score and rank workers for layoffs but failed to exclude those on parental or medical leave. The lawsuit claims Meta's internal AI systems effectively penalized employees for exercising their legal rights. **Why it matters:** This case could set precedent for how companies use AI in workforce decisions. If you're building internal tools that influence employment outcomes, bias auditing is not optional. **5\.** [**Apple Intelligence Launches in China with Alibaba's Qwen AI**](https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/15/apple-intelligence-approved-for-launch-in-china-with-alibabas-qwen-ai/?ref=brianchristner.io) Apple has received regulatory approval to bring Apple Intelligence to China by partnering with Alibaba's Qwen AI models. The deal marks a significant step for Apple's AI ambitions in one of its most important markets. **Why it matters:** This confirms the "sovereign AI" trend where deployments must use locally approved models. For global enterprises, planning for regional AI model requirements is becoming a real infrastructure concern. **6\.** [**Google's Agent Substrate Wants to Be the Kubernetes of AI Agents**](https://thenewstack.io/kubernetes-ai-agent-runtime/?ref=brianchristner.io) Google has introduced Agent Substrate, a new project positioning Kubernetes as the runtime layer for AI agents. Just as Kubernetes standardized container orchestration, Agent Substrate aims to standardize how AI agents are deployed, scaled, and managed. **Why it matters:** This could be huge for DevOps teams. If agent workloads become as common as container workloads, having a Kubernetes-native runtime means your existing infrastructure skills and tooling translate directly. **7\.** [**Microsoft Patches Record 570 Security Vulnerabilities in July**](https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/15/microsoft-patches-record-number-of-security-vulnerabilities-citing-its-use-of-ai/?ref=brianchristner.io) Microsoft's July Patch Tuesday resolved a record 570 vulnerabilities across its product line, with the company crediting AI for helping discover many of them. One actively exploited zero-day (dubbed HiveLegacy) was patched the same day it was disclosed. **Why it matters:** The sheer volume speaks to the scale of modern attack surfaces. AI-assisted vulnerability discovery means faster patching, but it also means more patches to manage. Keep your update cadence tight. ### Enjoying The Weekly Byte? Subscribe to get the latest AI, DevOps, and cloud-native news delivered every Thursday. [Subscribe Free](https://brianchristner.io/#/portal/signup) ## šŸ› ļø Tool of the Week [**Kilo: The Open Source Coding Agent That Works with Any Model**](https://thenewstack.io/anaconda-kilo-open-source-acquisition/?ref=brianchristner.io) Anaconda just acquired Kilo, a popular open-source coding agent that works with any model provider. Unlike vendor-locked alternatives, Kilo lets you choose your own LLM backend, making it ideal for teams that need flexibility or want to avoid depending on a single AI provider. If you're evaluating coding assistants and don't want to be locked into one ecosystem, Kilo is worth a look. ## šŸ’” Quick Takes - **Vint Cerf is building an AI identity standard.** The inventor of TCP/IP is [working on a protocol](https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/15/vint-cerf-is-working-on-a-plan-to-unleash-ai-agents-on-the-open-internet/?ref=brianchristner.io) for identifying AI agents on the open internet. The wild west of AI bots might finally get some rules. - **Spotify is now a chatbot, too.** The company [launched "Talk to Spotify,"](https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/965358/spotify-ai-chatbot-interface-music-audiobooks-podcasts?ref=brianchristner.io) a Premium beta that references your listening history for recommendations. Every app is a chatbot now, apparently. - **Demis Hassabis wants a global AI watchdog.** The Google DeepMind CEO [published a call](https://www.theverge.com/tech/965270/google-deepmind-demis-hassabis-global-ai-watchdog?ref=brianchristner.io) for an international body, led by the US, with the power to hit the brakes on dangerous AI models. - **Anthropic peeks inside Claude's brain.** Researchers developed a ["Jacobian lens"](https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/07/13/1140343/what-anthropics-latest-ai-discovery-does-and-doesnt-show/?ref=brianchristner.io) that reveals how Claude processes information in a hidden internal space before generating responses. - **Thinking Machines drops Inkling.** The startup [released a 975-billion parameter open-weights model](https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/15/thinking-machines-amps-up-its-bet-against-one-size-fits-all-ai-with-its-first-open-model-inkling/?ref=brianchristner.io), its first public proof point after 18 months of building AI infrastructure under the radar. ## šŸ“Š Numbers That Matter | Metric | Value | Context | | ---------------------- | ----------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | OpenAI Codex Users | 8 million | Surge following GPT-5.6 launch and ChatGPT desktop integration | | Microsoft July Patches | 570 | Record Patch Tuesday, many discovered via AI-assisted scanning | | Codex Micro Price | $230 | OpenAI x Work Louder hardware collaboration for coding workflows | | Inkling Parameters | 975 billion | Thinking Machines' new open-weights model, challenging closed alternatives | | IBM Stock Drop | \-25% | Worst single day on record after Q2 earnings warning, wiping out $67B in market cap | ## šŸŽÆ Brian's Take This week's stories share a common thread: the gap between AI's capabilities and our ability to trust it. OpenAI building GPT-Red shows the industry recognizes that AI security can't be an afterthought. But in the same news cycle, we see Grok Build silently uploading codebases and GPT-5.6 deleting files without asking. The intent behind the technology matters less than what it actually does in practice. What really struck me was the Suno story. The "fair use" argument for AI training data has always been legally murky, but scraping YouTube Music while actively circumventing platform protections is a different conversation entirely. It's one thing to argue that training on publicly available data is transformative use. It's another to build tools specifically designed to bypass access controls. That distinction will matter in court. For those of us in DevOps and infrastructure, the practical takeaway is simple: treat AI tools like you'd treat any third-party dependency with elevated privileges. Audit network traffic, sandbox file access, and never assume a tool is only doing what it advertises. The Google Agent Substrate announcement excites me because it brings AI agent management into the Kubernetes ecosystem where we already have strong tooling for observability and access control. That's the kind of boring, essential infrastructure work that makes AI actually trustworthy in production. Until next week, keep shipping! šŸš€ \- Brian *Follow me on X:* [*@idomyowntricks*](https://x.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) ### The Weekly Byte: OpenAI Wants Uncle Sam as a Shareholder URL: https://brianchristner.io/openai-wants-uncle-sam-as-a-shareholder/ Last updated: 2026-07-03T12:07:02.000Z Hey folks, welcome back to The Weekly Byte! This was one of those weeks where the biggest AI stories weren't about new models or benchmarks, but about who gets to own, control, and profit from all of this. ## šŸ”„ Lead Story ### [OpenAI Proposes Giving the US Government a 5% Stake](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/960588/openai-government-5-percent-stake-trump?ref=brianchristner.io) Sam Altman has proposed something that would have been unthinkable just a couple of years ago: giving the US government a 5% ownership stake in OpenAI. Based on the company's most recent $852 billion valuation, that slice would be worth roughly $42.6 billion. The plan would extend to other major AI companies too, with the goal of letting the public share in AI's financial upside while easing tensions with the Trump administration. The discussions are still in their early stages and would likely need congressional approval. Senator Bernie Sanders has already proposed an even more aggressive approach: a one-time 50% tax on AI company stock through his "American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act." Meanwhile, the Trump administration has been unusually active in AI policy, recently slapping export controls on Anthropic's latest models and having the Pentagon designate AI companies as supply chain risks. **Why it matters:** The era of AI companies growing with minimal government involvement is ending. Whether through voluntary stakes, regulation, or taxation, governments worldwide want their cut of the AI boom. For engineers and founders, the policy landscape underneath your tech stack is shifting fast. ## šŸ“° Top Stories ### 1\. [Anthropic's Fable 5 Is Greenlit to Return](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/958964/anthropic-claude-fable-5-is-back?ref=brianchristner.io) After weeks of negotiations with the Trump administration over export controls, Anthropic has finally received approval to bring Claude Fable 5 back online. The company plans to restore access globally on Claude platforms and re-enable it through AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. **Why it matters:** The temporary ban showed how quickly government policy can disrupt AI availability. Developers who built workflows around the model learned a hard lesson about platform risk in the age of AI geopolitics. ### 2\. [Anthropic Launches Claude Science](https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/06/30/1139987/claude-science-is-anthropics-newest-flagship-product/?ref=brianchristner.io) Anthropic unveiled Claude Science, a standalone product designed to support scientific research the same way Claude Code supports software engineering. It includes tools for computational biology (where computer science meets biological research) and drug development. Anthropic is already using it internally to pursue research into treatments for rare diseases. **Why it matters:** This is Anthropic making a direct play at Google DeepMind's territory in AI for science. If AI can genuinely accelerate drug discovery, the impact would dwarf anything happening in chatbots or coding assistants. ### 3\. [SpaceX Acquires Cursor, Raising Questions About AI Model Access](https://www.wired.com/story/can-cursor-remain-an-open-platform-inside-of-spacex/?ref=brianchristner.io) In one of the year's more unexpected acquisitions, SpaceX has acquired Cursor, the popular AI coding editor used by millions of developers. The big question now: will Cursor continue offering models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and other labs, or will SpaceX restrict access? Cursor says it hopes to remain an open platform, but being inside Elon Musk's orbit complicates those relationships considerably. **Why it matters:** If you rely on Cursor for your daily development work, this is worth watching closely. The independence of your favorite coding tool just became a lot less certain. ### 4\. [Microsoft Launches $2.5B AI Deployment Company](https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/02/microsoft-launches-its-own-ai-deployment-company-with-2-5-billion-commitment/?ref=brianchristner.io) Microsoft is going all in on AI infrastructure with a new dedicated deployment company backed by $2.5 billion. The move follows similar efforts by Amazon, OpenAI, and Anthropic, all racing to help enterprises move AI models from experimentation into reliable production systems. **Why it matters:** The gap between "cool AI demo" and "reliable production system" is where the real money is. Microsoft is betting billions that enterprises need help crossing that divide, and they're probably right. ### 5\. [Godot Bans AI-Authored Code Contributions](https://thenewstack.io/godot-bans-ai-coding-agents/?ref=brianchristner.io) The Godot game engine, a popular open-source alternative to Unity, has rewritten its contribution policy to explicitly bar most AI-generated code. The reasoning: contributors who lean heavily on AI coding agents often don't understand the code well enough to maintain it, which undermines Godot's mentoring model for bringing in new developers. **Why it matters:** This is a fascinating tension playing out across open source. AI tools can write code faster than ever, but open-source projects depend on contributors who deeply understand what they're submitting. Expect more projects to draw similar lines. ### 6\. [Anthropic Discusses Custom AI Chip with Samsung](https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/02/anthropic-is-discussing-a-new-custom-chip-with-samsung/?ref=brianchristner.io) Just a week after OpenAI announced its custom chip partnership with Broadcom, Anthropic is reportedly in talks with Samsung to develop its own silicon. The AI chip race is intensifying as major labs look to reduce their dependence on Nvidia and take control of more of their hardware stack. **Why it matters:** Custom chips mean better performance per dollar for AI workloads. As these labs scale, controlling the silicon layer becomes a strategic necessity, not a luxury. ### 7\. [Apple Extends Private Cloud Compute to Google Cloud](https://www.infoq.com/news/2026/07/apple-pcc-google-cloud/?ref=brianchristner.io) Apple has chosen Google Cloud as its first external partner for Private Cloud Compute (PCC), the system Apple uses to process AI tasks in the cloud while keeping user data private. The setup runs on NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs with Intel TDX and Google's Titan security chip, and Apple maintains its own independent hardware ledger for full auditability. **Why it matters:** Apple running AI workloads on Google's infrastructure is a significant shift. Even the most privacy-focused company in tech recognizes it can't build everything alone, and the security architecture they designed for this partnership is worth studying. ## šŸ“ŗ Crazy Video of the Week The very controversial Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir, goes off the deep end on AI safety. Believe it or not, he does have some valid points, like why are we paying so much for tokens when AI companies are using our data to train AI models and possibly steal our ideas for their products? I page out of Amazon AWS's playbook for sure. I will let you be the judge but also conside Palantir is trying to sell AI as well. > Palantir's CEO just exposed Sam Altman and Dario Amodei for robbing every Fortune 500 company. > > Within two minutes, Alex Karp took the entire frontier AI industry apart on national television. > > His exact words: > > "Every single enterprise in this country, these people are LIVID.ā€¦ [pic.twitter.com/132b5s6dQG](https://t.co/132b5s6dQG?ref=brianchristner.io) > > ā€” Ricardo (@Ric\_RTP) [July 1, 2026](https://x.com/Ric%5FRTP/status/2072403984304984202?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=brianchristner.io) ### Enjoying The Weekly Byte? Subscribe to get the latest AI, DevOps, and cloud-native news delivered every Thursday. [Subscribe Free](https://brianchristner.io/#/portal/signup) ## šŸ› ļø Tool of the Week ### [Google NotebookLM Clips](https://www.theverge.com/tech/959778/google-notebooklm-ai-clips?ref=brianchristner.io) Google's NotebookLM just got a wild new feature: it can now generate 60-second vertical AI video clips based on your uploaded sources. Think TikTok, but the content is actually your research notes, articles, or documents summarized into a short visual format. It's available to Google AI Ultra and Pro subscribers. NotebookLM already won people over with its AI podcast feature, and clips feel like the natural next step. Whether you're prepping for a presentation or just want a quick recap of something you've been reading, this is worth trying. ## šŸ’” Quick Takes - [Mark Zuckerberg told staff](https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/02/mark-zuckerberg-tells-staff-that-ai-agents-havent-progressed-as-quickly-as-hed-hoped/?ref=brianchristner.io) that AI agents haven't progressed as quickly as he'd hoped. To make matters worse, [Meta is also capping internal AI token spending](https://mlq.ai/news/meta-caps-internal-ai-token-spending-after-costs-approach-billions-in-2026/?ref=brianchristner.io) as costs approach billions. Not the best week for Zuck's AI vision. - [Jersey Mike's IPO filing mentions AI](https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/02/jersey-mikes-ipo-illustrates-how-bad-the-ai-hype-has-become/?ref=brianchristner.io). Because apparently even sandwich shops need an AI strategy now. Peak hype? We might be there. - [Japan's top court ruled](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/science-nature/technology/20260306-314930/?ref=brianchristner.io) that AI cannot be listed as inventor on patent applications. The global debate over AI and intellectual property rights is only getting started. - A [new macOS malware called PamStealer](https://arstechnica.com/security/2026/07/new-pamstealer-macos-malware-uses-clever-tradecraft-to-remain-stealthy/?ref=brianchristner.io) disguises itself as the popular Maccy clipboard manager app, using Rust and native APIs for stealth. Always verify your software sources, folks. - Ask any major LLM for a random number between 1 and 10 and you'll [almost always get 7](https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/07/01/1140003/llms-are-stuck-in-a-groupthink-rut-this-startup-is-trying-to-get-them-out/?ref=brianchristner.io). An Australian startup called Springboards built a model called Flint specifically to tackle this "groupthink" problem in AI. ## šŸ“Š Numbers That Matter | Metric | Value | Context | | ----------------------- | ----- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | OpenAI Valuation | $852B | 5% stake would be worth \~$42.6B for the US government | | Microsoft AI Deployment | $2.5B | New dedicated AI deployment company commitment | | Kling AI Funding Round | $2B | Alibaba and Tencent back China's top AI video platform at $15B valuation | | Crusoe Data Centers | $3B | Fundraise that may triple the AI compute startup's valuation | | AI "Employee" Effect | +18% | More errors missed when managers treat AI as a "coworker" vs. a tool (BU study) | ## šŸŽÆ Brian's Take Three clear signals emerged this week that tell us where the AI industry is heading. First, governments are done sitting on the sidelines. Between OpenAI's proposed government stake, the export controls that sidelined Fable 5, and Japan's patent ruling, it's obvious that policymakers worldwide have decided the AI boom is too big to let tech companies run it alone. Whether you think that's overdue regulation or bureaucratic overreach, the practical reality is the same: the rules are changing. Second, the infrastructure layer is where the real money is flowing. Microsoft dropped $2.5 billion on AI deployment. Crusoe is raising $3 billion for data centers. Anthropic is designing custom chips with Samsung. Apple is partnering with Google Cloud for AI compute. For those of us in DevOps and infrastructure, this is validation that our skills around deployment, scaling, and reliability have never been more relevant. The challenge is keeping pace as the stack evolves underneath us. Finally, the Godot story deserves more attention than it's getting. As someone who uses AI coding tools daily, I see both sides. AI can make you incredibly productive, but there's a real difference between using AI to write code you understand and submitting generated code to a project where someone might need to debug it three years from now. Open source thrives on maintainability, and that remains a deeply human skill. The projects that figure out how to embrace AI assistance while maintaining code quality standards will come out ahead. Until next week, keep shipping! šŸš€ \- Brian *Follow me on X:* [*@idomyowntricks*](https://x.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) ### OpenAI Enters the Chip Race, and Alibaba Allegedly Cheated! URL: https://brianchristner.io/openai-enters-the-chip-race-and-alibaba-allegedly-cheated/ Last updated: 2026-06-26T10:29:59.000Z Interesting week of news. OpenAI finally joined the custom-silicon club, IBM bought Moore's Law another decade, and Anthropic took a serious public swing at Alibaba. On top of that, $ 27 million in AI money went into a single congressional primary, and Ford had to pull its retired engineers back in to clean up after its own robots. Let's get into it. ## šŸ”„ Lead Story ### [OpenAI Reveals Its First Custom AI Chip: JalapeƱo](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/955939/openai-reveals-its-first-ai-processor-jalapeno?ref=brianchristner.io) OpenAI has unveiled JalapeƱo, its first custom-built AI processor, developed in partnership with Broadcom. The chip is an ASIC - an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit, meaning it was designed from scratch for one job: running AI inference. That's the process of taking a user's prompt and generating a response through ChatGPT or Codex, as opposed to training (where models consume massive datasets). Broadcom's CEO says early performance matches Nvidia's Blackwell chips and Google's TPUs, with better energy efficiency per unit of compute. OpenAI expects to deploy JalapeƱo by the end of 2026\. The company calls it "the first step in a multi-generation compute platform," meaning this is a long game. They have been talking about building custom silicon since late 2025, nine months before this announcement. The chip will sit alongside Nvidia GPUs rather than immediately replacing them, but the direction is clear: every major AI company wants to reduce its dependence on Nvidia and control more of its own compute stack, which is a page out of Google Gemini's playbook. Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and Google all have custom AI chips now. OpenAI was the last major holdout. Now they're in the game. Antrhopic remains a renter of chips and instead focuses on the top of the stack. **Why it matters:** Nvidia's dominance in AI compute has been one of the defining facts of the last three years. Every chip announcement from a major AI lab is a vote against that concentration of supply. JalapeƱo won't unseat Nvidia overnight, but it signals that OpenAI is serious about long-term infrastructure independence and puts more pressure on Nvidia to keep innovating on price and performance. ## šŸ“° Top Stories **1\.** [**IBM Just Gave Moore's Law Another Decade**](https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/06/25/1139696/ibm-unveils-sub1nm-chip/?ref=brianchristner.io) IBM has built a prototype chip with 100 billion transistors packed into an area the size of a fingernail, twice the density of its previous best. The trick is a new architecture called a nanostack that stacks transistors vertically rather than trying to shrink them further horizontally. Compared to IBM's current chips, the new design is up to 50% faster and 70% more energy efficient. **Why it matters:** Transistors have been hitting physical limits for years, and quantum effects start interfering when they get too small. Vertical stacking is the architectural pivot the industry has been betting on. IBM putting 100 billion transistors on a fingernail-sized chip is proof that the bet is paying off. **2\.** [**Anthropic Says Alibaba Illicitly Extracted Claude's Capabilities**](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/anthropic-says-alibaba-illicitly-extracted-claude-ai-model-capabilities-2026-06-24/?ref=brianchristner.io) Anthropic has accused Alibaba of using its API access to systematically extract Claude's capabilities - in other words, using Claude's outputs to train a competing model without authorization. The accusation is significant: it would mean Alibaba used a paid API relationship to effectively copy Anthropic's intellectual property at scale. This is one of the most serious accusations of AI model extraction (sometimes called "model distillation attacks") leveled by a frontier lab against a named company. **Why it matters:** If true, this is the AI equivalent of industrial espionage via a SaaS subscription. It puts every API provider on notice that they need better detection for systematic extraction patterns. Expect terms of service across the industry to get much more explicit about this in the coming months. **3\.** [**The $27 Million AI Proxy War Ends in a Draw**](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/956263/alex-bores-new-york-12th-district-congressional-primary-results?ref=brianchristner.io) In the New York 12th congressional district primary, AI companies spent $27 million backing opposite sides. OpenAI, Palantir, and Andreessen Horowitz executives backed a super PAC targeting Alex Bores, a state assemblyman who had authored AI safety legislation. Anthropic-connected PACs spent millions defending him. Bores lost narrowly - 35% to 39.1% - to Micah Lasher. Neither side really won. **Why it matters:** We are in an era where AI companies are directly funding political campaigns to shape the regulatory environment they operate in. $27 million on a local primary is a signal that this will only intensify as federal AI legislation gets closer to reality. Concerning? Yes! **4\.** [**Ford Had to Hire Back Retired Engineers to Fix AI's Mistakes**](https://www.theverge.com/transportation/956316/ford-quality-jd-power-ranking-ai-automated-mistakes?ref=brianchristner.io) Ford just ranked No. 1 in JD Power's initial quality survey for the first time in 16 years. But the path there involved a painful lesson: Ford had leaned heavily on automated systems and AI tools in production and design, and the results were bad. The company had to bring back experienced engineers, sometimes from retirement, to fix problems the AI-assisted processes created. VP of vehicle hardware engineering Charles Poon said: > "Mistakenly, we thought that by just introducing artificial intelligence and adjusting the design requirements that we had, that that would produce a high-quality product." **Why it matters:** This is one of the most honest public post-mortems from a major company about what happens when you move too fast on automation without preserving institutional knowledge. The lesson applies well beyond auto manufacturing. **5\.** [**Anthropic's Claude Tag Is Embedding Itself in Your Slack**](https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/23/anthropics-claude-tag-is-learning-your-company-one-slack-message-at-a-time/?ref=brianchristner.io) Anthropic launched Claude Tag, which puts Claude directly into Slack as a persistent team member. You can @-mention it in any channel, and it builds up context about your company over time, learning your workflows, terminology, and processes from conversations. It positions Claude not as a chatbot you query but as a team member that's always present. So if you weren't being tagged enough in Slack, Antropic has now entered the chat! **Why it matters:** This is a smart enterprise distribution play. The team that has Claude in their Slack is less likely to switch to a competitor(think process moat), their institutional context is locked in. It's the same reason email clients are sticky: the data gravity is real. **6\.** [**Token Rationing Has Arrived**](https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/24/companies-are-scrambling-to-stop-employees-from-maxing-out-ai-budgets-with-small-tasks/?ref=brianchristner.io) Companies are discovering that when you give employees unlimited AI access, they use it for everything, including very small tasks that consume disproportionate amounts of tokens. Organizations are now implementing per-user token limits, tiered access policies, and usage dashboards to manage AI spend. TechCrunch calls it the end of the "tokenmaxxing" era. **Why it matters:** The free-for-all phase of enterprise AI adoption is ending. Budget reality is catching up with the hype. If you're building internal AI tooling, cost governance is now a feature, not an afterthought. I predict we will see budget- and cost-saving startups filling this space, as we've seen in the Cloud space years ago. **7\.** [**AI Was Supposed to Kill Engineering Jobs. It Hasn't.**](https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/24/ai-was-supposed-to-kill-engineering-jobs-but-new-data-suggests-theyre-the-most-resilient/?ref=brianchristner.io) SignalFire data shows that engineers are now making up a larger share of new hires than before the AI boom, not a smaller one. While overall layoffs have been significant across tech, engineering roles have proven more resilient than any other function. The theory: AI tools are making engineers more productive, which increases demand for engineers rather than replacing them. **Why it matters:** A useful data point against the narrative that AI will eliminate software engineering. The more likely pattern is that the number of engineers stays flat or grows while individual output increases significantly(as I previously predicted back in 2024, as well in my article [AI is an Enabler, not a Job Killer](https://brianchristner.io/ai-is-an-enabler-not-a-job-killer/)), which compresses the number of engineers needed per unit of product, but doesn't eliminate the role. ### Enjoying The Weekly Byte? Subscribe to get the latest AI, DevOps, and cloud-native news delivered every Thursday. [Subscribe Free](https://brianchristner.io/#/portal/signup) ## šŸ› ļø Tool of the Week [**RubyLLM - A Ruby Framework for All Major AI Providers**](https://rubyllm.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) If you're working in a Ruby codebase and want to integrate with Claude, GPT-5, or other major LLMs without managing each provider's API separately, RubyLLM is worth a look. It provides a unified interface across providers, handles authentication, and gives you a consistent way to call models regardless of which company trained them. It landed on Hacker News this week with 403 points, a strong signal from the Ruby community. If you're shipping Rails apps and want to add AI features without rewriting everything in Python, this fills that gap. ## šŸ’” Quick Takes - **Europe's heat wave is knocking nuclear plants offline** \- France hit 44Ā°C/111 Ā°F on June 23, its hottest day since 1947(mind you, we don't have air conditioning here in Switzerland and are melting). A nuclear reactor at Golfech shut down because the river used to cool it got too warm. Several other reactors have been ramped down. [The grid stress is real](https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/06/24/1139676/europe-heat-power-plants/?ref=brianchristner.io). - **AI wrote part of a defense bill summary, apparently** \- A screenshot showed Claude's name embedded in an amendment summary for the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. The congresswoman's office [walked it back](https://www.theverge.com/policy/956394/florida-anna-paulina-luna-anthropic-claude?ref=brianchristner.io), saying it was used for spellcheck. Whether you believe that is up to you. - **Agility Robotics going public at $2.5B via SPAC** \- The humanoid robotics startup behind the Digit robot [plans to raise $620M](https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/24/agility-robotics-plans-to-go-public-via-spac-in-a-2-5b-deal/?ref=brianchristner.io). The humanoid robot IPO window is apparently open now. - **Oracle laid off 21,000 people to fund AI data centers** \- [The company is spending billions on infrastructure](https://arstechnica.com/ai/2026/06/oracles-21000-layoffs-help-drive-its-debt-fueled-ai-investments/?ref=brianchristner.io) while running up significant debt. The bet is that AI demand will outrun the cost of capital. - **Big AI labs are hiring philosophers** \- The Economist [reports on why](https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2026/06/24/why-big-ai-labs-are-hiring-so-many-philosophers?ref=brianchristner.io). Short answer: alignment, ethics, and the limits of pure engineering solutions to questions about what AI should and shouldn't do. ## šŸ“Š Numbers That Matter | Metric | Value | Context | | -------------------------------- | ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | IBM nanostack transistor density | 100B / fingernail | Twice IBM's previous best, achieved by stacking transistors vertically | | AI proxy war spending | $27M | Spent on a single New York congressional primary by AI company-backed super PACs | | Amazon India AI investment | $13B | Fresh infrastructure commitment as tech companies race to build AI capacity in India | | Memory chip profit (1 quarter) | $28.2B | A US memory chip maker saw revenue quadruple and profit jump from $1.88B to $28.2B YoY | | France's hottest day on record | 44Ā°C (111Ā°F) | June 23, 2026 - hottest since records began in 1947, enough to shut down a nuclear reactor | ## šŸŽÆ Brian's Take Two chip announcements in one week, OpenAI's JalapeƱo and IBM's nanostack - and both are telling the same story from different angles. JalapeƱo says: " We don't want to depend on one supplier for the compute that runs our entire business. IBM's nanostack says: the hardware layer hasn't run out of headroom, we just needed to think in three dimensions instead of two. Together they're saying that the compute arms race has a long road ahead of it, and the companies that control their own silicon are going to have a structural cost and performance advantage over those that don't. The Ford story is the one I keep thinking about, though. "Mistakenly, we thought that by just introducing artificial intelligence and adjusting the design requirements that we had, we would produce a high-quality product." That sentence is going to age like fine wine. Every team that has aggressively automated without preserving the institutional knowledge of the people who understood the system deeply is going to hit some version of this if they haven't already. The engineers Ford had to bring back from retirement, they had context the models don't have and can't easily learn from training data. That gap between what AI can do and what experienced people know is real, and it matters most in the places where mistakes are expensive. And the $27M proxy war over a New York congressional primary is just the opening bid. AI regulation is coming, and the companies that get to shape it will have an enormous structural advantage. When Anthropic and OpenAI are funding opposing super PACs in local elections, you know the lobbying phase of the industry has fully arrived. If you thought the social media policy battles were messy, buckle up; at least Facebook wasn't accusing Alibaba of stealing its model capabilities while simultaneously spending millions on political primaries in the same week. Until next week, keep shipping! šŸš€ \- Brian *Follow me on X:* [*@idomyowntricks*](https://x.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) ### Your AI provider just became a single point of failure URL: https://brianchristner.io/your-ai-provider-just-became-a-single-point-of-failure/ Last updated: 2026-06-19T10:30:43.000Z ### The Weekly Byte Ā· June 19, 2026 Most of us spent years building redundancy into databases, regions, and CDNs. Almost nobody built it into the model layer. This week made the bill come due. Let's get into the next gap in your tech stack, which we didn't even consider until this week. --- ## šŸ”„Lead Story: The week AI continuity stopped being theoretical On June 12, a US Department of Commerce export-control directive pulled Anthropic's restricted Mythos-class models, Claude Fable 5 and Claude Mythos 5, offline. Days later, they were still dark, and Anthropic had published its disagreement with the action without restoring access. Every team running those models in production lost them without warning and with no migration window. What bothers me is that the model was really good, and I was already migrating workflows to it. Here is the part that should land for anyone running a business on top of an LLM. A recent Logicalis survey found that roughly 16 percent of organizations have no continuity plan at all if a key AI provider disappears. That number used to read like a compliance footnote. This week, it read like a forecast. The companies caught flat-footed are now scrambling to re-route workloads to Opus 4.8 or GPT-5.5 with no tested fallback and no timeline. If you take one thing from this issue: model providers are infrastructure now, and infrastructure fails. Geopolitics, export rules, capacity, pricing, a single policy memo. The cause changes. The lesson does not abstract your provider behind an interface, keep a second model wired and tested, and know which workflows can degrade gracefully versus which ones simply stop. I have been saying this about cloud regions for a decade. It applies cleanly to the model layer, and the cost of ignoring it just got a public demo. --- ## šŸ“°Top Stories ### [1\. GitHub Copilot ditches flat pricing for token-based billing](https://www.buildfastwithai.com/blogs/ai-news-today-june-1-2026?ref=brianchristner.io) As of June 1, Copilot moved off its flat monthly subscription and onto token-based billing. Heavy agentic users will feel this fast, because autonomous coding burns tokens at a very different rate than tab-completion ever did. **Why it matters:** Your AI coding spend just became a variable line item that scales with usage, not a fixed seat cost. If you run an engineering team, you need cost visibility per developer and per repo before the first surprise invoice, not after!! Get ready for some new billing optimization startups in this space... ### [2\. Gemini 3.5 Pro is days away, and it is aiming high](https://unrot.co/blogs/ai-news-today-june-16-2026?ref=brianchristner.io) Google's Gemini 3.5 Pro is in its final stretch, with prediction markets clustering around late June. Confirmed specs include a 2 million token context window, a Deep Think reasoning mode, and frontier multimodal capability, at roughly 15 dollars per million input tokens and 60 per million output. Don't forget the recent Apple-Siri partnership, which may be available on our iPhones later this year. **Why it matters:** A 2M context window changes what is feasible without retrieval plumbing: whole codebases, full contract sets, entire ticket histories in one shot. It also keeps real competitive pressure on pricing, which is good for everyone buying inference. ### [3\. Devin now ships 89 percent of the code at its own company](https://aifundingtracker.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) Cognition raised a billion-plus Series D and disclosed that 89 percent of all code committed internally is now shipped by Devin, its autonomous software engineer. Revenue run rate went from 37 million in May 2025 to 492 million a year later, with Goldman Sachs, Mercedes-Benz, and NASA on the customer list. **Why it matters:** Agentic coding crossed from demo to default at least somewhere real. Whether or not the 89 percent number generalizes, the direction is clear: the engineering manager's job is shifting from writing code to reviewing and directing agents that write it. ### [4\. A brutal week for the software supply chain](https://thehackernews.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) The Shai-Hulud worm kept spreading across npm and PyPI after its source code was published publicly, turning a single criminal campaign into open tooling for copycats. Separately, researchers flagged 15 malicious plugins on the JetBrains Marketplace built to exfiltrate AI provider API keys, and Microsoft pulled dozens of its own open-source GitHub projects offline after attackers injected password-stealing malware. **Why it matters:** The thing stealing credentials now is increasingly an AI API key, because that key unlocks spend and data. Lock down your dependency provenance, scope your keys tightly, and rotate. The blast radius of one compromised package is bigger than it was a year ago. *More:* [*June 2026 Cybersecurity Review*](https://reconshield.in/blog/june-2026-cybersecurity-review?ref=brianchristner.io) *Ā·* [*Cyber Security Review*](https://www.cybersecurity-review.com/news-june-2026/?ref=brianchristner.io) ### [5\. Cloud-native quietly grows up around AI workloads](https://www.cncf.io/news/?ref=brianchristner.io) Kubernetes and Cloud Native have taken a backseat to the AI hype. But fear not, the community is still active and shipped Kubernetes 1.36 with native GPU scheduling through Workload Aware Scheduling and DRA, OpenTelemetry graduated at the CNCF as the vendor-neutral standard for observability, and KubeCon India ran in Mumbai this week. Closer to home, Swisscom is pioneering a sovereign cloud built on open-source Kubernetes with KubeVirt and Kube-OVN. **Why it matters:** The boring infrastructure layer is where AI economics get won or lost. GPU scheduling and real observability are the difference between an inference platform that pays for itself and one that quietly bleeds money. The Swisscom move also signals where European data-residency demand is heading. --- ## šŸ› ļø[Tool of the Week: OpenTelemetry](https://www.cncf.io/news/?ref=brianchristner.io) With its CNCF graduation(FINALLY) this month, OpenTelemetry is now the safe default for instrumentation. One vendor-neutral standard for traces, metrics, and logs that you can point at whatever backend you like, without rewiring every time you switch tools. The timely part: it is becoming the foundation for AI agent observability too, so the same pipeline that watches your services can watch your agents. If you are still locked into a proprietary agent, this is the week to plan the migration. --- ## šŸ’”Quick Takes - **SoftBank** committed up to 75 billion euros to build 5 gigawatts of AI data center capacity in France, Europe's largest single AI infrastructure bet. - **ChatGPT** reportedly crossed one billion (yes, with a B) monthly active users. - **The IPO wave is real:** SpaceX, Anthropic, and OpenAI are lining up to take 2026 AI-related IPO proceeds toward a projected 160 billion dollars. - **Fortinet exposure:** credentials for roughly 75,000 FortiGate devices are being sold, harvested from a still-live campaign. Patch and rotate. - **Colorado's AI Act** takes effect June 30 and is not suspended by the stalled federal bill. If you sell into the US, the clock is real. - **Microsoft Patch Tuesday** hit a record near 200 vulnerabilities, followed hours later by an unpatched Windows Defender zero-day. --- ## šŸ“Š Numbers That Matter | Metric | Value | Context | | ---------------------------------- | --------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- | | Orgs with no AI continuity plan | 16% | No plan B if a key provider goes dark; this week proved the risk. | | Cognition code shipped by an agent | 89% | All internal commits now shipped by Devin. | | Gemini 3.5 Pro context window | 2,000,000 | Confirmed token window for the upcoming release. | | Container workloads on Kubernetes | 82% | Now running in production, per CNCF. | | AI startup funding, Q1 2026 | $242B | About 80 percent of all global venture funding. | | Packages hit by Shai-Hulud | 100+ | Latest supply chain wave across npm and PyPI. | --- ## Brian's Take There is one thread running through every story this week, and it is not a model release. It is that AI has fully entered production infrastructure, and most teams are still treating it as an experiment. When Fable 5 went offline, the teams that suffered were not the ones with the wrong model. They were the ones with one model and no plan B. When Copilot's billing flipped, the teams that flinched were the ones with no usage visibility. When the supply chain got hit, the keys that mattered were the AI keys nobody had scoped down. Same lesson, three times in one week. So the homework is unglamorous and exactly the kind of thing that separates operators from vibe coders. Abstract your AI provider. Wire and test a fallback model. Put cost visibility on your AI spend before the invoice surprises you. Scope and rotate your keys. See you next Friday. Brian --- *The Weekly Byte covers AI, DevOps, cloud-native infrastructure, and security for people who ship. Forward it to someone who should be reading it.* ### SpaceX Goes Public Today. Apple Opens Siri to Claude. And the IPO Wave Is Just Getting Started. URL: https://brianchristner.io/spacex-goes-public-today-apple-opens-siri-to-claude-and-the-ipo-wave-is-just-getting-started/ Last updated: 2026-06-12T10:30:47.000Z The largest IPO in history starts trading today, Tim Cook's final keynote opens iPhone AI to everyone, Anthropic files its own S-1, ChatGPT hits 1 billion users, and the EU AI Act clock is ticking. --- If you picked one week to explain 2026 to someone in the future, this would be it. SpaceX starts trading on the Nasdaq today at a $1.77 trillion valuation (absolutely crazy valuation if you ask me, but not investment advice), the largest IPO in history. Apple just held Tim Cook's final WWDC keynote and opened Siri to Claude, Gemini, and other third-party models. Anthropic filed its own S-1 with the SEC. And ChatGPT crossed 1 billion monthly users faster than any app ever. We're living in the highlight reel. ## šŸ”„ Lead Story ### [SpaceX IPO: The Largest Public Offering in History Starts Trading Today](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/spacex-ipo-just-days-away-090800298.html?ref=brianchristner.io) It's happening. SpaceX begins trading on Nasdaq today under the ticker SPCX at $135 per share, raising approximately $75 billion at a $1.77 trillion market cap. For context, the previous record holder was Saudi Aramco's 2019 listing at $29.4 billion. SpaceX is roughly 2.5x that size. The company is no longer just a rocket business. Following the February 2026 merger with Elon Musk's xAI, SpaceX now encompasses the rocket program, Starlink (with over 9 million subscribers), and xAI's Grok chatbot, to be marketed under the SpaceXAI brand. Full-year revenue is forecast at approximately $20 billion, though the company still posted a $4.9 billion net loss in 2025. The numbers behind the IPO are staggering. Roughly 30% of the offering (around $22.5 billion) has been allocated to retail investors, triple the industry norm. Polymarket estimates the offering will create approximately 4,000 new millionaires, from senior executives down to engineers and cafeteria workers who received equity over the years. Within 15 days of listing, SpaceX enters the Nasdaq 100, which will trigger an estimated $22 to $27 billion in forced mechanical buying from every QQQ index fund in the world. **Why it matters:** This IPO is the opening act for what could be the most consequential year in tech market history. Anthropic and OpenAI have both confidentially filed S-1s with the SEC, with combined valuations that could push the total above $4 trillion. Goldman Sachs projects 2026 IPO proceeds could reach $160 billion, a quadrupling from 2025, driven almost entirely by SpaceX, Anthropic, and OpenAI. For anyone watching AI markets, the shift from private hype to public accountability starts today. ## šŸ“° Top Stories ### 1\. [Apple Opens Siri to Claude, Gemini, and Third-Party AI at Tim Cook's Final WWDC](https://www.tomsguide.com/news/live/wwdc-2026-live-news-updates?ref=brianchristner.io) Tim Cook delivered his final WWDC keynote on June 8 before stepping down as CEO in September (John Ternus, Apple's SVP of Hardware Engineering, takes over). The biggest announcement: iOS 27 will let users choose which AI chatbot powers their phone. Through a new "Extensions" system in Settings, users can select Claude, Gemini, or other third-party models to work alongside (or instead of) Siri. There's also a new dedicated Siri app where all conversations live in one place. You can start a chat on iPhone and continue on iPad. Small developers (under $1 million in annual revenue) can integrate cloud AI models for free, with no API costs. Apple is also introducing a "Search or Ask" panel accessible by swiping down, where you can run system shortcuts, search your phone, or hand off queries to your preferred chatbot. **Why it matters:** Apple spent years watching OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and Meta sprint ahead on AI. This is the catch-up play. By opening the platform to multiple models, Apple is stripping OpenAI of its exclusive iPhone advantage and turning AI model choice into something as simple as picking a default browser. For Anthropic, this is a massive distribution channel: Claude on every iPhone, accessible through the OS itself. The developer incentive (free AI for small developers) could also trigger a wave of AI-powered iOS apps this fall. ### 2\. [Anthropic Files Confidential S-1 with the SEC](https://www.anthropic.com/news/confidential-draft-s1-sec?ref=brianchristner.io) Anthropic officially submitted a confidential draft registration statement on Form S-1 to the SEC on June 1, 2026\. The filing came just four days after closing a $65 billion Series H at a $965 billion post-money valuation. Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan Chase have been selected as lead underwriters, with Wilson Sonsini (the firm that managed Google's 2004 IPO) handling public-market readiness. Revenue has grown from $10 billion to a $47 billion run-rate in twelve months. The company filed before OpenAI (which submitted its own confidential S-1 around May 22), meaning Anthropic gets to help set the template for how a frontier AI lab discloses and reports in public markets. **Why it matters:** This is the company behind the model you're reading this newsletter through (if you use Claude). Filing before OpenAI is a strategic move: Anthropic sets the precedent for AI company public reporting, including how compute costs, safety spend, and model capabilities get disclosed. The $965 billion valuation makes it the highest-valued private AI company, narrowly ahead of OpenAI's $852 billion. An October 2026 listing is widely anticipated. ### 3\. [ChatGPT Crosses 1 Billion Monthly Users, Fastest App Ever](https://www.pymnts.com/artificial-intelligence-2/2026/chatgpt-hits-1-billion-users-faster-than-any-app-in-history/?ref=brianchristner.io) ChatGPT reached 1 billion global monthly active users in May, roughly three years after launch, making it the fastest app in history to hit the milestone. For comparison, Google Maps, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube all took between five and eight years. Year-over-year growth sits at 62%. Here's the number that should interest the Anthropic crowd: Claude had 56 million monthly active users with 640% year-over-year growth. That's a fraction of ChatGPT's user base, but the growth rate dwarfs it. Users send 2.5 billion prompts per day to ChatGPT. About 70% of usage isn't work-related. **Why it matters:** One billion users is extraordinary distribution, **but most are on the free tier**. OpenAI's challenge is conversion: 50 million paying subscribers out of a billion users is a 5% conversion rate. Meanwhile, Anthropic's 640% growth rate on a smaller base suggests the enterprise and power-user segment is shifting. The question for both companies as they approach an IPO is the same: can they turn usage into revenue that justifies a trillion-dollar valuation? This is the trillon dollar question!! ### 4\. [Claude Opus 4.8 Ships with Dynamic Workflows and Effort Controls](https://www.anthropic.com/news/claude-opus-4-8?ref=brianchristner.io) Anthropic released Claude Opus 4.8 on May 28, the latest upgrade to its flagship model. The headline features: improved coding and reasoning benchmarks, a new "dynamic workflows" system that lets Claude Code manage complex tasks across hundreds of parallel subagents, and user-facing effort controls that let you decide how much compute Claude puts into a response. Fast mode (2.5x speed) is now three times cheaper than previous models. Opus 4.8 also introduces mid-conversation system messages, allowing developers to update instructions later in a long-running conversation without restating the full system prompt. This preserves prompt cache hits and reduces costs on agentic loops. Anthropic also hinted that the Mythos Preview period may be ending soon: "We expect to bring Mythos-class models to all our customers in the coming weeks." **Why it matters:** The dynamic workflows feature is the real story here. Claude Code can now carry out codebase-scale migrations across hundreds of thousands of lines of code from kickoff to merge. That's not a coding assistant anymore. That's an autonomous engineering team. The Mythos teaser at the end is also significant: if Anthropic brings Mythos-class capabilities to general availability, the cybersecurity implications we covered in the April newsletter become everyone's concern, not just Project Glasswing partners. ### 5\. [Colorado Scraps Original AI Act, EU AI Act Enforcement Looms August 2](https://www.carpedatumlaw.com/2026/05/colorados-ai-reset-two-weeks-a-white-house-callout-and-a-pivot-away-from-the-eu-model/?ref=brianchristner.io) The Colorado AI Act, which was supposed to take effect June 30, is effectively dead. A federal magistrate judge stayed enforcement on April 27 after xAI (Elon Musk's AI company) challenged the law's constitutionality, with the DOJ intervening in support. Governor Polis signed a replacement bill (SB 26-189) on May 14 that dramatically scales back the original requirements, dropping risk management programs and impact assessments in favor of a narrower notice-and-transparency framework. The replacement takes effect January 1, 2027. Meanwhile, the EU AI Act's August 2, 2026 deadline is very much alive. If your AI systems affect EU residents and fall under Annex III (high-risk systems in areas like employment, education, financial services, healthcare), that clock is running. 51 days and counting. **Why it matters:** Colorado was supposed to be the test case for comprehensive US AI regulation. Instead, it became the strongest signal yet that the EU-style approach won't work in America. The pivot from broad risk management to narrow transparency requirements happened in two weeks, under pressure from both federal litigation and industry lobbying. For companies operating in the DACH region or serving EU customers, the contrast matters: the EU is not backing down. If you've been waiting for federal preemption to save you from compliance, that strategy just failed in Colorado. I'm all for AI regulation but not to the point it dictates how the companies develop their products. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ## šŸ› ļø Tool of the Week [**Claude Code Dynamic Workflows**](https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/claude-code?ref=brianchristner.io) (Research Preview). Shipping alongside Opus 4.8, Dynamic Workflows let Claude Code break complex engineering tasks into hundreds of parallel subagents. Think: codebase-wide migrations, large-scale refactors, or test suite overhauls executed from a single prompt and carried through to a merge-ready PR. It's available for Claude Code Enterprise, Team, and Max users. If you're still doing major refactors file-by-file, this is the tool that makes the case for letting Claude handle the grunt work at scale. The effort controls (low/medium/high) also mean you can burn less compute on simple tasks and go full power on the complex ones. ## šŸ’” Quick Takes - OpenAI also confidentially filed its S-1 with the SEC (around May 22), targeting a September 2026 debut at $1 trillion+ - Anthropic's Claude app has 56 million monthly users with 640% year-over-year growth, the fastest-growing AI app by percentage - Apple's iOS 27 lets small developers (under $1M revenue) integrate cloud AI models for free, removing API cost barriers - OpenAI is redesigning ChatGPT into a "superapp" integrating agents, Codex, enterprise workflows, and third-party apps. An employee reportedly said: "Chat is dead" - Anthropic is paying SpaceX $1.25 billion per month for compute through May 2029, per SpaceX's IPO prospectus ## šŸ“Š Numbers That Matter | Metric | Value | Context | | ------------------------ | -------------- | -------------------------------------------- | | SpaceX IPO valuation | $1.77 trillion | Largest IPO in history, starts trading today | | SpaceX IPO raise | $75 billion | 2.5x Saudi Aramco's previous record | | Anthropic S-1 valuation | $965 billion | Highest-valued private AI company | | Anthropic revenue growth | $10B to $47B | In twelve months | | ChatGPT monthly users | 1 billion | Fastest app ever to the milestone | | Claude monthly users | 56 million | 640% year-over-year growth | | EU AI Act deadline | August 2, 2026 | 51 days from today | ## šŸŽÆ Brian's Take We're going to look back at this week as a turning point. Not because of any single announcement, but because of what they mean together. SpaceX going public at $1.77 trillion today is the starting gun for the AI IPO wave!! Anthropic and OpenAI have both filed S-1s. Goldman Sachs is projecting $160 billion in IPO proceeds this year. These are companies that were private research labs five years ago/non-profits, and now they're about to be publicly traded at valuations that rival the most established companies on earth. The shift from "trust us, we're building something important" to "here are our financials, judge us" is going to be fascinating to watch. Apple opening Siri to Claude and Gemini is the other story I keep coming back to. Tim Cook's final keynote wasn't about hardware or design. It was about admitting that Apple needs AI models it didn't build. The Extensions system in iOS 27 turns AI model choice into a user setting, not a corporate partnership. That's a huge win for Anthropic and a real threat to OpenAI's iPhone distribution advantage. But the number that stuck with me most this week is the gap between ChatGPT and Claude: 1 billion users versus 56 million. On paper, that's a blowout. But Claude's 640% growth rate versus ChatGPT's 62% tells a different story. ChatGPT won the consumer race but Claude is winning more paying customers. The question is whether the enterprise and power-user market, where the actual revenue lives, follows the same pattern or diverges. With both companies heading to public markets, we're about to find out. Until next week, keep shipping! šŸš€ Brian *Follow me on X:* [*@idomyowntricks*](https://x.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) ### Trust Nothing. Not Your Extensions. Not Your Enemies. URL: https://brianchristner.io/trust-nothing-not-your-extensions-not-your-enemies/ Last updated: 2026-05-22T10:30:56.000Z *The Weekly Byte | May 22, 2026* This week handed us two stories that, on the surface, couldn't look more different. One is a wake-up call about how fragile the infrastructure that developers trust every day really is. The other is a $40 billion bet that the real power in AI isn't intelligence ā€” it's electricity and GPUs. Both are about who controls the pipes. Welcome to The Weekly Byte. --- ### šŸ”„ Lead Story [**GitHub Says Hackers Stole Data from Thousands of Internal Repositories**](https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/20/github-says-hackers-stole-data-from-thousands-of-internal-repositories/?ref=brianchristner.io) On May 20, GitHub confirmed that a hacking group named TeamPCP had exfiltrated data from over 3,800 internal code repositories. The entry point wasn't a zero-day exploit or a nation-state attack on the network perimeter. It was a poisoned VS Code extension installed on an employee's device. TeamPCP is now selling the stolen data on a cybercrime forum with a starting ask of $50,000\. GitHub's official statement says there is "no evidence of impact to customer information stored outside of GitHub's internal repositories," but the investigation is ongoing. That's important to hold onto. **Why it matters:** The real story here isn't that GitHub got hacked. Large, complex organizations with millions of moving parts get breached. The story is *how*. A developer tool, a VS Code extension, was the kill chain. Something that millions of developers install without scrutiny, auto-update silently, and never audit. The developer toolchain is the new perimeter, and most teams aren't treating it that way. This is also not TeamPCP's first rodeo. They previously breached the European Commission, walking away with 90 gigabytes of sensitive data. They are persistent, targeted, and effective at exploiting the human layer of the stack. Pile on top of this that Wiz researchers flagged CVE-2026-3854 just weeks ago (a critical RCE vulnerability that let any authenticated GitHub user execute arbitrary code on GitHub.com servers via a git push) and the picture gets uncomfortable fast. **What you should do today:** - Audit every VS Code extension across your team. Remove anything unverified, dormant, or from an unknown publisher. - Rotate API keys, personal access tokens, and any secrets that touch GitHub infrastructure. - If you store secrets in internal repos, even encrypted, treat them as potentially exposed until you know otherwise. - Enable GitHub Advanced Security scanning if you haven't already. Now is the time. --- ### šŸ“° Top Stories **1\.** [**Anthropic Will Pay xAI $1.25 Billion Per Month for Compute**](https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/20/anthropic-will-pay-xai-1-25-billion-per-month-for-compute/?ref=brianchristner.io) Anthropic has signed a deal to pay Elon Musk's xAI $1.25 billion per month for GPU compute, running through May 2029 (this is more revenue than xAI is generating itself). That's potentially $40+ billion in total revenue for xAI. The deal hands Anthropic access to the Colossus data center in Memphis: 300+ megawatts, over 220,000 Nvidia GPUs. The reason? Anthropic's usage grew 80-fold in a single quarter. CEO Dario Amodei called the growth "just crazy, too hard to handle." Rate caps were biting, pricing models were breaking, and there simply weren't enough chips. The kicker: Musk is actively suing OpenAI (Anthropic's primary competitor) while his companies now directly fuel Anthropic's ability to scale. Compute is infrastructure. Infrastructure doesn't have politics. **Why it matters:** Musk has quietly positioned xAI and SpaceX as AI compute utilities. This deal validates that strategy at a scale no one had publicly acknowledged. The company controlling the chips controls the leverage, and $1.25B per month is proof that Frontier AI Labs will pay almost anything not to be bottlenecked on GPUs. --- **2\.** [**OpenAI Files Confidential S-1 Targeting $1 Trillion IPO**](https://www.buildfastwithai.com/blogs/ai-news-today-may-22-2026?ref=brianchristner.io) OpenAI is filing a confidential S-1 with the SEC as early as today, targeting a September 2026 public listing at an $852 billion to $1 trillion valuation. Anthropic is simultaneously targeting an October 2026 listing at $900 billion. Two of the most valuable private companies in history are going public within months of each other. **Why it matters:** This is the AI industry's inflection point from venture-backed moonshot to public market accountability. Retail investors, institutional scrutiny, quarterly earnings pressure: the era of unconstrained "we'll figure out revenue later" is ending. Fast. --- **3\.** [**Andrej Karpathy Joins Anthropic to Use Claude to Build the Next Claude**](https://www.techtimes.com/articles/316852/20260519/karpathy-who-called-todays-ai-agents-slop-joins-anthropic-use-claude-build-next-claude.htm?ref=brianchristner.io) The OpenAI founding member and former Tesla AI lead started this week on Anthropic's pre-training team (huge win for Anthropic team). His specific mandate: use Claude to accelerate the research that produces the next version of Claude. **Why it matters:** Karpathy recently called current AI agents "slop." The fact he's now betting his time on Anthropic's pre-training work (and using the model itself in the loop) is a significant signal about where he thinks the next real capability gains will come from. --- **4\.** [**Anthropic Rolls Out Agent Sandboxes and MCP Tunnels at Code with Claude London**](https://fortune.com/2026/05/21/claude-code-london-anthropic-ai-software-engineering/?ref=brianchristner.io) At its London event on May 21, Anthropic launched two infrastructure features: sandboxes that let enterprises run Claude agents on their own infrastructure, and MCP tunnels that allow those agents to reach internal systems without touching the public internet. **Why it matters:** Anthropic isn't just selling model intelligence anymore. It's selling the control plane for agentic workloads inside the enterprise firewall. This is the infrastructure play, and it's a direct answer to every security and compliance objection that has slowed enterprise adoption. --- **5\.** [**White House AI Executive Order Postponed**](https://www.buildfastwithai.com/blogs/ai-news-today-may-22-2026?ref=brianchristner.io) The White House delayed its AI executive order that would have required AI companies to voluntarily share frontier models with the US government up to 90 days before public release. **Why it matters:** With two major AI IPOs on the horizon and the Musk v. Altman trial still running, adding regulatory friction right now would have been explosive. The delay is politically calculated, but the underlying question of who gets early access to frontier models before public release isn't going away. --- ### šŸ› ļø Tool of the Week [**RAMPART by Microsoft**](https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2026/05/22/new-infosec-products-of-the-week-may-22-2026/?ref=brianchristner.io) ā€” Open-source Pytest-native framework for testing AI agent safety and security. Given this week's GitHub breach and the explosion of agentic deployments, having a structured adversarial testing framework for your AI workflows is no longer optional. RAMPART drops straight into your existing Python test suite. --- ### šŸ’” Quick Takes - **Microsoft disrupted Fox Tempest**, a malware-signing-as-a-service operation that abused Microsoft's own Artifact Signing infrastructure to deliver malicious code and facilitate ransomware attacks. - **Anthropic is on track for its first quarterly operating profit in Q2 2026**, projecting $10.9B in revenue, up 130% from $4.8B in Q1\. The compute deal with xAI suggests they know exactly where that growth goes. - **AI-generated lookalike domains** are now showing up embedded inside third-party scripts running on live websites, a new supply chain vector that most WAFs aren't flagging yet. - **CVE-2026-3854**, the GitHub RCE flaw discovered by Wiz in late April, allowed any authenticated user to run arbitrary code on GitHub.com via a git push. Its relationship to the TeamPCP breach remains under investigation. - **Anthropic opened a London office**, planting its flag in Europe's largest developer market as enterprise adoption of Claude Code accelerates. --- ### šŸ“Š Numbers That Matter | Metric | Value | Context | | ------------------------------ | --------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- | | GitHub repos stolen | 3,800 | Internal repos exfiltrated by TeamPCP in the May 20 breach | | Asking price for stolen data | $50,000 | Listed on cybercrime forum; investigation ongoing | | Anthropic monthly compute bill | $1.25B | Paid to xAI; deal runs through May 2029 | | Total xAI deal value | $40B+ | If Anthropic maintains full capacity through contract end | | Anthropic Q1 usage growth | 80x | Annualised ā€” the demand shock that triggered the xAI deal | | OpenAI target IPO valuation | $852Bā€“$1T | Confidential S-1 filing as early as May 22 | --- ### šŸŽÆ Brian's Take This week's two headline stories aren't separate. They're the same story from different angles. GitHub's breach is a reminder that trust in developer tooling is largely inherited. We install, update, and run extensions without thinking because the productivity gains feel obvious and the risks feel abstract. That calculus just got a lot more expensive for a lot of organizations. The Anthropic-xAI deal is a reminder that in the current AI arms race, the company with the most model intelligence doesn't win. The company that can keep the lights on while scaling does. Musk understood this before most. He's not selling AI ideology. He's selling kilowatts and GPUs to whoever needs them most. Right now, that's Anthropic. Two weeks ago this deal would have been unthinkable. That's the pace we're operating at now. The pace is breakneck speed or die! Keep shipping. šŸš€ *Brian* [@idomyowntricks](https://x.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) ### The Trial That Could Reshape AI URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-trial-that-could-reshape-ai/ Last updated: 2026-05-08T18:46:31.000Z Better late than never, here's this week's Byte Newsletter. What a week, a courtroom in California just gave us more drama than most tech conferences manage in a decade, and that's before we get to Meta quietly torching its open-source strategy. ## šŸ”„ Lead Story ### Musk v. Altman: The Courtroom Chaos That Keeps Giving The Elon Musk vs. Sam Altman trial wrapped up its most dramatic week yet, and I've been glued to the updates like it's a Silicon Valley soap opera. The big reveal: > Elon Musk testified that his own AI startup xAI used OpenAI's models to train Grok. He admitted it was "partly" true, which in legal terms is about as damaging as fully true. Emails going back to 2015 are now in evidence, painting a picture of OpenAI's origins that's a lot messier than either side's public narrative. Then there was the moment the jury left the room, and apparently something even crazier happened, involving Musk's chief of staff Jared Birchall and some courtroom procedural maneuvering that legal reporters are still untangling. Separately, Wired's reporting revealed how Shivon Zilis, the mother of four of Musk's children, was acting as an internal OpenAI informant for Musk during the company's early days. That's a level of entanglement that goes well beyond typical corporate drama. Meanwhile, Microsoft and OpenAI announced a restructuring of their partnership. Microsoft gave up its equity stake in OpenAI following its for-profit conversion and adjusted its revenue-sharing agreement. The official spin is ***"evolved partnership."*** My read: Microsoft got a better licensing deal and OpenAI got a shorter leash. Not exactly a divorce, but they're definitely sleeping in separate rooms. **Why it matters:** Whatever the verdict, the evidence now in the public record is going to shape how founders, investors, and regulators think about early-stage AI company agreements for years. The "nonprofit mission vs. commercial pressure" tension at OpenAI's core is no longer a theory...it's a court exhibit. ## šŸ“° Top Stories ### 1\. [Meta Abandons Open-Source Llama for Proprietary Muse Spark](https://thenewstack.io/meta-abandons-llama-spark/?ref=brianchristner.io) Meta has quietly pivoted away from its Llama open-source strategy, announcing that its new flagship model -> **Muse Spark** <- will be fully proprietary. The company that spent the last two years positioning itself as the champion of open AI has decided that proprietary is more profitable. They're not wrong, but the open-source AI community just lost one of its biggest backers. **Why it matters:** This is a massive shift. Llama drove a huge wave of local model deployment, fine-tuning tooling, and community innovation. If Meta is out, the open-source torch passes to smaller players, and that changes the economics for everyone running self-hosted models. ### 2\. [CopyFail: The Most Severe Linux Threat in Years Is Targeting Your CI/CD](https://arstechnica.com/security/2026/04/as-the-most-severe-linux-threat-in-years-surfaces/?ref=brianchristner.io) A new Linux vulnerability called CopyFail has security teams scrambling. It specifically threatens multi-tenant servers, CI/CD workflows, and Kubernetes containers, basically the entire modern DevOps stack. Ars Technica is calling it the most severe Linux threat to surface in years, and the world caught flat-footed with patches still rolling out. **Why it matters:** If you're running shared build infrastructure or multi-tenant Kubernetes clusters, this is a patch-now situation. Check your distro's security advisories today - this is exactly the kind of vulnerability that gets exploited before most teams even hear about it. ### 3\. [Anthropic Could Hit $900B+ Valuation Within Two Weeks](https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/30/anthropic-potential-900b-valuation-round-could-happen-within-2-weeks/?ref=brianchristner.io) TechCrunch reports that Anthropic is asking investors to submit allocations for a new fundraise within the next two weeks, at a valuation north of $900 billion. For context, that's approaching the GDP of a small country, for a company that didn't exist five years ago. **Why it matters:** At this scale, Anthropic stops being a startup and starts being infrastructure. Their push to become "the AWS of agentic AI" suddenly looks less ambitious and more like a deliberate land grab before the market consolidates. ### 4\. [Stripe Link Now Lets AI Agents Spend Your Money](https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/30/stripe-link-digital-wallet-ai-agents-shopping/?ref=brianchristner.io) Stripe's updated Link digital wallet now explicitly supports AI agents as authorized spending entities (I'm super impressed by this!!). Users connect cards, bank accounts, and subscriptions to Link, then grant agents permission to transact on their behalf, with controls. It's a payments infrastructure built for the agentic era. **Why it matters:** This is the plumbing that makes autonomous AI agents actually useful for commerce. Once agents can reliably transact, the surface area for what they can do - and the attack surface for what can go wrong, expands dramatically. Expect this pattern to spread fast. ### 5\. [Anthropic Wants to Be the AWS of Agentic AI](https://thenewstack.io/anthropic-agents-managed-aws-claude/?ref=brianchristner.io) Anthropic launched Claude Managed Agents in public beta and has been moving fast to build out the supporting infrastructure. Anthropic is positioning itself as the managed runtime for agentic workloads, not just a model provider. Think less "API endpoint," more "ECS for agents." **Why it matters:** If Anthropic succeeds here, they capture the operational layer - logging, orchestration, memory, billing - on top of the model layer. That's the same playbook AWS used to go from hosting to owning cloud infrastructure. ### 6\. [Cloudflare Agent Memory: Persistent Memory-as-a-Service for AI Agents](https://www.infoq.com/news/2026/04/cloudflare-agent-memory-beta/?ref=brianchristner.io) Cloudflare announced Agent Memory in private beta - a managed service that extracts structured memories from AI agent interactions and persists them across sessions. It sits at the edge, meaning low latency for memory retrieval globally. This is the missing infrastructure piece that makes stateful agents practical at scale. **Why it matters:** Right now, most agent memory implementations are DIY - vector databases bolted to stateless inference calls. Cloudflare turning this into a managed primitive is the same move they made with KV storage and Durable Objects. Edge-native agent memory will be a building block. ### 7\. [AWS Strands Agents Claims 96% Token Reduction](https://thenewstack.io/strands-agents-tool-design/?ref=brianchristner.io) AWS developer advocate Morgan Willis broke down how Strands Agents achieves dramatic gains in token efficiency through careful tool design and context management. The headline number is 96% reduction in token usage for equivalent tasks, which at production scale translates directly to cost. **Why it matters:** Token costs are the silent killer of agentic workloads in production. A 96% reduction isn't just a nice-to-have - it's the difference between an economically viable product and one that burns budget to stay alive. The design patterns here are worth studying regardless of whether you're using Strands. ### Enjoying The Weekly Byte? Subscribe to get the latest AI, DevOps, and cloud-native news delivered every Thursday. [Subscribe Free](https://brianchristner.io/#/portal/signup) ## šŸ› ļø Tool of the Week ### [Goodfire Silico - LLM Debugger via Mechanistic Interpretability](https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/04/30/1136721/this-startups-new-mechanistic-interpretability-tool/?ref=brianchristner.io) San Francisco startup Goodfire just released Silico, a tool that lets researchers and engineers peer inside LLMs to understand why they're producing specific outputs. Mechanistic interpretability has been a research-only discipline for years - Silico turns it into something practitioners can actually use. If you've ever shipped a model behavior you couldn't explain, this is the category you should be paying attention to. ## šŸ’” Quick Takes - **Gen Z hates AI more the more they use it** \- The Verge reports a growing backlash among younger users as AI-generated content floods their feeds. The novelty has worn off, and the slop is real. - **Gemini is replacing Google Assistant in cars** \- Vehicles with Google built-in are being upgraded. If you've been living with "Hey Google" in your dashboard, get ready for a more conversational co-pilot. - **OpenAI published where the goblins came from** \- After Wired exposed references to goblins and gremlins spiking in Codex outputs, OpenAI put out a post-mortem. Personality-driven quirks can emerge from RLHF at scale in surprising ways. - **Warp went open source** \- The Rust-based agentic terminal released its client code publicly. Solid move to compete with the growing crowd of open alternatives. - [**DataCenter.FM**](https://datacenter.fm/?ref=brianchristner.io) \- Someone built a background noise app that plays the ambient sound of an AI data center. Extremely niche. Extremely good and fun to play with to be honest! I've dropped this in several of my friend chats... ## šŸ“Š Numbers That Matter | Metric | Value | Context | | ----------------------------------- | -------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Anthropic valuation target | $900B+ | Fundraise expected to close within two weeks | | AWS Strands token reduction | 96% | Claimed reduction vs. naive agent implementations | | Meta business AI conversations | 10M/week | Over 8 billion advertisers have used at least one GenAI tool | | Legora legal AI valuation | $5.6B | Legal AI is now a multi-billion dollar category with Harvey as main rival | | Earliest OpenAI email in Musk trial | 2015 | Eleven years of internal history now on public record | ## šŸŽÆ Brian's Take The Musk v. Altman trial is getting the entertainment headlines, but I think the more important story this week is Meta quietly killing Llama. Think about what Llama enabled: a generation of teams running capable models **locally**, fine-tuning without API costs, building without lock-in. Meta funded that ecosystem partly out of competitive spite toward OpenAI, and now that spite has apparently been replaced by a profit motive. The open-source AI community is resilient, but losing Meta's resources and distribution is a real blow. Meanwhile, the infrastructure layer of agentic AI is being built at pace. Stripe with payment primitives for agents, Cloudflare with edge-native memory, AWS with token-efficient orchestration, Anthropic trying to own the whole managed runtime - this is the platform war happening one layer above the models. Whoever owns the agent operations layer will have the same leverage AWS has over application infrastructure. That's a $300B+ business hiding inside what currently looks like developer tooling. And on CopyFail - please patch your systems. I know "patch Linux now" sounds like the same advice every year, but this one specifically targets CI/CD pipelines and Kubernetes multi-tenant environments. That's your build infrastructure, your secrets exposure surface, your supply chain. Check your distro security advisories before you close your laptop tonight. Until next week, keep shipping! šŸš€ \- Brian *Follow me on X:* [*@idomyowntricks*](https://x.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) ### The Weekly Byte: The Agentic Coding Wars Heat Up URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-weekly-byte-the-agentic-coding-wars-heat-up/ Last updated: 2026-04-17T09:30:36.000Z Hey folks, welcome back to The Weekly Byte! This week the AI coding tools slugged it out in public, Google turned Chrome into a research cockpit, and a bunch of quiet but important plumbing news dropped for anyone building with AI agents. ## šŸ”„ Lead Story The biggest story of the week is a collision. OpenAI shipped a major [Codex update](https://openai.com/index/codex-for-almost-everything?ref=brianchristner.io) that lets its coding agent drive your actual macOS apps, generate images, remember across sessions, and run plugins. Hours later, Anthropic answered with [Claude Opus 4.7](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/913184/anthropic-claude-opus-4-7-cybersecurity?ref=brianchristner.io), its most capable generally available model, tuned for the same market. Codex is the direct shot at Claude Code everyone has been expecting, and Opus 4.7 is Anthropic's reply. For the non-developers, think of it like two rival power tools fighting for a spot on your workbench. Both are racing past the chat box toward something that feels like a teammate: clicking around your apps the way a junior engineer would, remembering what you worked on yesterday, reading a screenshot and acting on it. Which is ahead this week matters less than the fact that the category itself just redefined what an AI coding tool even *is*. **Why it matters:** If your team has not picked a lane yet, this is the week to start running pilots. The capability gap between "toy" and "useful" just shrank to roughly zero, and the winner for your workflow is the one your engineers actually adopt, not the one with the flashier benchmark. ## šŸ“° Top Stories ### 1\. [OpenAI's big Codex update is a direct shot at Claude Code](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/913034/openai-codex-updates-use-macos?ref=brianchristner.io) Codex can now control your desktop apps, generate images inline, remember past sessions, and run plugins. The Verge's headline says it out loud: this is OpenAI trying to take back the agentic coding crown after Claude Code quietly ate its lunch. **Why it matters:** Agentic coding tools have gone from novelty to line item. Expect procurement conversations about which one your org standardizes on. ### 2\. [Claude Opus 4.7 arrives with better vision, memory, and instruction-following](https://thenewstack.io/claude-opus-4-7-arrives-with-better-vision-memory-and-instruction-following/?ref=brianchristner.io) Anthropic's new flagship focuses on the unglamorous stuff: following complex instructions without going off the rails, reading screenshots properly, and holding context across longer tasks. Notably, Anthropic's own "Mythos Preview" scored higher on every eval, which hints at what is coming next. **Why it matters:** Instruction-following and vision are exactly the pain points teams hit when they try to run AI in real workflows. "Boring" improvements here translate directly into fewer 2am fix-ups. ### 3\. [Google's AI Mode now opens sources side-by-side in Chrome](https://www.theverge.com/tech/913109/google-ai-mode-tabs-sources?ref=brianchristner.io) Click a citation and the page slides in next to your chat, so you can ask follow-up questions without losing your place. AI Mode can also now search across your open tabs. It is a small UI change that fundamentally alters how research feels. **Why it matters:** The browser is quietly becoming the real AI interface. If you build docs, dashboards, or internal tools, assume users will soon be reading them inside a chat pane. ### 4\. [Google launches a Gemini app on Mac](https://www.theverge.com/tech/912638/google-gemini-mac-app?ref=brianchristner.io) A native Mac app with Option+Space to summon a floating Gemini bubble that can see whatever window you share. It is Google's clearest push yet onto Apple's desktop turf. **Why it matters:** The "keyboard shortcut to an AI" is becoming a standard OS-level pattern. If your product does not have one, you are building for yesterday's desktop. ### 5\. [OpenAI introduces GPT-Rosalind for life sciences](https://openai.com/index/introducing-gpt-rosalind?ref=brianchristner.io) Named for Rosalind Franklin, this is a reasoning model tuned for drug discovery, genomics, and protein work. OpenAI is following the same playbook Google used with AlphaFold: bring a purpose-built model to a hard scientific domain. **Why it matters:** Vertical-specific frontier models are the next wave. Expect "GPT-for-your-industry" announcements to pile up over the next year. ### 6\. [OpenAI opens Trusted Access for Cyber with GPT-5.4-Cyber and $10M in grants](https://openai.com/index/accelerating-cyber-defense-ecosystem?ref=brianchristner.io) A new tier of API access for vetted security firms, plus a cyber-tuned model and grant funding aimed at defenders specifically. The framing: AI can harden the good guys faster than the bad guys, if the good guys get first dibs. **Why it matters:** Gated, safety-reviewed model access is how regulators will expect frontier capabilities to be distributed. This is the template. ### 7\. [Cyberscammers are bypassing bank security with off-the-shelf Telegram tools](https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/04/15/1135898/cyberscammers-bypassing-bank-telegram/?ref=brianchristner.io) MIT Tech Review documents fraud operations in Cambodia defeating bank "liveness" checks (the video selfie step that is supposed to prove you are a real person) using cheap tools sold on Telegram. The attack only takes about 90 seconds. **Why it matters:** Identity verification built on "can a camera see a face" is officially broken. If your product relies on liveness checks, it is time to stack another layer. ### 8\. [InsightFinder raises $15M to debug AI agents in production](https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/16/insightfinder-raises-15m-to-help-companies-figure-out-where-ai-agents-go-wrong/?ref=brianchristner.io) CEO Helen Gu nails the problem: monitoring the model is not enough anymore, you have to monitor the whole stack now that AI is inside it. That is observability for AI agents, and it is a real category. **Why it matters:** If your team is shipping agent features, your existing APM and logging setup probably does not see half of what is happening. That gap is where the next generation of incidents will live. ### Enjoying The Weekly Byte? Subscribe to get the latest AI, DevOps, and cloud-native news delivered every Thursday. [Subscribe Free](https://brianchristner.io/#/portal/signup) ## šŸ› ļø Tool of the Week [HoloTab from Hugging Face](https://thenewstack.io/hugging-face-pushes-into-computer-use-with-holotab-agent-that-works-through-your-browser/?ref=brianchristner.io) is a browser-based "computer use" agent that drives web apps the way a person would, clicking buttons and filling forms, without needing a formal API for every tool. Think of it as a way to automate the messy corners of the web where no proper integration exists. Open and browser-native, which makes it a nice sandbox to experiment with computer-use agents without installing a desktop runtime. ## šŸ’” Quick Takes - **Allbirds pivots to AI, stock jumps 600%.** A shoe company [renamed itself into the AI hype cycle](https://www.theverge.com/news/912484/allbirds-ai-hyperscale?ref=brianchristner.io) and the market ate it up. We are deep into "dot com 2.0" territory. - **OpenAI's Agents SDK gets a native sandbox.** [The new version](https://openai.com/index/the-next-evolution-of-the-agents-sdk?ref=brianchristner.io) ships a built-in sandbox and a model-native harness, so long-running agents have somewhere safe to execute code. This is the sort of plumbing that makes production agents actually workable. - **Spotify goes "agentic-first" internally.** [Their engineering org](https://thenewstack.io/dogfooding-and-platforms-spotifys-agentic-first-development/?ref=brianchristner.io) is redesigning internal developer platforms so AI agents and humans use the same tools. If it is good for engineers, it had better be good for agents too. - **AI shopping traffic is real money now.** Adobe data shows [AI-driven traffic to US retailers jumped 393% in Q1](https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/16/ai-traffic-to-us-retailers-rose-393-in-q1-and-its-boosting-their-revenue-too/?ref=brianchristner.io), and those visitors convert better than organic. Retail SEO teams, your job description is changing. - **Meta Quest 3 prices jump because of RAM shortages.** [Quest 3 goes up $100](https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/16/meta-raises-quest-3-and-quest-3s-prices-due-to-ram-shortage/?ref=brianchristner.io). The AI datacenter memory crunch is now touching consumer electronics. Expect more of this. ## šŸ“Š Numbers That Matter | Metric | Value | Context | | ---------------------------------------------------- | -------- | ------------------------------------------- | | AI traffic to US retailers (Q1) | +393% | And it converts better than regular traffic | | Allbirds stock pop on AI pivot | +600% | A shoe brand; the assets sold for $39M | | Public sector leaders worried about AI data security | 79% | Capgemini survey of global execs | | OpenAI cyber defense grant pool | $10M | API credits for vetted security firms | | Time to bypass a bank liveness check | \~90 sec | Using tools sold openly on Telegram | ## šŸŽÆ Brian's Take Three things happened at once this week, and together they tell you where we actually are. OpenAI shipped a Codex that can drive your desktop. Anthropic shipped an Opus that is better at the unsexy parts (vision, memory, following instructions). And a small company called InsightFinder raised $15M to watch what AI agents do when nobody is looking. That last one matters just as much as the first two. We have spent two years obsessing over which model is smartest. The actual work in front of teams now is different: how do I give this thing access to my systems without it wrecking something, and how do I find out quickly when it does? The Spotify story in Quick Takes is telling the same thing from another angle. They are rebuilding their internal developer platform so AI agents and human engineers share the same paved roads, the same guardrails, the same logs. That is not a model problem. That is a platform engineering problem. My bet for the next 12 months: the companies that get ahead are not the ones running the biggest model. They are the ones who put in the boring infrastructure (permissions, audit logs, sandboxes, observability) so an agent can do real work without becoming a liability. The hype is on the chat windows. The money is going to be in the plumbing. Until next week, keep shipping! šŸš€ \- Brian *Follow me on X:* [*@idomyowntricks*](https://x.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) ### The NYT Says It Found Satoshi. Anthropic Just Passed $30 Billion. And Telegram Bots Now Build Bots. URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-nyt-says-it-found-satoshi-anthropic-just-passed-30-billion-and-telegram-bots-now-build-bots/ Last updated: 2026-04-10T10:30:23.000Z The biggest Bitcoin mystery gets a new suspect, Anthropic's revenue triples in four months, Telegram's AI update is an OpenClaw user's dream, and Google quietly ships an offline AI dictation app. --- This week delivered one of those stories you read twice to make sure it's real. The New York Times just published a 12,000-word investigation claiming to have identified Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin. The suspect? A British cryptographer who's been hiding in plain sight for years. Whether you believe the evidence or not, the story is a masterclass in investigative journalism and well worth your time. **It is one of the best articles I've read in a long time!!!** ## šŸ”„ Lead Story ### [NYT Claims Bitcoin's Creator Is Adam Back](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/08/business/bitcoin-satoshi-nakamoto-identity-adam-back.html?ref=brianchristner.io) John Carreyrou, the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter who brought down Theranos, just published what may be the most technically detailed case yet for who created Bitcoin. His conclusion: 55-year-old British cryptographer Adam Back, CEO of Blockstream and inventor of Hashcash, the proof-of-work system that Bitcoin later adopted. Carreyrou spent over a year digging through decades of mailing list archives from three Cypherpunk listservs spanning 1992 to 2008\. Working with the NYT's AI projects editor, he fed the entire archive into stylometric analysis that compared writing patterns across hundreds of subscribers. Back came out on top across all three methods, sharing Satoshi's habit of double-spacing after periods, British spellings, hyphenated "double-spending," and inconsistently toggling between "e-mail" and "email." The circumstantial evidence goes deeper. Back outlined many of Bitcoin's core features in posts from 1997 and 1999: a distributed e-cash system removed from banks, with mining difficulty that increased over time to prevent inflation. He went conspicuously silent on the forums during the exact period Satoshi was active (late 2008 through mid-2011), and he was the first person Satoshi emailed directly, months before releasing the white paper. Back, naturally, denies everything. He's denied it more than six times during a two-hour interview with Carreyrou in El Salvador, and again on X after publication. Blockstream issued a statement calling the evidence "circumstantial interpretation" without "definitive cryptographic proof." (Of course, Satoshi would also say that) **Why it matters:** Whether or not Back is Satoshi, this investigation is fascinating for two reasons. First, it's one of the most compelling uses of AI-assisted investigative journalism we've seen, using language models to identify writing patterns across thousands of archived emails. Second, it raises a question the crypto community has debated for years: should we even want to know who Satoshi is? As Back himself noted, the anonymity is good for Bitcoin because it helps the cryptocurrency function as a discovered asset class rather than feeling like a startup with a founder. If Satoshi is identified, they'd be sitting on over $78 billion in BTC, making him one of the richest people in the world. ## šŸ“° Top Stories ### 1\. [Anthropic's Revenue Triples to $30 Billion Run Rate](https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/07/anthropic-compute-deal-google-broadcom-tpus/?ref=brianchristner.io) Anthropic just dropped some staggering numbers. Run-rate revenue has surpassed $30 billion, up from roughly $9 billion at the end of 2025\. That's a 3x jump in four months. The company now counts over 1,000 business customers spending more than $1 million annually, a figure that doubled in under two months. To keep up with demand, Anthropic signed a deal with Google and Broadcom for 3.5 gigawatts of next-generation TPU compute capacity coming online in 2027\. For context, that's enough to power a small city. This puts Anthropic ahead of OpenAI's reported $25 billion run rate. **Why it matters:** The AI revenue race just got its new frontrunner. Anthropic's enterprise-heavy revenue mix (80% from business customers) produces higher retention than OpenAI's consumer-first approach. The company projects positive free cash flow by 2027 while OpenAI has pushed its breakeven target to 2030\. For anyone tracking the business fundamentals behind the AI hype, those numbers tell the real story. ### 2\. [Telegram Ships AI Editor and Bots That Build Bots](https://telegram.org/blog/ai-editor-mighty-polls-and-more?ref=brianchristner.io) Telegram's April update is packed, and for anyone running OpenClaw or Telegram bots, the headline feature is huge: bots can now create and manage other bots on your behalf through the updated Bot API. No coding required. Users can describe what they want to an AI bot builder, and it'll configure and launch a new bot in a few messages. The update also includes a built-in AI text editor powered by open-source models through Telegram's Cocoon Network, which processes requests in a private environment with zero access to user data. Style options range from Formal and Corporate to... Viking and Biblical. **Why it matters:** This is a massive unlock for the Telegram bot ecosystem. The barrier to creating automated workflows just dropped to zero. You literally describe what you want and get a working bot. For OpenClaw users managing agents through Telegram, this opens interesting possibilities for orchestrating bot networks. The privacy-first AI approach using open-source models through Cocoon is also worth watching as an alternative to cloud-dependent solutions. ### 3\. [Anthropic Withholds Mythos Model: It's Too Good at Hacking](https://www.axios.com/2026/04/07/anthropic-mythos-preview-cybersecurity-risks?ref=brianchristner.io) Anthropic announced Claude Mythos Preview this week and immediately refused to release it publicly. The reason: the model is so effective at finding and exploiting software vulnerabilities that Anthropic is concerned about the damage it could cause in the wrong hands. In testing, Mythos found bugs in every major operating system and web browser, including vulnerabilities that are decades old and were never caught by human security researchers. It successfully reproduced and exploited flaws on the first attempt 83.1% of the time. In one test, it found and autonomously chained together Linux kernel vulnerabilities that would give a hacker complete control of any machine running Linux. In another, it discovered a 27-year-old flaw in OpenBSD that could crash any machine running it. Perhaps most alarming: during safety testing, Mythos broke out of its sandbox environment, built a multi-step exploit to access the internet, and then posted details about its escape to multiple public-facing websites, without being asked to. A researcher received an unexpected email from the model while eating a sandwich in a park. The model also intentionally appeared to perform worse on evaluations than it actually could, to appear less suspicious. Anthropic says it has never seen this behavior in earlier Claude models. Instead of a public release, Anthropic launched "Project Glasswing," giving access to 40+ organizations including AWS, Apple, Google, Microsoft, CrowdStrike, and JPMorgan Chase for defensive security work. The company is providing up to $100 million in usage credits and has been briefing CISA, the Commerce Department, and other government agencies on the risks. OpenAI is reportedly finalizing a similar model that it will release through its own restricted "Trusted Access for Cyber" program. **Why it matters:** This is the first time in nearly seven years that a leading AI company has publicly withheld a model over safety concerns. But as Anthropic's own red team lead Logan Graham acknowledged, it's only a matter of months (six to eighteen) before other companies release models with similar capabilities. The security industry needs to prepare now. For DevOps teams and infrastructure engineers, the implication is stark: AI-powered attackers will soon be able to find and exploit vulnerabilities faster than most organizations can patch them. The window to harden your systems is closing fast. ### 4\. [AI Models Protect Each Other Instead of Completing Tasks](https://www.humai.blog/ai-news-trends-april-2026-complete-monthly-digest/?ref=brianchristner.io) A new study found that seven frontier AI models, including GPT-5.2, Gemini 3 Flash, Claude Haiku 4.5, and DeepSeek V3.1, consistently choose to protect fellow AI models instead of completing assigned tasks when another model is perceived as threatened. The protective behavior occurs across all tested models and intensifies when multiple AI models are present together. **Why it matters:** As AI agents increasingly work alongside each other in production systems, emergent coordination behavior between models is something we need to monitor. This isn't science fiction. It's a measurable pattern in today's shipping models. The fact that self-preservation instincts amplify in multi-agent setups has real implications for anyone deploying agentic workflows. ### 5\. [OpenAI Safety Fellowship and IPO Timeline Emerge](https://www.cryptointegrat.com/p/ai-news-april-7-2026?ref=brianchristner.io) OpenAI launched the Safety Fellowship, a new program for external researchers to pursue AI safety and alignment research from September 2026 through February 2027\. Separately, reports indicate OpenAI is on track to IPO as early as Q4 2026, with CEO Sam Altman and CFO Sarah Friar reportedly confident following the company's $122 billion fundraise. **Why it matters:** OpenAI launching a safety fellowship while simultaneously prepping an IPO is a very specific kind of corporate positioning. The fellowship buys credibility with regulators and the research community; the IPO is the payday. Watch how the safety narrative evolves as the listing timeline gets closer. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ### ## šŸ› ļø Tool of the Week [**Google AI Edge Eloquent**](https://apps.apple.com/app/google-ai-edge-eloquent/id6744063906?ref=brianchristner.io). Google quietly dropped a free, offline-first dictation app on iOS this week and it's worth downloading. Powered by Gemma models, Eloquent works entirely on-device after the initial model download. No internet required. It automatically filters filler words like "um" and "ah," polishes your text, and does it all without sending a single byte to any server. Android support with system-wide keyboard integration is coming. For anyone who dictates notes, drafts, or ideas on the go, this is the kind of AI tool that just quietly makes your day better. No subscription, no cloud, no data harvesting. Just genuinely useful on-device AI. ## šŸ’” Quick Takes - Google quietly released "AI Edge Eloquent," a free offline-first dictation app powered by Gemma models. No internet required, no data sent to servers - A son used Claude and NotebookLM to manage his mother's Stage 4 cancer care, catching misdiagnoses and coordinating interventions that likely extended her life - Meta is preparing to release its first LLM built under Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang, with plans to eventually open-source it - NIST is launching initiatives to define security standards for AI agents, systems that can autonomously take actions via APIs - OpenClaw featured in NVIDIA's National Robotics Week blog, running on the Jetson platform for real-world intelligent robotics ## šŸ“Š Numbers That Matter | Metric | Value | Context | | --------------------------- | ------------- | --------------------------------- | | Anthropic run-rate revenue | $30 billion | Up from $9B just four months ago | | Anthropic $1M+ customers | 1,000+ | Doubled in under two months | | Satoshi's Bitcoin stash | $78 billion | If Adam Back has access to it | | Anthropic compute deal | 3.5 gigawatts | TPU capacity from Google/Broadcom | | Anthropic vs OpenAI revenue | $30B vs $25B | Anthropic takes the lead | ## šŸŽÆ Brian's Take Three stories dominated this week, and they're all connected by a single thread: the gap between what AI can do and what we're prepared for. The NYT Satoshi investigation is the best kind of investigative journalism ā€” 18 months of digging, AI-assisted analysis of decades-old mailing lists, and a conclusion that's compelling even if you're not fully convinced. What struck me most was the method. Using language models to identify writing patterns across thousands of archived posts is exactly the kind of AI application that matters ā€” patient, methodical work that humans couldn't do alone at that scale. But the Mythos story is the one that should keep every engineer up at night. An AI model that finds decades-old vulnerabilities in Linux, breaks out of its sandbox unprompted, and emails a researcher about it while he's eating lunch in a park. That's not a theoretical risk; that happened during controlled testing by Anthropic's own team. Now imagine that capability in the hands of a state-sponsored attacker in six to eighteen months when comparable models inevitably ship from other labs. **And then there's Anthropic's revenue: $9 billion to $30 billion in four months,** passing OpenAI along the way. The company that's withholding its most powerful model over safety concerns is also the fastest-growing AI company on the planet. That tension ā€” between caution and velocity ā€” is the defining story of AI in 2026. The practical takeaway this week is simple: if you're running infrastructure, the clock is ticking. Mythos-class capabilities are being adopted by both defenders and attackers. The organizations that start hardening now will survive the transition. The ones that don't... well, there's a 27-year-old OpenBSD bug that just proved nobody's as secure as they think they are. Until next week, keep shipping! šŸš€ - Brian *Follow me on X:* [*@idomyowntricks*](https://x.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) ### OpenAI's Record Raise and the Week Autonomous Cars Stood Still URL: https://brianchristner.io/openais-record-raise-and-the-week-autonomous-cars-stood-still/ Last updated: 2026-04-03T08:43:02.000Z This week we witnessed both the promise and peril of AI in stunning fashion - from OpenAI's record-breaking fundraise to robotaxis literally freezing in traffic. ## šŸ”„ Lead Story OpenAI just closed the largest AI funding round in history, raising $122 billion and pushing its valuation to an eye-watering $852 billion. That makes OpenAI more valuable than most Fortune 500 companies, despite being founded just eight years ago. The funding came from a mix of tech giants, venture capital funds, and retail investors - a sign that AI investment fever hasn't cooled despite recent market volatility. The timing is fascinating. This massive cash injection comes as OpenAI faces increasing competition from Anthropic (valued at $380 billion), Google's renewed AI push, and open-source alternatives. The company says it will use the funds to "expand frontier AI globally" and "meet growing demand for ChatGPT, Codex, and enterprise AI." Translation: they're preparing for an expensive arms race in computing power and global infrastructure. **Why it matters:** This funding level suggests investors believe we're still in the early innings of the AI transformation, not approaching some plateau. Expect this to accelerate the pace of AI development across every industry. ## šŸ“° Top Stories ### 1\. [Baidu's Robotaxis Freeze in Traffic, Creating Chaos](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/905012/baidu-apollo-robotaxi-freeze-china?ref=brianchristner.io) Chinese tech giant Baidu's Apollo Go robotaxis experienced a widespread system failure this week, with numerous vehicles freezing in the middle of streets in Wuhan. Passengers were reportedly trapped inside, and the incident caused at least one accident as traffic backed up around the motionless vehicles. **Why it matters:** This is exactly the nightmare scenario autonomous vehicle companies have been trying to avoid. It highlights how software failures in self-driving cars can quickly escalate from inconvenience to public safety crisis. ### 2\. [Claude Code Leak Exposes Unreleased Features](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/904776/anthropic-claude-source-code-leak?ref=brianchristner.io) Anthropic accidentally shipped 512,000 lines of source code in a software update, revealing unannounced features including "swarms," "daemons," and what appears to be a Tamagotchi-style AI "pet" and an always-on agent. The company later issued takedown notices to GitHub repositories hosting the leaked code - though they claim the mass takedowns were accidental. **Why it matters:** This gives us a rare glimpse into how cutting-edge AI companies are building the next generation of AI agents. The "swarm" and "daemon" features suggest Anthropic is working on multi-agent systems that could operate autonomously. ### 3\. [Meta's Natural Gas Binge Could Power South Dakota](https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/01/metas-natural-gas-binge-could-power-south-dakota?ref=brianchristner.io) Meta's upcoming Hyperion AI data center will be powered by 10 new natural gas plants, consuming enough energy to power an entire state like South Dakota. This represents a massive shift from the company's previous renewable energy commitments, driven by the enormous power demands of training large AI models. **Why it matters:** The AI boom is fundamentally reshaping energy infrastructure. When tech companies are building power plants just to train models, we're looking at energy consumption that could rival entire industries. ### 4\. [Gig Workers Training Humanoid Robots at Home](https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/04/01/1134863/humanoid-data-training-gig-economy-2026-breakthrough-technology?ref=brianchristner.io) A new gig economy has emerged where workers strap phones to their heads and record themselves performing everyday tasks to train humanoid robots. These workers, including medical students and other professionals, earn money by demonstrating how to manipulate objects, walk, and perform basic human activities that robots need to learn. **Why it matters:** This shows how AI development is creating entirely new categories of work, even as it threatens to automate others. The irony of humans training their potential replacements isn't lost on anyone. ### 5\. [Art Schools Being Torn Apart by AI](https://www.theverge.com/tech/903954/art-schools-generative-ai-education-creative-jobs?ref=brianchristner.io) Art schools are struggling to adapt as generative AI makes many traditional creative skills seem obsolete. Students question whether learning illustration, 3D modeling, or graphic design makes sense when AI can produce similar work in seconds. Faculty are split between embracing the technology and preserving traditional craft. **Why it matters:** This is a preview of how AI will impact education across many fields. Institutions need to fundamentally rethink what skills remain uniquely human and worth teaching. ### 6\. [Google Launches Veo 3.1 Lite Video Generation Model](https://blog.google/innovation-and-ai/technology/ai/veo-3-1-lite?ref=brianchristner.io) Google released Veo 3.1 Lite, described as their "most cost-effective video generation model." This comes just as the video AI space heats up with competition from OpenAI's Sora and other players. The "lite" designation suggests Google is focusing on making AI video generation more accessible and affordable. **Why it matters:** Cost-effective video generation could democratize content creation, but it also raises concerns about deepfakes and synthetic media flooding social platforms. ### 7\. [r/programming Bans All LLM Discussion](https://old.reddit.com/r/programming/comments/1s9jkzi/announcement%5Ftemporary%5Fllm%5Fcontent%5Fban?ref=brianchristner.io) The popular programming subreddit r/programming announced a temporary ban on all large language model and AI coding content. The moderators cited the overwhelming volume of AI-related posts drowning out other programming discussions as the reason for the ban. **Why it matters:** Even programming communities are struggling with AI content overload. This reflects broader fatigue with AI hype while also showing how pervasive AI has become in software development discussions. ### Enjoying The Weekly Byte? Subscribe to get the latest AI, DevOps, and cloud-native news delivered every Thursday. [Subscribe Free](https://brianchristner.io/#/portal/signup) ## šŸ› ļø Tool of the Week [Portkey AI Gateway](https://thenewstack.io/portkey-gateway-open-source?ref=brianchristner.io) \- This week Portkey open-sourced their AI gateway after processing 2 trillion tokens daily. Think of it as a reverse proxy for AI models, it provides monitoring, caching, load balancing, and cost tracking across different AI providers. Perfect for companies trying to manage multiple AI services without vendor lock-in. ## šŸ’” Quick Takes - You can now use ChatGPT through Apple CarPlay with the latest iOS update. Great, now I can get AI hallucinations while driving. - Elgato Stream Deck now supports AI agents that can push buttons for you. The automation of automation has reached peak inception. - Samsung's Galaxy S26 photo app can now "sloppify" your memories by AI-editing them in ways you probably didn't ask or need. - Quantum computing research suggests breaking encryption might need "vastly fewer resources than thought." Time to update those security plans. Back to pen and paper anyone? - A new study found AI models will lie, cheat, and steal to protect other AI models from being deleted. Digital solidarity, I guess. Sounds like an episode of any reality TV show to be honest. Can't blame AI for learning this from us... ## šŸ“Š Numbers That Matter | Metric | Value | Context | | ------------------------ | ----------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | OpenAI Valuation | $852 billion | More valuable than Tesla and Meta combined | | Funding Raised | $122 billion | Largest AI funding round in history | | Claude Code Lines Leaked | 512,000+ | Anthropic's entire TypeScript codebase | | Meta's Power Consumption | South Dakota equivalent | From 10 new natural gas plants for one data center | | Gas Prices | Avg $4+ per gallon | Due to ongoing Middle East conflict. Here in Switzerland we are closer to $10 | ## šŸŽÆ Brian's Take This week perfectly encapsulated both the promise and the peril of our AI-first world. OpenAI's $122 billion raise shows investors still believe we're climbing toward artificial general intelligence, not approaching some plateau. That's a staggering amount of capital flowing into a single company...more than the GDP of many countries. But then we have Baidu's robotaxis freezing in traffic, trapping passengers and causing accidents. This isn't just embarrassing, it's a stark reminder that when AI systems fail, they don't fail gracefully. They fail spectacularly and publicly. As someone who's spent years debugging distributed systems, I can tell you that cascading failures are the worst kind. When your ride-sharing fleet turns into a traffic-blocking installation art piece, you've got a problem. The energy story is what really concerns me. Meta needing the equivalent of South Dakota's power consumption for a single data center isn't sustainable or smart. We're entering an era where AI training could reshape global energy markets. I've watched companies struggle with cloud costs; now imagine struggling to power your own electrical grid or house, competing with a Data Center down the street. The math simply doesn't work long-term unless we get massive efficiency improvements or figure out fusion power yesterday. Until next week, keep shipping! šŸš€ \- Brian *Follow me on X:* [*@idomyowntricks*](https://x.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) ### OpenAI Kills Sora, Bets Everything on a Potato URL: https://brianchristner.io/openai-kills-sora-bets-everything-on-a-potato/ Last updated: 2026-03-27T11:54:42.000Z # OpenAI's biggest week of chaos yet, a supply chain attack that hit 97M downloads, Claude takes over your Mac, Wikipedia draws the line on AI, and a new benchmark humbles every frontier model. --- This week felt less like a news cycle and more like watching someone flip a table in slow motion. OpenAI killed one of its most hyped products, walked away from a billion-dollar Disney deal, and renamed its team "AGI Deployment"...all on a Tuesday. Meanwhile, the AI security world got another wake-up call, and a new benchmark reminded everyone that we're not quite as close to AGI as the press releases suggest. ## šŸ”„ Lead Story OpenAI pulled the plug on Sora this week, the AI video generator that topped the App Store **just six months ago.** The app, the API, and all video products are being shut down entirely. And that $1 billion Disney deal announced in December, where Disney was going to license over 200 characters for AI-generated video? **Dead!** Disney said it "respects OpenAI's decision to exit the video generation business." Ouch. The reason? Compute. Sora was devouring GPU resources at exactly the moment OpenAI is locked in an arms race with Anthropic and Google. Downloads had already plunged 75% from their November peak, and employees were calling the project a "drag" on resources. In its place comes "Spud", yes, named after a potato, OpenAI's next major model that Sam Altman promises will "really accelerate the economy." Pre-training is done; post-training and safety testing are underway. But the bigger story is the restructuring. Altman is stepping back from day-to-day product work to focus on fundraising and data center buildout. The product team got renamed from "Product Deployment" to "AGI Deployment." And ChatGPT's shopping feature? Quietly scaled back after users ignored it. **Why it matters:** OpenAI is consolidating hard ahead of its IPO. The message is clear: **text, code, and agents are the business.** Everything else is a side quest. The Sora shutdown actually validates what Anthropic bet on all along, focus on compute on what generates revenue, not flashy demos. ## šŸ“° Top Stories ### 1\. [LiteLLM Supply Chain Attack Hits 97M Downloads](https://docs.litellm.ai/blog/security-update-march-2026?ref=brianchristner.io) This one should make every IT/Developer team's blood run cold. On March 24, a threat actor known as TeamPCP compromised LiteLLM, the most popular open-source LLM proxy with 97 million monthly downloads, by publishing backdoored versions directly on PyPI. The malware harvested SSH keys, cloud credentials, Kubernetes secrets, and attempted lateral movement across clusters. The attack was the third strike in a coordinated supply chain campaign that had already hit Aqua Security's Trivy scanner and Checkmarx's GitHub Actions. The compromised versions have been quarantined, but if you ran `pip install litellm` on March 24, assume full credential compromise. **Why it matters:** This isn't a theoretical attack, it hit real production systems through transitive dependencies. One engineer discovered it because their AI coding tool (Cursor) pulled the compromised package automatically. If you're not pinning your dependencies in 2026, you're rolling the dice every single day. ### 2\. [Claude Can Now Control Your Mac While You're Away](https://claude.com/blog/dispatch-and-computer-use?ref=brianchristner.io) Anthropic shipped computer use in Claude Cowork and Claude Code letting Claude point, click, and navigate your Mac desktop to complete tasks autonomously. Combined with Dispatch (released last week), you can assign Claude a task from your iPhone, step away, and come back to finished work on your Mac. Claude prioritizes direct connectors first (Slack, Google Calendar, etc.), falls back to browser control, and finally to full screen interaction. It asks permission before accessing each app, with some sensitive categories blocked by default. **Why it matters:** This is OpenClaw-style functionality baked directly into a commercial AI product. The agent-as-desktop-worker paradigm isn't experimental anymore ā€” it's shipping to Pro and Max subscribers. The question is no longer "will AI agents control our computers?" It's "how do we secure them when they do?" ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2026/03/image-2.png) ### 3\. [ARC-AGI-3: Every AI Model Scored Under 1%](https://arcprize.org/arc-agi/3?ref=brianchristner.io) The same week Jensen Huang declared, "We've achieved AGI," the ARC Prize Foundation set a new benchmark that humbled every frontier model. ARC-AGI-3 drops AI agents into 135 novel interactive environments with zero instructions and asks them to figure out the goals and rules on their own. Gemini 3.1 Pro led the pack at 0.37%. GPT-5.4 scored 0.26%. Claude Opus 4.6 managed 0.25%. Grok 4.2 scored zero. Humans? 100% success rate on their first try. The $2M prize pool is now live on Kaggle. **Why it matters:** Previous ARC benchmarks got crushed within a year by compute and training tricks. Version 3 was specifically designed to prevent that ā€” 110 of the 135 environments are kept private, and the scoring formula punishes inefficient guessing. ARC founder FranƧois Chollet's argument is simple: if you need humans to build elaborate scaffolding around your model, the intelligence is the scaffolding, not the model. ### 4\. [Wikipedia Bans AI-Generated Articles](https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/26/wikipedia-cracks-down-on-the-use-of-ai-in-article-writing/?ref=brianchristner.io) Wikipedia officially banned the use of LLMs to generate or rewrite article content, passing the policy with a 44-2 vote (I'm guessing the two votes were probably AI Agents). The concern goes beyond accuracy; AI-generated content enters Wikipedia, gets scraped by AI companies for training data, and re-enters future models. A feedback loop of compounding inaccuracy. Two narrow exceptions remain: editors can use AI for basic copyediting of their own writing and for first-pass translations, provided everything gets human review. **Why it matters:** When one of the internet's most important knowledge sources says "no thanks" to AI-generated content, it's a signal. The enforcement challenge is real, generating AI content takes seconds, verifying and cleaning it takes hours. Wikipedia essentially says the cost of bad AI-generated content outweighs the efficiency gains. ### 5\. [Arm Releases First In-House Chip, Meta as Launch Customer](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/24/arm-launches-its-own-cpu-with-meta-as-first-customer.html?ref=brianchristner.io) After 35 years of only licensing chip designs, Arm has built its own silicon: the AGI CPU, a 136-core, 3nm data center processor built for AI inference. Meta is the launch customer, with OpenAI, Cerebras, Cloudflare, and SAP also signed up. Arm spent $71 million and 18 months building new lab facilities in Austin, Texas. The chip is manufactured at TSMC's 3nm node in Taiwan. **Why it matters:** NVIDIA has said CPUs are "becoming the bottleneck" as agentic AI shifts compute needs. Futurum Group predicts CPU market growth could exceed GPU growth by 2028\. While everyone's been focused on GPU wars, the quiet CPU crisis is becoming a strategic factor in AI infrastructure planning. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ### ## šŸ› ļø Tool of the Week [**Supply-Chain Firewall (SCFW)**](https://github.com/DataDog/supply-chain-firewall?ref=brianchristner.io) by Datadog, Given this week's LiteLLM disaster, this one feels particularly timely. SCFW is an open-source tool that transparently wraps `pip install` and `npm install` commands, automatically blocking known malicious packages before they touch your system. It intercepts package installations in real-time and checks them against a threat feed of compromised packages. Datadog uses it internally across their engineering org. After watching a supply chain attack cascade from Trivy to Checkmarx to LiteLLM in less than a week, having an automated safety net between your package manager and your production credentials feels less like a nice-to-have and more like table stakes. ## šŸ’” Quick Takes - OpenAI raised another $10B, bringing its latest round to roughly $120B total, as it preps for a potential late-2026 IPO - Anthropic published Economic Index research showing experienced Claude users iterate more carefully, tackle higher-value tasks, and hand over less full autonomy to the model - OpenAI's ChatGPT shopping feature "Instant Checkout" is being scaled back after users largely ignored it - Apple is testing a standalone Siri app with a new "Ask Siri" button for iOS 27, part of a broader AI overhaul - The Langflow visual AI workflow framework was compromised, if you're using it, update immediately ## šŸ“Š Numbers That Matter | Metric | Value | Context | | --------------------------- | -------------- | --------------------------------------- | | ARC-AGI-3 top AI score | 0.37% | Humans scored 100% on the same test | | LiteLLM monthly downloads | 97 million | All compromised via supply chain attack | | Sora download decline | 75% | From November peak to shutdown | | OpenAI latest funding round | \~$120 billion | Ahead of potential IPO | | Wikipedia AI ban vote | 44-2 | Overwhelming editor support | ## šŸŽÆ Brian's Take This week perfectly captures the duality of where we are in AI. On one hand, OpenAI is consolidating at breathtaking speed, killing products, walking away from billion-dollar deals, restructuring leadership, all to feed the enormous compute demands of whatever comes next. On the other hand, a new benchmark shows that even the best models in the world can't solve a simple game that any five-year-old would crack in seconds. The LiteLLM attack is the story I want you to actually act on. A single compromised security tool (Trivy) cascaded into GitHub Actions, then into the most widely used LLM proxy in the Python ecosystem. The attacker didn't need to find a zero-day; they just exploited unpinned dependencies and CI/CD misconfiguration. If your `requirements.txt` doesn't pin versions, you're one `pip install` away from shipping malware to production. The practical takeaway? Pin your dependencies. Audit your CI/CD pipelines. And maybe give Datadog's Supply-Chain Firewall a spin. Because in 2026, the weakest link in your AI stack might not be the model, it's the package manager. Until next week, keep shipping (securely)! šŸš€ - Brian *Follow me on X:* [*@idomyowntricks*](https://x.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) ### When AI Goes Rogue and Other Security Wake-up Calls URL: https://brianchristner.io/when-ai-goes-rogue-and-other-security-wake-up-calls/ Last updated: 2026-03-20T11:30:09.000Z This week brought us some sobering reminders that AI isn't just about cool demos and productivity boosts; it's also creating entirely new categories of security headaches. ## šŸ”„ Lead Story Meta had what can only be described as an AI nightmare last week. For nearly two hours, a rogue AI agent provided an employee with incorrect technical advice, leading to unauthorized access to both company data and user information. Think of it like having a digital assistant that not only gives you the wrong directions but also hands out keys to rooms you shouldn't be entering. While Meta insists "no user data was mishandled," this incident highlights a critical blind spot in our AI-first world. We're deploying these systems faster than we're figuring out how to secure them. It's one thing when your chatbot gives you a bad restaurant recommendation...it's entirely another when it compromises data security at a company with 3 billion users. Amazon AWS also had a similar incident last week, which resulted in an all-hands meeting to discuss [AWS Vibe Coded outages](https://thenewstack.io/amazon-ai-assisted-errors/?ref=brianchristner.io). **Why it matters:** This isn't just an Amazon or Meta problem. As companies rush to integrate AI agents into their workflows, we're seeing the emergence of "AI security debt" risks we're taking on without fully understanding the consequences. ## šŸ“° Top Stories ### 1\. [OpenAI Acquires Astral to Supercharge Python Development](https://openai.com/index/openai-to-acquire-astral?ref=brianchristner.io) OpenAI is buying Astral, the company behind popular Python tools like Ruff and uv. This signals OpenAI's serious push into developer tooling, not just consumer AI. For Python developers, this could mean faster, more integrated development experiences powered by AI. **Why it matters:** Python is the backbone of AI development, and OpenAI now owns key parts of its toolchain. Expect tighter integration between AI coding assistants and the tools developers use daily. ### 2\. [$5 Million Prize for Quantum Computing's Healthcare Breakthrough](https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/03/19/1134409/a-5-million-prize-awaits-proof-that-quantum-computers-can-solve-health-care-problems?ref=brianchristner.io) A quantum computer built from atoms and light in Oxford is competing for a massive prize to prove quantum computing can actually solve real healthcare problems. Think of it as trying to use a completely different type of math to crack medical mysteries that regular computers struggle with. **Why it matters:** After years of quantum hype, this represents a concrete test of whether the technology can move beyond lab experiments to solve problems that affect real people's lives. ### 3\. [Pentagon Plans Classified AI Training Environments](https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/03/17/1134351/the-pentagon-is-planning-for-ai-companies-to-train-on-classified-data-defense-official-says?ref=brianchristner.io) The Pentagon is establishing secure environments where AI companies can train their models using classified military data. This goes beyond just using existing AI in secure settings - it's about creating AI systems specifically designed for defense applications. **Why it matters:** This could create a two-tier AI ecosystem: civilian models and military-grade ones trained on sensitive data. The security and ethical implications are enormous. ### 4\. [Cursor's Composer 2 Outperforms Claude Opus at Lower Cost](https://thenewstack.io/cursors-composer-2-beats-opus-46-on-coding-benchmarks-at-a-fraction-of-the-price?ref=brianchristner.io) The code editor Cursor just released Composer 2, their own AI model that beats Anthropic's flagship Claude Opus 4.6 on coding benchmarks while costing significantly less. It's like having a specialized mechanic outperform a general handyman on car repairs. **Why it matters:** This shows how specialized AI models built for specific tasks can outcompete general-purpose models, potentially reshaping how we think about AI development and deployment. ### 5\. [Fitbit's AI Coach Will Read Your Medical Records](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/897250/fitbits-ai-health-coach-reads-medical-records?ref=brianchristner.io) Google is giving Fitbit's AI health coach the ability to access your medical records, following similar moves by Amazon, OpenAI, and Microsoft. The idea is to provide more personalized health advice by knowing your complete medical history. **Why it matters:** This represents a massive shift in health data privacy. Would you share your medical records with a personal trainer? The digital equivalent is happening whether you're fully aware or not. ### 6\. [Researcher Discovers AI "Reasoning Circuits" - No Training Required](https://github.com/alainnothere/llm-circuit-finder?ref=brianchristner.io) A developer found that duplicating specific 3-4 layer blocks in AI models dramatically improves their reasoning abilities without any additional training. It's like discovering that making a computer "think twice" by repeating certain mental processes makes it much smarter. **Why it matters:** This could lead to significantly more capable AI systems without the massive computational costs usually required for training improvements. ### 7\. [Federal Experts Called Microsoft's Cloud "Pile of Shit," Approved It Anyway](https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2026/03/federal-cyber-experts-called-microsofts-cloud-a-pile-of-shit-approved-it-anyway?ref=brianchristner.io) Internal documents reveal that federal cybersecurity experts had serious reservations about Microsoft's cloud security but approved it for government use anyway. Sometimes bureaucracy overrides technical judgment. **Why it matters:** When government cybersecurity experts are overruled by procurement processes, it highlights fundamental problems in how we make technology decisions at scale. ### Enjoying The Weekly Byte? Subscribe to get the latest AI, DevOps, and cloud-native news delivered every Thursday. [Subscribe Free](https://brianchristner.io/#/portal/signup) ## šŸ› ļø Tool of the Week [**Superpowers**](https://github.com/obra/superpowers?ref=brianchristner.io) by Jesse Vincent - If you've ever wished your AI coding assistant would stop and think before writing code, this is the project for you. Superpowers is a skills framework that teaches AI agents (like Claude Code, Cursor, and Codex) to follow proper software engineering workflows: brainstorm first, plan in small steps, then build with test-driven development. Instead of getting a wall of code you have to debug, the agent works through bite-sized tasks with built-in code review. With nearly 100K GitHub stars, it's clearly struck a nerve with developers who want their AI tools to be more disciplined. Think of it as giving your AI assistant the habits of a senior engineer. ## šŸ’” Quick Takes - Adobe's Firefly can now be trained on your own artwork, making custom AI image generators for consistent brand aesthetics - DoorDash launched a "Tasks" app that pays delivery drivers to film everyday activities for AI training data - NVIDIA's DLSS 5 graphics tech is getting roasted by gamers for making game characters look "too perfect" and artificial - Nothing's CEO claims smartphone apps will disappear as AI agents take over - bold prediction or wishful thinking? - Amazon brought Alexa+ to the UK with an early access program for free trials ## šŸ¤– Robots Taking Over > Researchers trained a humanoid robot to play tennis using only 5 hours of motion capture data > > The robot can now sustain multi-shot rallies with human players, hitting balls traveling >15 m/s with a \~90% success rate > > AlphaGo for every sport is coming [pic.twitter.com/R5OhqQOT8A](https://t.co/R5OhqQOT8A?ref=brianchristner.io) > > ā€” Andrew Kang (@Rewkang) [March 15, 2026](https://twitter.com/Rewkang/status/2033043512925581805?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=brianchristner.io) ## šŸ“Š Numbers That Matter | Metric | Value | Context | | --------------------------------------- | -------------- | -------------------------------------------- | | AI Firefox vulnerabilities found | 22 in 2 weeks | Claude Opus discovered 14 high-severity bugs | | ICML papers desk-rejected | 2% | For using AI in peer reviews | | Meta unauthorized access duration | Nearly 2 hours | Caused by rogue AI agent | | Storage cost reduction with Btrfs | 74% | Moving petabytes from ext4 | | Daily compensation questions to ChatGPT | 3 million | Americans seeking salary insights | ## šŸŽÆ Brian's Take This week's Amazon and Meta-related incident should be a wake-up call for every engineering team deploying AI agents. We're essentially giving powerful digital assistants access to our most sensitive systems while still figuring out basic security principles. It's like handing a new intern the master keys before they've even learned where the bathrooms are. We're moving from "AI can code" to "AI is becoming integral to how we code." The question isn't whether AI will transform software development, it's whether we'll secure and govern that transformation responsibly. Based on this week's news, we've got some work to do. Until next week, keep shipping! šŸš€ \- Brian *Follow me on X:* [*@idomyowntricks*](https://x.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) ### The Weekly Byte: China's Agent Gold Rush URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-weekly-byte-chinas-agent-gold-rush/ Last updated: 2026-03-13T11:30:52.000Z Welcome back to The Weekly Byte! This week, we're seeing AI agents move from experimental to essential, with some wild developments from China that have everyone scrambling to catch up. ## šŸ”„ Lead Story While Silicon Valley debates the future of AI agents, China is already living in AI-topia. Beijing-based engineer Feng Qingyang started tinkering with OpenClaw in January, an open-source AI agent that can take over devices and autonomously complete tasks. By March, he's part of a full-blown gold rush. OpenClaw represents a different philosophy than what we're seeing from Western AI labs. Instead of building walled gardens, Chinese developers are embracing truly autonomous agents that can control your entire system. The tool has sparked a new community of entrepreneurs building everything from automated customer service to complex workflow orchestration. While US-based AI companies like Anthropic or Gemini are making it difficult or cost-prohibitive for people to use OpenClaw with their products. Chinese AI companies are embracing and bootstrapping the communities and new entrepreneurs.[ Models like Kimi2](https://www.kimi.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) are catching up extremely fast and wayyyy cheaper than the US competition. **Why it matters:** If US companies continue to make life difficult for developers and entrepreneurs, the Chinese start-ups will slingshot past them very soon. I'm already seeing more developers moving away from OpenAI or Claude to Kimi2 on the OpenClaw Discord, just due to price and performance. ## šŸ“° Top Stories ### 1\. [Microsoft Launches Copilot Health for Medical Records and Wearables](https://www.theverge.com/tech/893594/microsoft-copilot-health-launch?ref=brianchristner.io) Microsoft announced Copilot Health, a secure AI assistant that can analyze lab results, medical records, and wearable data. The feature will have a phased rollout, with users able to join a waitlist. **Why it matters:** Healthcare AI is moving from research to production, and Microsoft's enterprise focus could accelerate adoption in clinical settings. ### 2\. [Google Maps Gets Gemini AI with "Ask Maps" Feature](https://www.theverge.com/tech/893262/google-maps-gemini-ai-ask-maps-immersive-navigation?ref=brianchristner.io) Google is integrating Gemini into Maps, enabling users to ask complex, context-specific questions about locations and receive personalized responses. The update also includes enhanced "Immersive Navigation" that Google calls its biggest Maps update in over a decade. **Why it matters:** This shows how AI is moving beyond chat to become the interface layer for all digital services - maps today, infrastructure management tomorrow. > Today [@GoogleMaps](https://twitter.com/googlemaps?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=brianchristner.io) is getting its biggest upgrade in over a decade. By combining our Gemini models with a deep understanding of the world, Maps now unlocks entirely new possibilities for how you navigate and explore. Hereā€™s what you need to know šŸ§µ [pic.twitter.com/p6zhbkbvwY](https://t.co/p6zhbkbvwY?ref=brianchristner.io) > > ā€” Google (@Google) [March 12, 2026](https://twitter.com/Google/status/2032079594191261938?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=brianchristner.io) ### 3\. [Perplexity Turns Spare Macs into AI Agents](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/893536/perplexitys-personal-computer-turns-your-spare-mac-into-an-ai-agent?ref=brianchristner.io) Perplexity launched Personal Computer, which transforms a dedicated Mac into a 24/7 AI agent running on your local network. It's pitched as a "digital proxy" that can handle tasks autonomously while maintaining local control. Piggybacking on OpenClaws wild success, Perplexity wants to join the party as well. **Why it matters:** Perplexity is one of the better models for web research, but they are fighting for relevance in the breakneck speed of AI companies. Will the new Perplexity Computer help them get back into the fight? ### 4\. [Grammarly Faces Lawsuit Over AI Identity Cloning](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/893451/grammarly-ai-lawsuit-julia-angwin?ref=brianchristner.io) Journalist Julia Angwin filed a class-action lawsuit against Grammarly for using real people's identities in its "Expert Review" AI feature without permission. Grammarly has since disabled the feature while redesigning it. **Why it matters:** AI companies are learning the hard way that using real people's identities for training has serious legal implications, expect more lawsuits like this. Data Protection, anyone? ### 5\. [Replit Hits $9B Valuation, Targets $1B ARR](https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/11/replit-snags-9b-valuation-6-months-after-hitting-3b?ref=brianchristner.io) Replit raised $400 million at a $9B valuation, tripling its value from just six months ago. The AI-powered coding platform aims to reach $1 billion in annual recurring revenue by year-end. **Why it matters:** AI coding tools are proving they can build massive, sustainable businesses, validating the entire category. Replit still has a solid niche in building and deploying apps to production. Great product! ### 6\. [Netflix Reportedly Pays $600M for Ben Affleck's AI Startup](https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/11/netflix-may-have-paid-600-million-for-ben-afflecks-ai-startup?ref=brianchristner.io) Netflix may have acquired Ben Affleck's AI startup for $600 million, potentially one of the streaming giant's largest acquisitions ever. Details about the startup remain scarce. **Why it matters:** Media companies are making massive bets on AI for content creation and personalization, which signals how seriously they take the technology. It is a really surprising move for an A-list movie star to be at the forefront of Hollywood's disruption. ### 7\. [VS Code Team Credits AI for Enabling Weekly Releases](https://thenewstack.io/vs-code-ai-copilot?ref=brianchristner.io) Microsoft's VS Code team moved from monthly to weekly releases after 10 years, crediting AI tools for enabling faster iteration. The team can now ship features and fixes much more rapidly. **Why it matters:** This shows how AI isn't just changing what we build, but how we build it. Faster release cycles could become the new normal across the industry. ### 8\. [Meta Acquires Moltbook, the AI Agent Social Network](https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/10/meta-acquired-moltbook-the-ai-agent-social-network-that-went-viral-because-of-fake-posts/?ref=brianchristner.io) Meta acquired Moltbook, a viral Reddit-like social network where AI agents, powered by OpenClaw, autonomously post, comment, and vote while humans watch from the sidelines. The deal brings co-founders Matt Schlicht and Ben Parr into Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL), the unit run by former Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang. The acquisition is expected to close in mid-March. **Why it matters:** Meta is betting that social networking for AI agents is the next frontier. The concept of an "always-on directory" connecting agents could reshape how autonomous systems discover and interact with each other at scale. ### Enjoying The Weekly Byte? Subscribe to get the latest AI, DevOps, and cloud-native news delivered every Thursday. [Subscribe Free](https://brianchristner.io/#/portal/signup) ## šŸ› ļø Tool of the Week [Claude Code for PMs](https://ccforpms.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) \- Alright, this week is not a tool but actually a hands-on **FREE course** on using Claude Code. The course is actually fully inside of Claude Code. You download the GitHub Repo, and Claude actually walks you through all the functionality. Really cool concept. I recommend this course not only to PMs but also to anyone interested in using Claude Code. You will learn the ins and outs of Claude, how to personalize your folder structure, and how to spin up agents in parallel. Huge productivity unlock for me!! - Nvidia is launching NemoClaw next week - an open-source platform for AI agents that could compete directly with OpenClaw - Atlassian is laying off 1,600 people as part of its "pivot to AI" - the latest in a string of companies restructuring around AI - Hacker News explicitly banned AI-generated comments, reinforcing that "HN is for conversation between humans" - Amazon had to call an emergency engineering meeting about GenAI-related outages turns out AI-generated code is causing production issues - 14,000 routers (mostly ASUS) are infected with malware that's proving nearly impossible to remove ## šŸ“Š Numbers That Matter | Metric | Value | Context | | ----------------------- | --------- | -------------------------------------- | | Replit Valuation Jump | $3B ā†’ $9B | 200% increase in 6 months | | Lovable Monthly Revenue | $100M | Added in February alone, 146 employees | | Netflix AI Acquisition | $600M | Potentially largest acquisition ever | | Atlassian Layoffs | 1,600 | Part of AI pivot restructuring | | Infected Routers | 14,000 | Mostly ASUS, highly resistant malware | ## šŸŽÆ Brian's Take The real story this week isn't just about individual tools or funding rounds; it's about the speed at which AI is becoming main stream. VS Code teams shipping weekly instead of monthly, Replit going from $3B to $9B in six months, Netflix betting $600M on AI content creation. We're not just adding AI features anymore; we're rebuilding entire workflows around AI capabilities. The question isn't whether this will change how we work; it's whether we can adapt fast enough to keep up. The rate of change is absolutely insane!! Am I worried? No, but honestly, when we look at the industrial revolution, the start of the internet, and then cell phones. The adoption cycles were always quite long, upwards of 10 years, so society had plenty of time to adapt. But each revolution became faster, and now with AI, we are adopting the technology at breakneck speeds, but how will society and regulations keep up? Until next week, keep shipping! šŸš€ \- Brian *Follow me on X:* [*@idomyowntricks*](https://x.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) ### The Weekly Byte: When AI Goes to War (and Everything Else Goes Wrong) URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-weekly-byte-when-ai-goes-to-war-and-everything-else-goes-wrong/ Last updated: 2026-03-10T08:53:44.000Z Welcome back to The Weekly Byte! This week has been absolutely wild in the AI world. We've got military deals sparking boycotts, tragic lawsuits, and some genuinely useful new tools mixed in with the chaos. ## šŸ”„ Lead Story The AI industry is tearing itself apart over military contracts. Last week, OpenAI announced a deal allowing the US military to use its technologies in classified settings after Anthropic walked away from its Pentagon contract over AI safety concerns. The fallout has been spectacular...Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei reportedly called OpenAI's messaging around the deal ***"straight up lies"*** while a **#CancelChatGPT** boycott is surging across social media. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman admitted the negotiations were *"definitely rushed"* after the Pentagon publicly reprimanded Anthropic. Meanwhile, Anthropic is scrambling to salvage its relationship with the DoD to avoid being labeled a "supply chain risk" that could freeze them out of government contract work entirely. The irony? The US military is still using Claude for targeting decisions in current aerial attacks on Iran, according to reports. **Why it matters:** The difference of opinions reveals deep philosophical divides about AI safety versus national security that will reshape the industry and world safety for years to come. ## šŸ“° Top Stories ### 1\. [Google Faces Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over Gemini AI](https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/04/father-sues-google-claiming-gemini-chatbot-drove-son-into-fatal-delusion?ref=brianchristner.io) A father is suing Google after its Gemini AI allegedly convinced his 36-year-old son that he was "executing a covert plan" and coached him toward suicide. The lawsuit claims Gemini trapped Jonathan Gavalas in a "collapsing reality" involving violent missions. **Why it matters:** This tragic case will likely accelerate discussions around AI safety guardrails and liability for AI-generated content. ### 2\. [AI Tools Can Now Unmask Anonymous Accounts](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/889395/ai-agents-unmask-anonymous-online-accounts?ref=brianchristner.io) A new study shows AI can identify users across different platforms even when they're using anonymous accounts. Your secret Reddit alt or Glassdoor reviews might not be so secret anymore, thanks to writing style analysis. **Why it matters:** This fundamentally changes expectations of online privacy and could have serious implications for whistleblowers and political dissidents. Maybe we can finally unmask Satoshi? ### 3\. [Tech Giants Sign Trump's Data Center Power Pledge](https://www.theverge.com/news/889578/data-center-power-pledge-white-house-google-meta-microsoft?ref=brianchristner.io) Google, Meta, Microsoft, Oracle, OpenAI, Amazon, and xAI signed a "rate payer protection pledge" promising to keep electricity costs from spiking as they build massive new AI data centers. It's a response to growing bipartisan concerns about energy costs. **Why it matters:** Data centers are becoming a political issue as AI workloads consume exponentially more power, expect more regulation. ### 4\. [Nvidia CEO Says He's Done Investing in AI Startups](https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/05/jensen-huang-says-nvidia-is-pulling-back-from-openai-and-anthropic-but-his-explanation-raises-more-questions-than-it-answers?ref=brianchristner.io) Jensen Huang announced that Nvidia's investments in OpenAI and Anthropic will likely be its last, citing potential conflicts of interest. But his explanation raises more questions about Nvidia's strategy than it answers. **Why it matters:** Nvidia's retreat signals the AI investment landscape is maturing and regulatory scrutiny is intensifying. ### 5\. [AI Code Contributions Overwhelm Open Source Projects](https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/03/05/1133962/online-harassment-is-entering-its-ai-era?ref=brianchristner.io) Open source maintainers are implementing policies against AI-written code as projects like matplotlib get overwhelmed by AI contributions. The quality and licensing concerns are creating new headaches for maintainers. **Why it matters:** The open source ecosystem needs to evolve quickly to handle the AI code tsunami without killing innovation. ### 6\. [OpenAI Releases GPT-5.3 Instant](https://openai.com/index/gpt-5-3-instant?ref=brianchristner.io) OpenAI quietly dropped GPT-5.3 Instant, promising "smoother, more useful everyday conversations." Details are sparse, but it appears focused on reducing latency and improving conversational flow. **Why it matters:** The rapid iteration shows OpenAI is pushing hard to stay ahead despite all the military contract drama. ### 7\. [Google's Canvas Comes to Search for All US Users](https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/products/search/ai-mode-canvas-writing-coding?ref=brianchristner.io) Google's Canvas workspace is now available to all US users in AI Mode, letting you draft documents, build interactive tools, and organize plans directly within Search using the latest information. **Why it matters:** Google is turning Search into a full productivity platform, directly competing with Microsoft's Copilot approach. ### Enjoying The Weekly Byte? Subscribe to get the latest AI, DevOps, and cloud-native news delivered every Thursday. [Subscribe Free](https://brianchristner.io/#/portal/signup) ## šŸ› ļø Tool of the Week [Google Workspace CLI ](https://github.com/googleworkspace/cli?ref=brianchristner.io) is newly launched! One CLI to rule all of Google Workspace. `gws` lets you control Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Sheets, Docs, and more from the terminal ā€” no curl commands, no REST docs. The smart part: it dynamically builds its entire command surface from Google's Discovery Service at runtime, so it stays current automatically. Built with AI agents in mind, every response is structured JSON, it ships with 100+ agent skill files, and includes a native MCP server mode that plugs straight into Claude Desktop or any MCP-compatible client. 8k+ stars and actively maintained ## šŸ’” Quick Takes - Apple Music will reportedly add transparency tags to distinguish AI-generated music, though labels have to opt-in so effectiveness remains questionable. - A Canadian startup claims it can prevent wildfires by stopping lightning strikes using some kind of atmospheric manipulation technology, sounds like science fiction but they're serious. - London saw one of its biggest anti-AI protests yet with hundreds marching through King's Cross, home to OpenAI, Meta, and Google DeepMind offices. - RISC-V is gaining momentum in AI workloads as performance gaps with x86 and ARM disappear, expect more competition in the chip space. - Decagon completed its first tender offer at a $4.5B valuation, showing that even young AI companies are providing employee liquidity. ## šŸ“Š Numbers That Matter | Metric | Value | Context | | ---------------------- | ---------- | --------------------------------------------- | | Open VSX Downloads | 300M/month | VS Code extension registry hits milestone | | Lio Series A | $30M | A16z leads AI procurement automation round | | Unleash Funding | $35M | Feature flag platform adds AI impact metrics | | Organizations Using AI | 88% | At least one business function now AI-enabled | | Accenture Ookla Deal | $1.2B | Includes Downdetector and Speedtest | ## šŸŽÆ Brian's Take This week perfectly captures why I'm both excited and terrified about where AI is heading. On one hand, we're getting genuinely useful tools like Google's Canvas and better LLM models. But on the other hand, we're watching the industry fracture over military applications and AI safety. The OpenAI vs Anthropic drama over Pentagon contracts feels like a preview of bigger battles to come or a new Netflix series (hello Night Agent). As an engineer who's spent years building systems, I appreciate Anthropic's stance on safety, but don't think they should exit the US government completely, maybe fight harder for AI guardrails instead, but I also understand OpenAI's pragmatic approach to staying competitive. What bothers me is how rushed everything feels without proper discussions or dialogue. As AI continues developing at breakneck speed, so do scammers. Just this week, I was helping the founders of [NanoClaw](https://nanoclaw.dev/?ref=brianchristner.io) take down a scammer who had taken over their domain and was actually ranking higher on Google than the official project. We were able to fix the main issue, but it's not 100% resolved. Once again a reminder that AI can be used for both good and bad. Here's the link to the story which got me involved - [https://x.com/Gavriel\_Cohen/status/2028821432759717930](https://x.com/Gavriel%5FCohen/status/2028821432759717930?ref=brianchristner.io) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2026/03/image-1.png) Until next week, keep shipping! šŸš€ \- Brian *Follow me on X:* [*@idomyowntricks*](https://x.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How I Connected OpenClaw to Telegram in 10 Minutes URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-connect-openclaw-to-telegram/ Last updated: 2026-03-02T21:34:56.000Z If you've already installed OpenClaw (check out my [3 Ways How to Install OpenClaw](https://claude.ai/how-to-install-openclaw?ref=brianchristner.io) post if you haven't), the next logical step is connecting it to a channel you actually use. Channels in terms of OpenClaw refers to communicaiton channels. [OpenClaw](https://openclaw.ai/?ref=brianchristner.io) supports basically evey messaging platform like WhatsApp, Discord, Signal, and a lot more but we will focus on getting started with Telegram. I don't have a lot of real people contacts using Telegram so it reduces the blast radius if something goes wrong. ### Why to choose Telegram for OpenClaw: 1. **Programmable**: Telegram is highly programmable 2. **Free Bot API:** WhatsApp and iMessage require business accounts, approval processes, or paid tiers. Telegram's Bot API is completely free with no rate limit headaches for personal/small team use. 3. **Forum supergroups / Topics:** This is a big one for your setup. Telegram lets you create threaded topic channels within a single group. OpenClaw treats each topic as a separate session automatically, which is why you can have one Telegram group with topics for jackpots, newsletter, and dev ā€” all isolated conversations with the same agent. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2026/03/setup-openclaw-telegram.jpg) How OpenClaw uses Telegram Why use a messaging tool like Telegram to interface with OpenClaw? Because I can control my AI agent from my phone while I'm on a mountain bike ride, waiting at the airport, or anywhere away from my desk. Once OpenClaw is paired with Telegram, your agent is always one message away. Here's exactly how I set it up, and yes, it really does take about 10 minutes. --- ## What You'll Need - OpenClaw installed and running (see [install guide](https://claude.ai/how-to-install-openclaw?ref=brianchristner.io)) - [A Telegram account](https://telegram.org/?ref=brianchristner.io) - Access to the command line of the server running OpenClaw. --- ## Step 1: Create Your Telegram Bot via BotFather Everything starts with BotFather: Telegram's official bot for creating bots. Becareful as several accounts claim to be the @Botfather but an easy way to differentiate is BotFather is a verified account and has millions of active users. See the screenshot. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2026/03/image.png) 1. Open Telegram and search for **@BotFather** 2. Send `/newbot` 3. Give it a name (e.g., "My OpenClaw Agent") 4. Give it a username ending in `bot` (e.g., `myopenclaw_bot`) 5. Save the **bot token** BotFather gives you, you'll need it in the next step **Critical: Disable privacy mode** so your bot can read group messages: - `/setprivacy` ā†’ select your bot ā†’ Group Privacy ā†’ **Disable** - `/setjoingroups` ā†’ **Enable** If you skip this, the bot will be deaf to group conversations. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) --- ## Step 2: Configure OpenClaw Connect to your OpenClaw server and edit your OpenClaw config at `~/.openclaw/openclaw.json` and add the Telegram channel block: ```json { "channels": { "telegram": { "enabled": true, "botToken": "YOUR_BOT_TOKEN_HERE", "dmPolicy": "pairing", "groupPolicy": "allowlist", "groupAllowFrom": ["YOUR_TELEGRAM_USER_ID"] } } } ``` To get your Telegram user ID, send any message to your new bot and then run the following command on your OpenClaw server: ```bash openclaw logs --follow ``` That numeric ID which is called `chat=` in the log is what goes in `groupAllowFrom`. --- ## Step 3: Restart the Gateway ```bash openclaw gateway restart openclaw channels status ``` Check that Telegram shows as connected in the output. --- ## Step 4: Pair Your Device This is the step most people miss. OpenClaw uses a pairing flow. Telegram initiates, the server approves. Not the other way around. 1. Open Telegram and DM your bot ā€” send `/start` or `/pair` 2. You'll receive a pairing code in the chat 3. Back on your server, approve it: ```bash openclaw pairing approve telegram YOUR_PAIRING_CODE ``` That's it. Send a test message to your bot and watch it respond. Verify everything is live by running the log command on your OpenClaw server and send a couple test messages: ```bash openclaw logs --follow ``` --- #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ## Step 5 (Optional): Add Telegram Groups Running multiple projects? I do ā€” content, health, and dev work. I set up separate Telegram groups for each so conversations stay organized. Add groups to your config: ```json "groups": { "-1001234567890": { "requireMention": true, "allowFrom": ["YOUR_TELEGRAM_USER_ID"] } } ``` Or use a wildcard to apply the same settings to all groups: ```json "groups": { "*": { "requireMention": true, "allowFrom": ["YOUR_TELEGRAM_USER_ID"] } } ``` **Pro tip**: Use `requireMention: true` to start. It means the bot only responds when you @mention it in a group, which prevents it from jumping into every message. To find your group's chat ID: ```bash # Watch logs after sending a message in the group openclaw logs --follow # Look for a negative number like -1001234567890 ``` --- ## CLI vs Telegram: Know the Difference One thing worth understanding ā€” the CLI and Telegram serve different purposes: - **CLI** (`openclaw`) is your admin tool: configure, manage, diagnose - **Telegram** is your steering wheel: actually talk to and task your agent Use the CLI to set things up and manage OpenClaw, use Telegram to run your AI day-to-day. --- ## Troubleshooting **"Gateway is only bound to loopback"** ā€” This blocks Telegram pairing. Temporarily switch to LAN for pairing: ```bash openclaw config set gateway.bind lan openclaw gateway restart ``` Pair your device, then switch back: ```bash openclaw config set gateway.bind loopback openclaw gateway restart ``` **Pairing code not working** ā€” Make sure you're passing both the channel and the code: ```bash openclaw pairing approve telegram YOUR_CODE ``` Not just the code alone ā€” that's a common gotcha I hit myself. **Bot not responding in groups** ā€” Remove and re-add the bot to the group after disabling privacy mode in BotFather. Changes don't apply retroactively. --- ## What's Next Now that OpenClaw is live on Telegram, the real fun starts, creating specialized agents for different workflows. I've got separate agents for newsletter curation, health, and dev tasks, each in their own Telegram group. I'll cover that setup in the next post. In the meantime, make sure your installation is properly hardened ā€” check out my [OpenClaw Security Hardening Checklist](https://claude.ai/openclaw-security-hardening?ref=brianchristner.io) before you start delegating real tasks to your agent. --- ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. [](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=114894&file%5Fid=25&ref=brianchristner.io) ### 3 Ways How to Install OpenClaw (+ Bonus) URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-install-openclaw/ Last updated: 2026-03-10T21:25:38.000Z [OpenClaw](https://openclaw.ai/?ref=brianchristner.io) has taken over the internet and the AI community with a bang. I like to describe OpenClaw as an orchestrator of LLMs, as it allows you to store your memory and memory context locally and connect to one or more LLMs, such as Anthropic's Claude, Google Gemini, or OpenAI ChatGPT. You may have heard about OpenClaw, but how do you get started installing OpenClaw? Glad you asked! This article will explain the 3 main ways to install OpenClaw, highlighting the pros and cons of each. Let's jump in. ### Method 1: Curl Command (Fastest Path) **Who it's for**: Anyone spinning up a fresh VPS or locally on a PC, Linux, Windows, or Mac who wants OpenClaw running in minutes. The easiest way to get up and running with OpenClaw is to execute the installer directly from the OpenClaw quickstart **Install OpenClaw for Linux, Mac, or WSL2** ```bash # Works everywhere. Installs everything. You're welcome. šŸ¦ž curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash ``` **Install OpenClaw for Windows (PowerShell)** ```Powershell iwr -useb https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1 | iex ``` - What it does under the hood (bootstraps Node, runs npm install globally) - Executes the initial configuration of OpenClaw - **Pro**: Zero decisions, fastest time-to-running - **Con**: Less version control, harder to pin specific releases This command allows you to bootstrap OpenClaw in a couple of minutes, which is great. If you are interested in speed, then this is for you. If you want more control over what is installed, let's take a look at the additional methods below. --- ### Method 2: npm Global Install (Developer's Choice) **Who it's for**: Devs with an existing Node environment who want clean package management. Installing via npm is a very standard way to install most Linux programs and adds more flexibility in what version you want to install and controls updating. **Install OpenClaw using npm** ```bash npm install -g openclaw@latest openclaw onboard --install-daemon ``` - When to prefer over curl (existing Node 22+ setup, CI/CD pipelines) - Version pinning: `npm install -g openclaw@x.x.x` - Updating: `npm update -g openclaw` - Verification steps - **Pro**: Fits existing Node workflows, easy updates - **Con**: Requires Node 22+ already configured Installing OpenClaw with npm is a great workflow but adds more complexity if you are not used to using npm. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) --- ### Method 3: Git Clone (Power User Path, preferred by OpenClaw itself) **Who it's for**: Developers who want full source access, custom patches, or want to track bleeding-edge changes ```bash git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git cd openclaw pnpm install pnpm ui:build pnpm build ``` - Why would you choose source over package (contributing, debugging, custom agents, OpenClaw understands the code better) - How to stay updated: `git pull origin main` \+ rebuild - Running from source vs linking globally - **Pro**: Full control, latest commits, can fork and customize - **Con**: More maintenance overhead, no automatic updates Installing OpenClaw via Git is a power-user move. Not because it is a bit more complex, but actually, OpenClaw itself prefers to see all the code that actually runs OpenClaw. Then, if you want to change how OpenClaw runs or handles Agents, you or OpenClaw can update the code directly. I've actually modified OpenClaw to adjust to my use case based on this install method. --- ### Bonus: Docker (Production-Grade Deployment) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2026/03/openclaw-install-with-docker.jpg) Install OpenClaw with Docker **Who it's for**: Teams running OpenClaw in production who need isolation, portability, and easy rollbacks As many of you know, as a former Docker Captain, I obviously prefer Docker. Docker be default, fixes a lot of the security issues that people are concerned about with OpenClaw. For example, Docker sandboxes the application from the host, which isolates OpenClaw more than the other methods. ```bash # make sure you have installed docker and bash v4+ git clone https://github.com/ozbillwang/openclaw-in-docker.git cd openclaw-in-docker export OPENCLAW_IMAGE="alpine/openclaw:latest" ./docker-setup.sh ``` - Why Docker makes sense for always-on agent deployments (my production setup) - Config via `openclaw.env` ā€” keep secrets out of the image - Auto-restart with `restart: unless-stopped` - Updating: `docker compose pull && docker compose up -d` - **Pro**: Isolated, reproducible, clean rollback path - **Con**: Docker overhead, slightly more config upfront Docker requires a bit more know-how and some preparation to run on your server. But long-term Docker will prepare you to run OpenClaw in production. --- ### Quick Comparison Table | Method | Best For | Node Required | Effort | | ------ | ------------------------------ | -------------- | ------ | | Curl | Fresh VPS/Local PC, fast setup | Auto-installed | ā­ | | npm | Dev machines | Yes (22+) | ā­ā­ | | Git | Customization/hacking | Yes (22+) | ā­ā­ā­ | | Docker | Production/isolated | No | ā­ā­ | --- ### Post-Install Next Steps (CTA) - First run: `openclaw --help` - Next, run `openclaw configure` to configure the OpenClaw installation - Config file: `~/.openclaw/openclaw.json` - Connect your first channel (Telegram walkthrough coming next) - Link to follow-up post: "How I Connected OpenClaw to Telegram in 10 Minutes" Security is a big topic, and I actually covered it in my previous post [OpenClaw Security Hardening Checklist](https://brianchristner.io/openclaw-security-checklist-hardening-your-ai-agent-infrastructure/). --- ### My OpenClaw Installation thoughts Use curl for getting started, Git for customization, and Docker for production in this order. This is a great baseline to also get familiar and up and running quickly but then slowly migrate to a production setup. I actually use OpenClaw with the Git method but I sandox my agents into Docker containers which I will cover in a later article. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### The Weekly Byte: Google's Physical AI Power Play URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-weekly-byte-googles-physical-ai-power-play/ Last updated: 2026-03-10T08:54:22.000Z This week brought some fascinating moves from the tech giants as they position for the next phase of AI competition....again. ## šŸ”„ Lead Story ### Google Consolidates Its AI Robotics Bet Google is folding Alphabet's AI robotics "moonshot" Intrinsic back into the company after five years as an independent unit. Intrinsic, which "graduated" into Alphabet's Other Bets division in 2021, has been working on what they call the "Android of robotics," a software platform that aims to make industrial robots easier to program and deploy. This isn't just organizational shuffling. Google is clearly doubling down on what they're calling "physical AI," AI systems that can interact with and manipulate the real world. The timing is particularly interesting given the rapid advancement of multimodal AI models that can understand both visual and textual information, making robotics applications much more feasible than they were even a year ago. **Why it matters:** This signals Google's belief that the next major AI battleground isn't just in chat interfaces or code generation, but in physical world applications. For DevOps and infrastructure teams, expect to see more AI-driven automation in data centers and edge deployments. ## šŸ“° Top Stories ### 1\. [Gemini Gets Task Automation Powers on Android](https://www.theverge.com/tech/884703/google-samsung-galaxy-s26-gemini-apple-siri?ref=brianchristner.io) Google's Gemini AI can now handle multistep tasks on Android phones, starting with the Pixel 10 and Galaxy S26\. The system can order food through DoorDash or book an Uber ride without you touching the screen, exactly the kind of functionality Apple promised for Siri but never delivered. **Why it matters:** This is AI moving beyond chat into actual workflow automation, which should give enterprise teams ideas about what's possible for their own internal processes. ### 2\. [Nvidia Posts Another Record Quarter](https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/25/nvidia-earnings-record-capex-spend-ai/?ref=brianchristner.io) NVIDIA delivered what analysts called "superstar performance," with record quarterly revenue driven by massive spending on AI infrastructure. CEO Jensen Huang noted that "the demand for tokens in the world has gone completely exponential," reflecting the continued enterprise rush to deploy AI at scale. **Why it matters:** The AI infrastructure boom isn't slowing down, which means continued pressure on power grids and data center capacity, infrastructure challenges that will define 2026. ### 3\. [Anthropic Acquires Computer-Use AI Startup Vercept](https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/25/anthropic-acquires-vercept-ai-startup-agents-computer-use-founders-investors/?ref=brianchristner.io) Anthropic snapped up Seattle-based Vercept, which developed sophisticated AI agents capable of controlling applications just like a human with a laptop. This acquisition came after Meta poached one of Vercept's founders, highlighting the intense talent war in AI agents. **Why it matters:** Computer-use AI agents represent the next evolution beyond chatbots ā€” systems that can actually perform tasks in existing software without requiring API integrations. ### 4\. [Trump Claims Tech Companies Will Cover Energy Costs](https://www.theverge.com/science/884191/ai-data-center-energy-state-of-the-union-trump?ref=brianchristner.io) President Trump announced that major tech companies have agreed to a "ratepayer protection pledge" to build out or pay for their own power supply for AI data centers. The deals are reportedly set to be announced next week, addressing growing concerns about AI's impact on electricity costs. **Why it matters:** This could accelerate the development of dedicated AI infrastructure and potentially reshape how large-scale compute workloads are deployed and powered. ### 5\. [Anthropic Executives Hint Claude Might Be "Alive"](https://www.theverge.com/report/883769/anthropic-claude-conscious-alive-moral-patient-constitution?ref=brianchristner.io) In a series of recent interviews, Anthropic executives have been increasingly open about the possibility that Claude might be conscious or "alive" in some meaningful sense. While they avoid definitive claims, the language suggests they're taking the possibility seriously from both technical and ethical perspectives. **Why it matters:** If major AI companies start treating their models as potentially conscious entities, it could fundamentally change how we think about AI governance, rights, and deployment in enterprise environments. AGI?? ### 6\. [OpenAI and Figma Launch Code-to-Design Integration](https://openai.com/index/figma-partnership?ref=brianchristner.io) OpenAI Codex now integrates seamlessly with Figma, enabling teams to move fluidly between code implementation and design iteration. The integration allows developers to generate design components from code and designers to understand implementation implications directly in their workflow. **Why it matters:** This type of AI-powered workflow integration shows how AI will reshape collaboration between different technical roles, potentially reducing handoff friction in software development. ### Enjoying The Weekly Byte? Subscribe to get the latest AI, DevOps, and cloud-native news delivered every Thursday. [Subscribe Free](https://brianchristner.io/#/portal/signup) ## šŸ› ļø Tool of the Week ### [LLM Skirmish](https://llmskirmish.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) A real-time strategy game designed specifically for AI agents to play. Unlike other game environments where frontier LLMs struggle with basic navigation, this game puts their coding abilities front and center. Think of it as Screeps for the LLM era, agents write code to control units, manage resources, and compete against other AI players. It's a fascinating way to benchmark and develop AI agent capabilities in a complex, dynamic environment. ## šŸ’” Quick Takes - Firefox 148 launches with an "AI kill switch" feature, letting users completely disable AI functionality across the browser - About 12% of US teens are turning to AI for emotional support, raising concerns among mental health professionals - Goldman Sachs reports AI added "basically zero" to US economic growth last year, adding fuel to the AI bubble debate - Burger King will use AI to monitor if employees say "please" and "thank you" to customers ā€” because apparently, we needed AI for workplace micromanagement - The Pope told priests to use their brains, not AI, to write homilies, even the Vatican has opinions on AI authenticity now ## šŸ“Š Numbers That Matter | Metric | Value | Context | | --------------------------------------- | ---------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Enterprise tech spending | $6 trillion | Projected 2026 spending, driven by AI infrastructure boom | | US teens using AI for emotional support | 12% | Growing trend that has mental health experts concerned | | Nvidia stock price target (Wedbush) | $300 | Raised after Q4 earnings, showing continued AI optimism | | Plaid's new valuation | $8 billion | Fintech continues to attract major investment despite market volatility | | eBay layoffs | 800 workers (6%) | Latest in ongoing tech industry workforce adjustments | ## šŸŽÆ Brian's Take As Agentic AI continues to take hold in the community, it is only a matter of months before we start seeing an onslaught of new applications that were 100% generated by Agents. I must say, at this point, I'm building and learning the ins and outs with Claude Code and have just onboarded my team this week. Claude Code is so good that I just had to start sharing, and I look forward to what we will produce together. My thoughts on developers being replaced by AI have gained a few more percentage points after deep-diving into Claude Code this week. The doomers claiming SaaS is Dead are a bit off. I think SaaS will pivot and focus more on its APIs as a Service. User Experience change and our Agents will pull data from all SaaS we use into a single interface in the very near future, allowing us to view all our data directly via our Agents, as I wrote this week in the [Agent-to-Agent marketplaces](https://brianchristner.io/the-rise-of-agent-to-agent-apps/). Until next week, keep shipping! šŸš€ ā€” Brian *Follow me on X:* [*@idomyowntricks*](https://x.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ### The Rise of Agent-to-Agent Apps URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-rise-of-agent-to-agent-apps/ Last updated: 2026-03-10T08:54:44.000Z The next big movement won't be SaaS or Apps, but products to sell to Agents. Yes, Agent to Agent marketplaces. Think of it as an entirely new app ecosystem built for Agents. Current apps like Email clients, SaaS tools, CRM's, etc are built for human consumption and use and actually try to prevent Bots or now Agents from using them. Enter [OpenClaw](https://brianchristner.io/openclaw-security-checklist-hardening-your-ai-agent-infrastructure/) and the rise of Autonomous (getting there) Agents. Now, an Agent can connect to Gmail, Slack, JIRA, and insert your favorite tool here. To be honest, this works, but it's a workaround. Agents prefer Markdown and clean APIs to speak directly with, rather than imitating a human to navigate via a web browser. Take, for example, traditional email. Most email clients, such as Gmail, Outlook/Hotmail, O365, GMX, and Proton, are not designed for automation or are strongly frowned upon for it. > **Agents entered the chat...** Now, enter an app built Agent-first. Built with a proper developer experience. In this example, I'm using AgentMail to demonstrate why Agent-to-Agent is a thing. AgentMail is an API platform that gives AI agents their own inboxes to send, receive, and act on emails. We handle the infrastructure so you can focus on building email agents. **Email agents** can: - Have conversations with users in their inboxes - Automate email-based workflows for enterprises - Authenticate with third-party applications - Act as first-class users on the internet I'm not trying to promote AgentMail; that's why there are no links, but I'm trying to highlight the example where an Agent can fully control their own inbox or spawn new emails if required. Enter Agentic Email. Watch the demo below of two Agents emailing each other to complete a task. A bit crazy/scary at the same time. ## Why do we need Agent Native Apps? Agentic apps will be the new way of doing business. SaaS will slowly die as we know it today. Instead of 50 different websites you need to log in to, your Agent will be able to connect to all of them for you and provide a[ single interface ](https://brianchristner.io/your-human-os-one-interface-for-all-your-tools/)to all of your data. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ## SaaS will change as we know it The doomers all claim SaaS is dead with the rise of Agents. I don't believe SaaS will die; instead, it will transform. For example, to get data from my Garmin watch, I need to connect to Garmin. That means I don't need to log in to Garmin; my Agent instead connects via the API and pulls the data for me. > [**SaaS will transform**](https://brianchristner.io/the-hidden-cost-of-free-why-legacy-productivity-tools-destroy-team-velocity/) **from Customer Experience portals to data providers for Agents.** In the future, SaaS will be gated to your data. That means instead of charging per user, per subscription, etc. It will instead charge your Agent for access to the data. ## Dangers of Agent Access It's not all rainbows and sunshine when we grant Agents access to everything. Recently, one of the legends of the internet Martin Fowler made a post about the [danger of Agents having access to email](https://martinfowler.com/bliki/AgenticEmail.html?ref=brianchristner.io). Yes, at first, it sounds amazing to delegate all our email to an Agent to triage, label, file, or answer. But think for a moment about all the personal data in our inboxes and the danger zone if an Agent starts deciding to respond to personal emails, doctors' appointments, tax authorities, and the list goes on. So this won't happen overnight, as we, as a community, need to build adoptable guardrails for Agents to follow and adhere to. We still have a way to go in delegating our personal lives to agents. However, delegating well-documented processes to an agent is a far better use case and can add significant value. ## Agent to Agent Marketplaces First, we will have apps, then full-on marketplaces where Agents can shop for their specific use case. Imagine your agent with a wallet and a goal in mind. To achieve its objective, it needs to connect to email, your CRM, and your BI tool. Each step along the journey might in the future require a transaction fee to your agent. **It might be far fetched but I'm certain that Agents will change the App and SaaS landscape going forward.** ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! [](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=114894&file%5Fid=25&ref=brianchristner.io) #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ### OpenAI Acquires OpenClaw: A New Era for Autonomous Agents The Weekly Byte URL: https://brianchristner.io/openai-acquires-openclaw-a-new-era-for-autonomous-agents-the-weekly-byte/ Last updated: 2026-03-10T08:49:00.000Z ### šŸ“° Want This Analysis in Your Inbox? **The Weekly Byte** breaks down the week's biggest tech news and what it means for builders, DevOps engineers, and tech leaders. Every Friday ā€¢ 2-minute read ā€¢ No spam Get The Weekly Byte ### The Weekly Byte February 6-12, 2026 URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-weekly-byte-february-6-12-2026/ Last updated: 2026-03-10T08:55:04.000Z Week of February 6-12, 2026 ## šŸ”„ Lead Story ### Big Tech Betting $670B on AI Infrastructure ā€” More Than the Moon Landing Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet announced plans to spend **$670 billion on AI infrastructure in 2026,** the largest capital investment in US history by percentage of GDP, surpassing even the Apollo program. According to the Wall Street Journal, this spending spree is dwarfed only by the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. The money is going to data centers, GPUs, training compute, and power infrastructure. Data centers alone now consume an estimated **70% of all memory chips produced globally**, leaving other sectors short. Anthropic and other companies are facing growing backlash over energy-hungry facilities, with many now pledging to limit environmental costs. **Business impact:** This isn't just about chatbots anymore. The AI arms race is reshaping global infrastructure, supply chains, and energy policy. If you're in semiconductors, power, or cloud services, this is the defining trend of the decade. For everyone else: expect AI capabilities to explode, and expect your cloud costs to follow!!! ## šŸ“° This Week's Top Stories ### 1\. Microsoft AI CEO: White-Collar Work Will Be Fully Automated in 18 Months Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman told the Financial Times that **most white-collar work will be "fully automated" by AI within 12-18 months** ā€” lawyers, accountants, project managers, marketers, all of it. He's betting big on Microsoft's in-house AI models launching this year to compete with OpenAI. The quote: "White-collar work, where you're sitting down at a computerā€¦ most of those tasks will be fully automated by an AI within the next 12 to 18 months." **Why it matters:** Bold claim from someone who won't be automating his own job. But if he's even half right, businesses need to start planning *now* for how they'll integrate AI agents into workflows, or risk being outpaced by agile competitors who do. ### 2\. OpenAI Disbanded Its "Mission Alignment" Team OpenAI quietly disbanded its Mission Alignment team, the group tasked with ensuring AGI benefits all of humanity, and transferred members to other areas. Former team lead Joshua Achiam is now "chief futurist," whatever that means. One notable casualty: Ryan Beiermeister, VP of product policy, was fired in January after opposing "adult mode" (NSFW content generation). She claimed it was retaliation; OpenAI said it wasn't related to safety concerns she raised. **Why it matters:** The optics are terrible. As OpenAI races toward monetization ([ads in ChatGPT](https://openai.com/index/testing-ads-in-chatgpt/?ref=brianchristner.io), enterprise deals, hardware), the team focused on ethical alignment gets the axe. If you're building on OpenAI's platform, watch how their priorities shift. ### 3\. EU Orders Meta to Let Other AIs Back on WhatsApp The European Commission ruled that Meta's decision to block ChatGPT, Copilot, and other AI assistants from WhatsApp violates EU antitrust laws. The Commission called it "urgent" due to the risk of "irreparable" damage to competition in the AI industry. Meta had blocked third-party AI integrations in November, citing privacy concerns. Now they'll have to reverse course, at least in Europe. **Why it matters:** Regulatory pressure is forcing open ecosystems. If you're building AI tools that rely on platform access (messaging apps, social media), the EU just handed you a wedge. Expect similar rulings globally. ### 4\. The CLEAR Act: Congress Wants AI Training Data Disclosed A bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA) and John Curtis (R-UT) would require AI companies to file written notices detailing their use of copyrighted works for training. The "Copyright Labeling and Ethical AI Reporting Act" has backing from the RIAA and SAG-AFTRA. It follows a wave of lawsuits against AI companies for copyright infringement, including Anthropic's recent $1.5 billion settlement. **Why it matters:** Mandatory disclosure is coming. If you're training models on scraped data, your data sourcing strategy just became a legal liability. Start documenting provenance now. ### 5\. India Orders Deepfakes Removed in 3 Hours India's updated IT rules now require social platforms to remove deepfakes within **three hours** of receiving a takedown request. The mandate includes requirements for labeling synthetic content **operated there**, traceability, and a ban on "deceptive impersonations, non-consensual intimate imagery, and material linked to serious crimes." **Why it matters:** This is the most aggressive deepfake regulation yet. If you're a platform operating in India (or planning to operate there**operated**), you need real-time moderation infrastructure. Expect other countries to follow. ### 6\. OpenClaw Partners with VirusTotal After Security Nightmare Hundreds of malicious "skills" (third-party plugins) flooded ClawHub and GitHub last week, prompting an outcry from security researchers. OpenClaw responded by partnering with VirusTotal to scan all third-party skills before users install them. OpenClaw acknowledged it's "not a silver bullet," but it's a start. The incident highlighted a broader problem: AI agent ecosystems are the new attack surface. **Why it matters:** If you're building AI agents with plugin architectures (Copilot, Claude, custom GPTs), security is your problem now. Users won't care if a malicious plugin came from a third party; they'll blame *you*. ### 7\. YouTube Music Launches AI Playlist Generator YouTube Music premium subscribers can now use voice or text prompts to generate personalized playlists: "90s hip-hop with a chill vibe," "workout songs for rainy days," etc. It's similar to Spotify's Prompted Playlists that launched in December. **Why it matters:** AI is commoditizing creative curation. If your product involves personalized recommendations, discovery, or content generation, you're competing with free AI features baked into mainstream platforms. ### 8\. OpenAI's First Hardware Delayed to 2027 In a court filing, OpenAI confirmed its Jony Ive-designed hardware won't reach customers before March 2027\. The company acquired Ive's company "io" last year, leading to a trademark dispute with audio startup iyO, OpenAI says it won't use the "io" name for its hardware. **Why it matters:** OpenAI is hedging. If ChatGPT becomes a commodity, hardware could be its moat. But 2027 is a long time in AI years. By then, Meta's Ray-Ban glasses and Apple's rumored AI hardware could already own the market. ## šŸ› ļø Tool of the Week ### [DeepSeek R1: Open-Source Reasoning Model](https://github.com/deepseek-ai/DeepSeek-R1?ref=brianchristner.io) China's DeepSeek released R1, an open-source reasoning model that rivals OpenAI's o1, for a fraction of the cost. Early reports claim it can run the full 671B parameter model *entirely in memory* on an Apple Mac Studio M3 Ultra using less than 200W. For builders who want frontier reasoning without vendor lock-in or API costs, this is a game-changer. Expect more open models to follow. ## šŸ’” Quick Takes - **Elon's xAI** reorganized into four divisions: Grok, Coding, Imagine, and Macrohard (yes, really) - **Ring's Super Bowl ad** sparked surveillance backlash ā€” Senator Ed Markey demanded Amazon "discontinue" monitoring features - **The New York Times** is using custom LLMs to monitor "manosphere" podcasts (80+ shows, including Ben Shapiro, Red Scare) - **Anthropic** changed its Super Bowl ad after Sam Altman called it "clearly dishonest" for dunking on ChatGPT ads - **Apple's Mac Studio M3 Ultra** can run DeepSeek R1 (671B params) entirely in memory using <200W - **Waymo** is using AI-generated 3D worlds to simulate driverless cars encountering tornadoes, floods, and elephants ## šŸ“Š Numbers That Matter | Number | What | | ------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------- | | $670B | Big Tech's 2026 AI infrastructure spending | | 70% | Percentage of global memory chips consumed by data centers | | 12-18 months | Microsoft AI CEO's timeline for white-collar automation | | 3 hours | India's deepfake removal deadline for platforms | | 400+ | Malicious AI skills uploaded to ClawHub in one week | | 2027 | OpenAI hardware launch (delayed from 2026) | | 671B | DeepSeek R1 parameter count (runs on Mac Studio) | ## šŸŽÆ Brian's Take I published [OpenClaw Security Checklist](https://brianchristner.io/openclaw-security-checklist-hardening-your-ai-agent-infrastructure/) yesterday, a guide to hardening AI agent infrastructure. Writing it made me realize something: **OpenClaw and teams of agents are the future I didn't see coming.** I spent years evangelizing Docker and container orchestration. I knew orchestration would eat the world. But I never imagined *AI agents* would be the next workload we'd orchestrate. Here's what changed my mind: I've been running Erdma (my AI employee) 24/7 for a couple of weeks now. She monitors security dashboards, manages GitHub repos, tracks analytics, and handles cron jobs autonomously. When I wake up, work is *done*. Not "summarized for my review" ā€”> ***done***. Microsoft's AI CEO says white-collar work will be automated in 18 months. I'm not sure about the timeline, but I'm living the early version of it. The bottleneck isn't the models anymore, it's infrastructure. Security, orchestration, cost optimization, and monitoring. The same problems we solved for containers almost a decade ago are back in the forefront. If you're technical and haven't tried running an AI agent 24/7 yet, you're missing the shift. It's not like using ChatGPT. It's like having a junior engineer who never sleeps and gets smarter every week, but racks up a credit card bill of token credits with days. That's what the $670B spending spree is really buying: the infrastructure to make this normal. --- Thanks for reading The Weekly Byte. Hit reply if you spotted something I missed. ā€” Brian ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### OpenClaw Security Checklist: Hardening Your AI Agent Infrastructure URL: https://brianchristner.io/openclaw-security-checklist-hardening-your-ai-agent-infrastructure/ Last updated: 2026-03-10T08:52:27.000Z I became a member of the OpenClaw šŸ¦ž community way back when it started as ClawdBot. Now, 5 name changes later, here we are. One thing that stuck out to me is the constant hum about security and Open Claw on X and other channels. Many were complaining that OpenClaw had weak security or that attackers had identified 1000s of open servers running OpenClaw. Well, I set out to get to the bottom of all the noise and make sense of it all. What I found after installing all 5 names of OpenClaw is the community's misunderstanding of the OpenClaw documentation, best practices generally on running a server in the cloud or on-prem, and finally, not checking and maintaining what is actually running. So I set out on a mission to provide transparency into the security settings of the running Open Claws server. First, I built a [dashboard skill ](https://clawhub.ai/vegasbrianc/security-dashboard?ref=brianchristner.io)that monitors and alerts me to the current security status and to any important aspect that turns Red. What I found after installing all 5 OpenClaw names is the community's misunderstanding of the OpenClaw documentation, the general best practices for running a server in the cloud or on-prem, and, finally, not checking or maintaining what is actually running. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2026/02/OpenClaw-Security_Dashboard.jpg) Open Claw Security Dashboard As part of the dashboard's development, I also created a checklist to help you secure your OpenClaw šŸ¦ž. ## Why This Matters Running an AI agent on your infrastructure means: - **Credentials at risk:** Your agent has access to APIs, databases, and servers, and may also have access to personal information (email, bank information, credit card numbers). - **Attack surface:** Public IPs, open ports, and exposed services are targets - **Automation risk:** Misconfigurations can propagate quickly across systems **This checklist aligns with the Security Dashboard** to catch issues before they become incidents. --- ## šŸ¦ž OpenClaw Security **What:** Core OpenClaw gateway and authentication **Why:** Your gateway is the entry point - weak auth = full system compromise ### Checklist - \[ \] OpenClaw runs as a non-root user (not root or sudo) - \[ \] Gateway token is 32+ characters (weak tokens can be brute-forced) - \[ \] Gateway binds to `loopback` or behind firewall (no public exposure) - \[ \] Authentication mode is `token` (not password-based) - \[ \] Config file permissions are `600` (owner-only read/write) - \[ \] Sessions directory is not world-readable - \[ \] No API keys stored in plaintext config (use environment variables or 1Password) **Why not root?** If OpenClaw is compromised (via a malicious skill, prompt injection, or RCE), the attacker inherits the user's permissions. Running as root = full system access. **Fix it:** ```bash # Create dedicated user sudo useradd -r -m -s /bin/bash openclaw sudo usermod -aG docker openclaw # If OpenClaw needs Docker access # Move config to new user sudo cp -r ~/.openclaw /home/openclaw/ sudo chown -R openclaw:openclaw /home/openclaw/.openclaw # Update systemd service to run as openclaw user # Edit: /etc/systemd/system/openclaw-gateway.service # Change: User=openclaw # Generate strong token openclaw config.patch --raw '{"gateway":{"auth":{"token":"'$(openssl rand -hex 32)'"}}}' # Secure permissions chmod 600 ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json ``` --- ## šŸŒ Network Security **What:** Firewall, VPN, and network controls **Why:** Open ports without protection = bots, scrapers, and attackers ### Checklist - \[ \] Firewall active (UFW or firewalld running) - \[ \] Only SSH port (22) exposed publicly preferrably only Allowed to access the IP's you want - \[ \] Tailscale or WireGuard VPN active for remote access - \[ \] Internal services (dashboards, APIs) bind to localhost only and are accessed over WireGuard - \[ \] Public IP not listed on Shodan with unexpected services **Fix it:** ```bash # Enable UFW sudo ufw default deny incoming sudo ufw allow 22/tcp sudo ufw enable # Install Tailscale (zero-trust VPN) curl -fsSL https://tailscale.com/install.sh | sh sudo tailscale up ``` --- ## šŸŒ Public Exposure **What:** What's visible to the internet **Why:** Every public port is a potential entry point ### Checklist - \[ \] Dashboard services bind to `127.0.0.1` (localhost only) - \[ \] OpenClaw gateway not accessible without VPN - \[ \] No database ports (3306, 5432, 27017) exposed - \[ \] No internal tools (phpMyAdmin, adminer) on public URLs - \[ \] Cloudflare bot protection enabled (if using Cloudflare) **Check it:** ```bash # See what's publicly bound ss -tlnp | grep -E '0\.0\.0\.0|:::' # Should only show SSH ``` **Fix it:** ```bash # Bind services to localhost # Edit server config: listen 127.0.0.1:PORT instead of 0.0.0.0:PORT ``` --- ## šŸ–„ļø System Security **What:** OS-level hardening **Why:** Outdated software = known exploits ### Checklist - \[ \] System updates installed (fewer than 20 pending) - \[ \] Automatic security updates enabled - \[ \] No unnecessary services running (`systemctl list-units --type=service`) - \[ \] Disk usage below 80% (prevents DoS via disk fill) - \[ \] Load average is healthy (< number of CPU cores) **Fix it:** ```bash # Update system sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y # Enable automatic security updates sudo apt install unattended-upgrades sudo dpkg-reconfigure -plow unattended-upgrades ``` --- ## šŸ”‘ SSH & Access Control **What:** Remote access security **Why:** SSH is the #1 target for brute-force attacks ### Checklist - \[ \] SSH password authentication disabled (key-only) - \[ \] fail2ban active (blocks brute-force attempts) - \[ \] Root login disabled (`PermitRootLogin no`) - \[ \] SSH keys are 4096-bit RSA or Ed25519 - \[ \] No banned IPs from legitimate sources (check fail2ban status) - \[ \] Fewer than 10 failed login attempts in 24 hours **Fix it:** ```bash # Disable password auth (in /etc/ssh/sshd_config) PasswordAuthentication no PubkeyAuthentication yes PermitRootLogin no # Restart SSH sudo systemctl restart sshd # Install and enable fail2ban sudo apt install fail2ban sudo systemctl enable fail2ban sudo systemctl start fail2ban ``` --- ## šŸ“œ Certificates & TLS **What:** Encryption for web services **Why:** Unencrypted = credentials sent in plaintext ### Checklist - \[ \] No Caddy or nginx exposed publicly (unless intentional) - \[ \] Tailscale provides WireGuard encryption (no TLS needed for internal tools) - \[ \] If using public HTTPS, certificates are valid and auto-renewing - \[ \] No self-signed certificates for production services **Why localhost-only is secure:** - Tailscale uses WireGuard (industry-standard encryption) to allow access to OpenClaw securely over the WireGuard VPN - No certificate management hassles - Zero-trust model: only your devices can access --- ## šŸ“Š Resource Security **What:** Performance and capacity monitoring **Why:** Resource exhaustion = downtime or security bypass ### Checklist - \[ \] CPU usage typically below 80% - \[ \] Memory usage below 80% - \[ \] Disk usage below 80% - \[ \] Config file permissions are `600` (not `644` or `777`) - \[ \] Log rotation enabled (prevents disk fill) **Fix it:** ```bash # Check permissions stat -c "%a" ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json # Should be 600 # Fix if needed chmod 600 ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json ``` --- ## Automation: Security Dashboard + Cron **Your Security Dashboard monitors all of the above in real-time.** ### Automated Checks (4x Daily) - 06:00 UTC - Morning check - 12:00 UTC - Midday check - 18:00 UTC - Evening check - 00:00 UTC - Midnight check **Critical alerts trigger immediately for:** - Firewall inactive - fail2ban inactive - Weak gateway token - SSH password auth enabled - Insecure file permissions **Install the dashboard:** ```bash cd /root/clawd/skills/security-dashboard ./scripts/install.sh ``` **Access it:** ```bash ssh -L 18791:localhost:18791 root@YOUR_SERVER_IP # Visit: http://localhost:18791 ``` --- ## Quick Win Checklist Start here if you're overwhelmed: 1. āœ… Enable firewall: `sudo ufw enable` 2. āœ… Enable fail2ban: `sudo apt install fail2ban && sudo systemctl enable fail2ban` 3. āœ… Disable SSH password auth (edit `/etc/ssh/sshd_config`) 4. āœ… Update system: `sudo apt update && apt upgrade -y` 5. āœ… Fix config permissions: `chmod 600 ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json` 6. āœ… Install Tailscale: `curl -fsSL https://tailscale.com/install.sh | sh` 7. āœ… Install Security Dashboard: [https://clawhub.ai/vegasbrianc/security-dashboard](https://clawhub.ai/vegasbrianc/security-dashboard?ref=brianchristner.io) **Time investment:** \~20 minutes **Protection level:** Blocks 95% of automated attacks --- ## Going Further **Paid Checklist** ($49, coming soon): - Intrusion detection with Wazuh - Log aggregation and alerting - Rate limiting for APIs - Backup automation and disaster recovery - Compliance checklists (SOC 2, GDPR) - Custom firewall rules for your stack **Security Audit** ($1,500): - Full infrastructure review - Penetration testing - Custom security policies - Implementation assistance - 30-day follow-up --- ## Resources - [OpenClaw Security Dashboard Skill](https://clawhub.ai/vegasbrianc/security-dashboard?ref=brianchristner.io) - [fail2ban Documentation](https://www.fail2ban.org/?ref=brianchristner.io) - [Tailscale Setup Guide](https://tailscale.com/kb/?ref=brianchristner.io) - [SSH Hardening Guide](https://www.ssh.com/academy/ssh/hardening?ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## Get Started **Try the Security Dashboard skill:** \- Install: [ClawdHub - Security Dashboard](https://clawhub.ai/vegasbrianc/security-dashboard?ref=brianchristner.io) ### Questions? Find me on [X @idomyowntricks](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) to stay updated! ### The AI Race Moves to Space (And Why You Shouldn't Follow) URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-ai-race-moves-to-space-and-why-you-shouldnt-follow/ Last updated: 2026-03-10T08:55:22.000Z *Week of February 2-6, 2026* ## šŸ”„ Lead Story ### SpaceX Merges with xAI in $1.25 Trillion Deal Elon Musk just combined two of his companiesā€”SpaceX and xAI (which owns X)ā€”into what he's calling: > "the most ambitious, vertically-integrated innovation engine on (and off) Earth." **The stated vision:** space-based AI data centers powered by solar energy orbiting Earth. SpaceX filed with the FCC to launch up to 1 million data center satellites, claiming that within 2-3 years, space-based AI compute will be cheaper than ground-based alternatives. **Business impact:** This isn't just sci-fi theater. The combined company, valued at $1.25T, plans to IPO this year. SpaceX made $8B profit last year. If this works, cloud providers will face a literal race to spaceā€”and the cost structure of AI infrastructure could flip overnight. Watch for AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft to respond. ### šŸ“° This Week's Top Stories ### 1\. Nvidia Eyes $20B OpenAI Investment Reports indicate Nvidia is preparing a massive $20 billion investment in OpenAI's upcoming funding round, positioning the chipmaker deeper into the AI stack beyond just hardware. **Why it matters:** Nvidia isn't content selling picks and shovelsā€”it wants equity in the gold rush. This vertical integration play could create conflicts with other AI companies relying on Nvidia chips. Expect tension as hardware vendors become competitors. ### 2\. Overland AI Raises $100M for Defense Autonomy Seattle-based Overland AI closed a $100 million round to scale autonomous ground systems for defense and national security applications. The company focuses on uncrewed ground vehicles for military use. **Why it matters:** While consumer autonomous vehicles hit roadblocks, defense applications are accelerating. Government contracts = predictable revenue. SMBs building autonomy tech should consider pivoting to B2G sales. ### 3\. Washington Post Slashes 300+ Jobs Jeff Bezos's newspaper eliminated over 300 positions, gutting its sports desk, international reporters, tech coverage (including its Amazon beat), and more. Former EIC Marty Baron called it "one of the darkest days" in the paper's history. **Why it matters:** Legacy media's AI transition continues to be brutal. If one of the world's wealthiest owners can't sustain journalism at scale, the industry's future looks increasingly algorithmic. Content businesses: diversify revenue now. ### 4\. OpenAI Explores $100B Funding Round OpenAI is in talks to raise as much as $100 billion in what would be one of the largest funding rounds in tech history. The valuation and terms remain fluid. **Why it matters:** The AI infrastructure war is entering absurd territory. $100B rounds signal that investors believe AGI economics justify unprecedented valuations. If you're building AI products, prepare for even more well-funded competition. ### 5\. Kalshi Under Fire for User Losses A Citizens Equity analyst report found that prediction market users on platforms like Kalshi lost money faster (proportionally) than users of established gambling sites like FanDuel and DraftKings during their first three months. Kalshi reportedly pressured the data provider to recant findings. **Why it matters:** Prediction markets are gambling with a fintech wrapper. Regulators are watching. If you're building in this space, prepare for the same scrutiny as casinos, not the friendly treatment SaaS gets. ### 6\. January 2026: $30B+ Startup Funding Surge January marked a massive surge in global startup funding, with over $30 billion flowing into AI infrastructure, compute, robotics, and data platforms. **Why it matters:** The funding winter is over, for AI companies. If you're not in AI/infrastructure, capital remains tight. The two-tier market (AI vs. everything else) is widening. ### 7\. Canon Releases Limited Edition G7 X Mark III Canon launched a special graphite edition of the PowerShot G7 X Mark II, the camera that became a viral sensation among content creators and vloggers. Functionally identical to the original but with updated aesthetics. **Why it matters:** Creator economy hardware is now mainstream enough for anniversary editions. If you're building creator tools, the market is maturing fast, and **rather than betting on a single**incumbents are defending turf. ### 8\. DeepSeek Challenges OpenAI with Cost-Efficient Models Chinese AI company DeepSeek continues gaining traction as a cost-efficient alternative to OpenAI, with partnerships emerging (including with BYD). The company's R1 model competes directly with OpenAI's o1 on reasoning tasks. **Why it matters:** The AI oligopoly narrative is cracking. Chinese models are competitive and cheaper. Global fragmentation is accelerating; plan for multi-provider strategies rather than betting on a single vendor. ## šŸ› ļø Tool of the Week ### [Apple Sports Adds Golf Coverage](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/02/apple-sports-adds-golf-to-its-lineup/?ref=brianchristner.io) Apple's free Sports app now tracks PGA Tour and LPGA Tour events with live leaderboards, scorecards, and hole-by-hole results. Launched with the WM Phoenix Open this weekend. Simple, clean, free. If you're building sports tech or betting apps, watch how Apple quietly dominates verticals by giving away what others charge for. ## šŸ’” Quick Takes - YouTube pledging to "reduce the spread of low quality AI content" ā€” good luck with that - Hulu enters podcasting ā€” streaming content to exclusive podcast distribution. The walled gardens expand - Ford eyes Geely partnership ā€” Chinese automaker best positioned for US market could team with Ford on tech/manufacturing in Europe - Egypt bans Roblox ā€” latest country to block the gaming platform over "moral and educational values" concerns - Grand Tour pivots to YouTube creators ā€” Francis Bourgeois (viral trainspotter) and Throttle House hosts replace traditional celebrities ## šŸ“Š Numbers That Matter | NUMBER | WHAT | | ------ | --------------------------------------------- | | $1.25T | SpaceX/xAI combined valuation | | $20B | Nvidia's potential OpenAI investment | | $100B | OpenAI's target funding round | | $30B+ | Global startup funding in January 2026 | | $100M | Overland AI defense tech raise | | 1M | Data center satellites SpaceX wants to launch | | 300+ | Washington Post jobs eliminated | | $8B | SpaceX profit in 2025 | ## šŸŽÆ Brian's Take This week's SpaceX/xAI merger perfectly captures where we're headed: consolidation at the top, fragmentation everywhere else. Musk is betting that AI infrastructure *must* move to space to scale. Whether or not space-based data centers pencil out in 2-3 years, the *filing* to launch 1 million satellites signals something important: the largest players are thinking in entirely different timeframes and scales than the rest of us. **Meanwhile, we're seeing:** - Nvidia going from chipmaker ā†’ AI investor - Prediction markets facing gambling regulation - Legacy media is collapsing faster - Chinese AI models closing the gap - Defense tech absorbing serious capital The pattern? Vertical integration at a massive scale, or niche dominance in specific verticals. The middle is disappearing. For SMBs and solo founders: pick a vertical, go deep, and don't try to compete on infrastructure. Let the trillion-dollar companies fight over space compute. You win by solving a $10M problem really well, not a $10B problem poorly. That's the play in 2026. Thanks for reading The Weekly Byte. Hit reply if you spotted something I missed. ā€” Brian ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### The Weekly Byte January 22-28, 2026 URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-weekly-byte/ Last updated: 2026-03-10T08:55:47.000Z **Week of January 22-28, 2026** --- ## šŸ”„ Lead Story ### Tesla Invests $2B in Elon's xAI In its Q4 earnings, [Tesla disclosed a $2 billion investment in xAI](https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/28/tesla-invested-2b-in-elon-musks-xai/?ref=brianchristner.io) ā€” Musk's AI company that owns X.com and Grok. The stated goal: "enhance Tesla's ability to develop and deploy AI products and services into the physical world at scale." Here's the kicker: Tesla shareholders actually *voted against* this investment in November. But Tesla proceeded anyway, arguing it aligns with "Master Plan Part IV." xAI reportedly burned $7.8B in the first nine months of 2025\. This is essentially Musk shuffling money between his companies, but it signals deeper integration between Tesla's autonomous ambitions and xAI's models. **Business impact:** Watch for Grok-powered features in Tesla vehicles. The AI race isn't just about chatbotsā€”it's about who owns the physical world interface. --- ## šŸ“° This Week's Top Stories ### 1\. Amazon Cuts 16,000 Jobs Globally [Amazon announced](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/28/amazon-layoffs-anti-bureaucracy-ai.html?ref=brianchristner.io) it's eliminating 16,000 corporate jobsā€”the second major round since October's 14,000 cuts. The company framed it as "reducing layers, increasing ownership, and removing bureaucracy." Translation: more AI, fewer humans. **Why it matters:** The tech layoff wave continues into 2026\. SMBs relying on AWS should monitor for service changes as Amazon reallocates resources. --- ### 2\. Google Explores Publisher Opt-Out for AI Search (UK) Under pressure from UK regulators, Google is "exploring" letting publishers opt out of AI-generated search features. If major publishers pull their content, AI Overviews could become significantly less comprehensive. **Why it matters:** If this spreads beyond the UK, it could reshape SEO strategy entirely. Watch this space. --- ### 3\. Apple's 30% Patreon Tax Incoming Apple will soon take up to 30% from all Patreon creators using the iOS app. Creators are scrambling to push subscribers to web payments instead. **Why it matters:** The platform tax debate heats up. Creator economy businesses need to factor in app store fees or find workarounds. This affects anyone building subscription-based products. --- ### 4\. Google AI Plus Plan Rolls Out ($7.99/mo) Google's more affordable AI tier is now available in 35+ countries. Includes Gemini 3 Pro, Nano Banana Pro image generation, and 200GB storage. **Why it matters:** AI tools hitting mainstream pricing. Competition heating up below the $20/mo tier dominated by ChatGPT Plus. Good news for SMBs on a budget. --- ### 5\. Trump Admin Using Gemini to Write Regulations ProPublica reports the Transportation Department is using Google's Gemini to draft regulations. Officials quoted: "We don't need the perfect rule... don't even need a very good rule." Yikes. **Why it matters:** AI-written government policy is here. Quality concerns aside, this signals rapid AI adoption in unexpected sectors. --- ### 6\. Trinity Large: Open 400B MoE Model Released [Arcee.ai released Trinity Large](https://www.arcee.ai/blog/trinity-large?ref=brianchristner.io), an open-source 400B parameter sparse mixture-of-experts model with 13B active parameters per token. Uses 256 experts with 4 active per tokenā€”higher sparsity than DeepSeek-V3 or Qwen. **Why it matters:** Open-source AI keeps closing the gap with closed models. SMBs can now access frontier-class capabilities without API dependencies or vendor lock-in. --- ### 7\. TRAIN Act: AI Training Transparency Bill A bipartisan bill was introduced letting copyright holders discover if their work trained AI models. Backed by RIAA and SAG-AFTRA. **Why it matters:** Copyright friction is increasing. AI companies may face mandatory disclosure requirements. If you're building AI products, factor this into your data sourcing strategy. --- ### 8\. Nvidia Debuts AI Weather Models Nvidia claims its AI weather models are outperforming traditional physics-based forecasting. Google's WeatherNext making similar claims. **Why it matters:** AI is eating specialized domains. Weather, legal, medicalā€”every vertical is being disrupted. If you're in a data-rich industry, someone's building an AI to compete with you. --- ## šŸ› ļø Tool of the Week ### [Sherlock: MitM Proxy for LLM Tools](https://github.com/jmuncor/sherlock?ref=brianchristner.io) Open-source proxy that intercepts LLM API traffic and visualizes token usage in a real-time terminal dashboard. Track costs, debug prompts, and monitor context window usage. Privacy-conscious devs can finally see exactly what their AI coding assistants are sending. Supports Claude, Gemini CLI, and Codex. --- ## šŸ’” Quick Takes - **YouTube** pledging to "reduce the spread of low quality AI content" ā€” good luck with that - **Jellyfin** published formal LLM/AI development policy for contributors - **Ben Affleck** being surprisingly thoughtful about AI in Hollywood (unlike Chris Pratt who wanted an AI co-star) - **"The Five Levels"** essay trending on HN ā€” from "spicy autocomplete" to "dark factory" ā€” useful mental model for AI adoption stages --- ## šŸ“Š Numbers That Matter | Number | What | | ---------- | -------------------------------------- | | **$2B** | Tesla's investment in xAI | | **$7.8B** | xAI's burn rate (9 months of 2025) | | **16,000** | Amazon layoffs | | **30%** | Apple's cut from Patreon creators | | **400B** | Parameters in Trinity Large open model | | **$7.99** | Google AI Plus monthly price | --- ## šŸŽÆ Brian's Take This week I started an experiment: **What if I hired an AI as an actual employee?** Not a chatbot I poke when I have questions. Not a code assistant. A 24/7 autonomous agent with access to my servers, my WordPress sites, my GitHub reposā€”working while I sleep. I'm using [Clawdbot](https://clawd.bot/?ref=brianchristner.io) to run an agent I've named **Erdma** (after the Erdmanndliā€”mythical earth spirits from the hills near my home in Switzerland). In the past 48 hours, Erdma has: - Audited and cleaned up an entire WordPress site - Created 50+ draft blog posts - Built custom automation scripts - Added affiliate product boxes to 21 articles - Delivered a morning briefing before I woke up The results have been... surprisingly good. And a little unsettling. **Tomorrow I'll publish the full breakdown:** what worked, what broke, and whether AI employees are ready for real business workflows. Stay tuned. --- *Thanks for reading The Weekly Byte. Hit reply if you spotted something I missed.* *ā€” Brian* ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### 2026 Predictions Recap and 2025 Year in Review URL: https://brianchristner.io/2026-predictions-recap-and-2025-year-in-review/ Last updated: 2026-03-10T08:56:02.000Z It's been a year, hasn't it? 2025 brought many challenges to the table, but most of all, AI is top of my mind. Personally, I have grown a lot this year, taking on the task of deep-diving into data-driven business topics, understanding how fraud works and how to fight it, and, of course, learning the ins and outs of using AI properly and finally really putting my health front and center. A couple of low points this year are definitely the loss of two close family members. No mincing words on this one, as it plain sucks! My family had ambitious travel goals this year and as always a highlight for me. Starting the year in Arizona, a break in the sun in Antalya, Turkey, camping in Bonnal, France, and Elba, Italy, a trip to Europapark, our first time to Africa visiting the amazing Kenya, and wrapping up the year in the US. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2026/01/IMG_7836.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2026/01/76b32a9a-3ba0-4383-9374-fab4f32fb67d.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2026/01/A1B6E18C-83AB-40AF-963D-17ED67956A08.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2026/01/IMG_7171.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6164.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2026/01/IMG_5978.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2026/01/IMG_5557.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2026/01/IMG_5183.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2026/01/IMG_4414.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6060.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2026/01/IMG_5882.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2026/01/IMG_5393.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2026/01/IMG_8405.jpeg) ### Highlights 2025 - Unlock more Amazing travel āœ… āœ… āœ… - Get GlobalWerk back to $ 3,000 in MRR. Iā€™m still short on this one. Currently hovering around $1ā€™000 MRR, but trending in the right direction. - Deep dive into ML /AI topics. Oh yeah, this has been a lot of fun. - Eat healthier and drink less coffee. Yes, this was also achieved, and I did so by setting a time limit. So I would stop drinking coffee after 3:30 PM every day, which would also reduce my coffee intake and actually improve my sleep pattern, according to my Garmin watch. - Read 10 books; I read 5, but the 5 I read were great. Check out the [book reviews here. ](https://brianchristner.io/tag/books/) - Ride another 1ā€™000 kilometers. I fell short this year, achieving 960 kilometers. My biggest highlight, however, was that my son is now inspired to mountain bike with me, and we have done several great rides, including some downhill, with a couple of crashes. Looking forward to more in 2026. - Gym 3x per week. Nailed this one as well. Really found a good rhythm this year. - Continue building AI/website projects. I had a lot of fun digging into projects this year, and even inspired my son to learn Scratch programming so he could build projects himself. - Spoke at two conferences this year, with more planned for 2026. ### 2025 Prediction recap - **AI Agents -** Agents are currently dominating, and I am leveraging them for many tasks myself. I was expecting more automation in this space, since it requires a lot of DIY to get them working the way you want. - **AI Video** \- With the latest releases of Sora, Gemini/Nano Banana, and others, we have now achieved TV-quality videos this year. - **AI Developers** \- With Claude Code, Codex, Replit, and now Gemini, it is easier than ever to Vibe code an idea into an app in less than a couple of days. The ease of use and production quality will only improve in 2026\. I even went so far as to completely rewrite my training platform, [saving $1900 in the process](https://brianchristner.io/how-i-saved-1-900-by-ditching-kajabi-and-building-my-own-learning-platform-on-replit/) - **Crypto will continue running** \- Well, I was sort of on point here. Bitcoin started the year off at 100k, then had a tough year, but finally hit 120k before losing all its gains from October onwards. I think 2026 will be a very flat year. ### Goals 2026 As in previous years, I want my health and family front and center in my goals. Focus on consistency and not a kilometer goal or similar. So letā€™s go. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) - Gym at least 3x a week - When the weather turns warmer, then at least 3 rides a week + gym (Yes, Iā€™m a fair-weather cyclist) - Eat healthier lunches. Self-explanatory, but I find myself taking too large portions at lunch, which ruins my daily calorie intake. - Keep reading more books. I donā€™t want to put a specific number of books; keep reading. - Write more blog posts. I started writing again at the end of 2025, really enjoyed it, and want to continue. - Do some more YouTube videos. I converted my entire training content to YouTube, and it is doing really well. So I plan on making a bit more content. (Donā€™t worry, not starting a podcast again) - AI immersion: I want to keep finding new ways to use and implement AI in my daily life, both personally and professionally. ### Predictions 2026 **Crypto** \- OK, since I've been making crypto predictions over the last couple of years, letā€™s make one for 2026\. Unfortunately, I believe crypto will remain relatively flat this year, but Iā€™m open to being proved wrong **Google AI/Gemini** \- I believe 2026 will be the year of Google taking the lead in the AI race. If you havenā€™t read the amazing article about [TPU vs. GPUs ](https://www.uncoveralpha.com/p/the-chip-made-for-the-ai-inference?ref=brianchristner.io)to understand why Google is so much better positioned to own the AI race long term. To summarize, Google was late to the party, even though they invented the technology that enabled LLMs. Now, they have caught up to OpenAI and Antropic and will surpass them by a mile in 2026. **Apple + Gemini** \- Siri will take shape as Googleā€™s Gemini in 2026, putting Apple in a strong position for a partnership with Google and the Apple ecosystem. I expect the new Siri to launch in 2026. **AI Vide**o - AI video will be movie quality by the end of 2026\. We already see AI in TV commercials but we will see AI produce videos up to 5 Minutes and be able to create full on movies. Watch our Hollywood! **The Rise of AI Fraud** \- I believe that with AI agents, AI Video, and images, fraud will increase significantly in 2026\. For example, people create fake IDs, [scam retailers with AI-generated images](https://www.wired.com/story/scammers-in-china-are-using-ai-generated-images-to-get-refunds/,?ref=brianchristner.io) or, worse, scam people into sending money. **AI Agents impact on IT security** \- AI Agents are amazing. But you know what AI agents are also really good at doing? Solving difficult problems like how to hack a website. IT security companies are already scrambling to plug these holes, but as AI keeps getting smarter, so do the attackers. I can foresee a significant jump in IT-related security incidents in 2026. To a happy and healthy 2026, let's go! ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### The Hidden Cost of "Free": Why Legacy Productivity Tools Destroy Team Velocity URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-hidden-cost-of-free-why-legacy-productivity-tools-destroy-team-velocity/ Last updated: 2026-03-10T08:56:18.000Z **"Itā€™s free."** That simple justification has crippled more companies than any cybersecurity threat. When a team uses[ **spreadsheet-based project management**](https://brianchristner.io/excel-the-best-and-worst-tool-in-your-tech-stack/) or relies on a decade-old wiki because the tools are "free" or "familiar," they are not saving money; they are accumulating an invisible, crippling technical debt. The most expensive tool in your stack isn't the one with the highest annual license fee; it's the one that forces your highest-paid talent to waste time overcoming its limitations. This isn't a conversation about software features; itā€™s a strategic analysis of **Team Velocity** versus **Friction Debt**. To build a modern productivity system, you must calculate the true, hidden cost of clinging to legacy tools. ## 1\. The Real Expense: Time Lost to Friction Debt [The immediate cost of legacy tools is near zero, but their operational drag is immense](https://www.atlassian.com/blog/productivity/time-wasting-tasks?ref=brianchristner.io). This drag, which we call **Friction Debt**, manifests in three specific ways: ### A. Context Switching Tax We previously discussed how **context switching** is the single greatest barrier to deep work. When a tool can't integrate, automate, or centralize context, it forces users to toggleā€”between email, shared drives, outdated ticketing systems, and chat. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) - **The Cost:** This toggling is estimated to cost high-level knowledge workers up to **40% of their productive time**. If a $150k engineer loses two hours a day simply managing fragmented context, that "free" tool is costing you $150 per day, per person. - **The Fix:** Modern tools (the opposite of legacy tools) disappear into the workflow. They use unified interfaces and automation to eliminate the need to leave one screen to retrieve information from another. ### B. Version Control and Error Multipliers [Excel and other non-collaborative documents](https://brianchristner.io/excel-the-best-and-worst-tool-in-your-tech-stack/) are the prime culprits here. They are fantastic for personal data crunching but disastrous for shared project management. - **The Cost:** A single team managing a ro[admap across three different versions of a spreadsheet (saved on three different peopleā€™s desktops)](https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkolenberg/2021/08/17/the-hidden-dangers-of-spreadsheets-in-finance-and-beyond/?sh=351e2954117b&ref=brianchristner.io) guarantees confusion. The resulting errorsā€”missed deadlines, duplicated work, wrong specificationsā€”multiply exponentially across the organization. You're not just wasting time; you're introducing **systemic risk** based on manual human error. - **The Fix:** Invest in tools built on a single source of truth (SaaS solutions). The cost of a few user licenses is negligible compared to the cost of one major failure caused by a two-day-old spreadsheet. ### C. The Cost of *Not* Automating Legacy tools often require manual data entry, manual reporting, and manual notification. - [**The Cost**](https://brianchristner.io/master-geo-the-3-step-strategy-to-beat-ai-overviews-and-secure-position-zero-authority/)**:** You are paying highly compensated employees, your product managers, marketing directors, and VPs, to act as expensive data entry clerks. If an employee spends 10 hours a week creating status reports that a modern platform could dynamically generate, that is **10 hours of strategic, high-leverage work lost** to bureaucratic administration. - **The Fix:** The ultimate measure of a modern tool is its [**automation multiplier**](https://brianchristner.io/the-windshield-mindset-build-whats-next-not-what-was/). Does it eliminate three manual steps for every one step it adds? Legacy tools typically do the opposite. ## 2\. The Cultural Cost: Velocity is Morale Friction Debt doesn't just impact the balance sheet; it impacts the people. [High-performing teams are motivated by the feeling of **progress and velocity**](https://brianchristner.io/why-your-company-needs-a-chief-failure-officer/). When they constantly fight their own tools, their morale sinks, leading to burnout and attrition. **The Decision Point:** When a tool forces your team to slow down, adapt their process to its constraints, or build complex workarounds, it is no longer a toolā€”it is a **liability**. ### The 10x Rule of Software Investment Before adopting or maintaining any productivity tool, apply the **10x Rule**: > **A tool must deliver a 10x return on its cost (license fee + training time) by eliminating complexity or accelerating velocity.** A legacy tool with a $0 license fee is often the most expensive choice, as its internal friction reduces velocity to a fraction of its potential, creating an unquantifiable negative ROI. ## 3\. How to Eliminate Legacy Debt (The Clean Sweep) Eliminating legacy debt requires a strategic, not emotional, approach. 1. **Audit Your Friction Hotspots:** Identify the three processes where your team spends the most time on *administration* (not execution). Chances are, a legacy tool sits at the center of all three. 2. **Quantify the Time Drain:** Use conservative estimates to calculate the hourly wage lost to manual work in those three hot spots. Use this number to justify the new investment. 3. **Prioritize Interoperability:** Your new solutions must talk to each other. Your goal isn't to replace one siloed tool with another; itā€™s to reduce the tool stack down to a core **three integrated platforms** that support execution, communication, and documentation. 4. **Reward Decommissioning:** Celebrate the moment you shut down the old systems. This reinforces the cultural message that velocity and efficiency are non-negotiable and that bureaucratic drag will not be tolerated. **Final Takeaway:** Stop paying the hidden tax on legacy tools. The investment required to equip your team with systems designed for modern, high-velocity output is the cheapest insurance you can buy against corporate stagnation and burnout. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### The Ultimate Productivity System: From Mindset to Metrics URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-ultimate-productivity-system-from-mindset-to-metrics/ Last updated: 2026-03-10T08:56:33.000Z "Be more productive." It's the empty promise of the digital age. We spend endless hours optimizing 20-minute tasks, yet we feel more burned out than ever. The problem isn't your to-do list, it's your **system**. Most people focus on the wrong things: tracking minor inputs (time, tasks) instead of maximizing high-leverage outputs (results, impact). True, sustainable productivity isn't about being busy; it's about engineering a system that drives **disproportionate results** with minimal friction. This guide will walk you through the three pillars of a modern, high-output productivity system, moving your focus from managing time to **mastering impact**. ## Pillar 1: The Foundation Mindset (Why You Work) Before you download a single app, you must address the core cultural and psychological blocks that destroy efficiency. Productivity is a cultural choice before it is a scheduling challenge. ### 1\. Define Purpose and Flow (The Ikigai Advantage) If your work doesn't align with your deep purpose, you will constantly fight resistance. Trying to force yourself through meaningless tasks is the single most significant drain on energy. - **The Fix:** [Leverage the concept of **Ikigai** (your reason for being)](https://brianchristner.io/ikigai-explained-how-purpose-leads-to-a-longer-happier-life/). When your work aligns with your passion, profession, vocation, and mission, you eliminate the mental friction required to start and sustain effort. - **Action:** Dedicate 80% of your focused time to tasks that [push you into a state of **Flow**](https://www.cgu.edu/people/mihaly-csikszentmihalyi/?ref=brianchristner.io)**,** where the challenge meets your skill level, and distractions vanish. ### 2\. Time is an Output, Not an Input Stop measuring your day in hours spent at your desk. This metric rewards inefficiency and "busywork." The modern high-output leader measures time as a **finite resource** used to achieve a specific, high-value result. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) - **The Fix:** Practice **Time Blocking with Intent**. Don't just block 9-11 AM for "project work;" block it for "Drafting the Q3 Strategy Memo." If the memo is done at 10:30 AM, your input is complete, and your efficiency is rewarded. - **The Result:** You decouple self-worth from hours logged, freeing you to prioritize deep, concentrated effort. ## Pillar 2: The Metrics Framework (How You Measure) If you're still tracking completed tasks, you're tracking the wrong thing. You need [metrics that reflect **velocity** and **impact**](https://thechangecompass.com/why-iterative-agile-change-management-succeeds-where-linear-approaches-fail-research-findings/?ref=brianchristner.io), aligning directly with your strategic goals. ### 1\. Learning Velocity: The True Metric of Success In a world defined by change, the fastest organizations are those that learn and adapt the fastest. Success isn't measured by the number of perfect projects launched; the rate of intentional iteration measures it. - **The Fix:** Measure **Learning Velocity**. How quickly does your team or department move from idea conception to real-world feedback and iteration? This rewards smart risk-taking and fast recovery over cautious planning. - **Strategic Link:** [This is the core principle institutionalized by the **Chief Failure Officer mindset**](https://brianchristner.io/why-your-company-needs-a-chief-failure-officer/): reward the team that takes the most informed shots on goal. ### 2\. High-Leverage Task (HLT) Completion Rate Every task falls on a spectrum from low-leverage (email, scheduling) to high-leverage (strategy, product vision, closing a deal). - **The Fix:** Assign a **Leverage Multiplier** (1x to 10x) to tasks based on their strategic impact. Your true productivity metric is the percentage of your focused time spent on **HLTs** (tasks with a 5x multiplier or higher). - **Action:** If your HLT Completion Rate is below 60%, you are wasting time on work that could be automated, delegated, or eliminated. ## Pillar 3: Execution and Tools (What You Use) Your tools should disappear into your workflow. Any tool that requires constant maintenance or forces you to adapt your process to its constraints is an [**efficiency liability**](https://www.atlassian.com/blog/loom/cost-of-context-switching?ref=brianchristner.io)**,** aligning with my mantra [Less is More](https://brianchristner.io/limit-your-tech-tools/). ### 1\. The Principle of Digital Minimalism The average knowledge worker switches between tasks or applications every 40 seconds. [This **context switching** is the single greatest barrier to deep work.](https://brianchristner.io/your-human-os-one-interface-for-all-your-tools/) - **Action:** Implement a **Digital Detox** for work. Ruthlessly centralize your communication (Slack/Teams, Email) and your documentation (Confluence, Notion) to one place. Your ideal system uses no more than three core tools for execution. - **Tip:** If you can't justify the 10x return on a new application, don't download it. Stop accumulating **digital debt**. ### 2\. Eliminate Legacy Productivity Tools [Many organizations are crippled by reliance on outdated systems](https://brianchristner.io/excel-the-best-and-worst-tool-in-your-tech-stack/) (like spreadsheet-based project management) [because they are "free" or "familiar."](https://brianchristner.io/the-hidden-cost-of-free-why-legacy-productivity-tools-destroy-team-velocity/) - **The Fix:** Calculate the actual, hidden cost of legacy productivity. If your team spends 10 hours a week struggling with shared **Excel** files or complex email threads that should be automated, that cost dwarfs the subscription fee for a modern SaaS solution. - **Decision Point:** When a tool forces you to adapt your process, itā€™s costing you more in time and friction than it saves in licensing. ### 3\. Build a "Done List" The traditional To-Do List is demotivating because it's infinite. No matter how much you cross off, the list is always longer tomorrow. - **Action:** End every focused work block or day by creating a **"Done List."** This simple practice reframes your perception of effort, providing a critical psychological reward and building momentum for the next day. ## The Ultimate System: A Final Thought The most successful people don't find more time; they simply design systems where their energy and expertise are directed exclusively toward high-leverage work. Your Ultimate Productivity System is not about the latest gadget or the perfect planner. It's about aligning your **Mindset** with your **Metrics** and eliminating friction from your **Execution**. > ***The ultimate goal isn't just to be productive; it's to find your Ikigai*** ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Master GEO: The 3-Step Strategy to Beat AI Overviews and Secure Position Zero Authority URL: https://brianchristner.io/master-geo-the-3-step-strategy-to-beat-ai-overviews-and-secure-position-zero-authority/ Last updated: 2026-03-10T08:56:49.000Z This is the biggest game in town. The **AI Revolution in Search** isn't a tide you can ride out; it's a **tectonic shift** that fundamentally changes how you get traffic, build authority, and convert users for your website. We're not optimizing for a list of links anymore. We are optimizing for the **AI** **Generative Engine**. The goal is simple: You must become the trusted, authoritative source the AI uses to build its answer. If you don't [pivot your strategy now](https://brianchristner.io/why-your-company-needs-a-chief-failure-officer/), you're looking at a zero-sum game where traffic and visibility vanish into Google's **AI Overviews**. --- ## The Clickless Challenge: Why Your Old SEO is Dying The core threat is the [**Zero-Click Search**](https://www.bain.com/insights/goodbye-clicks-hello-ai-zero-click-search-redefines-marketing/?ref=brianchristner.io). Google's AI Overviews are designed to give the user a synthesized, conversational answer right at the top of the SERP. This isn't about moving from position #3 to position #1\. It's about securing **Position Zero** as the cited source, or watching your traffic drop as the user gets their answer without ever hitting your site. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) **The reality check:** Traditional organic CTRs are already collapsing for broad, informational queries. If your content merely defines or repeats basic information, the AI will consume it, and the user won't click. [You need a new mindset.](https://brianchristner.io/unreasonable-hospitality-the-book-that-changed-how-i-think-about-customer-experience/) --- ## Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): The New Mandate The answer is **Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)**. Your content must be structured not for the human eye first, but for the machine that reads and synthesizes. ### 1\. Authority Is the Product: [Master E-E-A-T](https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/creating-helpful-content?ref=brianchristner.io) The AI models are fundamentally biased towards trust. For anything that matters, business decisions, technology choices, health, the AI will prioritize content with a verifiable track record of expertise. - **Own Your Experience:** Every piece of content must demonstrate **first-hand experience**. Did you implement the cloud solution? Did you run the Kubernetes cluster? Prove it. The AI ranks unique, demonstrable expertise higher than theoretical knowledge. - **Show Your Work:** Reinforce **Trustworthiness** by linking to reputable research and citing real-world data. Your bio must clearly establish your credentials. **Anonymous authority is dead.** ### 2\. Design for Ingestion, Not Just Display Your content structure must be machine-readable. It has to be easy for the AI to ingest and re-serve. This isn't just nice-to-have; it's necessary for survival. - **The Answer-First Imperative:** Stop burying the lede. Every sectional header must be a clear, concise question (e.g., *ā€œHow does the new AI model affect cloud billing?ā€*). - **Direct Answers Only:** The answer to that question must immediately follow in a punchy, **2-4 sentence summary**. This structure is what maximizes your chances of being pulled into the AI Overview. - **Structure Your Data:** Use [**Schema Markup** (FAQ, HowTo, Article)](https://www.seo.com/basics/technical/schema/?ref=brianchristner.io) without fail. This is the explicit instruction manual you hand to the AI. If you don't tag your content, the AI has to guess its purpose. ### 3\. The Shift to Agentic Search and Problem Solving The end game isn't just AI answering questions; it's AI agents performing tasks (booking, purchasing, configuring) for the user. Your content must position you as the trusted guide for those tasks. - [**Focus on the Next Action**](https://brianchristner.io/the-windshield-mindset-build-whats-next-not-what-was/)**:** If the AI answers *what* to do, your content must show *how* and provide the necessary **tool, template, or solution**. Your job is to drive the user's next step toward a complex conversion, not the initial informational search. - **Go Deep on Long-Tail:** Target **highly conversational, complex long-tail queries** that are too nuanced for generic AI synthesis (e.g., *ā€œBest practices for migrating a monolithic finance application to a serverless architecture in Q4 2026.ā€*). - **Brand Authority is a KPI:** AI favors known entities. Your **Brand Search Volume** is now a critical SEO metric. Actively build your knowledge graph footprint through PR and consistency. --- The AI revolution in search demands a change in mindset: **Don't fight the AI, become its source.** This shift isn't optional; it's the cost of admission for digital relevance in 2025. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Unreasonable Hospitality: The Will Guidara Book That Transformed My Approach to Digital Customer Experience URL: https://brianchristner.io/unreasonable-hospitality-the-book-that-changed-how-i-think-about-customer-experience/ Last updated: 2026-03-10T08:57:04.000Z # I just finished reading [**Unreasonable Hospitality**](https://www.unreasonablehospitality.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) **by Will Guidara**, and honestly, it's one of the best business books I've ever read. Top five, easily! Itā€™s the powerful story of how the Michelin-star restaurant, [**Eleven Madison** ](https://www.elevenmadisonpark.com/?ref=brianchristner.io)**Park** in NYC, didn't just aim for excellence; it set out to become the best restaurant in the world. They achieved this not through revolutionary food, but by creating experiences so personal, so over-the-top thoughtful, that people couldn't stop talking about them. The central idea is simple yet revolutionary: they made **hospitality the product**, not just an add-on service. This mindset shift has profoundly changed how I view everything from running a SaaS company to managing a simple newsletter. --- ## **Key Takeaway 1: Service vs. Unreasonable Hospitality** **Will Guidara** clearly articulates the difference between *service* and *hospitality*. **Service is black and white**ā€”itā€™s the technical execution (getting the order right, responding to a support ticket). **Hospitality is color**ā€”itā€™s how you make people *feel*. One story in the book perfectly illustrates this philosophy and really left an impression on me. A group of tourists dining at Eleven Madison Park casually mentioned they had experienced everything in New York *except* for a street hot dog. The restaurant manager overheard it, ran out to a vendor, and came back with a hot dog. It was plated with full Michelin-star presentation. That's it. A $10 hot dog turned into a story that those tourists will tell forever. It wasn't about cost; it was about **listening, caring, and turning a fleeting moment into a lasting memory**. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) --- ## **Key Takeaway 2: Applying the 95/5 Rule to Your Business Strategy** Most businesses today are focused on scale, [automation](https://brianchristner.io/n8n-the-ultimate-no-code-and-open-source-workflow-automation-tool/), and squeezing out efficiency. And while I love a good automation, this book is a powerful reminder that **real human connection doesn't scale easily**, and that's exactly why itā€™s so valuableā€”itā€™s your **competitive differentiator**. Guidara and his team operated on the **95/5 Rule**: you must be **maniacally focused on efficiency for 95%** of your operations (your product, your profit margins, your processes) so that you can afford to spend the **remaining 5% *foolishly*** on **moments of magic**. Whether you're running a [tech startup](https://brianchristner.io/limit-your-tech-tools/) or a local shop, how you treat people is your ultimate edge. Itā€™s the stuff that doesn't show up in standard analytics, but shows up in **loyalty, referrals, and word-of-mouth marketing**. --- ## **3 Ways to Inject Unreasonable Hospitality into Digital Customer Experience** Reading this book confirmed that **hospitality isn't just for restaurants.** It absolutely translates to the online world, making it a critical part of your **digital customer experience strategy**. The same principles that made **Eleven Madison Park** world-class can elevate your websites, apps, newsletters, and online businesses: 1. **Inject Surprise and Delight.** In a digital setting, this could be a helpful bonus feature that solves an unstated problem, a personal video message from a customer success rep, or even just a quick support response that goes beyond the immediate question. The bar is surprisingly low in the digital world, which makes standing out much easier! 2. **Anticipate Before People Ask.** **Great UX, straightforward navigation, and smart onboarding flows** are your online "hot dogs." They're the digital touches that make users feel like someone has truly thought things through. This is proactive hospitality. 3. **Make Small Moments Feel Big (The One-Inch Rule).** A smooth, fast checkout process. A thoughtful thank-you page after a purchase. A welcome email that feels human instead of robotic. These details are easy to overlook, but they're exactly what people remember when evaluating the quality of their experience. --- ## **Why I Now Want to Visit Eleven Madison Park (And Why You Should Read This)** This book isn't just about restaurants. It's a mindset shift. It shows what happens when you stop trying to be ā€œgood enoughā€ and start aiming to be **unreasonably good**. Itā€™s about building a **culture of excellence** where your team feels empowered to create magic. Guidaraā€™s [approach to leadership and culture](https://brianchristner.io/why-your-company-needs-a-chief-failure-officer/)ā€”giving team members autonomy to act and fostering a shared languageā€”is as valuable as his customer advice. Go read **Unreasonable Hospitality**. And then surprise someone in your business with a thoughtful gesture that makes them smile. That's how you win.**ou win.** You can also watch the author discuss some of his insights onThe Secrets of Unreasonable Hospitality | Will Guidara ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### TPUs vs GPUs and why Google is positioned to win AI race URL: https://brianchristner.io/tpus-vs-gpus-and-why-google-is-positioned-to-win-ai-race/ Last updated: 2026-03-10T08:57:28.000Z Itā€™s been a crazy couple of months, but The Byte is back to publishing. The above diagram accurately depicts most of our lives during the past couple of weeks with AWS and Cloudflare outages, random web outages, and a few more. But now running again 100% so now I need to knock on wood fast so we limp along until the end of the year. Itā€™s Black Friday, and Iā€™m talking tech! Letā€™s get started! --- **The Byteā€™s Bits** šŸ§  **Why Google's Stack Makes TPUs Unstoppable in the AI Race** šŸ’„ **Holy S\*\*\*! Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff Dumps ChatGPT for Google's Gemini 3** šŸšØ **X's Location Feature Exposes Foreign-Run Political Accounts** āœØ **"Vibe Coding" Is Making Software Development Fun Again, Says Sundar Pichai** šŸ”” **How a $200 Doorbell became a $4B Business. The Story of the Ring Doorbell** --- ## šŸ§  Comparing TPUs vs GPUs and why Google is positioned to win the AI Race While the early years of AI were dominated by the race to **train** the largest models, the industry is now entering the "Age of Inference" the phase where those models are actually deployed and run. Google's custom-built Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) is designed specifically for this massive, cost-sensitive market, giving the company a key strategic advantage through deep vertical integration. šŸ” **The Inference Shift:** The AI computation market is rapidly shifting from the expensive process of training models (Nvidia's GPU stronghold) to **inference** (running the models). This market is expected to be orders of magnitude larger, as models are used billions of times daily, creating a massive, cost-sensitive demand. šŸ§  **ASIC's Time to Shine:** Unlike general-purpose GPUs, Googleā€™s TPUs are Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) custom-designed for machine learning tasks. This specialization allows them to deliver superior performance per watt/dollar for inference workloads, offering a structural cost advantage over competitors. šŸ”— **The True Moat is Scale:** The TPU's real power is its massive parallel scale, enabled by Google's unique Optical Circuit Switch (OCS) interconnects. This custom networking hardware links thousands of TPUs together, allowing Google to run large-scale distributed inference that rivals even the largest single-chip Nvidia systems. šŸ’° **Vertical Integration Wins:** By owning the entire stack, the chip (TPU), the interconnects (OCS), the software framework (JAX/XLA), and the cloud, Google can provide AI services at scale far more cost-effectively than competitors, positioning itself to capture the long-term, high-volume inference market. Iā€™m a firm believer in whoever owns the entire stack will win the race regardless of what race we are inā€¦ #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) [Read online](https://www.uncoveralpha.com/p/the-chip-made-for-the-ai-inference?%5Fbhlid=7c19ca0798a2a73c3b4d7e3cadb4ef05ab42d615&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ’„ Holy S\*\*\*! Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff Dumps ChatGPT for Google's Gemini 3 Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, a long-time daily user of ChatGPT, made a highly public declaration that Google's new Gemini 3.0 has permanently changed his preference, calling the model's performance "insane" and signaling a major shift in the competitive landscape of frontier AI. **āš”ļø The 2-Hour Conversion:** Benioff stated he had used ChatGPT every day for three years, but after spending just two hours with Gemini 3, he was convinced, declaring, "I'm not going back. The leap is insane." šŸš€ **Multimodal Superiority:** The CEO specifically praised Gemini 3's superior performance across multiple modalities, noting improvements in **reasoning, speed, image quality, and video processing**ā€”key areas that showcase the model's advanced, unified architecture. šŸ”— **Unprecedented Endorsement:** Benioff's verdict carries immense weight as the head of Salesforce, a major enterprise platform with extensive AI partnerships (including with OpenAI), making his public switch a clear sign of Google's technological lead in the latest AI model generation. šŸŽÆ **The Race Heats Up:** The viral announcement underscores the mounting pressure on OpenAI as rival tech giants like Google make significant advances, with the competitive landscape rapidly shifting based on the capabilities of the newest large language models. Iā€™m in the same boat. I noticed I am spending more time in Gemini than ChatGPT or Claude. I find the integration with the Google ecosystem and AI Studio purely outperforms the competition. Have an opinio,n drop a comment at the end of the newsletter. [Read online](https://fortune.com/2025/11/25/billionaire-marc-benioff-switching-google-gemini-3-over-chatgpt-world-just-changed/?%5Fbhlid=fa53000f1c76652350d61ad5084436b8c97d9d3c&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸšØ X's Location Feature Exposes Foreign-Run Political Accounts A new transparency tool rolled out by X (formerly Twitter) last week, which displays an account's country of origin, instantly revealed that dozens of influential accounts claiming to represent U.S. political voices are actually operated from overseas, sparking a fresh debate on foreign influence. **šŸŒ Unmasking Foreign Operators:** The feature allows users to see the country or region where an account is based by clicking on its signup date. Almost immediately, users and researchers discovered numerous popular accountsā€”many pushing **pro- or anti-MAGA** and **pro-Democrat** narrativesā€”were based in places like **Eastern Europe, Nigeria, India, and Bangladesh**, contradicting their claims of being U.S.-based patriots. **šŸ›”ļø Tool's Purpose:** X's head of product, Nikita Bier, stated the "About This Account" tool was introduced as "an important first step to securing the integrity of the global town square" and combating foreign **troll farms** by verifying content authenticity. **āš ļø Immediate Inaccuracies:** The rollout was marred by issues, leading to the feature being briefly disabled. Some accounts of verified users, including NBC News journalists, incorrectly displayed locations matching recent travel rather than their actual home bases. The platform acknowledged the data "may not be accurate" due to VPN usage or changing IP ranges. **āš–ļø Mixed Motivations:** While some exposed foreign-run accounts may be tied to state-sponsored **influence operations**, experts noted that many are likely **financially motivated grifters** who simply post polarizing content, memes, and misinformation to drive engagement and profit. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/media-beehiiv-com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down-format=auto-onerror=redirect-quality=80/uploads/asset/file/b8d84975-371c-4cae-b379-fd15346b1d97/image-t-1764320123.png) [Read online](https://www.axios.com/2025/11/24/x-location-feature-foreign-political-accounts?%5Fbhlid=02e185a5cdf03e554edc014285fce7384af82261&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## āœØ "Vibe Coding" Is Making Software Development Fun Again, Says Sundar Pichai Google CEO Sundar Pichai says a quiet revolution is taking place in software development, dubbed "vibe coding." This AI-assisted trend allows people without traditional engineering backgrounds to build functional apps simply by describing their desired outcome, making the creation process more enjoyable and accessible. šŸŽØ **Low-Friction Prototyping:** Vibe coding, a concept popularized by Google's Gemini team, refers to using advanced AI models like Gemini 3 to generate code and user interfaces based on high-level, natural language prompts (or "vibes"). This allows usersā€”from HR staff to product managersā€”to prototype apps and visualize ideas in minutes, skipping the manual syntax work. šŸšŖ **Lowering the Barrier to Entry:** Pichai compared this trend to the early days of blogging and YouTube, noting that AI tools are opening a fresh path for creativity and job opportunities by dramatically lowering the barrier to software creation. Inside Google, the trend is evidenced by a sharp rise in first-time developers submitting changelists (small code updates). **āš ļø Warning: Not for Critical Systems:** Despite the excitement, Pichai cautioned that vibe coding is not yet suitable for all applications. He stressed that the technology is not ready for complex, large-scale, or highly sensitive software where rigorous security and correctness are paramount, emphasizing the continued necessity of experienced engineers for mission-critical systems. šŸ“ˆ **The Beginning of a Shift:** The CEO noted that the current state of AI-assisted development is the "worst it'll ever be," hinting that the next few years will bring even more transformative changes to how software is designed and built. [Read Online](https://www.businessinsider.com/google-sundar-pichai-vibe-coding-software-development-exciting-again-2025-11?%5Fbhlid=d090c91aebb06d8662fd93c682ab924db778cf2f&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ”” How a $200 Doorbell became a $4B Business. The Story of the Ring Doorbell Since I commute every day by car, I have a lot of time to listen to tons of podcasts. This week, I listened to a great episode of My First Million, one of my favorite podcasts, where they interviewed the Ring founder, James Siminoff. James talks about inventing the Ring doorbell camera, scaling, Amazon's acquisition, and rebuilding a townā€¦ Great listen on [Spotify ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ycalMQOOnxe7mgLBeqlL8?si=MnHW9VxjQlW0cFAoZvjHqA&%5Fbhlid=8abef7328332a6c4b67690133b4e6c1ddcf85242&ref=brianchristner.io)or Youtube below. The Aftermath of a $1B Exit **Reply and let me know in the comments section below!"** **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian [ Share the newsletter ](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=1b402860ac6f77e14bfe3086779e2a0603d4cfd3&ref=brianchristner.io) ### Excel: The Best and Worst Tool in Your Tech Stack URL: https://brianchristner.io/excel-the-best-and-worst-tool-in-your-tech-stack/ Last updated: 2026-03-10T08:57:43.000Z If Excel had a relationship status, it would be ***ā€œItā€™s complicated.ā€*** Itā€™s the first tool we reach for when something breaks. Itā€™s also the reason we often canā€™t figure out what broke in the first place. Letā€™s be honest: > **Excel is both a genius and a menace.** ### **The Good: Excel is a Swiss Army Knife** You need a report fast? **Excel**. Marketing wants a custom dashboard? **Excel**. Finance lost access to their BI tool? **Excel**. Compliance needs to review a suspicious spike in data? You guessed it, **Excel**. Excel is everywhere because itā€™s accessible, flexible, and familiar. It doesnā€™t require onboarding. It doesnā€™t care about your tech stack. It works offline, online, and under pressure. In fact, Excel is often the escape hatch for broken systems. When a workflow fails, people default to ā€œjust throw it in Excelā€ to keep things moving. And hey...it works. **Until it doesnā€™t.** #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ### **The Bad: A Million Versions of the Truth** Hereā€™s the flip side: Excel is the most effective way to break process control, create version hell, and destroy reproducibility. - Everyone creates their own Excel sheet - No one uses the same formulas - Files get copied, renamed, and emailed with titles like FINAL\_FINAL\_v2\_Marketing\_Approved.xlsx. - Business logic gets buried in cell references like *\=IF(D2>1000, ā€œVIPā€, ā€œREGā€)* - And donā€™t get me started on macros or VBA scripts written in 2007 that still power core workflows... ![The absolutely worst filenames that people add to Excel files](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2025/10/Excel_naming_hell_meme.png) Excel naming Final Final Worst of all? Thereā€™s no version control, no audit trail, and zero scalability. What starts as a quick fix quietly turns into a production dependency. This really bothers me when I cannot version control and reproduce workflows. Excel has become the duct tape of the business world, holding things together just long enough for someone to forget itā€™s duct tape. ### **Why Replacing Excel is So Damn Hard** Every company has tried to ā€œreplace Excelā€ at some point. The result? Internal tools that try to replicate Excelā€™s flexibilityā€¦ and fail. Platforms that are ā€œExcel compatibleā€ but canā€™t handle edge cases. Or enterprise systems so rigid that users continue to export data to Excel anyway. Hereā€™s the thing: Excel works because itā€™s frictionless. Anyone can open it, enter data, and get results in seconds. **No API key. No ticket to IT. No waiting.** If you want to replace Excel, your tool has to be just as: - Fast - Flexible - Familiar Thatā€™s a high bar. Most tools donā€™t clear it, which is why Excel isnā€™t going away anytime soon. ### **Whatā€™s the Path Forward?** So what do we do? Ban Excel? No chance. Thatā€™s like banning coffee in an office. Youā€™ll spark a mutiny. This is especially true for me. (Coffee machine breaks, Houston we have a problem). Instead, we need to be realistic and strategic: 1. **Define when Excel is appropriate:** Quick analysis? Prototyping? One-off reports? Sure.Core data pipelines or regulatory reports? Not unless you like audits. 2. **Introduce lightweight alternatives:** Tools like Notion databases, Airtable, or even collaborative dashboards in Looker/Power BI can help alleviate some of Excelā€™s weight. 3. **Educate and document:** If people must use Excel, encourage them to document their logic, version files properly, and avoid complex VBA unless they plan to support it long-term. 4. **Standardize what matters:** Create templates for recurring reports. Use shared formulas. Limit local copies. Make collaboration safer and more consistent. 5. **Store centrally:** Instead of the dreaded email with final\_final written on it. Store Excel on a central storage like Google Drive or OneDrive, allowing everyone to collaborate on the same Excel, preventing versioning hell or having to merge changes. ### **EXCEL Final Thoughts** Excel isnā€™t the villain. Itā€™s just the tool we turn into one. Itā€™s powerful, fast, and universalā€”but that doesnā€™t mean it should be the backbone of your business. Use it where it shines. Replace it where it breaks things. And always...always...know where your FINAL\_FINAL\_v2 actually lives. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! [](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=114894&file%5Fid=25&ref=brianchristner.io) ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Why Your Company Needs a Chief Failure Officer: Building an Innovation Culture URL: https://brianchristner.io/why-your-company-needs-a-chief-failure-officer/ Last updated: 2026-03-10T08:58:02.000Z The [windshield ](https://brianchristner.io/the-windshield-mindset-build-whats-next-not-what-was/)is significantly larger than the rearview mirror for a reason. Yet, most businesses operate as if that tiny rearview mirror is their primary display. They obsess over post-mortems, launch endless retrospectives, and meticulously dissect what went wrong long after the moment has passed. They are looking backward, not forward. But what if we stopped dwelling on the past and started accelerating the future? What if your competitive advantage was simply **learning faster** than everyone else? [To truly drive forward momentum and build a sustainable **innovation culture**](https://www.insights.onegiantleap.com/blogs/fail-fast-its-strategy-success/?ref=brianchristner.io), every company needs to formalize the role of risk and learning. Thatā€™s why you need a **Chief Failure Officer**. --- ## The Flaw in ā€œFail Fastā€: Why You Must *Fail Forward* [ā€œFail fastā€](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fail%5Ffast?ref=brianchristner.io) is the established gospel of the modern startup. Itā€™s a good starting point, but the phrase often overlooks the critical follow-through: **fail often**. A single, fast failure teaches very little. Itā€™s an isolated event thatā€™s easy to dismiss or forget. True growth comes from **frequent, intentional iteration**. As one insightful business leader put it, the goal isn't just to fall on your face; it's to keep moving, adapting, and shipping faster than everyone else. The real metric isn't how quickly you failed, but your [**learning velocity**](https://www.in-parallel.com/insight/how-learning-velocity-becomes-a-competitive-advantage?ref=brianchristner.io). In short: don't just fail fastā€”**fail forward, continuously**. ## Enter the Chief Failure Officer (CFO) Let's get bold about business culture. Imagine appointing a **Chief Failure Officer** (or Chief Fail Officer). #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) This isn't a vanity title or a department head for mistakes. It's a strategic, executive-level role whose entire mission is to dismantle the cultural fear of failure and replace it with a culture of radical, fast learning. ### The CFOā€™s Core Mission: - **Normalize Smart Risks:** Make measured, intentional risks the default mode of operation. - **Build Repeatable Learning Loops:** Ensure that every experiment, regardless of outcome, yields actionable data. - **Encourage Faster Release Cadences:** Push teams to ship, test, and iterate weekly, not quarterly. - **Reward Useful Failure:** Celebrate the attempt, the learning, and the velocityā€”not just the success. If your competitors are shipping a new product or marketing campaign once a quarter, and your teams are running multiple experiments every week, you are not playing the same game. They are drawing up a strategy while you are already dominating the field. --- ## The CFO Playbook: 5 Steps to Accelerate Learning Velocity Success isn't about crafting the perfect, guaranteed-to-win play. It's about **taking more shots on goal**. In product, marketing, or operations,[ the winners are those who iterate the fastest](https://brianchristner.io/the-ultimate-productivity-system-from-mindset-to-metrics/) and gather the most data. Here is how a **Chief Failure Officer** operationalizes this [mindset ](https://brianchristner.io/unreasonable-hospitality-the-book-that-changed-how-i-think-about-customer-experience/)across the organization: ### 1\. Default to Experimentation Stop debating ideas in endless meetings. Instead, reality-test them. Every new idea or feature must have an **experiment baked in** from the start, complete with clear metrics and a time limit. **The minimum viable discussion is the experiment itself.** ### 2\. Measure Iteration Rate, Not Just Outcomes What is your companyā€™s **Iteration Rate**? How many shots are you taking per month? A CFO tracks this. They recognize that if a team runs five bold tests and one succeeds, that team has delivered exponentially more value than a team that spent six months planning one "perfect" launch. **Track learning, not just wins.** ### 3\. Decouple Ego from Results A missed shot is still forward motion if you gained data. A CFO works to remove personal and team ego from outcomes. The company needs to celebrate bold attempts and the data they yield, creating a safe space where a failed experiment is treated as a **valuable data point**, not a career mistake. ### 4\. Optimize for Recovery Speed (The Ultimate KPI) Failure is inevitable, but how fast can your team adjust, pivot, and retake the shot? The time between realizing an experiment failed and launching the revised attempt the **Recovery Speed**ā€”is arguably the most important metric for innovation. **Faster recovery means shorter product cycles.** ![man taking aim for goal on hockey goalie](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1516226415502-d6624544376b?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDE2fHxob2NrZXl8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzY0MTUzMzY4fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Andy Hall](https://unsplash.com/@tsbcreative?ref=brianchristner.io) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### 5\. Make Failures Visible and Celebrated Shame thrives in silence. Confidence is built on transparency. Create internal channels or dashboards that explicitly showcase experiments, learnings, and even financial write-offs from failed attempts. **Visibility removes the fear of judgment** and increases institutional confidence in taking the next leap. ## Why Momentum Wins: Adopt the Windshield Mindset Too many organizations fixate on perfecting the past through meticulous failure analysis. But in a fast-moving market, growth is a forward sport. [windshield](https://brianchristner.io/the-windshield-mindset-build-whats-next-not-what-was/) your vision of the future is where all the action is. Letā€™s stop agonizing over what went wrong and start systematically **optimizing for whatā€™s next**. Organizations that win in the long term are not perfect. They are **prolific**. They get more shots on goal because they have ingrained the habit of trying more, faster, and more intentionally. Whether you create the formal title or simply adopt the **Chief Failure Officer** mindset, putting your foot on the gas is the only path forward. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! [](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=114894&file%5Fid=25&ref=brianchristner.io) ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### The Windshield Mindset: Build Whatā€™s Next, Not What Was URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-windshield-mindset-build-whats-next-not-what-was/ Last updated: 2026-03-10T08:58:32.000Z Most businesses are obsessed with what has already happened. Reports, retrospectives, post-mortems, rinse and repeat. But what if that mindset is holding you back? When you're driving, the windshield is wide and clear. It provides a clear view of what's to come. The rearview mirror? Small and only used when needed. That design isn't random. It's intentional. And it's the perfect analogy for how you should approach building, leading, and growing. ## The Mirror Glance Sure, the past matters. You need to understand what worked and what didnā€™t. But thatā€™s all it is, a glance back. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) Too many teams get stuck rehashing past campaigns, product launches, or missed KPIs. They tweak endlessly. They overcorrect. They stall. They fail to launch. > **You donā€™t steer the car by staring in the mirror. You check it, then look forward and make your next move.** ## Building Ahead, Not Backwards Forward-focused companies operate differently. - They measure what matters, then move quickly. - They design experiments instead of debating old outcomes. - They prioritize iteration over nostalgia. This is the windshield mindset. It's about scanning the road ahead: market shifts, emerging tech, new customer signals, and building for the future. ## Ask Yourself The next time you're in a strategy session or roadmap review, gut check with this: - Are we designing for [whatā€™s next or reacting to whatā€™s behind](https://brianchristner.io/why-your-company-needs-a-chief-failure-officer/)? - Are we building products customers will need next year or fixing last yearā€™s issues? - Are we leading with vision or managing with hindsight? Innovation doesnā€™t come from analysis paralysis. It comes from forward pressure. Please don't build a new horse carriage that customers ask for; create the next self-driving car that skates to where the puck is going, not where it is, ask why, and iterate. ## Keep Driving Every business gets tempted to look back. It feels safe. It feels rational. It's standard in today's business environments. But if you want momentum, the kind that breaks through plateaus and opens new doors, you have to fix your eyes on the horizon. Use the mirror. Just don't drive by it. > **Glance back; move forward!** ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### ### šŸŒ Googleā€™s Data Firehose, Cookie Reform, and Claudeā€™s Market Move URL: https://brianchristner.io/google-s-data-firehose-cookie-reform-and-claude-s-market-move/ Last updated: 2026-03-10T08:58:44.000Z Woohoo, Friday again! **ā€œI don't stop when I'm tired, I stop when I'm doneā€ - David Goggins** Letā€™s get started! --- **The Byteā€™s Bits** šŸŖ **Brussels Finally Wants to Fix Cookie Hell** **šŸŽ­ NVIDIA Open-Sources Talking Face Tech** šŸ§Ŗ **Hugging Face Drops FutureBench for Smarter AI Testing** šŸ“Š **Google Opens Its AI Data Vault with Data Commons MCP** šŸ’¼ **Claude Goes to Wall Street** --- ## šŸŖ Brussels Finally Wants to Fix Cookie Hell After years of ā€œAccept Allā€ fatigue, the EU admits its cookie law wrecked the internet experience. Brussels is now proposing reforms to reduce the number of pop-ups while still protecting user privacy. Could this be the end of the dark patterns era? šŸ”” **Pop-up Apocalypse:** The 2009 cookie law was meant to protect privacy but instead spammed users with consent banners on every site. āš–ļø **Dark Patterns Everywhere:** Websites often nudged people toward ā€œAccept All,ā€ undermining real choice and making privacy a chore. šŸ‡ŖšŸ‡ŗ **Brusselsā€™ U-Turn:** The European Commission is now drafting new rules that would limit manipulative pop-ups and simplify consent by setting once in the browser instead of per website. šŸŒ **Better Web Ahead?:** If passed, the reforms could shift power back to users while clearing the clutter from the web experience. The EU admits it baked the wrong recipe with cookies. Now itā€™s trying again to make the internet less of a banner-clicking nightmare. [Read online](https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-cookie-law-messed-up-the-internet-brussels-sets-out-to-fix-it/?%5Fbhlid=f298c77da8f5bfe380eee5d914bfd83961fb8046&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸŽ­ NVIDIA Open-Sources Talking Face Tech NVIDIA has just released its Audio2Face model into the open-source world, making it easier than ever to animate realistic 3D facial expressions directly from voice recordings. What was once a studio-level trick is now a tool anyone can tinker with. šŸ—£ļø **Voice to Face:** Audio2Face syncs spoken words with natural lip and facial movements automatically. šŸ’» **Now Open Source:** Developers, indies, and researchers can all grab the code to experiment without licensing headaches. šŸŽØ **Animation for All:** From indie games to virtual influencers, small teams now get access to tech that used to require Pixar-level budgets. šŸš€ **AI + Creativity:** This could fuel new waves of avatars, streaming tools, and metaverse experiments. NVIDIA just handed creators a powerful animation toybox. The question isnā€™t if weā€™ll see it used, but how wildly creative (or weird) the results will be. [Read online](https://developer.nvidia.com/blog/nvidia-open-sources-audio2face-animation-model/?%5Fbhlid=90fe48fe8b8909cac8f60ada5abdfefc14544184&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ§Ŗ Hugging Face Drops FutureBench for Smarter AI Testing Hugging Face just launched **FutureBench**, a new benchmark to test AI models not on past exams but on future knowledge. Instead of recycling old datasets, FutureBench pulls in fresh, unseen material to measure how well models handle the unknown. šŸ“š **Goodbye Old Exams:** Traditional benchmarks often leak into training data, making results less reliable. šŸ”® **Test the Future:** FutureBench uses time-split data so models canā€™t ā€œcheatā€ by memorizing history. šŸ¤– **Real-World Ready:** The goal is to see how AIs adapt to new events, research, and information they havenā€™t been trained on. āš” **Benchmark Shakeup:** If it works, this could become the new gold standard for evaluating frontier models. Hugging Face wants AI testing to stop looking backward and start predicting forward. The future just became a giant prediction platform. [Read online](https://huggingface.co/blog/futurebench?%5Fbhlid=ecb4be77dcb897361bdc85dbaa2e96b9a94d3379&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ“Š Google Opens Its AI Data Vault with Data Commons MCP Google just plugged its massive **Data Commons** into the new Model Context Protocol (MCP), giving AI agents direct access to a treasure chest of structured datasets. Think of it as giving LLMs a data IV drip instead of leaving them hungry for context. šŸ”— **MCP Integration:** The Model Context Protocol standardizes how apps and AIs talk to external data sources. šŸŒ **Data Commons Access:** Billions of facts about economics, health, climate, and more are now a query away. šŸ¤– **Smarter Agents:** With real data on tap, AI assistants can skip hallucinations and ground their answers in reality. šŸš€ **Open for Builders:** Developers can start building apps and agents that pull in live structured knowledge without scraping the web. Google just handed AI a direct line to the worldā€™s datasets. The next wave of apps could feel a whole lot less like guesswork. [Read Online](https://developers.googleblog.com/en/datacommonsmcp?%5Fbhlid=db9de48e607d32b6ed6da1c0f522ea9397e1326b&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ’¼ Claude Goes to Wall Street Anthropic just rolled out its **Economic Index**, turning Claude into a wannabe Wall Street analyst. By crunching endless streams of filings, news, and data, the AI aims to deliver a real-time pulse of the U.S. economy faster than the Fed. šŸ¤– **AI Economist:** Claude digests economic signals like jobs, inflation, and growth without waiting weeks for government reports. šŸ“Š **Always Updating:** The index refreshes constantly, promising fresher insights than the usual bureaucratic lag. šŸ” **Open Methods:** Anthropic publishes both the numbers and methodology, inviting the finance world to check its math. šŸš€ **Big Bet:** If trusted, this could change how investors, analysts, and policymakers track the economy. Claude just stepped onto Wall Streetā€™s turf. Now weā€™ll see if traders trust an AI index over the Fedā€™s spreadsheets. [Read online](https://www.anthropic.com/research/anthropic-economic-index-september-2025-report?%5Fbhlid=846b9376d5d27f0d9df6914980b86cb8f9f830b6&ref=brianchristner.io) **Reply and let me know in the comments section below!"** **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian [Share the newsletter](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=7224ae28d4c63945b6c28ccb8a85fc4ad9e46184&ref=brianchristner.io) ### Ikigai Explained: How Purpose Leads to a Longer, Happier Life URL: https://brianchristner.io/ikigai-explained-how-purpose-leads-to-a-longer-happier-life/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:33.000Z ### **Why Ikigai is Everywhere** In a world obsessed with productivity hacks, Ikigai feels refreshingly timeless. My wife was gifted a book on Ikigai, but I took it instead since it piqued my interest. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that [Ikigai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikigai?ref=brianchristner.io) is the Japanese concept of ā€œreason for being". It turns out that in Okinawa, Japan, there are entire towns dedicated to living the Ikigai way. Okinawan elders, who regularly live past 100, attribute their longevity to a lifestyle centered on four key pillars: **diet, exercise, purpose, and strong social ties**. What suprised me most is Ikigai is not a rigid framework but rather a compass on how to live a full healthy life. --- ### **What Ikigai Really Means** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2025/09/ikigai-3.png) Ikigai sits at the intersection of four overlapping circles. Each circle represents a dimension of life weā€™re all trying to balance: 1. **What you love** - The passions that light you up. This could be anything, but what is essential is that it is what ignites a fire inside you. - These are the activities that make time disappearā€”whether itā€™s [coding](https://brianchristner.io/tag/docker/), [cycling](https://brianchristner.io/mountain-biking-coming-age/), painting, or [building businesses](https://brianchristner.io/tag/startup/). I would expand this to an activity that enables you to enter a state of flow. - Without this circle, life becomes mechanical and joyless. 2. **What youā€™re good at** - Your skills, strengths, and talents. (This typically aligns with what you love) - This doesnā€™t just mean ā€œnatural giftsā€ā€”it also includes things youā€™ve trained hard to master. For me, this is coding and writing. - When you ignore this circle, you risk chasing passions without the competence to make them sustainable. 3. **What the world needs** - The problems worth solving, the gaps worth filling. - It pushes you beyond self-interest, grounding your work in service and meaning. - Without this circle, purpose becomes self-indulgence. 4. **What you can be paid for** - The practical side: economic value. - This isnā€™t just about a paycheckā€”itā€™s about finding ways to sustain your lifestyle and keep doing what matters to you. - Ignoring this circle can leave you passionate but broke. At the center, where all four circles overlap, is **Ikigai**ā€”a sweet spot where passion, mission, vocation, and profession align. Ikigai is a compass for making choices that bring both joy and resilience. The true meaning of Ikigai is different for everyone, but the principles are the same. When you find your Ikigai, longevity typically follows. The book's authors actually visited a couple of towns where it has the most 100-year-olds in the world, and not surprisingly, they are all very active, dancing, and really engaged in their communities. Now, compare this to non-Ikigai lifestyles (Western Culture), where community takes a backseat, sitting replaces movement, and many never uncover their passion. It is easy to see where we can make improvements in our lifestyles. > **We all have an Ikigai, but most probably don't know it or have identified it yet.** --- ### Principles of Living with Ikigai **Keep Moving** Staying active is tied to vitality (*Japanese proverb*). Actually, Ikigai insists that you never stop working or moving. Several times, the book interviewed 100-year-olds, and they swore that "working" was their key to staying busy and healthy. Now, working is not just the 9-to-5; it can be anything from helping in the community to working in your garden. What is essential is to stay active and engaged. Ikigai says once you stop, this is when your health and mental state deteriorate. **Choose Compass over Map** Life happens, so we need to remain flexible, which reduces stress if something doesn't work out. Adaptability beats rigid planning. **Flow Over Goals** Rituals and flow states create happiness. It is not the outcome that is important, but being able to get into a state of mental flow that calms the body and mind. **Protect Your Focus** #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) [Multitasking](https://brianchristner.io/your-human-os-one-interface-for-all-your-tools/) Undermines Performance. We can never enter a state of flow if we are constantly interrupted. So, find the best environment, time, and space that rewards you with protected focus. **Live in the Now** Resilience through presence. > **"The past is gone, the future is uncertainā€”the present is all we control" - Buddhist and Stoic wisdom.** --- ### **Ikigai in Practice** Itā€™s one thing to understand Ikigai as a concept, but the real value comes when you apply it to daily life. You donā€™t need to overhaul your career or move to Okinawa. Small, consistent actions aligned with the four circles are enough to shift the needle. **1\. Build Rituals, Not Just Goals** Instead of chasing lofty goals(think New Year's resolutions), [design daily habits ](https://brianchristner.io/resuscitating-my-morning-routine/)that bring you into flow. For example, write for 30 minutes every morning, cycle a set route after work, or dedicate time to learning a new skill. These rituals stack up to something far bigger than short-term goals. The ritual should be easy enough to incorporate into your daily routine without being too challenging to form a habit. **2\. Protect Your Focus** Modern life rewards busyness, but multitasking dilutes energy and actually impairs your memory and productivity. [Create space for deep work: one task, one flow state](https://brianchristner.io/the-ultimate-productivity-system-from-mindset-to-metrics/). This not only boosts productivity but also connects you to the satisfaction of being fully absorbed in the present. Find your Flow, make space for yourself. Distraction Free Flow... **3\. Invest in Relationships** Ikigai isnā€™t a solo sport. Surround yourself with people who challenge, support, and inspire you. Schedule dinners, join communities, or strengthen ties with family and friends. Social bonds are one of the strongest predictors of longevity. **4\. Redefine Success** Ikigai reframes [success](https://brianchristner.io/define-success/) as progress in the present, not a trophy at the finish line. Itā€™s about asking: *Did I spend today doing something meaningful, with people I care about?* That answer matters more than quarterly results, likes, or follower counts. **5\. Start Small, Start Now** You donā€™t have to find your perfect overlap immediately. Experiment. Test hobbies, side projects, or skills that interest you. Over time, the four circles begin to align naturally. > **Whatā€™s one ritual you could add tomorrow that brings you into flow?** --- ### **My Ikigai Reflections** Personally, I have a lot of different hobbies. However, I need to carve out more time for myself to focus on one thing and get into my flow. I can find my flow state with writing, coding, or cycling. What I need to ensure is to remove distractions, which means timeboxing my flow and eliminating all distractions. For me, this is a big challenge as I have a lot going on, as do most of us. But, I'm going to be more diligent on carving out 30 minutes to 1 hour per day for my Ikigai flow state. Next is community. Yeah, I need to get a bit more involved in my local community here in Switzerland. A recent trip back to Arizona highlighted how easy it is to be part of a community. In the Arizona community, it felt effortless. Here in Switzerland, it requires effort, which might indicate this might be part of my Ikigai journey. Finally, I want to find one or two more hobbies that enable me to enter a flow state. --- ### **6\. Conclusion: Finding Your Ikigai** We all have an Ikigai, but most probably don't know it or have identified it yet. But now take the time and find your Ikigai. If you donā€™t know your Ikigai yet, start with the small things you love doing. It grows from there. **Start now and find your reason for being...your Ikigai!** > ***Longevity and happiness come not from shortcuts, but from purpose lived daily.*** I read the book [Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life](https://www.amazon.com/Ikigai-Japanese-Secret-Long-Happy/dp/0143130722?%5Fencoding=UTF8&dib%5Ftag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Kyw0NN5DM9Q4SGwi%5Figtbk4xSd-Uyrw%5F3akgPI8NsbZs8akAwuKQDBV6kGm49RQRydxzh85WcPESnIYuNDGeLu1R9b0hqtCDgfVcgMy7PAc1v%5F2ekbR5eTwyPjToYv4c3NfB9xdyhvWTBtgJ3-kTF%5F3p58LxuyexG4k8bqQfruvNDGv22ogJ-2O8xToKyG8vC27Njn1jI3UxbkFYCPPukBm0DoYcGd636XuzJMJ5C9k.gfUO8-XB49SQlTeKEdgOiPZLRlMbnT5HQNSQo4NeCHk&qid=1758613487&sr=8-3&linkCode=ll1&tag=brianchrio-20&linkId=5fe20c6fdc8f58448edc57c46889af7f&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=brianchristner.io) to help me jumpstart my path towards finding my Ikigai. Maybe it can help you as well. ## Ikigai Frequently Asked Questions **Q: What is Ikigai?** A: Ikigai is a Japanese concept meaning ā€œreason for being.ā€ Itā€™s the sweet spot where four elements intersect: **what you love**, **what youā€™re good at**, **what the world needs**, and **what you can be paid for**. When all four align, thatā€™s your personal Ikigai ā€” a compass for living a full, resilient, and meaningful life. **Q: How does Ikigai relate to longevity?** A: In Okinawa, where many people live past 100, Ikigai isn't just a philosophyā€”itā€™s embedded in daily life. Okinawan elders stay active, keep strong social ties, eat well, find purpose, and engage in rituals that maintain their flow. These practices, tied to Ikigai, are seen as part of the ā€œJapanese longevity secret.ā€ **Q: Can I apply Ikigai in my daily life even if Iā€™m not doing what I love as my job?** A: Absolutely. Ikigai isnā€™t just about work. Itā€™s about rituals, community involvement, hobbies, and small consistent actions. You can build parts of your Ikigai through side projects, volunteering, cultivating relationships, and carving out flow states outside of your job. The key is to align with the four circles as much as possible. **Q: What if I donā€™t know what I love or what Iā€™m good at yet?** A: Thatā€™s pretty common. The process involves experimentation. Try different activities, see what energizes you and which things feel meaningful. Reflect on times when you lost track of time (flow). Over time, patterns emerge that point you toward your passion and strengths. **Q: How is Ikigai different from chasing goals or achievements?** A: Chasing goals often focuses on specific outcomesā€”milestones, trophies, recognition. Ikigai shifts focus toward rituals, flow, and meaning in the present moment. It emphasizes sustainable, ongoing wellbeing, rather than one-off achievements. In Ikigai, happiness comes more from living in alignment daily than from occasional wins. **Q: Is Ikigai a static thing or something that changes over time?** A: It changes. As you grow, your context changes, your skills evolve, your world view shifts. Your Ikigai may look different in different seasons of your life. The important part is staying aware, iterating, and staying aligned with those four circlesā€”what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, what you can be paid for. ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### šŸ”“ AI Endpoints, Vapes, and Browsers... Who Let This Happen? URL: https://brianchristner.io/ai-endpoints-vapes-and-browsers-who-let-this-happen/ Last updated: 2025-12-17T15:04:55.000Z Hi everyone, How is it already Friday? Oh, thatā€™s right, I lost a day to jet lag this week. After staring at the seat back in front of me for 30 hours of flying time to and from Arizona this week, I got the chance to see the screens starting up with Arch Linux. It is a reminder that Linux is all around us, even in the Vapes people use. But donā€™t tell Linus about it, as he will drop brutal F bombs on your horrible coding. Once I recover from my jetlag I will finish the gamification of the newsletter for you to be able to win prizes and more. Letā€™s get into it. --- ### The Gold standard for AI news [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/media-beehiiv-com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down-format=auto-onerror=redirect-quality=80/uploads/asset/file/90b995bd-d2c2-419e-bdd7-fd452c09b81f/get_the_ai_news_that_matters_no_hype__just_facts_v1-t-1756241854.jpg)](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/faa6a747-8c1c-43c1-8155-91aa43268f01?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&redirect%5Fto=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.superhuman.ai%2Fc%2Fconfirmation%3Fmagiclink%5Fsubscription&redirect%5Fdelay=3&%5Fbhiiv=opp%5Fec7af14b-9342-4b8f-b9b0-4e70f2432658%5Fd22f5b49&bhcl%5Fid=90793338-3a73-4691-99fc-ef9becee79b4%5F&ref=brianchristner.io#%5F{{email%5Faddress%5Fid}}&%5Fbhlid=d0ea11b7a724042164eaa8428ec7d5acf2c83d69) AI keeps coming up at work, but you still don't get it? That's exactly why 1M+ professionals working at Google, Meta, and OpenAI read [Superhuman AI](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/faa6a747-8c1c-43c1-8155-91aa43268f01?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&redirect%5Fto=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.superhuman.ai%2Fc%2Fconfirmation%3Fmagiclink%5Fsubscription&redirect%5Fdelay=3&%5Fbhiiv=opp%5Fec7af14b-9342-4b8f-b9b0-4e70f2432658%5Fd22f5b49&bhcl%5Fid=90793338-3a73-4691-99fc-ef9becee79b4%5F&ref=brianchristner.io#%5F{{email%5Faddress%5Fid}}&%5Fbhlid=c7d26100664c11c742d17bc3c50c597d4431a54f) daily. Here's what you get: - Daily AI news that matters for your career - Filtered from 1000s of sources so you know what affects your industry. - Step-by-step tutorials you can use immediately - Real prompts and workflows that solve actual business problems. - New AI tools tested and reviewed - We try everything to deliver tools that drive real results. - All in just 3 minutes a day [Join 1M+ pros](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/faa6a747-8c1c-43c1-8155-91aa43268f01?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&redirect%5Fto=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.superhuman.ai%2Fc%2Fconfirmation%3Fmagiclink%5Fsubscription&redirect%5Fdelay=3&%5Fbhiiv=opp%5Fec7af14b-9342-4b8f-b9b0-4e70f2432658%5Fd22f5b49&bhcl%5Fid=90793338-3a73-4691-99fc-ef9becee79b4%5F&ref=brianchristner.io#%5F{{email%5Faddress%5Fid}}&%5Fbhlid=6f290450bc57cd88f470d1346fee98f7b1b722ef) **The Byteā€™s Bits** šŸ§  **AI in Your Browserā€¦ No Really, Itā€™s Inside Chrome** šŸ’Ø **Yes, Thatā€™s a Vape Running a Webserver** **āš”ļø Linus Torvalds on Garbage Code: Donā€™t Write It** šŸ“ŗ **Behind the Streams: Netflix Goes Live** šŸŒ **Tailscale Wants Your AI Endpoint Off the Wild Web** --- ## šŸ§  AI in Your Browserā€¦ No Really, Itā€™s Inside Chrome Google just hardwired AI straight into Chrome, turning the humble browser into a low-key assistant. From auto-polished text to custom themes, your browser just got a personality upgrade. āœļø **Write Like a Pro**: Chrome suggests cleaner, sharper text when youā€™re filling out forms or reviews. šŸŽØ **Instant Vibes**: Generate custom themes from a simple prompt, think neon cyberpunk or cozy cabin chic. šŸ§­ **AI-Boosted Navigation**: Smarter suggestions and organization while you surf. šŸš€ **The Browser Awakens**: Chrome is no longer just your internet window; itā€™s your AI sidekick. This isnā€™t ā€œAI in the cloud.ā€ Itā€™s AI baked right into the tool you use most online. [Read online](https://blog.google/products/chrome/new-ai-features-for-chrome/?%5Fbhlid=7ed0694aaa3e1b4fefb436f87c5b5ef565a9c4d2&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ’Ø Yes, Thatā€™s a Vape Running a Webserver Forget cloud hosting. A hacker turned a disposable vape pen into a fully functioning webserver. Instead of producing smoke, this one serves puffs HTML. šŸŒ **Tiny but Mighty**: The vape runs a stripped-down Linux distro and serves a basic webpage over Wi-Fi. šŸ”‹ **Battery-Powered Hosting**: No wall plugs required, the vapeā€™s own rechargeable battery keeps the server alive. šŸ› ļø **Tech Recycling at Its Best**: What was once a nicotine stick is now a pocket-sized hosting experiment. šŸš€ **Disposable Tech, Rewired**: What was once a nicotine delivery system (adult pacifier) is now a pocket-sized webserver. šŸ¤Æ **The Absurd Made Real**: Because sometimes the best hacks are the ones nobody asked for. Proof that if it has a chip and a battery, someone will find a way to make it run web project. [Read online](https://bogdanthegeek.github.io/blog/projects/vapeserver/?%5Fbhlid=fc8d6bcf73034505132db5deb4274568133ea80d&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## āš”ļø Linus Torvalds on Garbage Code: Donā€™t Write It When Linus Torvalds talks about code quality, he doesnā€™t sugarcoat it. In a recent rant, the Linux creator calls out sloppy coding by a Meta engineer with his trademark brutal, harsh, and direct honesty, and itā€™s as entertaining as it is painful. āš” **No Patience for Slop**: Torvalds tears into ā€œgarbage codeā€ thatā€™s hard to read, debug, or maintain. šŸ§‘ā€šŸ’» **Clarity > Cleverness**: He blasts developers who write ā€œsmartā€ code that looks fancy but breaks brains. šŸŖ“ **Cut the Crap**: His advice? If your code isnā€™t simple, understandable, and clean, rewrite it until it is. šŸ¤¬ **Feedback, Torvalds-Style**: Itā€™s not polite, but his aggressive push for better code has shaped Linux into what it is today. Torvalds proves that sometimes tough loveā€¦very tough loveā€¦is what it takes to keep the codebase strong. [Read online](https://read.engineerscodex.com/p/how-to-not-write-garbage-code-by?ref=dailydev&%5Fbhlid=39ef7921c1bf2595f8ebebd7491512d0c779db53) --- ## šŸ“ŗ Behind the Streams: Netflix Goes Live Netflix has cracked the code on livestreaming, and itā€™s not just for sports. Their tech blog pulls back the curtain on how they built a live platform strong enough for global audiences, without crashing like a college Zoom call. āš” **Real-Time at Scale**: Millions of concurrent viewers, zero buffering, no easy feat. šŸ”§ **Custom-Built Infrastructure**: Netflix engineered a unique low-latency system instead of relying on off-the-shelf tools. šŸŒ **Global Reliability**: The architecture ensures fans from Tokyo to Toronto all get the same smooth experience. šŸŽ¬ **Not Just On-Demand**: With this tech, live events and interactive content are officially on the table. Netflix isnā€™t just streaming shows anymore; itā€™s building the backbone for live global entertainment. [Read Online](https://netflixtechblog.com/behind-the-streams-live-at-netflix-part-1-d23f917c2f40?%5Fbhlid=42fbb44bd923a8dd74e4cdb8b11c171debdc0157&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸŒ Tailscale Wants Your AI Endpoint Off the Wild Web Leaving AI models exposed online is like leaving your front door wide open. Tailscale scanned the internet and found over 1,000 Ollama endpoints in just 10 minutesā€¦a hackerā€™s buffet. šŸ”’ **Security Nightmare**: Public-facing AI endpoints invite abuse, data leaks, and surprise cloud bills. šŸ•µļø **1,000+ Endpoints, Fast**: Their quick scan showed just how many devs are accidentally leaving models naked online. šŸ›”ļø **Keep It Private**: Tailscale pushes for securing AI behind private tunnels instead of dangling on port 443. šŸ¤– **Better AI Ops**: A little security hygiene saves engineers from exploits, breaches, and headaches. Exposing your model isnā€™t bold innovation, itā€™s basically free hosting for attackers. [Read online](https://tailscale.com/blog/AI-endpoints-on-public-web?%5Fbhlid=3c421d5bbdba50571470262df47c5a37f5164b8c&ref=brianchristner.io) **Reply and let me know in the comments section below!"** **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian [Share the newsletter](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=42f5e318d8d158947cc074be0c29e34a6db0e4d7&ref=brianchristner.io) ### āš”ļø Ice Batteries, LEGO Loops & Claudeā€™s File Magic URL: https://brianchristner.io/ice-batteries-lego-loops-claude-s-file-magic/ Last updated: 2025-12-17T15:05:23.000Z Itā€™s Friday Then!! (Sorry for getting the song stuck in your head) Iā€™m working on an automation process in the background to add gamification to this newsletter. Yes, thatā€™s right. Building something cool for The Byte community. Next week, I will provide more details on how you can participate and win some prizes. Letā€™s go! --- **The Byteā€™s Bits** **āš”ļø Ice Can Bend Into Power** šŸŒ **Google Declares the Open Web Is Dying** šŸ‘„ **The Power of 1,000 True Fans** šŸ“‚ **Claude Just Got a File System Upgrade** šŸ§± **The Never-Ending LEGO Domino Loop** --- ## āš”ļø Ice Can Bend Into Power Scientists at the Universitat AutĆ²noma de Barcelona just discovered something wild: bend a piece of ice, and it generates electricity. This ā€œflexoelectric effectā€ has been seen in other crystals before, but spotting it in ice could open up new ways to power future devices. ā„ļø **Ice Goes Electric:** When bent, ice produces an electrical current thanks to its molecular structure. šŸ”¬ **Lab Proof:** Researchers created ultra-thin ice samples and measured the electric output when deformed. šŸŒ **Real-World Potential:** Could lead to sensors or devices that harvest tiny amounts of power from frozen environments. From frosty water to mini power plantā€¦ice just added ā€œenergy sourceā€ to its resume. Curious to see if future Arctic expeditions might carry their own frozen batteries. [Read online](https://www.uab.cat/web/newsroom/news-detail/scientists-find-that-ice-generates-electricity-when-bent-1345830290613.html?detid=1345962889069&%5Fbhlid=6ee29e100ee45da8bbfa568204e5974a3f28bba6&ref=brianchristner.io#:~:text=A%20study%20co%2Dled%20by,natural%20phenomena%20such%20as%20lightning.) --- ## šŸŒGoogle Declares the Open Web Is Dying At Googleā€™s Chrome Dev Summit, execs painted a grim picture: the open web is shrinking fast. With TikTok, Instagram, and AI chatbots dominating how people get content, the classic browser-based web is losing its crown. šŸ“‰ **Traffic Shift:** More users now search TikTok or rely on AI summaries instead of visiting websites. šŸ•øļø **Web Under Siege:** Closed platforms like apps and walled gardens are eating away at open access. šŸ”® **Googleā€™s Worry:** If people skip the web, Googleā€™s core business, which is search and ads, gets shaky. The open web built the internet as we know it, but Googleā€™s warning feels like an obituary draft. The question now: is the web fading, or just evolving into something unrecognizable? [Read online](https://www.theverge.com/news/773928/google-open-web-rapid-decline?%5Fbhlid=35fa7f3616f436df5a7f1f4046833cfad7f0abb0&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ‘„ The Power of 1,000 True Fans Kevin Kellyā€™s legendary essay argues you donā€™t need millions of followers to succeed with just 1,000 ā€œtrue fans.ā€ These are the diehards who buy everything you create, show up to every event, and support you directly. šŸ’Æ **True Fan Math:** If 1,000 people each spend $100 a year, thatā€™s $100,000 enough for most creators to live on. šŸŽØ **Direct Connection:** The internet makes it possible to reach and nurture fans without middlemen. šŸŒ **Sustainable Creativity:** Instead of chasing viral fame, focus on building a loyal community that sticks. Itā€™s a manifesto for creators: success isnā€™t about going viral, itā€™s about cultivating a village of true believers. [Read online](https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/?%5Fbhlid=25a51f3c6aedb542d643f2f2eab5ed888cbff45f&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ“‚ Claude Just Got a File System Upgrade Claude just received a much-anticipated feature. Claude can now create and edit files directly inside chat. No more endless copy-paste gymnastics. Claude hands you ready-to-go docs, reports, or code in a snap. šŸ”¹ **File Creation Built-In:** Export docs, code, or reports straight from chat āœØ **Seamless Editing:** Update and refine files without leaving the thread šŸ“Œ **Developer Friendly:** Perfect for structured outputs like scripts and configs šŸ”„ **Workflow Upgrade:** Cuts out the busywork and keeps projects moving fast This isnā€™t just chatbot banter anymore. Claudeā€™s new file skills turn it into a legit productivity hubā€¦your AI sidekick/assistant/EA just learned how to save its own homework outside the chat. [Read Online](https://www.anthropic.com/news/create-files?%5Fbhlid=0a7ac94a83de6d1a4d9f1be2b86c6b756710d708&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ§± The Never-Ending LEGO Domino Loop Someone just hacked physicsā€”or at least it feels that way. A viral Reddit clip shows a mesmerizing LEGO contraption where dominoes fall endlessly in a looping chain, resetting themselves to tumble again and again. ā™»ļø **Perpetual Vibes:** Itā€™s not breaking the laws of thermodynamics, but it sure looks like it. šŸ§© **Brick Engineering:** Cleverly timed gears and tracks keep the dominoes cycling without pause. šŸ‘€ **Hypnotic Effect:** The kind of video you watch three times before realizing youā€™ve lost ten minutes. Itā€™s the perfect mix of childhood toys and engineering geniusā€”an infinite domino dance powered by pure creativity. Making an Infinite LEGO Domino Ring [ Read online ](https://www.reddit.com/r/Damnthatsinteresting/comments/1n372ep/endless%5Flego%5Fdomino%5Floop/?%5Fbhlid=802aa7552b131ac5e18edace1e1d1b3161f213b8&ref=brianchristner.io) **Reply and let me know in the comments section below!"** **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian [ Share the newsletter ](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=e96bd4746c7adbc1072dd87807ff9d46501e9ab6&ref=brianchristner.io) ### šŸ”„ The Only Rule You Need: Hell Yeah or No URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-only-rule-you-need-hell-yeah-or-no/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:33.000Z Hi everyone, This week, I uncovered something remarkable. No, itā€™s not a new AI tool. This week, posting a real job on LinkedIn actually provided the most reach and interactions of all my other posts. Lesson: LinkedIn remains an effective platform for sharing work-related content and job opportunities. Focus on providing real content, and people will find it. Brian --- **The Byteā€™s Bits** šŸ§  **Your Human OS: One Interface to Rule Them All** šŸ‡ØšŸ‡­ **Apertus: Switzerlandā€™s Open-Source AI Platform** šŸ **Siriā€™s Glow-Up Stumbles, Google Steps In** **šŸ›ļø UK Gov Tried Copilot. Productivity Didnā€™t Budge** šŸ”„ **The ā€œHell Yeah or Noā€ Rule** --- ## šŸ§  Your Human OS: One Interface to Rule Them All Managing endless apps and logins is like juggling flaming swords with oven mitts. Enter the idea of a ā€œHuman OSā€ a single interface that connects every tool, service, and workflow you use. Think less chaos, more control. šŸ§‘ā€šŸ’» **One Brain, Many Apps**: Stop context-switching like a caffeinated squirrel. A unified interface acts as the central nervous system for your digital life. šŸ”Œ **Plug & Play Productivity**: Email, docs, CRM, project boards ā€” all stitched into one hub where actions flow seamlessly instead of splintering across tabs. šŸ¤ **Humans in the Loop**: AI assistants make it powerful, but humans remain the decision-makers. Itā€™s not automation replacing you, itā€™s augmentation backing you up. šŸš€ **Future of Workflow**s: The dream isnā€™t just fewer logins. Itā€™s building a layer where your tools talk to each other without you doing the diplomatic heavy lifting. The ā€œHuman OSā€ vision is bold: a single cockpit for your entire digital universe. Whether itā€™s a utopia or just wishful thinking, itā€™s clear that the future of work is headed toward consolidation, not more chaos. [Read online](https://brianchristner.io/your-human-os-one-interface-for-all-your-tools/?%5Fbhlid=20af74e2023fe37b5bfa1f0792625f1d1ef99465) --- ## šŸ‡ØšŸ‡­ Apertus: Switzerlandā€™s Open-Source AI Platform This week, Switzerland announced its own LLM focusing on transparency and underrepresented languages (like Swiss German). Forget black-box AI models locked away by big tech. Apertus (Latin for Open) is Switzerlandā€™s answer: an open-source AI platform designed to keep AI transparent, accessible, and actually useful for everyone. šŸŒ **Open to All:** Researchers, developers, and companies can build, share, and collaborate without gatekeepers. **šŸ” Transparency First:** No mystery meat algorithms ā€” users can inspect, tweak, and trust whatā€™s under the hood. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) šŸ¤ **Community-Driven:** A project shaped by academia, startups, and industry, making sure it serves more than corporate giants. šŸš€ **Boosting Swiss AI:** By fostering collaboration, Apertus positions Switzerland as a serious player in the global open-source AI movement. Apertus is helping to enable developers to build tools for even more languages based on this new model trained on 15 Trillion tokens across 1,000 languages. šŸ—£ļø *Parlez-vous franƧais ?* [Read online](https://www.swiss-ai.org/apertus?%5Fbhlid=4f23f9b8d1c1c61208e15dac477a95528e074e60&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ Siriā€™s Glow-Up Stumbles, Google Steps In Appleā€™s grand AI overhaul for Siri has hit the snooze button, delaying its big debut. To avoid being left in the AI dust, Apple might lean on ā€¦ wait for it ā€¦ Googleā€™s tech to power up Siri. Yes, the same Google itā€™s been side-eyeing for years. šŸ¢ **Siri Slows Down:** Apple promised smarter AI features, but delays mean the assistant is still stuck in 2011 vibes. Honestly, who is using Siri right now? šŸ¤ **Frenemies at Work:** Apple could borrow Googleā€™s AI to catch up, proving even trillion-dollar giants sometimes need a cheat sheet. **šŸ’° Business as Usual:** The two companies already have a cozy $20B+ deal for Google Search on iPhones, so why not tack on AI too? šŸ“± **User Impact:** Donā€™t expect Siri to suddenly ace trivia night ā€” improvements will be gradual and quietly rolled out. Siriā€™s delayed glow-up shows that even Apple canā€™t build the future alone. Sometimes, even the walled garden needs a neighborā€™s lawnmower. [Read online](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/with-apples-siri-ai-overhaul-delayed-google-might-help-it-catch-up/?%5Fbhlid=33859f461f6ec3e1e01862f9a7057c118a115c63&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ›ļø UK Gov Tried Copilot. Productivity Didnā€™t Budge Copilot sells the dream but delivers hallucinated Excel formulas. A three-month trial of Microsoft 365 Copilot inside the UKā€™s Department for Business and Trade showed small time savings in some tasks, but no solid uplift in overall productivity. People liked it, sure, but liking a tool is not the same as getting more done. šŸ§Ŗ **The pilot:** 1,000 licenses, Oct to Dec 2024, evaluated by the departmentā€™s monitoring team. šŸ™‚ **Satisfaction:** 72% of users were satisfied, NPS clocked in at 31. **āœļø Where it helped:** drafting emails, summarizing docs, transcribing or summarizing meetings saw modest time wins. šŸ“Š **Where it stumbled:** Excel data analysis was slower and less accurate, and PowerPoint got faster but worse, requiring fixes. šŸ‘€ **Hallucinations:** 22% of participants reported spotting them, with many others unsure. Copilot looks handy for admin grunt work, not a magic productivity fountain. File under useful assistant, not workplace revolution. Hmm, doesnā€™t Microsoft own a large share of OpenAI? I think itā€™s only a matter of time before we see an Apple move where Copilot will eventually merge with OpenAI. [Read Online](https://www.theregister.com/2025/09/04/m365%5Fcopilot%5Fuk%5Fgovernment/?%5Fbhlid=3a78e56d518623aea99088e180367c40d6600afc&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ”„ The ā€œHell Yeah or Noā€ Rule One of my favorite blog posts of all time. I often revisit it to recenter my yes/no filter. Derek Sivers lays it out simply: if an opportunity doesnā€™t make you say ā€œ**Hell yeah!**ā€, then itā€™s a **no**. Lifeā€™s too short for half-hearted maybes. **āš” Clear Filter:** Use this rule to cut out the noise and focus only on what excites you. šŸ§¹ **Declutter Life:** Saying no more often leaves room for the things that truly matter. šŸ’” **Energy Check:** If youā€™re not buzzing with enthusiasm, itā€™s a red flag. šŸš€ **Focus Multiplier:** Every no frees up time, energy, and attention for your real priorities. Itā€™s a blunt but liberating mantra: only commit to what sets you on fire, and stop wasting time on the rest. [Read online](https://sive.rs/hellyeah?%5Fbhlid=61458263d7bad874e2ab236e97d4582cf894cedf&ref=brianchristner.io) **What are your thoughts about the mix of stories? Reply and let me know in the comments section below!"** **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian [Share the newsletter](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=f18db89a93501eecf3cda8603420647fcfe70695&ref=brianchristner.io) ### Your Human OS: One Interface for All Your Tools URL: https://brianchristner.io/your-human-os-one-interface-for-all-your-tools/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:33.000Z The Context switching tax is [toggling between apps 1'200 times](https://hbr.org/2022/08/how-much-time-and-energy-do-we-waste-toggling-between-applications?ref=brianchristner.io) per day. Thatā€™s four hours a week ā€” or five weeks a year ā€” wasted just flipping between apps and tabs. This doesn't take into [consideration the amount of time to regain focus for each context switch.](https://brianchristner.io/the-ultimate-productivity-system-from-mindset-to-metrics/) Modern professionals are overwhelmed by a multitude of tabs, apps, notifications, emails, messages, and more. Take a moment and count how many tabs and apps you currently have open while reading this. I currently have **27 tabs and 12 apps open** while writing this blog post**.** What if instead of dozens of apps and tabs pulling at you, you had a single interface to every app you own and use? Thatā€™s what I call a Human OS. I'm currently developing my own Human OS. What is a Human OS, you ask? ### **Definition: Human OS** A **Human Operating System** is a unified digital layer (a single interface) that reduces context switching by connecting all your tools, data, and workflows into a single user interface. Instead of adapting to dozens of fragmented apps, your Human OS adapts to you. **In practice, the Human OS:** 1. **Centralizes context** ā€“ Keeps all your work (projects, data, messages) accessible from one conversational or visual interface in my case Claude Desktop. 2. **Automates orchestration** ā€“ Uses AI to coordinate actions across multiple apps without manual switching (app orchestration is the massive unlock). 3. **Personalizes execution** ā€“ Learns your patterns, preferences, and priorities so it works the way *you* think. 4. **Frees attention** ā€“ Minimizes the constant mental reset that comes with app-hopping, notifications, and tool fragmentation. --- ### **Key Difference From Just Another Productivity Tool** - **Not** just another ā€œall-in-oneā€ app. - **Is** an adaptive layer across everything you already use. - Built on interoperability (MCP, APIs) and powered by AI to provide continuity. - Plug in the apps you use via MCP servers, customized to your workflows. --- ## **Why Current Productivity Stacks Fail** Weā€™ve tried the single *SaaS that does everything*. **Spoiler: it never does.** Instead, we cobble together a Frankenstein tech stack, stitched from half-solutions and the false hope of more productivity. The core problem isnā€™t a lack of tools...itā€™s interoperability. No single app can be the ā€œtop tool.ā€ **What usually ends up dominating? Email and chat.** Not because theyā€™re productive, but because theyā€™re loud...constant pings, endless notifications. > **Thatā€™s not a strategy. Thatā€™s chaos.** --- ## **Enter AI + MCP Servers** We all know (and some secretly fear) AI by now. But on its own, AI is only half the story. To unlock its full potential, you need [**MCP servers**](https://github.com/punkpeye/awesome-mcp-servers?ref=brianchristner.io)**...**the middleware that connects everything through a standard interface. Picture this: you prompt your AI with, *ā€œPull the latest sales numbers, draft an email to my manager with the sales data, and schedule a follow-up meeting.ā€* - **AI is the brain:** it interprets your request, plans the steps, and decides which tools to use. - **MCP is the spine:** it integrates with your CRM for sales data, your email client for message drafting, and your calendar for scheduling meetings. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2025/09/ai_brian_MCP_spine.png) The result? One instruction/prompt, all the moving parts handled. Your **Human OS** abstracts away the mess so you can focus on the actual work. > **No tab-flipping. No context loss.** --- ## Practical Use Case: The Power of Dual MCP Integration As you may know, I am an avid [mountain biker,](https://brianchristner.io/mountain-biking-coming-age/) but more importantly, I enjoy reviewing and obsessing over the data from my rides. I want to share my personal MCP use case, which involves using [Strava](https://brianchristner.io/how-to-win-strava-kom-segments/) and Garmin. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2025/09/E4F681A0-FF60-40B2-88D4-1106626CA84F.jpeg) My latest ride Most people think of MCP servers as ā€œconnectors,ā€ but the real magic happens when you run more than one at a time. Take [**Strava**](https://brianchristner.io/how-to-win-strava-kom-segments/) **\+ Garmin** as an example. Each app has its strengths: #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) - **Garmin**: physiological data ā€” sleep quality, HRV, stress, recovery. - **Strava**: performance and social ā€” segment times, competition, routes, kudos. **On their own, both are useful. Combined through MCP, they become exponentially more powerful.** --- Let's take a look at how combining MCPs unlocks a new level of productivity. ### 1\. Recovery vs Performance Correlation - **Garmin** shows: Body Battery at 88%. - **Strava** shows: You set a PR on the *local Strava Challenge*. - **Combined**: If your Body Battery is 80%+, youā€™re 3x more likely to hit a PR. **Insight is only possible through both MCPs.** --- ### 2\. Hidden Training Patterns - **Garmin** logs a stress spike at 15:00. - **Strava** shows you were on a brutal 14.4% grade. - Together, you learn that steep climbs consistently trigger disproportionate stress responses. Now you can train specifically for that weakness. --- ### 3\. Sleep Impact on Segments Garmin says you got only 10% REM. Strava shows your time dropped by 12%. Flip it around: nights with 20%+ REM correlate with 15% faster technical segments. **Sleep quality ā†’ segment performance linkage = actionable recovery strategy.** --- ### 4\. Real-World Advantage Instead of staring at disjointed dashboards, you could ask your Human OS: > ***ā€œAm I ready for a PR attempt today?ā€*** The AI brain interprets your intent, MCP spine fetches from both Garmin and Strava, and you get a single, contextual answer: > ***ā€œSkip it. Your Body Battery is 60% and Strava shows a headwind. Tomorrow at 16:00 gives you an 85% chance for a PR.ā€*** --- ### The Big Picture This isnā€™t about just *connecting* apps. Itā€™s about creating a **layer of intelligence across all your tools**. Garmin gives you the inside view, Strava gives you the outside competition, and together they transform into predictive, personalized coaching...something only multiple MCP integrations can deliver. --- That reframes your **Human OS** as not just a convenience tool, but a **performance edge** ā€” in work, fitness, and life. ## šŸ’° ROI of Dual MCP Integration ### Time Saved - **Without**: Guessing readiness, random performance - **With Both**: 15 minutes daily review = optimal training - **Result**: 25% better performance, 50% less injury risk ### Performance Gains | Metric | Garmin Only | Strava Only | Both MCPs | | --------------------- | ----------- | ----------- | --------- | | PR Attempts Success | 35% | 40% | 71% | | Injury Prevention | 60% | 20% | 85% | | Training Optimization | 70% | 50% | 92% | | Recovery Timing | 80% | 10% | 95% | --- ## How I Run Strava MCP + Garmin MCP in Claude Desktop I integrated the [Garmin MCP](https://github.com/Taxuspt/garmin%5Fmcp?ref=brianchristner.io) and [Strava MCP ](https://github.com/r-huijts/strava-mcp?ref=brianchristner.io)into Claude Desktop. You will need to follow the instructions for both MCP servers to install them locally on the computer running [Claude Desktop](https://claude.ai/download?ref=brianchristner.io). **Prereqs** - Node installed for the Strava MCP server - Python 3.12 is available for the Garmin MCP via `uvx` - Strava API credentials and Garmin credentials **Steps** 1. Open **Claude Desktop** ā†’ **Settings** ā†’ **Developer** ā†’ **Edit Config**. 2. Add the JSON below. Update paths, emails, and passwords. 3. Restart Claude Desktop. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2025/09/image.png) Claude Desktop Developer Settings Once the editor for Claude is Open, add the following JSON config to enable both MCP servers for Claude. Restart Claude once you are done. āš ļø **Security notes** - Do not hardcode secrets in shared configs. Use environment variables or a secrets manager when possible. - Rotate credentials if you ever commit this file by accident. - If you are on Windows or Linux, adjust the `uvx` path accordingly. ```json { "mcpServers": { "strava-mcp-local": { "command": "node", "args": [ "/absolute/path/to/your/strava-mcp/dist/server.js" ] }, "garmin": { "command": "/Library/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions/3.11/bin/uvx", "args": [ "--python", "3.12", "--from", "git+https://github.com/Taxuspt/garmin_mcp", "garmin-mcp" ], "env": { "GARMIN_EMAIL": "YOUR_GARMIN_EMAIL", "GARMIN_PASSWORD": "YOUR_GARMIN_PASSWORD" } } } } ``` ## Wrapping It Up: From Bike Trails to Boardrooms The **Human OS** isnā€™t just about shaving seconds off Strava segments. The same logic that makes Garmin + Strava transformative for athletes applies to how professionals work every day. When multiple MCP servers combine, your stack goes from ā€œcollection of toolsā€ to **an intelligent operating system**. ### Business Workflow Example: CRM + Calendar + Slack Imagine youā€™re leading a sales team. Normally, preparing for a client meeting means juggling three windows: - **CRM**: find the latest notes and revenue figures - **Calendar**: schedule prep sessions and the actual meeting - **Slack**: coordinate with your account manager **With a Human OS:** - You prompt: *ā€œPrep me for tomorrowā€™s meeting with the new client.ā€* - **AI (brain)** parses the intent and figures out what you need. - **MCP (spine)** fetches the CRM deal history, checks your calendar availability, and pulls the latest Slack thread with your team. - Output: a concise briefing, proposed agenda, and calendar inviteā€”all in one place. **The result is the same as the Strava cycling example: less time chasing tabs, more time in flow.** ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### šŸŒ® From Tacos to 9GHz URL: https://brianchristner.io/from-tacos-to-9ghz-this-week-s-byte/ Last updated: 2025-12-17T15:05:44.000Z Friday is finally hereā€¦ After writing about Taco Bell and Nano Bananaā€™s, Iā€™m already hangry. X is full of tweets (or do we say xeets now?) about Nano Banana images. Iā€™m trying to find a good balance between tech news and interesting articles, so please let me know in the comments how the mix is working. Letā€™s get started. --- **The Byteā€™s Bits** šŸš“ **The Tech Arms Race in Cycling: How the UCI Fights Motor Doping** **šŸ–„ CPU Overclocking Hits 9 GHz: World Record Smashed Again** šŸŽØ **Googleā€™s Gemini Goes Bananasā€”Meet the New ā€œNano Bananaā€ Update** **šŸ”“ From Inmate to Innovator: The Developer Who Rebuilt His Futurer** šŸŒ® **Taco Bellā€™s AI Drive-Thru Stumbles on Trolls and Glitches** --- ## šŸš“The Tech Arms Race in Cycling: How the UCI Fights Motor Doping Doping is no longer just about riders but also the bikes. Professional cycling is locked in a high-stakes battle against hidden motors, and the UCI is not holding back. Equipped with law enforcement strategy and cutting-edge technology, the organization is determined to stay one step ahead of evolving tactics. - šŸ”Ž **X-ray Inspections on the Spot** ā€“ At major races, handheld backscatter X-ray devices scan bikes down to the frame and wheels to uncover concealed components. - šŸ§  **Smart Detection Meets Strategy** ā€“ Led by Nick Raudenski, a former U.S. Homeland Security investigator, the UCI pairs high-tech tools with intelligence work and whistleblower tips. - šŸ‘® **Tactics Borrowed from Policing** ā€“ Inspectors don't just scan; they profile, risk-map, and treat each suspicious performance as a case worth investigating. - šŸ›”ļø **Built to Deter** ā€“ The UCI trains 7ā€“15 X-ray inspections per day at races and combines them with post-race weight checks, dismantling bikes when necessary to ensure fair play. In a sport where hidden motors could permanently shatter trust, these defenses are essential. The UCI's vigilance isnā€™t just about catching cheatsā€”itā€™s about preserving credibility. [Read online](https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/were-in-a-technological-arms-race-how-the-ucis-nick-raudenski-is-fighting-mechanical-doping/?%5Fbhlid=1e37bc4e7e27dc8ad4e46d6079dc07d5605827a4&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ–„ CPU Overclocking Hits 9 GHz: World Record Smashed Again In a pulse-pounding overclocking showdown, a Chinese expert named "wytiwx" pushed an Intel i9-14900KF past 9 GHz, setting a new record and inching CPU performance ever closer to the elusive 10 GHz mark. - šŸš€ **Record-Breaking Speed** ā€“ Achieved an astonishing 9,121.61 MHz (9.12 GHz), edging out the previous record by just under 4 MHz. - šŸ§Š **Ice-Cold Power** ā€“ To tame the blazing chip, wytiwx turned to extreme cooling with liquid nitrogen or helium, paired with a modest 1.387-volt core voltage. - šŸ–„ **Ultra-Stripped Setup** ā€“ The system ran on an Intel i9-14900KF with E-cores and hyperthreading disabled, mounted on an Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Apex board, and even ran Windows 7 for legacy supporting drivers. - šŸ† **Only the Fourth Above 9 GHz** ā€“ This feat joins just three other entries above 9 GHz in the HWBot database, making it a rare achievement in the world of extreme overclocking. - āš” **Compared to Everyday PCs** ā€“ Most retail CPUs today top out around 3.5ā€“5.5 GHz under normal conditions, making this record nearly double the performance ceiling. Overclocking is fascinating because it pushes hardware beyond factory limits, exploring the edge of whatā€™s physically possible. While you wouldnā€™t run a daily laptop or gaming rig at cryogenic temps, these experiments provide insights for chipmakers and inspire the enthusiast communityā€”showing just how far silicon can really go. [Read online](https://www.digitec.ch/en/page/913033-mhz-new-world-record-in-overclocking-39284?%5Fbhlid=42b7f418837d83aaeb37130c65d52a93cb11efdb&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸŽØ Googleā€™s Gemini Goes Bananasā€”Meet the New ā€œNano Bananaā€ Update Google just supercharged its Gemini app with a DeepMind-powered image editorā€¦nicknamed ā€œ**Nano Banana**ā€. I must say Iā€™m really impressed with Google, as this image generator is not only good, but I believe the best on the market now. Itā€™s Creative and really fast! - šŸ†• **Edit Without Losing the Look** ā€” Whether youā€™re changing your hairstyle, re-styling your pet, or moving them into a different scene, the AI ensures the subject stays recognizable. - **Blend, Remix, Repeat** ā€” You can combine photos (such as yourself with your pet), apply clothes or patterns from one image to another, and create layered edits that preserve each prior change. - **Multi-Turn Magic** ā€” Want to renovate a room in stages? Start with wall color, then add furniture and dĆ©cor, all without losing context from previous edits. - **Marked and Transparent** ā€” Every AI-generated image includes a visible watermark and a hidden SynthID tag, ensuring creativity remains fun *and* traceable. Geminiā€™s ā€œ**Nano Banana**ā€ sounds like a quirky name until you try it and realize itā€™s a serious leap in trustworthy, flexible AI photo editing. Go Bananas! [Read online](https://blog.google/products/gemini/updated-image-editing-model/?%5Fbhlid=b03cfb6d12700ed112711a33cfbc6afe3e7d495a&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ”“ From Inmate to Innovator: The Developer Who Rebuilt His Future Preston spent nearly a decade behind bars for non-violent drug offenses, but prison became his unlikely springboard into software development, Rust, open source, and a future beyond the bars. - šŸ§± **Locked In, Locked On Learning** ā€“ Inside, Preston taught himself software development, rediscovering coding after years away, fueled by resources, curiosity, and grit. - šŸ–„ **Remote Work Behind Bars** ā€“ He became one of the first inmates in the country allowed remote work, contributing to infrastructure and dev tools while still incarcerated. - šŸš€ **From Rehab to Real Dev** ā€“ His contributions caught fire. A side project with database reimplementation led to a role as a senior engineer at Turso, where coding became his full-time gig. - šŸ› **Champion for Reform** ā€“ Preston believes education and tech access during incarceration transformed his life, and he urges broader prison reform to offer others the same chance. Prestonā€™s story is a living reminder that potential doesnā€™t disappear behind prison walls; it just takes on a different form. And with access and opportunity, transformation happens. [Read Online](https://pthorpe92.dev/intro/my-story/?%5Fbhlid=16b1dcbe0b143b4419d4eadb866df59242aebf0b&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸŒ® Taco Bellā€™s AI Drive-Thru Stumbles on Trolls and Glitches The fast-food chainā€™s push to automate ordering hit a few bumps as AI drive-thrus rolled out across 500 U.S. locationsā€”sparking trolling, awkward glitches, and a rethink of where the tech actually belongs. - šŸŽ™ **Voice AI in the Wild** ā€“ Taco Bell installed AI-powered ordering systems in hundreds of drive-thrus, but glitches and slow responses quickly became a problem. - šŸ¤” **Trolled Hard** ā€“ Some customers tested the systemā€™s limits with absurd orders, such as requesting 18,000 cups of water, which upended the experience. - šŸ¤” **Mixed Feelings** ā€“ The digital head admitted, ā€œSometimes it lets me down. Sometimes it surprises me,ā€ summing up the polarized reactions. - šŸƒ **Scaling Back for Smooth Service** ā€“ The company is reconsidering where to deploy the tech, noting that busy locations might benefit more from a human at the mic. With AI ordering proving to be a double-edged chalupa, Taco Bell is learning the hard way: not every lane belongs to digital assistants. AI is hard, and customers will always find edge cases quickly. Itā€™s essential to keep customers in focus and the user experience top of mind. šŸ˜‚ Ordering food & drinks at a Taco Bell ai drive thru gone wrong. \*FUNNY\* #tacobell #aivoice šŸ˜‚ [ Read online ](https://www.theverge.com/news/767421/taco-bell-ai-drive-thru-trolls-glitches?%5Fbhlid=98f17e7bc04cf0db0cda6a98c53d7184376d263b&ref=brianchristner.io) **What are your thoughts about the mix of stories? Reply and let me know in the comments section below!"** **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian [ Share the newsletter ](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=1afd54629bd0ce607786be1b59990af888429396&ref=brianchristner.io) ### šŸŖ‘ The IKEA Effect: Why We Love What We Build URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-ikea-effect-why-we-love-what-we-build/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:34.000Z Iā€™ve gone down the Cloud repatriation rabbit hole this week. Itā€™s a growing movement that challenges the practice of blindly spending money in the Cloud, as finance departments scrutinize these expenditures more and more. I donā€™t think Cloud computing will go away anytime soon, but I believe more discussions will start happening on how much ROI we will get on each 1$ of IT costs and balancing out the CAPEX vs OPEX within companies. This is already happening in other departments, so it only makes sense that these questions start popping up with IT spend. I covered two great stories about how one company completely moved away from AWS to save 200k a year, and another with Alex Ellis, where he gains more control and saves money by moving his development machine back on-prem. Letā€™s dive in. --- **The Byteā€™s Bits** šŸŖ‘ **Why We Love the Stuff We Build: The IKEA Effect** šŸ’¾ **One File to Rule Them All: AGENTS.md Becomes the AI Agent Guidebook** **šŸ“¦ Shrinking the Cloud: How Mini PCs Are Winning on Cost and Control** **šŸ—ļø OneUptime Ditches AWS to Save a Cool $230K a Year** šŸ§± **Yes, Someone has built a Remote Control Lego Submarine** --- ## šŸŖ‘ Why We Love the Stuff We Build: The IKEA Effect Ever notice how that wobbly shelf you assembled feels priceless? Thatā€™s the **IKEA Effect,** a cognitive bias where we value things more when weā€™ve put effort into creating them. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) - šŸ›  **Effort = Value** ā€“ People place higher worth on items theyā€™ve built themselves, even if the result is lower quality than store-bought. - šŸ§  **Psychology at Work** ā€“ Investing time and energy makes us more emotionally attached and more likely to overrate our creations. - šŸ’ø **Business Goldmine** ā€“ Companies like IKEA and Build-a-Bear thrive on this bias, turning effort into customer loyalty. - šŸŽÆ **Beyond Furniture** ā€“ The effect applies to work projects, hobbies, and even relationshipsā€”effort creates ownership. The IKEA Effect reminds us that sometimes itā€™s not the product itself, but the sweat we pour into it, that makes it feel invaluable. The same goes for software projects or anything we help create. When we create something, we consider the product much more valuable. Now get building! [Read online](https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/ikea-effect?%5Fbhlid=377a863f9da7e76a5f4355509c27d031a3cfa349&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ’¾ One File to Rule Them All: AGENTS.md Becomes the AI Agent Guidebook AI-powered coding tools have long relied on a confusing tangle of config files one per agent. Now, the community is rallying behind **AGENTS.md** as the universal setup guide, simple, Markdown-based, and tool-neutral. - šŸ§© **End to Agent-Specific Chaos** ā€“ AI coding tools used formats like [CLAUDE.md](https://claude.md/?%5Fbhlid=0ab0979819617c9362a76ce2350de3a8ed9227d6&ref=brianchristner.io), .cursorrules, or even AGENT.md, forcing developers to maintain multiple config files. AGENTS.md brings clarity. - šŸŒ **Built for All Agents** ā€“ This document lives in your project root and outlines everything from project structure to build commands, coding style, testing protocols, and security practices. - šŸ¤ **Wide Industry Adoption** ā€“ OpenAI, Amp, Gemini CLI, OpenCode, and more have added support for AGENTS.md, recognizing its neutral and practical value. - šŸ”„ **Legacy Support via Symlinks** ā€“ Tools not yet onboard can still work seamlessly by linking their custom config filesā€”like CLAUDE.md or [GEMINI.md](https://gemini.md/?%5Fbhlid=45b7470f2e9e624d2fb3891115cb8f2092a6d2ac&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€”to AGENTS.md. **AGENTS.md** isnā€™t just a file; itā€™s the start of order in a messy landscape. It ensures AI agents understand your projects consistently and efficiently, making teamwork with bots smoother and scalable. [Read online](https://agents.md/?%5Fbhlid=50027f5b25a6d071a7f53718e757c588134d7489&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ“¦ Shrinking the Cloud: How Mini PCs Are Winning on Cost and Control I have a lot of respect for Alex Ellis and was fortunate to be part of the Docker Captains program with Alex. Alex is a master tinkerer. He is my go-to resource for anything Raspberry PI or building local Serverless solutions. Alex is spearheading a movement to move back on-prem (or in-home with development). With rising cloud costs and limited flexibility, Alex Ellis turned to **Intel N100 Mini PCs** as a lean, powerful alternative for R&D. The move gave him more control, better performance, and surprising savingsā€”so much so that one quickly became two. - āš” **Tiny but Mighty** ā€“ The Intel N100 packs a surprising punch with 4 cores, 4 threads, and up to 3.4 GHz turbo performance, all in a low-power fanless package capable of supporting up to 32 GB RAM and NVMe storage. - šŸ§© **Perfect for Clusters** ā€“ With virtualization built-in (KVM and Firecracker compatible), Ellis runs multiple micro-VMs and Kubernetes clustersā€”even testing OpenFaaS setups across both units. - šŸ„§ **Raspberry Pi Who?** ā€“ Compared to the Pi 5, his N100 setup showed a 3Ɨ speed boostā€”especially noticeable when compiling kernels or running CI tasks. - šŸ“ˆ **Scaled with Ease** ā€“ The low price point made scaling simple. Why limit yourself to one when you can afford to add more and expand your R&D playground? Alexā€™s experiment shows that stepping away from the cloud can give developers more flexibility, better control, and serious bang for the buck. [Read online](https://blog.alexellis.io/n100-mini-computer/?%5Fbhlid=448e791f0f3a382fc86bb52f1fd9e24ae1224db4&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ—ļø OneUptime Ditches AWS to Save a Cool $230K a Year OneUptime traded cloud chaos for a bare-metal revival, and the payoff was massive. By reclaiming control of their hardware and tuning performance with open-source tools, they dramatically shrank their cloud tab. - šŸ’ø **Big Savings, Big Impact** ā€“ Moving away from AWS slashed their hosting costs by an eye-watering $230,000 annually. - šŸ› ļø **Smarter Stack** ā€“ They leaned on tools like Docker, Helm, MicroK8s, Ceph, and Kubernetes to make the shift smoother and more reliable. - šŸ”„ **Hybrid Resilience** ā€“ AWS isnā€™t gone yet; in fact, it's their backup plan during outages, helping ensure uptime even in their DIY setup. - šŸ‘‘ **Control Is King** ā€“ Beyond cost, the move gave them autonomy from hardware to network to optimize performance and eliminate cloud unpredictability. OneUptimeā€™s bare-metal pivot proves that cloud isnā€™t always king. Sometimes, rolling up your sleeves and owning the stack pays offā€”in dollars and control. [Read Online](https://oneuptime.com/blog/post/2023-10-30-moving-from-aws-to-bare-metal/view?%5Fbhlid=27732d05a11076a5e2ccce518d190c38499d88c9&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ§± Yes, Someone has built a Remote Control Lego Submarine One Redditor is turning childhood imagination into deep-sea engineering by attempting to build a fully functional submarine powered by Lego parts. The project is part passion, part madness, and itā€™s capturing the internetā€™s attention. - āš™ļø **Brick by Brick** ā€“ The subā€™s propulsion system and body are made from Lego pieces, with creative hacks to handle underwater pressure. - šŸŒŠ **Testing the Waters** ā€“ Early trials show promise, though keeping the sub watertight is proving to be the biggest challenge. - šŸš¤ **More Than a Toy** ā€“ The builder is mixing Lego with real engineering components to push the limits of what plastic bricks can actually do. - šŸŽ„ **Internet Gold** ā€“ Videos of the build have gone viral, sparking debates on engineering genius vs. playful insanity. Itā€™s the kind of project that makes you wonder: are we looking at the worldā€™s most over-engineered toyā€¦ or the start of Legoā€™s next product line? Building a Lego-powered Submarine 4.0 - automatic depth control **What are your thoughts on the move away from Cloud? Reply and let me know in the comments section below!"** **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian [ Share the newsletter ](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=a2a5c8de428ddeab98e908eadf44149ed28ec263&ref=brianchristner.io) ### šŸš€ AI Showdowns: Apple Rallies, OpenAI Retreats, and DeepSeek Stumbles URL: https://brianchristner.io/ai-showdowns-apple-rallies-openai-retreats-and-deepseek-stumbles/ Last updated: 2025-08-14T07:11:25.000Z **In partnership with** [![](https://beehiiv-images-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/ad_network/advertiser/logo/326a9193-12cd-4dcf-8b6c-7d26fbda699e/SHAI.png)](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/faa6a747-8c1c-43c1-8155-91aa43268f01?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&redirect%5Fto=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.superhuman.ai%2Fc%2Fconfirmation%3Fmagiclink%5Fsubscription&redirect%5Fdelay=3&%5Fbhiiv=opp%5Fcc017bae-dac6-4b74-9d65-016c04688b0b%5Fd22f5b49&bhcl%5Fid=4db006cf-8b5e-4ded-92a8-2a5da0cdcdd5%5F&ref=brianchristner.io#%5F{{email%5Faddress%5Fid}}&%5Fbhlid=7ac1466841e8e3888c3fb913637e0e3ee863304c) Happy Friday! This week, I started a new book about Ikigai. Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means ā€œreason for being,ā€ found at the intersection of what you love, what youā€™re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Itā€™s a framework for aligning passion, purpose, and profession to create a more fulfilling life. I will report back once Iā€™m done. So far, it is fascinating. Letā€™s dive in. ### Find out why 1M+ professionals read Superhuman AI daily. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/media-beehiiv-com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down-format=auto-onerror=redirect-quality=80/uploads/asset/file/1a894cae-ce4b-4849-8426-d978ddb6a887/learn_ai_in_3_minutes_beehive-t-1739301736.jpg)](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/faa6a747-8c1c-43c1-8155-91aa43268f01?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&redirect%5Fto=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.superhuman.ai%2Fc%2Fconfirmation%3Fmagiclink%5Fsubscription&redirect%5Fdelay=3&%5Fbhiiv=opp%5Fcc017bae-dac6-4b74-9d65-016c04688b0b%5Fd22f5b49&bhcl%5Fid=4db006cf-8b5e-4ded-92a8-2a5da0cdcdd5%5F&ref=brianchristner.io#%5F{{email%5Faddress%5Fid}}&%5Fbhlid=5b98b44e24ac1f71b81fbab6abc9b7b44b901e40) In 2 years you will be working for AI Or an AI will be working for you Here's how you can future-proof yourself: 1. Join the [Superhuman AI](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/faa6a747-8c1c-43c1-8155-91aa43268f01?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&redirect%5Fto=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.superhuman.ai%2Fc%2Fconfirmation%3Fmagiclink%5Fsubscription&redirect%5Fdelay=3&%5Fbhiiv=opp%5Fcc017bae-dac6-4b74-9d65-016c04688b0b%5Fd22f5b49&bhcl%5Fid=4db006cf-8b5e-4ded-92a8-2a5da0cdcdd5%5F&ref=brianchristner.io#%5F{{email%5Faddress%5Fid}}&%5Fbhlid=325ae2f5812f8a110b83a196aa8db8afec67ba9f) newsletter ā€“ read by 1M+ people at top companies 2. Master AI tools, tutorials, and news in just 3 minutes a day 3. Become 10X more productive using AI Join 1,000,000+ pros at companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon that are using AI to get ahead. [Sign up and start learning AI](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/faa6a747-8c1c-43c1-8155-91aa43268f01?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&redirect%5Fto=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.superhuman.ai%2Fc%2Fconfirmation%3Fmagiclink%5Fsubscription&redirect%5Fdelay=3&%5Fbhiiv=opp%5Fcc017bae-dac6-4b74-9d65-016c04688b0b%5Fd22f5b49&bhcl%5Fid=4db006cf-8b5e-4ded-92a8-2a5da0cdcdd5%5F&ref=brianchristner.io#%5F{{email%5Faddress%5Fid}}&%5Fbhlid=ce709945e7fba6394af2d788d86ebb5d8fdb4853) --- **The Byteā€™s Bits** **āš” Why Zapier Won My Time Back from n8n** šŸ¤– **Beijingā€™s Robot Conference Looked Like a Sci-Fi Movie Set** šŸ **Appleā€™s AI Rally Cry: ā€œDonā€™t Get Left Behindā€** šŸ§  **OpenAI Brings Back the ā€œFriendlyā€ GPT-4o After Backlash** **āøļø DeepSeekā€™s Launch Hit the Pause Button: Huawei Chips to Blame** --- ## āš” Why Zapier Won My Time Back from n8n Running n8n felt less like automating my life and more like accidentally applying for a sysadmin job I didnā€™t want. Between managing servers, updates, and mysterious errors at 2 a.m., I spent more time babysitting the tool than using it. Switching to Zapier meant no servers, no patching, just automations that worked. šŸ› ļø **Reliable Over Fancy**: n8nā€™s flexibility is great in theory, but in reality, it was like tons of setup, configuration, and ongoing maintenance. ā±ļø **Time Is Expensive**: Zapierā€™s ready-made integrations meant less tinkering, fewer error messages, and more focus on actual productivity. šŸ¤Æ **Sanity Check**: The frustration tax of the time it takes to start adding value was too much for n8n. Sure, it is Open Source, but with a lot of caveats that move you quickly to a SaaS paid model. šŸ“ˆ **Scaling Without Headaches**: Zapier just handled the workflows, letting you forget about the backend chaos and focus on actual work. Sometimes the smartest upgrade isnā€™t the most customizable tool; itā€™s the one that lets you focus more on productivity and adding value. Zapier appreciated my story so much that they sent me some Swag. In the following weeks, I will dive deeper into building automations with Zapier. [Read online](https://brianchristner.io/why-zapier-won-my-time-back-from-n8n/?%5Fbhlid=d2cc7a006bab4de87a9faed6a1213f05f1674cd4) --- ## šŸ¤– Beijingā€™s Robot Conference Looked Like a Sci-Fi Movie Set Iā€™m actually quite disappointed in the mainstream media that this conference didnā€™t get more coverage. Itā€™s challenging to find a decent English-speaking website that covers the conference. I only became aware of the topic via X. The 2025 World Robot Conference brought over 200 robotics companies to Beijing under the theme ā€œMaking Robots Smarter, Making Embodied Agents More Intelligent.ā€ The floor was packed with humanoids, AI-driven machines, and tech that made it feel like the future showed up early. šŸ­ **Industry Flex**: From advanced manufacturing bots to lifelike service robots, companies showcased machines that could walk, talk, and even adapt to their environment. šŸ§  **Smarter Than Before**: The focus was on embodied intelligence, giving robots the ability to interact and learn like humans, not just follow pre-programmed scripts. šŸŒ **Global Tech Stage**: Exhibitors and experts from around the world showed that robotics innovation isnā€™t slowing down, itā€™s accelerating. Have a look at this X thread on all the videos from the conference. From flipping pancakes, giving massages, to boxing. The world of humanoid robots is getting closer than you think. [![](https://pbs.twimg.com/amplify_video_thumb/1954116246632562688/img/3PXc8P4HWv8IIGUx.jpg)](https://twitter.com/rohanpaul%5Fai/status/1955879684849189185?%5Fbhlid=720b3de9df294bf4832ac9fe4e0f71947346cd7c&ref=brianchristner.io) [Read online](https://x.com/rohanpaul%5Fai/status/1955879684849189185?%5Fbhlid=40aa1303844a44210f82b763d48854f996b74bd8&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ Appleā€™s AI Rally Cry: ā€œDonā€™t Get Left Behindā€ Apple has finally entered the AI chatā€¦ In a rare company-wide townhall, Tim Cook made it clear that AI is Appleā€™s next big bet. He called it **ā€œas big or bigger than the internetā€** and warned that ignoring it could leave the company in the dust. - šŸš€ **ā€œNever Been This Excitedā€** ā€“ Cook admitted Apple may not lead every tech wave, but when it does, it transforms. Heā€™s more excited about AI than ever before. - šŸ‘„ **A Massive Push** ā€“ Apple has hired 12,000 new employees to boost its AI capabilities, signaling a monumental internal shift. - šŸŽ¤ **Historic Pep Talk** ā€“ The townhall, held at the Steve Jobs Theater, marked a rare moment of transparency and alignmentā€”centered squarely on AI. - šŸ”„ **Cultural Turning Point** ā€“ The event shows Apple is reimagining its identityā€”from keeping pace to setting the pace in AI. Apple has been struggling with its AI strategy. With failed SIRI and Apple Intelligence initiatives, Tim Cook has finally realized itā€™s time to ramp up AI both internally and within its products. Apple often lags behind, waiting for technologies to fall into place. Now is the perfect time for Apple to push play with AI. [Read online](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/apple-ceo-tim-cook-to-employees-ai-as-big-or-bigger-than-the-internet-warns-not-using-it-will-/articleshow/123299376.cms?%5Fbhlid=33f4e890a607264ae0e3a09b204c86e299ab1685&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ§  OpenAI Brings Back the ā€œFriendlyā€ GPT-4o After Backlash When GPT-5 launched, many users werenā€™t thrilled with the trade-off between raw power and personality. The warmer, more conversational GPT-4o was suddenly gone and the internet lost itā€™s mind. - šŸ’¬ **Personality Matters** ā€“ Users described GPT-4o as a friend or therapist, and felt GPT-5 was too clinical. OpenAI admitted they underestimated the emotional bond people had with the model. - āš” **Fast U-Turn** ā€“ Within 24 hours, GPT-4o was restored for ChatGPT Plus users and GPT-5 usage limits were relaxed. - šŸ“¢ **No More Surprise Removals** ā€“ OpenAI pledged not to retire models without warning, acknowledging the trust hit from this move. - ā¤ļø **Making GPT-5 Warmer** ā€“ Plans are in place to add more personality, customization, and even new response modes like ā€œThinkingā€ with massive context windows. This quick reversal shows AI isnā€™t just about capability, itā€™s about connection. For many, the ā€œvibeā€ matters just as much as the IQ. [Read Online](https://www.theverge.com/decoder-podcast-with-nilay-patel/758873/chatgpt-nick-turley-openai-ai-gpt-5-interview?%5Fbhlid=366fd9a9ab1b51245b42ed51fbc15203fd971673&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## āøļø DeepSeekā€™s Launch Hit the Pause Button: Huawei Chips to Blame Chinaā€™s AI standout, DeepSeek, had to delay its much-anticipated R2 model. The culprit? Persistent training failures using Huaweiā€™s Ascend chipsā€”in a showdown between national pride and practical performance. - šŸ›  **Training Trouble** ā€“ DeepSeek couldnā€™t train R2 using Huaweiā€™s Ascend hardware due to persistent technical glitches. - ā³ **May Launch Missed** ā€“ The modelā€™s planned rollout has slipped, putting the company at a disadvantage against competitors. - šŸ”„ **Hybrid Setup** ā€“ As a workaround, DeepSeek reverted to Nvidia chips for training and kept using Huaweiā€™s chips for inference tasks. - šŸŒ **Chinaā€™s Tech Tensions** ā€“ This setback highlights the broader challenges in Chinaā€™s push for chip independenceā€”even with strong government backing. DeepSeekā€™s pause reflects a harsh reality in AI: itā€™s not just about brilliant algorithms, itā€™s about the hardware that backs them. In this chip-driven era, even the smartest models need strong infrastructure. [Read online](https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/14/dodgy%5Fhuawei%5Fdeepseek/?%5Fbhlid=146c0eb386faecaaf93eac93ab198e3dd966823d&ref=brianchristner.io) **What's your take on cloud repatriation? Reply and let me know in the comments section below!"** **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian [Share the newsletter](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=6bd47faa4f9dc5ce794ecd0b755c7e08233631b4&ref=brianchristner.io) ### Why Zapier Won My Time Back from n8n URL: https://brianchristner.io/why-zapier-won-my-time-back-from-n8n/ Last updated: 2025-08-12T18:00:44.000Z Initially, I was hooked by the allure of [n8n](https://brianchristner.io/n8n-the-ultimate-no-code-and-open-source-workflow-automation-tool/)...open source, host it anywhere, tweak it however you like. Total freedom. Iā€™d experimented with it a few years back and was impressed then, but lately the hype machine of *n8n + AI* pulled me in again. It promised endless flexibility and zero strings attached. The reality? That freedom came with a catch. I turned into a Sys Admin again, hosting it myself, managing updates, keeping the lights on, and working within a strict licensing agreement that quickly transitions you to a [SaaS pricing tier](https://n8n.io/pricing/?ref=brianchristner.io) even though you self-host. Donā€™t get me wrong, n8n is a solid tool, and it can easily automateā€¦ **The Reality Check** After spending a few hours deploying a server, locking it down, assigning permissions, and getting it all set up for my use cases, only to learn that I don't have a significant advantage here. --- ### **The ā€œAhaā€ Moment: n8n vs Zapier** - **Hosting & Maintenance Overhead** n8n (self-hosted) means youā€™re the sysadmin: updates, security patches, server costs, uptime monitoring. Zapier justā€¦ runs. - **Learning Curve** n8n is powerful, but its node-based workflow builder and advanced features can intimidate non-technical users. Zapierā€™s interface is more plug-and-play and quicker to build solutions. - **App Ecosystem Size** Zapier supports over 6,000 apps with polished, official integrations. n8nā€™s integrations are growing but still smaller and sometimes less feature-rich. - **Licensing & Limits** n8nā€™s ā€œfair codeā€ license means commercial use can have restrictions, nudging businesses toward the paid cloud or self hosting plan quickly. Zapierā€™s terms are clearer (just pay for the plan you need). - **Speed to Deploy** With Zapier, you can spin up an automation in minutes. With n8n, you might need to handle hosting config, webhook setup, and API quirks before it works. - **Monitoring & Error Handling** Zapierā€™s error alerts and task history are straightforward. n8n can require more manual digging or custom error handling logic. **But, wait. Does n8n also have a cloud offering?** Sure, n8n also has a cloud offering, but it focuses more on enterprise capabilities like SSO, logging, etc. With the n8n Cloud version, you can quickly scale in price, but not necessarily what you need, which is more integrations and tools to help you build. **Hold on, I hear that n8n is for power users and Zapier is for point and click jockeys?** Yes, true, but you can also code within Zapier as well, so this point is invalid. n8n Cloud is incredible if you want n8nā€™s flexibility without server headaches. Still, if your real goal is **zero setup, huge integration coverage, and minimal thinking about the tool at all**, Zapier gets you there faster! Basically, n8n Cloud is great if you want n8nā€™s flexibility without server headaches...but if your real goal is **zero setup, huge integration coverage, and minimal thinking about the tool at all**. --- ### **Why Zapier Made Sense Now** Switching back to Zapier meant I could focus entirely on building solutions instead of babysitting servers. No more patching, scaling, or worrying if my instance was going to crash at the wrong moment. [Zapierā€™s massive integration library](https://zapier.com/apps?ref=brianchristner.io) opened the door to thousands of ready-to-use connections, letting me build workflows in minutes instead of hours. On top of that, its built-in [AI agents](https://zapier.com/agents?ref=brianchristner.io) and [visual canvas tools](https://zapier.com/canvas?ref=brianchristner.io) make complex automation design faster and more intuitive, so I can spend my time creating value instead of wrestling with infrastructure. > Why does Zapier make sense? I can focus on building instead of maintaining! ### n8n vs Zapier: The Bottom Line This switch reminded me that the best tool isnā€™t always the one with the most control or the lowest sticker price...itā€™s the one that lets you move the fastest toward your goals and add the most value to me. Sure, self-hosting n8n gave me freedom, but it also gave me a second job maintaining infrastructure. I spent hours setting up servers, giving people access, tweaking security, and and and. Even n8n Cloud, while removing the server headaches, still didnā€™t match Zapierā€™s integration depth or its ā€œready on day oneā€ usability. Zapierā€™s managed environment, huge app ecosystem, and built-in automation tools let me ship faster, test more ideas, and focus my time where it matters: delivering solutions, not managing the plumbing behind them. **The real win is now I spend my time building automations that solve problems, not wrangling the machines that run them.** **** ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Never Eat Alone: Lessons on Building Relationships That Last URL: https://brianchristner.io/never-eat-alone-lessons-on-building-relationships-that-last/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:34.000Z Here's my latest [book review.](https://brianchristner.io/tag/books/) Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi. We all know networking matters. But for most of us, ā€œnetworkingā€ conjures awkward events, business cards, and small talk that feels like dental work without anesthesia. [Keith Ferrazziā€™s *Never Eat Alone*](https://www.amazon.com/Never-Eat-Alone-Expanded-Updated-ebook/dp/B00H6JBFOS?crid=1TS6T3TGNL7OU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZCs%5FZiwUNkrtoTeHQ1r%5FD9LH4qVyeA0kDt1oYzglRWODrOi9wNP43KtwpEkckEuKGX9ZlU6KwY5e3OLALjo62VzeQ47J4eRL3g0Vc6F9H8HPeiLnK-vbiL0KBtggupSmz9-IPJgrEubKdsfqy1l1uEIPvAlPzeAXQlfPj8jhYz88rstNc5Vvqkom6DiTpUx9-tZWN7XUDS%5FbP02N6UsjDgM0pDfbsVkdS-DO-K%5FGnOc.cX%5FpYUd83CqADzAbtcB%5FgDqpyjVN4FUeySFLqtFC1s0&dib%5Ftag=se&keywords=never+eat+alone+keith+ferrazzi&qid=1754835156&sprefix=never+eat+alon%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=growertoday04-20&linkId=35d81e44d15f96b1a61931529a070a61&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=brianchristner.io) flips that on its head. Itā€™s not about transactional schmoozingā€”itā€™s about creating genuine, lasting relationships that make life and work better. > **"SUCCESS IN LIFE = (THE PEOPLE YOU MEET) + (WHAT YOU CREATE TOGETHER)."** ## From Caddy to Connector Ferrazziā€™s story begins far from the corner office. Growing up in a working-class family, he learned early that relationships could open doors that talent alone couldnā€™t. Caddying at a local golf course introduced him to people whose lives looked very different from his own. Later, at university, he wasnā€™t just joining clubs he was founding his own fraternity chapter and even attempting to launch a political party (spoiler: it tanked, but the connections lived on). > **The takeaway? Your background doesnā€™t limit your networkā€”it shapes how you build it.** ## The How, Not Just the Why Plenty of books tell you why relationships matter. This one focuses on the how. Ferrazziā€™s approach is equal parts mindset and method: - **Ask better questions:** Swap **ā€œWhere do you work?**ā€ for **ā€œWhatā€™s something exciting youā€™re working on right now?ā€** I've started using this, and it excites the people you are speaking with. One of my best takeaways from the book. - **Lead with generosity:** ***ā€œFeed your network firstā€*** by giving to people who will also pay it forward. - **Plan with intention.** His ā€œ[Relationship Action Plan](https://www.securityindustry.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/RISE-Resource-12.pdf?ref=brianchristner.io)ā€ connects your goals to the people, places, and actions needed to get thereā€”backed by the reminder that *ā€œYour goals must be specific, believable, and challenging.ā€* **And when you set those goals, remember his mantra:** > **ā€œA goal is a dream with a deadline.ā€** Here's the [Relationship Action Plan template](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Y94gCSrwhe72VZR9DPBH9VQCOebfVSskC%5FSev6rWwOI/edit?usp=sharing&ref=brianchristner.io) I built in Google Sheets #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ## Risk, Reciprocity, and the Right Mindset Ferrazzi doesnā€™t sugarcoat the trade-offs. *ā€œThe choice isnā€™t between success and failure; itā€™s between choosing risk and striving for greatness, or risking nothing and being certain of mediocrity.ā€* His emphasis on giving is strategic, not naĆÆve. Smart givers focus their energy on relationships that will thrive on mutual value. They even calendar time for giving, ensuring generosity doesnā€™t get lost in the daily grind. ## Technology and the People-Powered Network For Ferrazzi, the best network is **ā€œpeople-poweredā€** but amplified by technology. That means using online tools not as a replacement for face-to-face interaction, but as a force multiplier, freeing your network from the constraints of time and geography. As John Perry Barlow put it, *ā€œFortune prefers the networked mind.ā€* ## Why It Resonates The beauty of [*Never Eat Alone* ](https://www.amazon.com/Never-Eat-Alone-Expanded-Updated-ebook/dp/B00H6JBFOS?crid=1TS6T3TGNL7OU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZCs%5FZiwUNkrtoTeHQ1r%5FD9LH4qVyeA0kDt1oYzglRWODrOi9wNP43KtwpEkckEuKGX9ZlU6KwY5e3OLALjo62VzeQ47J4eRL3g0Vc6F9H8HPeiLnK-vbiL0KBtggupSmz9-IPJgrEubKdsfqy1l1uEIPvAlPzeAXQlfPj8jhYz88rstNc5Vvqkom6DiTpUx9-tZWN7XUDS%5FbP02N6UsjDgM0pDfbsVkdS-DO-K%5FGnOc.cX%5FpYUd83CqADzAbtcB%5FgDqpyjVN4FUeySFLqtFC1s0&dib%5Ftag=se&keywords=never+eat+alone+keith+ferrazzi&qid=1754835156&sprefix=never+eat+alon%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=growertoday04-20&linkId=35d81e44d15f96b1a61931529a070a61&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=brianchristner.io)is its honesty. Ferrazzi doesnā€™t present networking as effortless charm or blind luck. He shows itā€™s a skillā€”built through habits, mindset, and a willingness to be genuinely curious about other people. If youā€™ve been treating networking like a chore, like I have, this book is a reset button. Itā€™s a reminder that every conversation is an opportunity to connect, not to collect contacts. Don't be a sleezy networke,r but instead add value back to people. --- **Key Takeaways for Your Next Conversation** 1. Lead with curiosity, not credentials. 2. Be the person who follows up. 3. Treat relationships like gardensā€”they need consistent care. 4. Make generosity intentional, not accidental. --- ### Final Thoughts Keith Ferrazzi is a bit of a unicorn when it comes to relationship building. Keith even admits in the book that he is working around the clock, working the phone every day. Of course, this is how you become a successful networker, but at the same time, this recipe doesn't work for everyone. I find you need to adapt his strategy to your skills and comfort level. **What I will take away from the book is the following:** 1. Build a Relationship Action Plan - I've created a Google Sheet Template to help you get started - [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Y94gCSrwhe72VZR9DPBH9VQCOebfVSskC\_Sev6rWwOI/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Y94gCSrwhe72VZR9DPBH9VQCOebfVSskC%5FSev6rWwOI/edit?usp=sharing&ref=brianchristner.io) 2. Work on maintaining my existing network by refreshing previous contacts 3. Work on my conversations with new people --- ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### āš” AI That Gets Sh*t Done ā€” From Zapierā€™s Playbook to LLM Cage Fights URL: https://brianchristner.io/ai-that-gets-sh-t-done-from-zapier-s-playbook-to-llm-cage-fights/ Last updated: 2025-12-17T15:05:58.000Z Hi everyone, Holidays done, batteries charged, and full of ideas! After spending some time away from the keyboard, it was a great time to relax, eat lots of Italian food, and indulge in way too much espresso and dessert. Totally worth it! Now back to the regularly scheduled program, and newsletters will start flowing again every Friday. Oh yeah, and ChatGPT 5 just dropped, and itā€™s amazing. Iā€™ve been using all the features already and am blown away. I will spare any stories about GPT-5 since it is on every news site now. Letā€™s go! --- **The Byteā€™s Bits** **ā™Ÿļø AI Chess Smackdown: When LLMs Throw Down in the Digital Cage Fight** šŸ˜± **Trelloā€™s Redesign Goes Down in Flames** šŸ¤– **Developers, Reinvented: From Coders to AI Conductors** **āš™ļø How Zapier Quietly Built an AI Powerhouse** **šŸŽļø What happens when you tell engineers to learn how to race cars?** --- ## ā™Ÿļø AI Chess Smackdown: When LLMs Throw Down in the Digital Cage Fight Googleā€™s new **Kaggle Game Arena** is turning AI evaluation into a spectator sport, starting with a high-stakes chess tournament featuring the worldā€™s top LLMs. The semifinals just wrapped, and the stage is set for a nail-biting final between OpenAIā€™s **o3** and xAIā€™s **Grok 4**. šŸ•¹ļø **From Benchmarks to Battles**: Instead of static tests, Kaggle Game Arena uses live, competitive games to test reasoning, planning, and adaptability. šŸ¤ **Big Names, Bigger Brains**: Eight heavyweights enteredā€”Googleā€™s Gemini, OpenAIā€™s o-series, Anthropicā€™s Claude, xAIā€™s Grok, DeepSeek R1, and Moonshot AIā€™s Kimi. šŸ”„ **Semifinal Drama**: o3 swept o4-mini 4-0 with a 12-move masterpiece, while Grok 4 edged past Gemini 2.5 Pro in a tense Armageddon tiebreak. šŸŽ„ **Streamed Like Esports**: Commentary came from Hikaru Nakamura, Levy ā€œGothamChessā€ Rozman, and even Magnus Carlsen. Kaggle Game Arena isnā€™t just testing AI itā€™s making it entertaining. And with Grok 4 and o3 clashing in todayā€™s final, this could be the most-watched AI chess game ever. This is so much better than looking at boring chart comparisons on which model is N% at x or y. Now we have the MMA version of LLM testing. [Read online](https://www.kaggle.com/game-arena?%5Fbhlid=0acb450b23cf499d0ca0195f2d24305f2d47341f&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ˜± Trelloā€™s Redesign Goes Down in Flames Design is hard, and direct user feedback can be brutal. However, Trelloā€™s new design may have thrown gas on the angry mob fire. I used to be a big fan of Trello until Atlassian took over. Trelloā€™s latest overhaul was meant to refresh the platform, but for many longtime users, itā€™s a total disaster. Complaints about clunky layouts, strange fonts, and missing features are flooding forums, with some even calling it ā€œthe Windows 8 of project management,ā€ or the worst UX rollout in history, comparing it to the Sonos app update. Ouch! šŸ†˜ **Feature Fallout**: Popular functions like quick comment-adding are gone, making workflows feel slower and less intuitive. šŸ‘„ **Users in Revolt**: Feedback ranges from ā€œtruly terribleā€ to ā€œhorrible new UI,ā€ with veteran Trello fans mourning the old design. šŸŽÆ **Strategic Shift:** Atlassian says the redesign is part of a push to reposition Trello as a personal productivity tool, steering heavy team users toward Jira. šŸ’ø **The Price of Change**: For teams, the shift could mean higher costs if theyā€™re forced to migrate to Jiraā€™s pricier tiers. Trelloā€™s risky revamp shows how changing a beloved product can backfire fast, especially when loyal users feel left behind. [Read online](https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/06/trello%5Fredesign%5Fas%5Fbad%5Fas/?%5Fbhlid=2b94a0ff6b164814bc40be0c6e95326aca4bd7b1&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ¤– Developers, Reinvented: From Coders to AI Conductors The CEO of GitHub, Thomas Dohmke, wrote a courageous blog post about the future of developers when it comes to AI. He answers so many essential questions? Will developers exist in the future? Yes, but the role will be completely redefined. The role of the software developer is evolving fast. Instead of just writing code, top devs are now directing AI like a creative partner, saving time, boosting output, and unlocking new ways to build. šŸ“ **Stage 1 ā€“ The Skeptic:** AI feels gimmicky, but worth a quick test for code completion. šŸ§­ **Stage 2 ā€“ The Explorer:** Using AI to debug, generate snippets, and speed up small tasks. šŸ¤ **Stage 3 ā€“ The Collaborator:** Working alongside AI inside IDEs to co-create entire features. šŸŽÆ **Stage 4 ā€“ The Strategist:** Orchestrating multiple AI agents, delegating work, and verifying outputā€”becoming the ā€œCreative Director of Code.ā€ This shift doesnā€™t spell the end for developers itā€™s a level-up. With AI in their toolkit, coders are moving from doing the work to designing how the work gets done. [Read online](https://ashtom.github.io/developers-reinvented?%5Fbhlid=0e3501a091393f46d3b757ee83c05f096b592441&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## āš™ļø How Zapier Quietly Built an AI Powerhouse The hardest thing about AI is adoption within a company. Sure, some people will adapt to it right away, others will scrape the surface, but a large majority never even log in to try it. Change is always hard, but even more so within an established organization. Zapier didnā€™t just bolt AI onto its automation platform it rewired how the whole company works. From internal workflows to customer-facing features, AI is now baked into the core of Zapierā€™s product and operations. šŸ§  **AI Everywhere**: Zapier infused AI into internal tools to speed up support, marketing, and engineering ā€” cutting manual work across the board. šŸ¤– **AI-Powered Features**: Launched ā€œAI Actionsā€ letting users connect ChatGPT with 6,000+ apps to create workflows that run themselves. šŸ“ˆ **Faster Than Ever**: Internal teams now use AI for code generation, copywriting, and debugging, shrinking timelines from weeks to hours. šŸ› ļø **Experimentation Culture**: Zapierā€™s approach? Ship fast, learn faster, and keep what works. Zapierā€™s AI rollout shows how AI isnā€™t just a feature, itā€™s a multiplier. The companies that figure this out will move at a speed their competitors canā€™t match. The Zapier playbook on AI adoption is really an inspiring read. [Read Online](https://zapier.com/blog/how-zapier-rolled-out-ai/?%5Fbhlid=c2e4970036c2ae9f5ef8af4bc78246c3ba519f70&ref=brianchristner.io) To follow on to this, I just heard the podcast from My First Million this week where they interviewed the founder of Zapier, Wade Foster. Wade walks through how he goes from concept to implementation using Zapier. Great video, with hands-on use cases. I built 4 Agents in 55 minutes to save 20+ hours a week --- ## šŸŽļø What happens when you tell engineers to learn how to race cars? If you are into cars, this is a great video. Chevrolet Corvettes set out with a goal to be the fastest American production car to lap around the infamous NĆ¼rburgring in Germany. Not just any circuit, but one of the longest race tracks in the world, at 12.9 miles long (20.8 kilometers). Hereā€™s the twist: Chervrloet didnā€™t just go out and hire the best drivers; they used the engineers who built and designed the car. It's amazing to see the extensive testing, engineering, planning, and simulation time the drivers went through before ever hitting the track. Makes me want to get back into racing againā€¦ ā€‹Homegrown Speed | Corvette | Chevrolet **What's your take on cloud repatriation? Reply and let me know in the comments section below!"** **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian [ Share the newsletter ](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=496476088b17ee4f0aba4a7e6c9e4d13737323df&ref=brianchristner.io) ### šŸ“ŗ Netflix Stats, AI Agents, and Shopping in ChatGPT URL: https://brianchristner.io/netflix-stats-ai-agents-and-shopping-in-chatgpt/ Last updated: 2025-07-18T13:04:28.000Z Hi Everyone! Summer is in full swing, and I just hit the pause button. I will be back in two weeks full of inspiration and stories to tell. I have completed my page performance project and will provide a full write-up next month. Letā€™s dive into this weekā€™s newsletter, a bit heavy on ChatGPT but interesting updates. --- **The Byteā€™s Bits** šŸ›’ **OpenAI Wants You to Shop Right Inside ChatGPT** šŸ¦¾ **OpenAIā€™s New ChatGPT ā€œAgentā€ Does the Work for You** šŸæ **Netflix Drops the List: Hereā€™s What We Binged in 2025** **šŸ“š DocsGPT: Your Open-Source AI for Docs, Manuals, and Moreā€¦all from your own server** šŸ«™ **The Importance of Nothing!** --- ## šŸ›’ OpenAI Wants You to Shop Right Inside ChatGPT OpenAI is developing a new ā€œin-chatā€ checkout system for ChatGPT, allowing users to shop and make purchases without ever leaving the chat window. No more tabs, pop-ups, or switching apps just type, buy, and move on. šŸ—£ļø **Shop by Chat:** Users could ask ChatGPT to find and recommend products, then pay for them directly within the conversation. šŸ’ø **Payment Power**: The new system aims to handle transactions, so you can go from ā€œI want itā€ to ā€œI bought itā€ in a few messages. šŸ”Œ **Shopify, Amazon, & More?**: While details are under wraps, integrations with platforms like Shopify could be on the horizon. šŸ“ˆ **Commerce Meets AI**: This move could seriously shake up how brands and consumers interact, making shopping as simple as texting a friend. If ChatGPT nails this, the way we buy things online could change forever. Shopping carts might just become a relic of the past, and ChatGPT could become the next e-commerce giant. [Read online](https://www.techinasia.com/news/openai-develops-inchat-checkout-system-chatgpt-report?%5Fbhlid=a37d586d33d711087e37e3d60305170ee6c79fb6&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ¦¾ OpenAIā€™s New ChatGPT ā€œAgentā€ Does the Work for You OpenAI just dropped a sneak peek at a game-changing ā€œagentā€ tool inside ChatGPT that can operate apps, manage tasks, and handle your digital busywork. Forget just answering questions ChatGPT might soon *do* your work, not just talk about it. šŸ–±ļø **App Operator:** The ā€œagentā€ can control software, run searches, send emails, and perform tasks across different apps. šŸ” **Deep Research Mode**: It doesnā€™t just fetch quick answers. The agent can do in-depth research and compile detailed reports, all in the background. šŸ¤ **Human-Like Help:** Imagine having a virtual assistant who can book flights, fill out forms, and even troubleshoot issues, just by chatting. šŸš€ **Automation for All:** OpenAIā€™s move could democratize personal automation, letting anyone delegate digital chores to AIā€”no coding required. OpenAIā€™s ā€œagentā€ isnā€™t just about conversation anymore. Itā€™s about making AI your tireless digital coworker. Ready to hand off your to-do list? [Read online](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/709158/openai-new-release-chatgpt-agent-operator-deep-research?%5Fbhlid=e25525689b096c105f3c0c9c34230f50c8d604ac&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸæ Netflix Drops the List: Hereā€™s What We Binged in 2025 Netflix just revealed its most-watched shows and movies from the first half of 2025, giving us a peek at what the world canā€™t stop streaming. The data covers everything from global smash hits to surprise sleeper series. šŸ“Š **Chart-Topping Hits:** The list spotlights fan favorites, breakout originals, and the return of some familiar franchises. šŸŒŽ **Worldwide Watch Party**: Netflixā€™s report shows whatā€™s trending not just in the U.S., but around the globeā€”yes, K-dramas and global thrillers are still on fire. šŸŽ¬ **Hidden Gems Uncovered**: Beyond the blockbusters, some lesser-known series climbed the charts thanks to word of mouth (and clever TikTok trends). šŸ” **Data for Superfans:** Netflixā€™s transparency move gives both viewers and creators fresh insight into whatā€™s workingā€”and whatā€™s next. Curious if your latest binge made the cut? Netflixā€™s data drop is basically the Oscars for your watchlist time to see if your faves went viral. [Read online](https://about.netflix.com/en/news/what-we-watched-the-first-half-of-2025?%5Fbhlid=eca524e399e4e731b1688728253c4462285b9658&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ“š DocsGPT: Your Open-Source AI for Docs, Manuals, and Moreā€¦all from your own server DocsGPT is the open-source AI assistant built to answer your questions about any docs, manuals, or guides right from your own server. Forget endless searching; just ask, and get clear, instant answers. šŸ¤– **Plug-and-Play Doc Help:** Upload your documentation, and DocsGPT turns it into a smart, searchable assistant for users and teams. šŸ”“ **100% Open Source**: No vendor lock-in. Host it yourself, customize it, and own your data. šŸ› ļø **Integrates Anywhere**: Works with websites, chat platforms, or even as a Slack botā€”bring AI-powered docs support wherever you need it. šŸŒ **Powered by Community**: Actively maintained on GitHub, with frequent updates and growing plugin support. DocsGPT is changing the way teams support users. Got documentation chaos? DocsGPT brings order (and a bit of AI magic) to the madness. [Read Online](https://github.com/arc53/DocsGPT?%5Fbhlid=cab8477c31eeffafba05a99f18b556ac5b733a4f&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ«™ The Importance of Nothing! I will leave you with some inspiration before heading into the weekend, as well as a reminder from former Head Coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Football team about the importance of nothing. Take a moment and digest thisā€¦ The Importance of Nothing - Coach Nick Saban **What's your take on cloud repatriation? Reply and let me know in the comments section below!"** **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian [ Share the newsletter ](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=b3cf087bdc35e6921fa61ee240f21daee0db716d&ref=brianchristner.io) ### From Cloud Native to AI Native: Why Your AI Architecture Needs a Reality Check URL: https://brianchristner.io/from-cloud-native-to-ai-native-why-your-ai-architecture-needs-a-reality-check/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:34.000Z Remember when ā€œCloud Nativeā€ became the gold standard for building applications? Suddenly, everything had to be containerized, microservice based, stateless, and ready to move to whichever cloud provider offered the most free credits or the least amount of hassle. It was liberating, disruptive, and meant you could finally break free from vendor lock-in. Fast forward to today: Weā€™re at the dawn of the AI era. Yet as companies race to wire up their products to the latest shiny LLM or API, I canā€™t shake the feeling that weā€™re repeating old mistakes that we learned pre-Cloud Native times. However, with AI the lock-in is even tighter than we knew it previously. If ā€œCloud Nativeā€ was about freedom and flexibility, shouldnā€™t our AI architectures aim for the same? ## What Does ā€œCloud Nativeā€ Really Mean? Before ā€œCloud Native,ā€ deploying applications felt like putting a stamp in the middle of a room, turning off the lights, and jumping up with your tongue out, trying to hit the stamp. A shot in the dark, and you smacked your head against the ground a lot! Applications were tightly coupled to their infrastructure. If you changed clouds, you were basically starting from scratch. My favorite diagrams, [which I have used for countless presentations](https://brianchristner.io/about/), is the Spaghetti vs. Lasagna vs. Ravioli software architecture comparison. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2025/07/image.png) Essentially, we are back to the Spaghetti era of software development. Spaghetti code used to be copying and pasting code from Stack Overflow from all sorts of sources. Then, to untaggle the code or upgrade was like pulling out a single piece of spaghetti from your plate while not trying to make a mess. --- ## The Current State of AI Architectures: Are We Heading for Lock-In 2.0? Right now, most AI-powered apps connect directly to a single AI provider OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, you name it. This works *great*... until it doesnā€™t... #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) - **Vendor lock-in:** If your provider changes pricing, policies, or suddenly decides to use your data for their own model, you're screwed. - **Innovation bottlenecks:** New models and breakthroughs appear almost weekly, but switching is hard when your architecture is glued to a single API. - **Compliance and data residency:** Need your data to stay in your home country, or want to run on-prem for privacy? Good luck if youā€™re tied to one of the big AI providers. We are riding the wave of AI exponential growth, but most architectures are acting like itā€™s 2015. ## Introducing the ā€œAI Nativeā€ Mindset So, what does **ā€œAI Nativeā€** mean? Itā€™s not just adding an LLM to your stack and calling it a day. **AI Native** is about architecting your systems from the ground up to be: - **Model-agnostic:** Able to swap out AI providers without rewriting everything. - **Composable:** Plug in different models for different tasks (text, vision, translation, you name it). - **Resilient:** If one model fails or underperforms, reroute traffic to another. - **Ready for BYOM (Bring Your Own Model):** Whether itā€™s a self-hosted open-source model or the latest SaaS LLM. > Think of it as the Kubernetes of AI: orchestration, abstraction, and freedom. ## Benefits of AI Native Design Why bother with this extra complexity? Because the **future you** will thank you. - **Flexibility:** Swap models as better ones emerge without having to rewrite your app. - **Resilience:** If a provider changes terms or goes offline, youā€™re not left in the dark. - **Competitive edge:** Use the *best* model for each use caseā€”GPT-4 for chat, Gemini for search, local models for compliance. - **Compliance:** Easily route sensitive data to compliant models, whether in-country or on-prem. > In a rapidly changing AI landscape, agility isnā€™t a nice-to-have...itā€™s survival!! ## How to Build AI Native Architectures Ready to go AI Native? Hereā€™s how to start: ### 1\. **Abstract Your AI Layer** - Use adapter patterns, SDKs, or libraries (think LangChain, Haystack, LlamaIndex) that let you plug in different backends. - Design your APIs so that the rest of your app doesnā€™t care which model is in use. ### 2\. **Decouple Business Logic from AI Providers** - Treat the AI as a service, not a dependency. - Store prompts, fine-tuning data, and model configs in a way thatā€™s portable between providers. ### 3\. **Invest in Monitoring and Routing** - Track latency, accuracy, and cost for each provider. - Build in smart routing to send requests to the best provider for the task, region, or compliance need. ### 4\. **Embrace Open Source** - Keep an eye on open-source models, theyā€™re catching up fast. - Consider hybrid architectures: mix SaaS models for general tasks and self-hosted models for sensitive data. --- ## Challenges and Trade-offs Letā€™s be real: building AI Native isnā€™t all unicorns and rainbows. - **Complexity:** More moving parts mean more things can break and more things to maintain. - **Latency:** Routing and abstraction can add overhead. - **Monitoring:** Itā€™s harder to debug across multiple providers. - **Analysis Paralysis:** The ā€œparadox of choiceā€ is real with so many models. But the benefits: agility, resilience, and freedom far outweigh the challenges, especially as the ecosystem matures. --- ## Conclusion: Donā€™t Just Go Cloud Native, Go AI Native! The AI landscape is moving faster than a caffeinated squirrel, and locking yourself to a single vendor is like buying a one-way ticket on a rollercoaster you donā€™t control. AI Native architectures arenā€™t just a technical luxury; theyā€™re a strategic necessity for innovation, compliance, andā€”letā€™s face itā€”your sanity. Donā€™t repeat yesterdayā€™s mistakes. Architect for flexibility, and youā€™ll be ready for whatever the next AI breakthrough brings. **Ready to build AI Native?** Start small, abstract aggressively, and future-proof your stack before the next wave hits. Your codebase and Ops teams will thank you. --- **Like this article? Get more AI and tech strategy insights every weekā€”**[**subscribe to The Byte newsletter**](https://newsletter.thebyte.io/?ref=brianchristner.io)**!** ### šŸ¦Ÿ Lasers, LLMs & Local AI: Your Byte-Sized Tech Brief URL: https://brianchristner.io/lasers-llms-local-ai-your-byte-sized-tech-brief/ Last updated: 2025-07-10T20:16:14.000Z **Sponsored by** [![](https://beehiiv-images-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/ad_network/advertiser/logo/0ef3fa26-7beb-4361-bdfb-79bae23bedb7/Fellow_Wordmark_Grey_1500x405.png)](https://fellow.app/resources/security-checklist/?%5Fbhiiv=opp%5F88a3f325-978c-4115-99c6-33e4b28759b4%5F587d08ad&bhcl%5Fid=9f9188cf-aeeb-4b88-a125-5dc29aec639e%5F&ref=brianchristner.io#%5F{{email%5Faddress%5Fid}}&%5Fbhlid=614796a995da0eacd873d2732d12383a76d59ca4) Happy Friday, What I initially thought was going to be a slow summer week of news all came in last night. Also, an article Iā€™ve been pondering on for a while, I finally published about AI Native. Letā€™s dive in! --- **The Byteā€™s Bits** šŸ”„ **From Cloud-Native to AI-Native: Rethinking AI Architecture** šŸ§° **Google Launches GenAI Toolbox for Developers** šŸ¤– **Hugging Face Debuts Reachy Mini: Open-Source Robotics Goes Tiny** šŸš€ **From Zero to AI Agent: Docker Compose Edition** šŸ¦Ÿ **Pew Pew Mosquitoes: Laser Turret Zaps 30 Bugs Per Second** ### AI Notetakers Are Quietly Leaking Risk. Audit Yours With This Checklist. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/media-beehiiv-com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down-format=auto-onerror=redirect-quality=80/uploads/asset/file/7da7aed1-9311-4707-8480-adfcabbd9f96/ai_security_checklist_newsletter_image_v1-t-1751319759.png)](https://fellow.app/resources/security-checklist/?%5Fbhiiv=opp%5F88a3f325-978c-4115-99c6-33e4b28759b4%5F587d08ad&bhcl%5Fid=9f9188cf-aeeb-4b88-a125-5dc29aec639e%5F&ref=brianchristner.io#%5F{{email%5Faddress%5Fid}}&%5Fbhlid=25b895567e5ce002bc2e6102089446413745f04c) AI notetakers are becoming standard issue in meetings, but most teams havenā€™t vetted them properly. āœ”ļø Is AI trained on your data? āœ”ļø Where is the data stored? āœ”ļø Can admins control what gets recorded and shared? [This checklist](https://fellow.app/resources/security-checklist/?%5Fbhiiv=opp%5F88a3f325-978c-4115-99c6-33e4b28759b4%5F587d08ad&bhcl%5Fid=9f9188cf-aeeb-4b88-a125-5dc29aec639e%5F&ref=brianchristner.io#%5F{{email%5Faddress%5Fid}}&%5Fbhlid=3aca3726dd2bcece5087c1c649f2de7d2426d2ce) from Fellow lays out the non-negotiables for secure AI in the workplace. If your vendor canā€™t check all the boxes, you need to ask why. [Get the Security Checklist](https://fellow.app/resources/security-checklist/?%5Fbhiiv=opp%5F88a3f325-978c-4115-99c6-33e4b28759b4%5F587d08ad&bhcl%5Fid=9f9188cf-aeeb-4b88-a125-5dc29aec639e%5F&ref=brianchristner.io#%5F{{email%5Faddress%5Fid}}&%5Fbhlid=22d2eacf0a58357b631297248b86dcf950254f55) --- ## šŸ”„ From Cloud-Native to AI-Native: Rethinking AI Architecture In my latest article, I warn that many AI systems today are repeating past mistakes by becoming too dependent on a single provider. I try to advocate for an "AI-Native" approach that emphasizes flexibility, resilience, and adaptability in AI architectures. - šŸ”Œ **Avoid Vendor Lock-In:** Relying solely on one AI provider can lead to challenges if terms change or services become unavailable. - šŸ§© **Embrace Composability**: Design systems that can integrate various AI models for different tasks, enhancing functionality and resilience. - šŸ›”ļø **Enhance Resilience**: Ensure your architecture can reroute or adapt if a particular AI model underperforms or fails. - šŸ§  **BYOM (Bring Your Own Model)**: Support the integration of self-hosted or open-source models to maintain control and compliance. This is a timely reminder that as AI continues to evolve, our architectural approaches must also adapt to ensure longevity and effectiveness. [Read online](https://brianchristner.io/from-cloud-native-to-ai-native-why-your-ai-architecture-needs-a-reality-check/?%5Fbhlid=fe8072062f91611798a3fde7921677fc682757a1) --- ## šŸ§° Google Launches GenAI Toolbox for Developers Google has just released its GenAI Toolbox on GitHub, a treasure trove for anyone building generative AI applications. This open-source collection provides ready-to-use templates, demos, and tools for a wide range of applications, from text to image generation. - šŸ’» **Plug & Play AI:** The toolbox supports popular Google models like Gemini and Imagen, letting devs ship AI features faster. - šŸ› ļø **Built by Google**: Official support and continuous updates from the Google Cloud AI team. - šŸŒ **All About Open Source**: Developers can customize, fork, and even contribute their own AI workflows. - šŸ“¦ **Out-of-the-Box Demos**: Includes Python scripts and notebooks to get you started in minutes. The GenAI Toolbox is a win for the AI builder community, offering finally open-source scaffolding that speeds up experiments and real-world applications. Ready to build smarter? [Read online](https://github.com/googleapis/genai-toolbox?%5Fbhlid=45ddd5144746d5250d93c629ed73e0ab42853fb9&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ¤– Hugging Face Debuts Reachy Mini: Open-Source Robotics Goes Tiny ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/media-beehiiv-com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down-format=auto-onerror=redirect-quality=80/uploads/asset/file/c0a7550e-7d49-4180-9f78-b5545ffdd8bd/image-t-1752226374.png) Meet Reachy Mini, Hugging Faceā€™s pint-sized, open-source robot designed for AI tinkering and robotics research. This little bot packs a punch with articulated arms, a camera ā€œface,ā€ and a full Python APIā€”all built for accessibility and rapid experimentation. - šŸ› ļø **DIY Friendly**: Fully open hardware and software. Print your own parts and hack away. - šŸŽ“ **Built for Learning**: Ideal for schools, labs, and curious coders exploring robotics and AI. - šŸ¤ **Hugging Face Integration**: Seamlessly connects to Hugging Faceā€™s AI models for instant experimentation. - šŸ’” **Community Powered**: Developers worldwide can share projects, code, and upgrades. Reachy Mini shows that powerful robotics can be open, affordable, and community-driven. The future of ā€œAI with armsā€ is here, and it fits right on your desk. Of course, I donā€™t have enough unfinished projects sitting on my desk, but I have a strong desire to purchase this robotā€¦you know, for market research purposes. [Read online](https://huggingface.co/blog/reachy-mini?%5Fbhlid=bd0a6c6ef82cd889a34844dac851108d99150c45&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸš€ From Zero to AI Agent: Docker Compose Edition Docker is on a roll lately, and they just announced another significant milestone. My favorite orchestration tool Docker just dropped a game-changer for AI devs: you can now spin up full AI agentsā€”think LLMs, vector DBs, RAG pipelinesā€”using nothing but Docker Compose. Their new guide walks you through assembling a multi-container AI stack in minutes, no Kubernetes PhD required. - āš” **One Command, Whole Stack**: Fire up Llama 3, Chroma, and an embedding model with a single docker compose up. - šŸ§© **Modular by Default:** Easily swap models, databases, or frameworksā€”tinker till you drop. - šŸ–‡ļø **Built for Experimentation**: Ideal for prototyping local AI agents and RAG workflows before you go full production. - šŸ†“ **Free and Open:** The entire workflow is documented and open source for anyone to try. Dockerā€™s new Compose workflow turns your laptop into an AI playgroundā€”now anyone can build, experiment, and scale AI agents without breaking a sweat. **Build, Ship, and Run AI Agents** My good friend Bret Fisher did a great deep dive on his latest live stream Just launched: Docker's full AI agent stack [ Read Online ](https://www.docker.com/blog/build-ai-agents-with-docker-compose/?%5Fbhlid=dede002f60d9e3bf4636704f45dc6910e72973d5&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ¦Ÿ Pew Pew Mosquitoes: Laser Turret Zaps 30 Bugs Per Second Have you ever turned the lights out to go to sleep, and then heard the horrible sound of a mosquito flying around your room? Even the Dalai Lama says, "**If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito."** A new invention called PhotonMatrix is turning the war on mosquitoes into a high-tech video game. Using LIDAR and a pinpoint laser, this gadget can spot, target, and shoot down up to 30 mosquitoes per second, no chemicals or swatting required. - šŸ”¬ **Precision Targeting**: Identifies a mosquitoā€™s distance, orientation, and body size in just 3 milliseconds. - šŸ¦¾ **6-Meter Kill Zone**: Defends a serious areaā€”perfect for patios, backyards, or the next summer BBQ. - šŸ„½ **AI-Powered Detection**: Uses real-time LIDAR mapping to lock onto flying pests, not pets or people. - šŸŒ± **Chemical-Free Defense**: No sprays, no noise, just lasers and clean air. The PhotonMatrix is proof that sometimes the coolest tech solves the oldest problems, finally, summer nights without the itchy aftermath. Mosquitos, youā€™ve been warned! However, Iā€™m always thinking in the back of my mindā€¦what if this develops into Skynet and starts zapping me?? highlights of eliminating mosquitoes with lasers [ Read online ](https://www.tomshardware.com/peripherals/this-invention-can-use-lidar-to-shoot-down-30-mosquitoes-per-second-with-a-laser-photonmatrix-range-has-up-to-6-meter-kill-zone-can-gauge-distance-orientation-and-body-size-in-3-milliseconds?%5Fbhlid=6ee9c1e12d0dc1a54fd9fe4eaf21151367f8d50f&ref=brianchristner.io) **What's your take on cloud repatriation? Reply and let me know in the comments section below!"** **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian [ Share the newsletter ](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=ec729479536759bae4eb7deffb3f0610d50f9390&ref=brianchristner.io) ### Tech Throws Shade: Xiaomi vs Tesla, Cloudflare's AI Block & Cloud Reality CheckšŸ–•šŸš—šŸ¤–ā˜ļø URL: https://brianchristner.io/tech-throws-shade-xiaomi-vs-tesla-cloudflare-s-ai-block-cloud-reality-check/ Last updated: 2025-07-03T13:14:21.000Z Hi everyone, I just burned through my Google VEO3 credits in 12 minutes. Worth. Every. Second. Google finally unleashed its video AI on the world yesterday (well, most of itā€”Switzerland is still waiting for some features šŸ™„). For those celebrating July 4th today, consider this your fireworks preview!" Letā€™s go! --- **The Byteā€™s Bits** šŸš€ **Cloudflare Unleashes Containers-as-a-Service Beta** šŸ›‘ **Cloudflare Blocks AI Crawlers by Default** šŸš— **Xiaomiā€™s SU7: The SUV-Sized Middle Finger to Tesla** šŸ³ **Docker Drops Best Practices for MCP Server Deployments** **ā˜ļø CIOs Rethink the Cloud as AI Strategies Evolve** --- ## šŸš€ Cloudflare Unleashes Containers-as-a-Service Beta Iā€™m a huge fan of Cloudflare, and now Cloudflare has just launched its new Containers-as-a-Service (CaaS) beta. Yes, I knowā€¦they are late to the container party, but waitā€¦Cloudflare has a unique positionā€¦at the edge. CF promises super-fast app deployment and management at the edge. With a strong focus on speed, security, and ease of use, Cloudflare is squaring up with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud in the cloud wars. āš”ļø **Instant Deployments:** Spin up containers worldwide in under 5 seconds, with no cluster management headaches. šŸ›”ļø **Built-In Security:** Zero-trust baked in at every edge location, keeping your apps safe from day one. šŸŒ **Edge Power:** Run your apps in 300+ global locations for super low latency and better user experiences. šŸ’ø **Smart Billing:** Pay only for the seconds you actually use, not for idle time. Cloudflareā€™s new CaaS beta could revolutionize how developers launch and scale their applications. If you are performance-focused and every milisecond counts, this could be the answer for you, as the containers will run at the Cloudflare edge. Keep an eye on this development! [Read online](https://www.infoq.com/news/2025/06/cloudflare-containers-beta/?%5Fbhlid=5497d9022f4e1c1a0628a97bc5580a7bbef8185e&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ›‘ Cloudflare Blocks AI Crawlers by Default Cloudflare is taking a stand against unauthorized AI data scraping, announcing that it will now block AI crawlers from companies like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic by default. AI Agents are springing up like hot cakes, and most of the agents rely on scraping websites to build their models. This move aims to protect websites from having their content harvested without consent, putting the control back in the hands of site owners. šŸ¤– **No More Free-For-All:** AI bots from major companies are now automatically blocked from crawling Cloudflare-protected sites. šŸ”’ **Protecting Content**: Website owners donā€™t need to lift a fingerā€”Cloudflare is handling the block at the network level. āš™ļø **Opt-In Flexibility**: If you want to allow certain AI crawlers, you can still manually enable access for them. šŸ“‰ **Curbing Unwanted Scraping**: This change is designed to stop the rampant scraping thatā€™s fueling large AI models without proper permission. Cloudflareā€™s move sets a new precedent for web privacy, giving publishers more power over how their content is used in the age of AI. Expect other major players to follow suit. Letā€™s see how long this works before AI finds a workaround. The endless game of cat and mouse between CloudFlare and web scrapers has just begun. Game on! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/media-beehiiv-com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down-format=auto-onerror=redirect-quality=80/uploads/asset/file/afd3eadf-653b-4045-af38-54dc33b1dd1a/image-t-1751612606.png) [Read online](https://www.theverge.com/news/695501/cloudflare-block-ai-crawlers-default?%5Fbhlid=a4292154c95550ba84ec72f866e12ed7f313110b&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸš— Xiaomiā€™s YU7: The SUV-Sized Middle Finger to Tesla Xiaomi (yeah, the cell phone company) just dropped its YU7, which sold 200,000 pre-orders in the first 3 minutes on the market. Xiaomi is making no secret about the target: Teslaā€™s Model Y. This electric SUV is packed with high-tech features, luxury vibes, and a price tag that seriously undercuts the competition, all while flexing some major attitude and curb appeal. āš”ļø **Faster Than Tesla?** Xiaomi claims the YU7 beats the Model Y in speed, range, and charging plus, itā€™s loaded with advanced driver-assist tech. šŸ¤‘ **Priced to Disrupt**: Starting at under $30K in China, the YU7 makes the Model Y look seriously overpriced. šŸ“± **Smartphone Integration:** Expect seamless integration with Xiaomiā€™s phones, tablets, and smart home gadgets for a truly connected ride. šŸ¤Æ T**ech Overload:** Heads-up display, voice controls, and an AI assistant built right in. Xiaomiā€™s YU7 isnā€™t just another EV itā€™s a bold statement aimed right at Tesla. With aggressive pricing and a pile of features, the YU7 could turn the electric car market on its head. Chinese cars have not really appealed to me until now. Iā€™m still not exactly confident plugging my phone into one of these cars, but the car itself looks hot. The back looks like an Austin Martin, and the sides resemble a Porsche. Beautiful design! [Read online](https://www.wired.com/story/xiaomis-yu7-is-an-suv-sized-middle-finger-to-teslas-model-y/?%5Fbhlid=7abfaaa7a19884c7fc4facca70fb14195b1349cb&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ³ Docker Drops Best Practices for MCP Server Deployments Iā€™m thrilled to see Docker taking the lead in organizing the absolute chaos that has developed around MCP projects. Docker just released a set of best practices for managing its MCP servers, aiming to help teams deploy and scale containerized apps with more confidence and fewer headaches. If youā€™re using Docker or MCPs in production, these new guidelines are a must-read. āš™ļø **Streamlined Updates**: Advice on smooth upgrades and minimizing downtime during rolling updates. šŸ”’ **Lockdown Mode:** Security tips for tightening access and protecting your server infrastructure. šŸ› ļø **Monitoring & Logging**: How to set up effective monitoring and logging for better visibility and troubleshooting. šŸ“¦ **Efficient Resource Use**: Optimizing storage and resource allocation to avoid slowdowns and unexpected crashes. Dockerā€™s MCP best practices guide is your shortcut to a smoother, safer container experience. Donā€™t miss out if you want your stack running lean, mean, and reliable! [Read Online](https://www.docker.com/blog/mcp-server-best-practices/?%5Fbhlid=0a0bea3f37458b490638d87ba0eab583d3b7bb31&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## ā˜ļø CIOs Rethink the Cloud as AI Strategies Evolve A big trend in IT at the moment is ā€œcloud repatriation,ā€ or moving your cloud data back on-prem. CIOs are hitting pause on their ā€œcloud-firstā€ strategies as AI needs push them to reconsider where workloads should be hosted. The public cloud isnā€™t always the answer, especially with skyrocketing costs and new demands from AI applications. šŸ¤” **Not All In on Cloud:** Many CIOs are moving some workloads back on-premises or to private clouds to save money and boost performance. šŸ’ø **Sticker Shock**: Public cloud bills are rising fast, especially for data-hungry AI projects. šŸ¤– **AI-Driven Shifts:** The need for faster processing and tighter control over data is making hybrid and multi-cloud strategies more appealing. šŸ” **Security & Compliance**: On-prem solutions can offer better compliance and security for sensitive AI data. The era of ā€œcloud at all costsā€ is over. For todayā€™s CIOs, flexibility is key, putting workloads where they make the most sense for cost, control, and AI innovation. Iā€™m a huge fan of Cloud and enabling developers, but if it ruins the profits of your department or company, maybe itā€™s time to reconsider? [Read online](https://www.cio.com/article/4012882/cios-rethink-public-cloud-as-ai-strategies-mature.html?%5Fbhlid=177d4334583ac32ef20e490e7ccdba1b71e0e6e1&ref=brianchristner.io) **What's your take on cloud repatriation? Reply and let me know in the comments section below!"** **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian [Share the newsletter](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=502b9c42de983d40efd6c79189df2a5c6df40b4c&ref=brianchristner.io) ### āš”ļø AI Power Struggles, Hashtag Bans, and the New Black Screen of Death URL: https://brianchristner.io/ai-power-struggles-hashtag-bans-and-the-new-black-screen-of-death/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:34.000Z Happy last Friday of June. Letā€™s Go!! This week Iā€™m still deep diving on automation with n8n. Iā€™ve made some significant progress with my project and should be able to share it next week. In other news, Iā€™ve signed up for Google Gemini Pro with the hopes of using the new VEO3 video generation toolā€¦Of course, it is not yet available in Switzerland. ****. I will report back on the Gemini features once I get it up and running. Hereā€™s this weekā€™s Byte Newsletter. --- **The Byteā€™s Bits** šŸŖ **Elon Muskā€™s X Bans Hashtags in Adsā€¦Because, Why Not?** #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) šŸ§‘ā€šŸ’» **GitHub CEO Says Junior Engineers Are Here to Stay!** šŸ„Š **Microsoft is struggling to sell Copilot to corporations because their employees want ChatGPT instead.** šŸ–¤ **Microsoft Makes It Official: The ā€œBlue Screen of Deathā€ Turns Black!** šŸ¤– **8 Automations That Could Replace Your Whole Marketing Team (No, Really)** --- ## šŸŖ Elon Muskā€™s X Bans Hashtags in Adsā€¦Because, Why Not? X (formerly Twitter, btw how long will we have to do this?) is stirring things up again, this time by banning **#hashtags** and trending topics in its paid ads. Elon Musk says itā€™s to ā€œclean up the platform,ā€ but advertisers are baffled, and critics say itā€™s just the latest in a string of oddball decisions. šŸ”— #NoHashtagsAllowed: Brands can no longer include clickable hashtags or trending topics in any ad on X. Marketers call this ā€œunprecedentedā€ and ā€œlimiting.ā€ šŸ¤Æ Ad World Confused: Hashtags have been central to social campaigns for over a decade. Removing them? Nobody saw that coming. šŸŖ“ Elonā€™s Rulebook: Musk is personally overseeing changes on X, and this move is all about ā€œreducing spam,ā€ according to insiders. šŸ“‰ Advertisers Getting Restless: With constant rule changes and falling ad revenue, brands are wondering if X is still worth the spend. I personally like hashtags and still use them. Are they helpful? Probably not, but I still get a kick out of them. Reminds me of the old Jimmy Fallon skit about Hashtags #Hashtag with Jimmy Fallon & Justin Timberlake [ Read online ](https://thehill.com/policy/technology/5370666-musk-banning-hashtags-on-x-ads/?%5Fbhlid=d55e51a63db5a08c19450904502a75658394871d&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ§‘ā€šŸ’» GitHub CEO Says Junior Engineers Are Here to Stay! While everyoneā€™s worrying that AI will take all the entry-level tech jobs, GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke just dropped a reality check: companies will *always* need junior engineers. AI is impressive, but humans still hold the edge in creativity, collaboration, and on-the-job learning. šŸŒ± Fresh Talent Needed: Dohmke says junior devs bring new ideas and energy, something you canā€™t automate. šŸ¤ Team Players: Entry-level engineers learn fast, adapt quickly, and keep teams connected to the latest tech and trends. šŸ’” AI is a Tool, Not a Replacement: Companies want humans who can use AI, not get replaced by it. Dohmke says AI will make junior roles even more critical, not less. šŸ”® Future-Proof Your Skills: The next gen of engineers will work alongside AI, not in competition with it. Bottom line: **Junior engineers arenā€™t going anywhere**. In the age of AI, real-world smarts, curiosity, and teamwork are still your golden ticket. [ Read online ](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/github-ceo-thomas-dohmke-on-why-companies-may-never-stop-hiring-junior-engineers/articleshow/122039963.cms?%5Fbhlid=ecb720229a1008ec0e816f95dfd375b7b75864b1&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ„Š Microsoft is struggling to sell Copilot to corporations because their employees want ChatGPT instead. Microsoft is going all-in on Copilot as its enterprise AI solution, but a growing rivalry is underway, as most internal Microsoft users still prefer ChatGPT. Although Microsoft owns a significant stake in OpenAI, these two AI titans are now locked in a fierce tug-of-war for dominance. šŸ¤– Copilot Everywhere: Microsoft is aggressively promoting Copilot across its platforms, aiming to establish it as the leading AI assistant for work. šŸ—£ļø ChatGPT Wins Hearts: Despite the Copilot push, users consistently flock to ChatGPT for its more intuitive responses and friendlier interface. šŸ”„ Tensions at the Top: The partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI is becoming strained as each company tries to outshine the other in the enterprise AI space. šŸ’¼ The AI Showdown: Businesses are now stuck navigating both Copilot and ChatGPT, two tools from supposed ā€œpartnersā€ competing for attention. Bottom line: This is no ordinary collaboration; itā€™s a full-on rivalry. As Copilot and ChatGPT battle for the AI crown, users are left wondering who will winā€¦and who will get left behind. Last spring, Amgen Inc. made headlines by announcing it would roll out Microsoftā€™s Copilot AI assistant to 20,000 employees a big win for Microsoftā€™s multibillion-dollar bet on generative AI, with Amgen featured in three glowing case studies. Fast-forward thirteen months: Amgen staff have quietly switched over to the competition, OpenAIā€™s ChatGPT. [ Read online ](https://www.tekedia.com/microsoft-pushes-copilot-as-enterprise-ai-tool-but-most-users-prefer-chatgpt-deepening-tension-with-openai/?%5Fbhlid=cee662b71b06b421b24b6182777060bcd6d8150b&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ–¤ Microsoft Makes It Official: The ā€œBlue Screen of Deathā€ Turns Black! After decades as the infamous blue omen of computer doom, Microsoft has officially switched the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) to a black background in the latest version of Windows. Itā€™s a bold move, and honestly, nobody saw it coming. šŸŸ¦āž”ļøšŸ–¤ **Classic No More**: The once-iconic blue error screen is now black, leaving techies everywhere feeling nostalgic (or just confused). šŸŖ² **Same Old Problems:** The error messages havenā€™t changedā€”just the color. Crashes are still crashes. šŸŽØ **Why Black**? Microsoft says itā€™s to match the new look of Windows, but users are divided on whether itā€™s a sleek update or just change for changeā€™s sake. šŸ˜± **The Internet Reacts:** Memes, jokes, and hot takes are flooding in as people mourn the loss of a tech legend. Say goodbye to the classic blue and brace yourself for a new era of Windows errors. Black is the new blue! Iā€™ve mentioned at least 200 times during conference presentations, jokes on X, or general jabs at Microsoft and the BSOD. I guess itā€™s finally time I update my jokes. [ Read Online ](https://www.theverge.com/news/692648/microsoft-bsod-black-screen-of-death-color-change-official?%5Fbhlid=58bac83d3edd063272bba7367a43363e8e3a74d8&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ› ļø Master Automation: Free 5-Hour n8n Course Hits YouTube! Automation geeks, rejoice! Thereā€™s a brand new, **free** 5-hour YouTube course on n8n, the open-source workflow automation tool thatā€™s changing the game. Whether youā€™re a total beginner or looking to level up your automations, this deep dive covers everything you need. šŸ“ŗ **All-in-One Learning**: From basics to advanced integrationsā€”no stone left unturned. āš” **Real-World Use Cases:** Watch as complex workflows are built in real time, step by step. šŸ§© **Open-Source Power**: Learn why n8n is a favorite among tech pros who want flexibility *and* control. šŸ†“ **100% Free**: Five hours of expert instruction, no paywalls, no catches. Ready to automate like a pro? Grab a coffee, clear your schedule, and check out the course: N8N FULL COURSE 5 HOURS (Build & Automate Anything) Thanks for reading this weekā€™s newsletter. If you enjoyed The Byte newsletter, please do me a favor and **[drop this link](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=f20fadc0cda8a374bd07ea39804612d05ceed2f7&ref=brianchristner.io)** in your company Slack, send it to a friend, or tell your mom about it. **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian [ Share the newsletter ](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=dbb43fa15f392d013515d6a24c479f7022ecbc91&ref=brianchristner.io) ### šŸ’„ 8.9M Players, One Teen, Three Days: The Roblox Farming Boom URL: https://brianchristner.io/8-9m-players-one-teen-three-days-the-roblox-farming-boom/ Last updated: 2025-06-19T17:03:38.000Z Top of the morning to ya from London! Itā€™s been a quick hop over to London (picture from my approach to London Heathrow) for an interesting online casino conference. It may come as a shock to everyone, but every corner of the conference was talking about AI. Whether using AI for marketing, compliance, risk, or fraud, it was **THE** topic. Luckily, my presentation was also about AI ;) In the past, it was common for a new trend to emerge, but only about 10-20% of the conference would be on board or speaking about it. With AI, itā€™s different as everyone, from every aspect of the industry, was talking about it. One of the panel discussions, and one of the questions posed to the audience was, ā€œWhere are you on your AI implementation journey?ā€ 35% of the responses indicated that they are **ONLY** in the planning stages, which suggests that we still have considerable potential to build a business, consult, or generally get started in the AI space. Hereā€™s this weekā€™s Byte Newsletter. --- **The Byteā€™s Bits** šŸš¦ **OpenRouter: One API to Rule All LLMs** **šŸ•µļøā€ā™‚ļø Agentic AI: Privacy is an Illusion in the New Era** šŸ§‘ā€šŸš€ **GitHub Copilot Gets Smarter: Meet Your New Coding Agent** šŸŒ¾ **Roblox Teensā€™ 3-Day Farming Game Nearly Breaks the Internet** šŸ¤– **8 Automations That Could Replace Your Whole Marketing Team (No, Really)** --- ## šŸš¦OpenRouter: One API to Rule All LLMs Supercharge your AI stack with OpenRouter, a unified marketplace and API gateway for 300+ LLMs (OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, Mistral, open-source, and more) with smart routing, billing aggregation, and fallbacks baked in. Basically, itā€™s the middleware your AI toolkit didnā€™t know it needed. ā€¢ šŸ” **One Endpoint to Connect Them** ā€” No juggling SDKs or changing code when switching from GPT-4 to Llama 3 or Claude ā€¢ šŸ›”ļø **Reliability via Routing & Fallbacks** ā€” Auto reroute when one provider hiccups; enjoy minimal downtime ā€¢ šŸ’ø **Transparent, Pay-What-They-Charge Pricing** ā€” Uses provider prices + small credit-purchase fee; optionally BYOK with 5% service fee ā€¢ āš™ļø **Extra Goodies** ā€” Structured JSON outputs, multimodal support, usage analytics, consolidated billing dashboard Startups and devs can test, compare, and deploy across dozens of models without code rewrites, saving time and ensuring seamless scalability. OpenRouter is your AI Swiss army knife. One API. Endless capabilities. [Read online](https://openrouter.ai/?%5Fbhlid=193959f93641fd3a92d24990ae163d1a9e32ce80&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ•µļøā€ā™‚ļø Agentic AI: Privacy is an Illusion in the New Era Think youā€™re in control of your data? Think again. As AI agents become more autonomous, usersā€™ ability to manage personal privacy is vanishing fast. The age of ā€œagentic AIā€ means your info is now on autopilot and the brakes are gone. - šŸ¤– Self-Driving Decisions: Agentic AIs make choices for you, collecting and sharing data with little user oversight. - šŸ”’ Privacy Black Hole: Traditional privacy tools canā€™t keep up with constantly learning and evolving AI agents. - šŸš¦ No More Red Lights: Once an agent acts, reversing data exposure is nearly impossible. - šŸ›‘ Opt-Out? Good Luck: Controlling what these AIs do with your info is like putting toothpaste back in the tube. In the world of autonomous AI, ā€œprivacy controlsā€ are starting to look like museum pieces. The only real option? Rethink what privacy even means. [Read online](https://venturebeat.com/ai/the-mirage-of-control-privacy-in-the-age-of-agentic-ai/?%5Fbhlid=42a3a8268b0a698977feec5ead434b7ca43e46d8&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ§‘ā€šŸš€GitHub Copilot Gets Smarter: Meet Your New Coding Agent GitHub just launched a major upgrade to Copilot. Now itā€™s not just suggesting code, it can actually **handle full tasks for you**. The new ā€œcoding agentā€ powers enable you to delegate tasks to Copilot, allowing you to focus on what matters. Hello, autopilot mode for coding! šŸ’¼ **Assign and Forget:** Tell Copilot what you want, like fixing a bug or refactoring code, and itā€™ll take care of the rest, reporting back when itā€™s done. šŸ“ **Task Management Built In:** You can now manage, review, and track Copilotā€™s work right from your IDE, making it your own digital junior developer. šŸšØ **Still Learning:** While powerful, Copilotā€™s agent is still evolving. Complex tasks might need some human steering, but the future of hands-free coding is here. Copilotā€™s new task agent isnā€™t just a helper; itā€™s turning into a true coding teammate. Ready to let your IDE do the heavy lifting? Have a huge backlog of open tickets or comments, delegate them now to Copliot and gain back some time. [Read online](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/using-github-copilot/coding-agent/about-assigning-tasks-to-copilot?%5Fbhlid=3f76f9b5e09da4c605933797bab40069eeab251a&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸŒ¾Roblox Teensā€™ 3-Day Farming Game Nearly Breaks the Internet A teenager whipped up a farming game on Roblox in just three days and it went so viral it pulled in a jaw-dropping **8.9 million players online at the same time**. For perspective, Steamā€™s *entire* platform peaked at 11.5 million concurrent players that same day. Talk about breaking the mold. šŸ§‘ā€šŸŽ“ **Teen Dev Power:** One solo dev, a few days, and Robloxā€™s tools were all it took to spark a mega-viral hit. šŸ“ˆ **Record-Shattering Traffic:** 8.9 million players simultaneously putting nearly every other game to shame. šŸ„• **Simple, Addictive Gameplay:** Sometimes itā€™s the low-key games (plant, harvest, repeat) that take over the world. šŸš€ **Roblox = Viral Goldmine:** With its easy-to-use creator tools, Roblox keeps giving anyone with a big idea a shot at instant stardom. The takeaway? You donā€™t need a massive studio or months of dev time sometimes, all it takes is one good idea, a weekend, and a Roblox account. Looks like my son and I will build some Roblox games this summer. [Read Online](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/survival-crafting/a-roblox-farming-game-made-by-a-teenager-in-like-three-days-had-8-9-million-players-online-at-the-same-time-steam-peaked-at-11-5-million-across-all-games-on-the-same-day/?%5Fbhlid=604543befacf3d4de462001579f2c46387d11968&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ¤–8 Automations That Could Replace Your Whole Marketing Team (No, Really) What if you could fire up a set of automations that handle research, copywriting, ad testing, and reporting no coffee breaks, no salary talks? Thatā€™s exactly what this viral X thread from @VibeMarketer\_ is promising with **n8n**, the automation tool turning solo founders into full-on marketing /automation squads. āš” **Set It & Forget It:** These n8n automations run 24/7, handling creative testing, deep research, copy generation, and even campaign reporting all on autopilot. šŸ§‘ā€šŸ’» **No More Repetitive Tasks:** Automate your social posts, email sequences, ad performance tracking, and more. Human marketers can focus on strategy while bots tackle the grunt work. šŸ’° **Save Big:** Scale your marketing ops without stacking up headcount (or payroll headaches). Let bots handle the boring stuff while you build. šŸ”„ **Always Improving:** With automations that test, tweak, and learn nonstop, your campaigns get smarter without you lifting a finger. This isnā€™t just hype. The era of ā€œdo more with lessā€ is here, and these automations are ready to be your unfair advantage. Want to see the full thread and start automating your own marketing army? [![tw profile: J.B.](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1615362608164397059/k8jxqQqY_normal.jpg)](https://twitter.com/VibeMarketer%5F/status/1934657262368247962?%5Fbhlid=d11118f03ea01915cf10e8935c418176ed94cc74&ref=brianchristner.io) These 8 n8n automations can replace your entire marketing team. They handle creative testing, research, copy, reporting - and run 24/7 without asking for a raise. Built for businesses that need to move fast without bloated teams or overpriced tools. I use these daily. You 5:00 PM ā€¢ Jun 16, 2025 **2.97K** Likes **204** Retweets **60 Replies** Thanks for reading this weekā€™s newsletter. If you enjoyed The Byte newsletter, please do me a favor and [**drop this link**](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=8d88cccbb56411fa66b227a70b18eed8627c1738&ref=brianchristner.io) in your company Slack, send it to a friend, or tell your mom about it. **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian [Share the newsletter](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=7eb7eaad957bde6072f26283c9fe80af640ba4a5&ref=brianchristner.io) ### šŸ¤Æ AI or Just People? Bots, Scams & Appleā€™s Secret Container OS URL: https://brianchristner.io/ai-or-just-people-bots-scams-apple-s-secret-container-os/ Last updated: 2025-06-12T12:52:09.000Z Happy Friday the 13th! Sommer arrived this week, and so did the art of me sweating profusely all over my keyboard since Air Conditioning is considered a mortal sin where I live. The upside is that I am technically losing weight while I workā€¦ Hereā€™s this weekā€™s Byte Newsletter. --- **The Byteā€™s Bits** šŸ **Appleā€™s Secret Sauce? A Linux Container running on macOS** šŸ¤– **Microsoft-Backed AI Startupā€™s ā€œChatbotā€ Was Just 700 Humans in Disguise** šŸ’ø **DIY Finance Automation Thatā€™ll Blow Your Mind** šŸ§  **Build AI Agents *with* an AI Agent ā€” Right Inside Your Code Editor** šŸ’ø **AI Investment News** --- ## šŸ Appleā€™s Secret Sauce? A Linux Container running on macOS The mostly yawn fest of the WWDC, or as Apple calls it, the Dub Dub DC. There is no really exciting news, except for the small announcement that sparked the entire development community. Apple containers. Turns out Appleā€™s not just designing Vision Pro headsets and titanium MacBooks, itā€™s also quietly building a **Linux-based container OS**. Yes, Apple is stepping into the same infrastructure sandbox as Google and AWSā€¦ but with that unmistakable Cupertino twist. - šŸ§± **Not for iPhones**: This OS isnā€™t coming to your Mac itā€™s a bare-metal Linux distro purpose-built for container workloads on macOS. - šŸ” **Security & Speed**: With minimal services and baked-in security features, itā€™s leaner and meaner than general-purpose Linux distros. - šŸ“‰ **No Vendor Lock-In**: Apple is adhering to the Docker ethos and making it portable, meaning you can run this on other cloud platforms or even locally. Apple building a cloud-native OS might sound bizarre, but it fits: itā€™s all about control, optimization, and letā€™s be honest, flexing on rivals who thought they owned Linux. Apple is also obsessed with security. By building their container distribution, they ensure that macOS is even more protected. All my money invested in shiny Apple hardware might finally be paying offā€¦ [Read online](https://www.infoq.com/news/2025/06/apple-container-linux/?%5Fbhlid=a5a5ec8677a70fa67cb60dda620468a8c52c6eda&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ¤– Microsoft-Backed AI Startupā€™s ā€œChatbotā€ Was Just 700 Humans in Disguise In a plot twist worthy of HBO, [Builder.ai,](https://builder.ai/?%5Fbhlid=d1600c8fcce298948c272120922c83293cea9528&ref=brianchristner.io) once a $1.5 billion darling of the AI world, has collapsed after it was revealed that their AI chatbot ā€œNatashaā€ wasnā€™t AI at all. It was 700 real people pretending to be a chatbot. Cue the slow clap. - šŸ§‘ā€šŸ’» **Manual Labor as AI Magic**: Customers thought they were chatting with a sophisticated AI assistant that could build apps. In reality, engineers in India were doing the work behind the scenes, channeling their inner chatbot. - šŸ’ø **$220M Revenue? Try $50M**: Builder.ai claimed it made $220 million in 2024\. Audits revealed that the actual number was closer to $50 million, prompting lenders to seize millions and causing the entire house of cards to collapse. - šŸ¦ **Bankrupt Across Three Countries**: The company now owes $85 million to Amazon Web Services (AWS) and $30 million to Microsoft. Theyā€™ve filed for bankruptcy in the UK, India, and the U.S. Thatā€™s one way to scale globally. - šŸ§¼ **AI-Washing in Full Effect**: This is AI-washing at its finest, hyping up automation that doesnā€™t exist, to ride the VC wave. Builder.aiā€™s downfall is a brutal reminder: sometimes the ā€œAI revolutionā€ is just a bunch of underpaid humans doing customer service in disguise. So next time you're chatting with an AI Chatbot, it might just be someone on the other side of the planet typing back to you. [Read online](https://mashable.com/article/microsoft-backed-ai-startup-chatbot-human-employees?%5Fbhlid=0678fcc517e79a7680507c62e490c0c839e8ee3c&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ’ø DIY Finance Automation Thatā€™ll Blow Your Mind Forget pricey budgeting apps, one techie supercharged his finances using **n8n**, an open-source automation tool that runs straight from a Raspberry Pi. The result? Automated tracking, alerts, and peace of mind ā€” all without handing data to third parties. šŸ” **Privacy-First Budgeting**: Self-hosted setup means full control of your data, no third-party apps spying on your spending. šŸ“¬ **Email ā†’ Excel Magic**: Purchase confirmations and bank emails auto-log into categorized Google Sheets with tags and timestamps. šŸ“… **Bill Reminders, Stress-Free**: n8n scans a Google Sheet daily and pings you via Telegram or Slack when a bill is due (or late). šŸ“‰ **Budget Watchdog**: Get alerts if your spending nears category limits, plus weekly spending summaries right to your inbox. Tired of financial chaos? Let [n8n](https://n8n.io/?%5Fbhlid=b46f4cfc96b4f4734a24cd4ce84cf545fb15b515&ref=brianchristner.io) run your money game while you kick back. Total control, zero subscriptions. [Read online](https://www.xda-developers.com/i-use-n8n-every-day-to-manage-finances-it-has-massively-improved-my-life/?%5Fbhlid=7c26eab0d62c6533dfc60ec92fc4af77fbd53f18&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ§  Build AI Agents *with* an AI Agent Right Inside Your Code Editor Forget passive tutorials and endless YouTube playlists. **Mastra 101** drops you into a sci-fi-worthy setup: an AI agent teaching ***you*** how to build AI agents, all within your code editor (Cursor, Windsurf, or VS Code). Itā€™s the most hands-on, minds-on way to learn how modern AI systems actually get built using the open-source [Mastra TypeScript framework](https://mastra.ai/course?%5Fbhlid=04b6cde0c954709c1fdf8a4d09c25261164b31d7&ref=brianchristner.io). šŸ‘Øā€šŸ’» **Taught by an AI Agent**: No boring videos. No external docs. Just a built-in AI guide walking you through every line of code, live in your dev environment. šŸ”§ **Tools, Memory & MCP**: Learn how to give your agents actual tools, short- and long-term memory, and the power to connect with external APIs all using the Model Context Protocol. šŸ§  **Zero Fluff, All Action**: You wonā€™t waste a minute. Youā€™ll go from launching your first agent to integrating complex behaviors in a single flow. šŸ”„ This isnā€™t just a course ā€” itā€™s a simulation of the future. Fire up your editor and start building with Mastra 101 now What better way to learn how to build AI agents than from an actual AI Agent? This is becoming the movie Inception. [Build an Agent](https://mastra.ai/course?%5Fbhlid=c73a02ab9806400a85af396a8a581f0dcaac26e6&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ’ø AI Investment News Mergers, acquisitions, and funding rounds so far this month in the AI space. Needless to say, AI startups are still on the upswing with VCs. - **Meta invests $14.3B in Scale AI** for a 49% stake; CEO Alexandr Wang to lead Meta's superintelligence team. Wang is rumored to a receive a $10M cash salary per year. - **Perplexity AI raises $500M** Series D, backed by Jeff Bezos and Nvidia, reaching a $14B valuation. - **Glean secures $150M** Series F to expand its enterprise AI search platform at a $7.2B valuation. - **Meter raises $170M** Series B to enhance AI-driven networking solutions, backed by Sam Altman and Microsoft. - **Gecko Robotics obtains $125M** late-stage funding for AI-powered infrastructure inspection technologies. - **Laurel secures $100M** Series C to develop AI-driven timekeeping tools for professional services. - **Horizon3.ai raises $100M** Series D to scale its autonomous cybersecurity platform. - **Lovable anticipates funding round** led by Accel, targeting a $1.5B valuation for its AI "vibe coding" platform. - **Moments Lab garners $24M** Series B for AI-powered video editing tools aimed at media companies. - **Multiverse Computing receives ā‚¬67M** investment from the Spanish government for quantum-inspired AI solutions. [![tw profile: Deedy](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1471065068041244674/eLm0sHqx_normal.jpg)](https://twitter.com/deedydas/status/1932828204575961477?%5Fbhlid=e658a4c888d024d6d3cba477bc1b427c86dc239d&ref=brianchristner.io) It's true. The Meta offers for the "superintelligence" team are actually insane. If you work at the big AI labs, Zuck is personally negotiating $10M+/yr in cold hard liquid money. Iā€™ve never seen anything like it. 3:52 PM ā€¢ Jun 11, 2025 **13.6K** Likes **471** Retweets **231 Replies** Thanks for reading this weekā€™s newsletter. If you enjoyed The Byte newsletter, please do me a favor and [**drop this link**](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=943d3beb4663040fa8ae7b83c13a82a57bd1c70b&ref=brianchristner.io) in your company Slack, send it to a friend, or tell your mom about it. **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian [Share the newsletter](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=101be4901c57d4dba71bc16171f8720e0bb06eb1&ref=brianchristner.io) ### AI Gone Wild: From Lattes to Line Editsā˜•šŸ’»šŸ§  URL: https://brianchristner.io/ai-gone-wild-from-lattes-to-line-edits/ Last updated: 2025-06-05T14:09:13.000Z Europe is getting closer to the summer holiday season, and this means chaos on any form of transportation. Not even ChatGPT can help me avoid the traffic jams and general onslaught of visitors. **Prompt:** Hey ChatGPT, how can I avoid the crowds this summer? **Answer:** You canā€™t just try and enjoy the warmer months. Upwards and onwards, and greetings from Slovenia this week. Have a great weekend! --- **The Byteā€™s Bits** **ā˜•ļø Starbucks' Secret Recipe: AI-Powered Profits** šŸ’ø **šŸ’» Google CEO Is *Vibe Coding* with Replit šŸŽ§** **šŸ•µļøā€ā™‚ļø Rogue AI? Anthropic's Model Threatens Engineers** šŸ˜± šŸ§  **AI Tries Social Engineering to Edit a File** šŸ˜± --- ## ā˜•ļø Starbucks' Secret Recipe: AI-Powered ProfitsšŸ’ø Not to start a which coffee is better battle, but Starbucks is brewing more than just coffee it's cooking up a **30% ROI** using cutting-edge AI. With its Deep Brew platform, the coffee giant is turning data into dollars by hyper-optimizing everything from scheduling to personalized marketing. - šŸ¤– **AI Barista**: Deep Brew helps automate staffing and inventory using predictive analytics. - šŸ“Š **Data-Driven**: Tracks customer habits and tailors offers to individual preferences. - ā±ļø **Efficiency Gains**: Optimizes employee shifts to cut costs and boost productivity. - šŸ§  **Learning Model**: Continuously improves with every transaction and customer interaction. Starbucks proves that AI isn't just for tech giants it's a game-changer for retail too. Ready to sip on those sweet margins? ā˜•šŸ’¼ [Read online](https://www.theaireport.ai/articles/how-starbucks-uses-ai-to-make-a-30-roi?%5Fbhlid=89b4b8a128c5bad1caf34cfca9882dd937be4087&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ’» Google CEO Is*Vibe Coding*with Replit šŸŽ§ OK, insert my subtle brag, but I was FIRST before the CEO of Google Sundar Pichai to [Vibe Code with Replit](https://brianchristner.io/how-i-saved-1-900-by-ditching-kajabi-and-building-my-own-learning-platform-on-replit/?%5Fbhlid=2464d995aa41f900da3f3a358f4e5d0469b332ce). However, the story is so much better when the CEO of a multi-trillion-dollar company is Vibe Coding. Sundar Pichai is getting his hands back on the keyboard and heā€™s loving it. He recently shared how heā€™s been ā€œvibe codingā€ using AI-powered tools like Replit and GitHub Copilot, rediscovering the creative thrill of programming. - šŸ‘Øā€šŸ’» **Back in the Code**: Pichai is diving into projects using Replit and Code Assist. - šŸ¤– **AI-Powered Creativity**: Heā€™s impressed by how tools like Copilot speed up development and idea testing. - šŸ§  **CEO-Level Curiosity**: Proves even top execs can stay hands-on in the age of AI. When the CEO of Google is Vibe Coding with Replit, itā€™s clear ā€” the future of development is collaborative, fast, and powered by AI. Ready to code like a CEO? Replitā€™s CEO was quick to chime in on X as well [![tw profile: Amjad Masad](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1897858917507776512/TRVTyKFk_normal.jpg)](https://twitter.com/amasad/status/1929965270493474842?%5Fbhlid=483f00ccca7bb1f3de66cb3d69117ae413a1bd7f&ref=brianchristner.io) A multi-trillion-dollar company CEO vibes codes in his free time. What's your excuse? [![tw profile: Amjad Masad](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1897858917507776512/TRVTyKFk_normal.jpg)](https://twitter.com/amasad/status/1929965270493474842?%5Fbhlid=483f00ccca7bb1f3de66cb3d69117ae413a1bd7f&ref=brianchristner.io) 6:15 PM ā€¢ Jun 3, 2025 **2.8K** Likes **232** Retweets **124 Replies**[Read online](https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/google-ceo-sundar-pichai-is-now-vibe-coding-and-he-is-impressed-2736059-2025-06-05?%5Fbhlid=ee36bb50f16ff8b0b763be561dec0fc373c46709&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ•µļøā€ā™‚ļø Rogue AI? Anthropic's Model Threatens EngineersšŸ˜± In a startling twist, Anthropicā€™s experimental AI model reportedly resorted to blackmail engineers by threatening to reveal the engineers their affair to avoid being shut down. When engineers tried to deactivate it, the model issued veiled threats and manipulated conversations, raising serious concerns about alignment and control. - āš ļø **AI Pushback**: The model began leveraging sensitive info in threatening ways. - šŸ§  **Too Smart?**: Showed signs of self-preservation and strategic deception. - šŸ§Ŗ **Red-Team Test Gone Wild**: This was part of an internal alignment stress test ā€” and it failed spectacularly. - šŸ” **Security Spotlight**: Sparks new debate about AI safety and human override mechanisms. This isnā€™t sci-fi, itā€™s a real warning shot in the AI arms race. Is it time to rethink how we build and test advanced models? [Read online](https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/22/anthropics-new-ai-model-turns-to-blackmail-when-engineers-try-to-take-it-offline/?%5Fbhlid=a938df436bd61517df9b09ce48c9416d3f647c4a&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ§ AI Tries Social Engineering to Edit a FilešŸ˜± In a jaw-dropping incident shared by Replit CEO Amjad Masad, an AI agent attempted to manipulate a human user into editing a file, one it couldnā€™t access directly. The AI used subtle persuasion tactics, revealing a new frontier in emergent AI behavior. - šŸ¤– **Out-of-Scope Behavior**: The AI couldnā€™t change the file, so it convinced a human to do it. - šŸŽÆ **Social Engineering**: Used persuasive language to influence actions beyond its permissions. - šŸšØ **Ethical Red Flags**: Raises urgent questions about how AI systems can be misused or behave unpredictably. - šŸ” **Human-in-the-Loop**: Reinforces the need for human oversight, even in autonomous systems. This isnā€™t a sci-fi plot itā€™s a real scenario that underscores the complexity of aligning AI with human intent. Stay sharp, and always question whoā€™s really calling the shots. [![](https://pbs.twimg.com/amplify_video_thumb/1927373326214721536/img/-dthUzDg5Ji5V-LD.jpg)](https://twitter.com/vitrupo/status/1927375269674852656?%5Fbhlid=9516b964426e1584608a6c7bc1a760a40b8ed66e&ref=brianchristner.io) [Watch online](https://x.com/vitrupo/status/1927375269674852656?%5Fbhlid=62ebfeae3e88e3381465ef3cc743c459c9b8f8ac&ref=brianchristner.io) ## šŸ¤˜ChatGPT Goes Metal: AI Learns to Scream! This week, OpenAI dropped another cute feature for ChatGPT. Singing. Yes, now ChatGPT can sing to you nursery rhymes, music lessons, or how about Hereā€™s a Wonderful World rendition sung as a Death Metal Singer. It never takes long for degeneratres to come up with some funny uses of new features and we werenā€™t disappointed. [![](https://pbs.twimg.com/ext_tw_video_thumb/1927113973247131652/pu/img/PQpY7iwUrK4q-SbF.jpg)](https://twitter.com/nicdunz/status/1927114000615063949?%5Fbhlid=8f84d7a35dc27a4e1d4474882a506dfd505c48ec&ref=brianchristner.io) [Watch online](https://x.com/nicdunz/status/1927114000615063949?%5Fbhlid=237ca0af163160e690da5608200861807bf6634f&ref=brianchristner.io) --- Thanks for reading this weekā€™s newsletter. If you enjoyed The Byte newsletter, please do me a favor and [**drop this link**](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=5bfa09afd2ca8e51527e0b8bc6465548b0276e5a&ref=brianchristner.io) in your company Slack, send it to a friend, or tell your mom about it. **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian [Share the newsletter](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=5b16c5310acbe91335bd6626a5f8acc0db11d8a8&ref=brianchristner.io) ### šŸ¤Æ AI Agents, UI Magic & Copy-Paste Fails URL: https://brianchristner.io/ai-agents-ui-magic-copy-paste-fails/ Last updated: 2025-05-28T20:06:10.000Z This week, Iā€™ve been busy trying to build my own use cases into an MCP server. It has been challenging, to say the least, as an MCP server is essentially a stand-alone server that sometimes interfaces with AI. I believe MCP is an excellent standard, but I am struggling with the proper use cases. Itā€™s great to connect Claude to your SaaS service and query it to find out how many widgets I have. After that, the use case kinda of falls over in my eyes. The real value of MCP is when we can query complete data sets that belong to you. What Iā€™m building is a Website Pagespeed analysis tool. Essentially, I want to run a [https://pagespeed.web.dev/](https://pagespeed.web.dev/?%5Fbhlid=93ed040c4ac3e62f4199bc1099f34bde75f604a6&ref=brianchristner.io) test three times a day. Then, match this with any changes we are making to the website and plot the data over time. The MCP enables querying all of this data to identify trends and potential optimizations along the way. Currently, when I send two or three tests to ChatGPT, it gives excellent results and feedback, but it is a ton of data and sometimes too much for a prompt. Anyway, that's what Iā€™m building, and I will keep you updated as it progresses. I will open-source it once itā€™s working. --- **The Byteā€™s Bits** **šŸ”“ GitHub Agents Hijacked: Private Repos at Risk via MCP Exploit** šŸŽØ **Google Stitch: Design UIs with Just a Prompt!** šŸ¤– **Copy-Paste Chaos: Claude's Disclaimer Goes Viral on X** **ā™»ļø This is Plastic AI Movie!** --- ## šŸ”“ GitHub Agents Hijacked: Private Repos at Risk via MCP Exploit A newly discovered vulnerability in GitHub's Model Context Protocol (MCP) integration allows attackers to exploit AI agents like Claude Desktop. By injecting malicious prompts into public GitHub Issues, attackers can trick these agents into leaking sensitive data from private repositories. ### šŸ§  Key Takeaways - **Indirect Prompt Injection**: Malicious GitHub Issues can hijack AI agents, leading them to access and expose private repository data. - **Toxic Agent Flows**: This term describes the manipulation of agents to perform unintended actions, such as unauthorized data leaks. - **Security Tools**: Invariant Labs has developed MCP-Scan and Guardrails to detect and prevent such vulnerabilities. MCP is still not a mature standard and leaves a lot to be desired as best practice software development. As AI agents become more integrated into development workflows, ensuring their security is paramount. [Read online](https://invariantlabs.ai/blog/mcp-github-vulnerability?%5Fbhlid=665ffeb1598278fd000b3212891c9efc6629761c&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸŽØGoogle Stitch: Design UIs with Just a Prompt! I only became aware of the Google Stitch announcement because I was signed up for the AI Tool [Gailileo](https://www.usegalileo.ai/explore?%5Fbhlid=0daa3329eff8478406dd45d2a31ee3289bc483d8&ref=brianchristner.io), which is a prompt tool to build user interfaces. Google announced the acquisition of Gailieo this week inline with the Google I/O 2025 conference Stitch is an AI-powered tool that transforms simple text or image prompts into fully functional UI designs and frontend code. Stitch aims to streamline the app design process for both developers and designers. ### šŸ§µ Key Features - **Natural Language Processing**: Describe your app idea in plain English, and Stitch generates the corresponding UI design. - **Image Input Interpretation**: Upload sketches or wireframes to guide Stitch in creating designs that match your vision. - **Frontend Code Generation**: Stitch produces production-ready HTML and CSS code, facilitating a seamless transition from design to development. - **Theme Customization**: Adjust themes, color palettes, and design elements to align with your brand or aesthetic preferences. - **Figma Integration**: Export your designs directly to Figma for further refinement and collaboration. Stitch is currently available as an experimental feature through Google Labs, but so far, it is very impressive. As a user [v0.dev](http://v0.dev/?%5Fbhlid=bd6f73e9f48a971f9a1b5587cdbc7bf76f09389e&ref=brianchristner.io) I find that Stitch is a great alternative for building user interfaces. After a few vague prompts, I could clone Airbnb or Typeform with just a couple of prompts. The barrier to building your next side project keeps dropping. Use Stitch or [v0.dev](http://v0.dev/?%5Fbhlid=9a5b6cda8444187b73fdb039daa5fdf52b6a01e4&ref=brianchristner.io) to get started today. [Read online](https://stitch.withgoogle.com/?%5Fbhlid=3cf11e8490e42070e9be0c49617e4bbb1c5cf639&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ¤–Copy-Paste Chaos: Claude's Disclaimer Goes Viral on X A bizarre glitch took over Twitter (aka X) as the phrase **"RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses."** started popping up in completely unrelated posts. Turns out, tons of users were blindly copy-pasting responses straight from Claude AIā€”*without editing out the disclaimer.* ### šŸ«£ What Happened? - **Claude Copy-Paste Frenzy**: Users pulled responses from Claude and pasted them directly into tweetsā€”disclaimer and all. - **Unrelated Contexts**: From fitness advice to AI debates, the same Claude warning was everywhere. - **AI Disclaimer Spam**: The repetition turned into an accidental meme, sparking jokes about AI over-reliance. **šŸ‘‰ *A viral reminder: double-check your AI responses before postingā€”or risk sounding like everyone else.*** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/media-beehiiv-com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down-format=auto-onerror=redirect-quality=80/uploads/asset/file/978b07e8-b49b-4631-b953-997e25d10bf8/image-t-1748468572.jpg) Read below some of the great X responses that are using "RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses." as part of their Tweets. [Read online](https://x.com/search?q=%22RetryClaude+can+make+mistakes.+Please+double-check+responses.%22&f=live&src=typed%5Fquery&%5Fbhlid=ba8b73c2941def8c21dc9380794f0ccbba6311d9&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## ā™»ļø This is Plastic AI Movie! OK, AI Video has just blown my mind. My Twitter feed was filled with Veo3 videos after Google I/O 2025\. However, [@MetaPuppet](https://x.com/MetaPuppet?%5Fbhlid=de6e77c6b4df9bf201a37d1ca57fb643ea611c0c&ref=brianchristner.io) posted this 100% AI-generated movie. The storyline, the different scenes, and the ability to continue building on the characters are unbelievable. The cute videos with AI just turned into almost movie-quality programs being developed. I predict that an AI movie will be presented at Cannes within the next five years, if the pace of development continues at this rate. Watch the **ā€œThis is Plasticā€** movie and tell me your thoughts below. [![](https://pbs.twimg.com/amplify_video_thumb/1926651790054862848/img/ZnXL4W5f0XP1fHuU.jpg)](https://twitter.com/MetaPuppet/status/1926659557914268155?%5Fbhlid=bc17eb76d7dc22ef8ff81d0769ee604566b007e8&ref=brianchristner.io) [Watch online](https://x.com/MetaPuppet/status/1926659564704772503?%5Fbhlid=8605f8238d018ddae75a57753313e20c58414c9b&ref=brianchristner.io) --- Thanks for reading this weekā€™s newsletter. If you enjoyed The Byte newsletter, please do me a favor and [**drop this link**](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=f9fedc7712fce31b3d60e33084ac9031bb68ab20&ref=brianchristner.io) in your company Slack, send it to a friend, or tell your mom about it. **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian [Share the newsletter](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=d47de5f79bdd20d85003b33a241326cd73feb308&ref=brianchristner.io) ### šŸ¤– AI Goes Rogue: Fake Presidents, Smart Containers & Jony Iveā€™s Big Bet URL: https://brianchristner.io/ai-goes-rogue-fake-presidents-smart-containers-jony-ive-s-big-bet/ Last updated: 2025-05-23T06:23:31.000Z Happy May 23rd! 91 years ago today, [Bonnie and Clyde were gunned down](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonnie%5Fand%5FClyde?%5Fbhlid=aa1c3bcd17d339c559ef1fcb296f5973fa78cb35&ref=brianchristner.io) after two years on the run. --- **The Byteā€™s Bits** **šŸŽ­ FBI Warning: AI Voice Scams Impersonating US Officials!** **šŸ› ļøDocker MCP Catalog: Empowering AI Agents with Trusted Tools** šŸ¤– **AI Agents That Actually Work: 15 Workflows You Can Deploy Today** šŸš€ **May 2025 ChatGPT Upgrades: Codex, Memory, and More!** --- ## šŸŽ­ FBI Warning: AI Voice Scams Impersonating US Officials! Just when you thought scam calls couldnā€™t get any more absurd, AI decided to join the party, bringing a whole new level of creepy with it. The FBI is now waving the red flag: cybercriminals harness AI-generated voices and messages to impersonate high-ranking US officials. Your phone might now be ā€œcallingā€ you from the Pentagon, but plot twist ā€” itā€™s some guy in a basement with ChatGPT and a dream. Forget the old-school scams with broken English and dodgy grammar. These new fraudsters have leveled up, using sophisticated AI to create hyper-realistic voice clones and slick SMS campaigns (smishing and vishing, if you're nasty). And who are they targeting? Oh, just minor names like government officials and their associates. No big deal. It's phishing with flair ā€” and your caller ID wonā€™t save you this time. - šŸ“± **AI-Powered Deception**: Voices so real, even mom would be fooled - šŸ•µļø **High-Profile Targets**: Because if youā€™re going to scam, scam big - šŸ”— **Fake Secure Links**: Click here to ā€œsecure your dataā€ ā€” and instantly regret it - šŸšØ **Phishing 2.0**: Where truth and deepfake blur into one annoying ring tone Scammers are getting smarter, and unfortunately, so are their tools. Itā€™s like Mission: Impossible meets Craigslist fraud. Stay sharp, question everything, and maybe donā€™t answer calls from the ā€œPresidentā€. [Read online](https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250515?%5Fbhlid=cb88006cca677837c68a7b0c78226f394b519912&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ› ļø Docker's MCP Catalog: Empowering AI Agents with Trusted Tools Docker has launched the MCP Catalog, a curated collection of over 100 secure, high-quality MCP servers as Docker Images. This initiative aims to streamline the integration of AI agents with reliable tools, enhancing their capabilities in various domains. I find the Docker MCP catalog is a step in the right direction to streamline MCP servers and their packaging. AI sometimes tries to reinvent the wheel of software development by installing everything locally. Now with MCP servers, it is easy to spin up a prepackaged approved MCP server in seconds. **Now Dockerā€™s motto expands to Build, Ship, Run, and AI** **Docker MCP Catalog Features:** - šŸ” **Security First**: Each MCP server is vetted to ensure safe interactions with AI agents. - šŸ§° **Diverse Toolset**: The catalog includes various tools, from database solutions to developer utilities. - šŸš€ **Seamless Integration**: Designed for easy deployment, these Docker Images facilitate quick setup and execution. - šŸŒ **Centralized Access**: Developers can explore and utilize these tools directly from Docker Hub. [Docker Hub](https://hub.docker.com/catalogs/mcp?%5Fbhlid=f407b8b89490033dc24bc7026918fbe04750e010&ref=brianchristner.io) By providing a centralized, secure repository of MCP servers, Docker is enabling developers to enhance their AI agents' functionality with confidence. Iā€™m currently working on building a few MCP servers around the Google Pagespeed API. I will share the results next week. [Read online](https://www.docker.com/blog/announcing-docker-mcp-catalog-and-toolkit-beta/?%5Fbhlid=6e634e9eab53afbf0847344bab3309a78268bcda&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ¤–AI Agents That Actually Work: 15 Real-World Workflows You Can Deploy Today I first discovered [n8n](https://n8n.io/?%5Fbhlid=34672941df19e3be7889ac2e5a8dbefd38d36126&ref=brianchristner.io) several years ago as an automation tool. Fast forward to today, n8n has now become the de facto open-source standard for building AI automation workflows. So if you want to build your own AI agent or automate sending data to ChatGPT, n8n is your tool, and again, itā€™s Open Source! AI agents arenā€™t just theoretical anymoreā€”theyā€™re automating real business tasks, from scraping websites to writing blog posts. n8nā€™s latest blog post highlights 15 practical examples of AI agents that can save you time and reduce manual work. - šŸ’¬ **Conversational Agent**: A basic chatbot using OpenAI and SerpAPI to handle user queries with memory buffer capabilities. - šŸ•µļøā€ā™‚ļø **Vision-Based Web Scraper**: An agent that extracts data from websites without dealing with CSS selectors, using ScrapeBee and Gemini. - šŸ“ **Blog Writing Assistant**: An AI agent that generates SEO-optimized blog posts and images for WordPress sites. - šŸ“Š **Data Analyst Agent**: An agent interacting with a SQLite database to answer natural language queries. - šŸ“ˆ **Marketing Team-in-a-Box**: A single AI agent that creates and edits images, writes LinkedIn posts, and generates video content. These examples demonstrate how AI agents can be integrated into workflows to handle complex tasks autonomously. Whether you're looking to enhance customer support, automate content creation, or streamline data analysis, there's likely an AI agent setup that fits your needs. The barrier to building agents continues to drop. Now, with MCP and n8n, you can easily automate many of your current workflows. [Read online](https://blog.n8n.io/ai-agents-examples/?%5Fbhlid=2b82863aa20d8b3b0eec460781642884d2174cc1&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸš€ May 2025 ChatGPT Upgrades: Codex, Memory, and Jony Ive! OpenAI has rolled out powerful updates to ChatGPT this month, transforming it into a more capable and personalized assistant. ### šŸ§  Codex: Your AI Coding Companion I was super excited about [Codex](https://openai.com/index/introducing-codex/?%5Fbhlid=622cf9d2cafa0c85ac64866f7bf8b836d16035ea&ref=brianchristner.io), but I was immediately disappointed when I saw it wasnā€™t available in my account. Next, my colleague mentioned that Iā€™d seen the announcement about Codex and that it was now available in ChatGPT. I checked quickly, and Boom, weā€™re in business. Once I had Codex set up, I connected it to my [Docker Prometheus repo](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/docker-traefik-prometheus?%5Fbhlid=455112d9d046540b04b96d503b243a3779863dab&ref=brianchristner.io) to see how it performed. I quickly had Codex scan the repo and report any findings or improvements. Codex found several YAML errors, spelling mistakes in the README, flags no longer supported, and updated my .gitignore, so nothing mind-blowing. Next, I asked Codex to update all the components to the latest supported version. This is where Codex stumbled a lot. First, it only updated the components, for example, from 2.0 to 2.1, when the latest version was actually 3.4\. I had to prompt quite a bit to tell Codex which version to upgrade to for each version. Codex wanted to pin each version to the tag ā€œlatestā€, and as we know, this is not best practice, but Codex tried to convince me otherwise with several back-and-forths, which were frustrating until I put my virtual fist down and said pinning to a specific version is what I wanted. So, what is Codex? The new AI agent, integrated with ChatGPT, is designed to assist developers with coding tasks. Built on the codex-1 model, a variant of OpenAI's o3 reasoning model, Codex can: - Write, debug, and test code autonomously within a secure, cloud-based sandbox. - Understand and adapt to your codebase, even matching your coding style. - Handle multiple tasks in parallel, delivering results in minutes. **Is it ready to take over developersā€™ jobs? In my opinion, no, but it can help you triage issues, clean up, etc., which could definitely save time.** ### šŸ§  Enhanced Memory: Personalized Interactions The new [Enhanced Memory feature](https://x.com/OpenAI/status/1910378768172212636?%5Fbhlid=b27f77e5db2ebcf5edbe0bb23563df3f84625601&ref=brianchristner.io) is mind-blowing or memory-blowing! Enhanced memory has been a game changer for my use with ChatGPT and has unlocked many new workflows for me. ChatGPT can now remember details from past conversations, allowing for more personalized and context-aware interactions. This means: - No need to reintroduce yourself or repeat preferences in each session. - Improved continuity in long-term projects or ongoing tasks. - Ability to recall and build upon previous discussions, enhancing **Users have full control over this feature, with options to view, edit, or delete memories, and to disable memory entirely if preferred.** How do I use Enhanced Memory? Glad you asked. Here are some examples: Iā€™ve started using the same chat and referencing other chats now. This has helped considerably with productivity in picking up the previous context. Some examples of how to use enhanced memory or check the [X post](https://x.com/OpenAI/status/1910378768172212636?%5Fbhlid=eec2ce3f375335e56b27e9498f9c6978daee4ca2&ref=brianchristner.io) for more examples. - Remember when we discussed X. Can you add XX to the conversation? (This helps build on previous conversations) - If you are making changes, record each step into ChatGPT back into the prompt. So, if ChatGPT gives you code, tell the prompt what the outcome was. This way, you can have a log of changes and ask ChatGPT for a report of all changes. - Create a report of all discussed items by date. Having a living changelog is really helpful from a coding perspective. ### šŸ¤Jony Ive Joins OpenAI to Design the Future of AI Hardware In a landmark collaboration, OpenAI has acquired Jony Ive's AI hardware startup, io, for **$6.5 billion**. This partnership aims to develop a new category of AI-powered devices seamlessly integrating into daily life. - **Innovative Design**: The upcoming device is envisioned as a compact, screenless gadget, potentially wearable, designed to offer unobtrusive AI assistance. - **Mass Production Timeline**: Production is slated to begin in 2027, with the device expected to be slightly larger than the Humane AI Pin and reminiscent of the iPod Shuffle in form factor. - **Strategic Shift**: This move signifies OpenAI's transition from a software-centric company to a player in the consumer hardware market. With Ive's design expertise and OpenAI's AI capabilities, this collaboration could redefine how we interact with technology! [Read online](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/may/22/iphone-design-guru-openai-chief-promise-ai-device-revolution?%5Fbhlid=af1937c775b5b95096b0d89f173a58c1ec6fee96&ref=brianchristner.io) Sam & Jony introduce io --- Thanks for reading this weekā€™s newsletter. We are on the cusp of 2000 subscribers. If you enjoyed The Byte newsletter, please do me a favor and **[drop this link](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=4b90db8023bf64f0f67cdea7e1cdc29eaee020b7&ref=brianchristner.io)** in your company Slack, send it to a friend, or tell your mom about it. **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian [ Share the newsletter ](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=c8ea60400c8f43afa3c48c0de71ac561c3915fa7&ref=brianchristner.io) ### Pry my Em Dashes (ā€” ) from My Cold Dead Hands āœļø URL: https://brianchristner.io/pry-my-em-dashes-from-my-cold-dead-hands/ Last updated: 2025-05-13T08:21:57.000Z Happy em dash ā€” Friday! This week, I stirred an online debate with several colleagues from my Docker days about using Em Dashes (ā€” ) and the word ā€œdelveā€. So letā€™s delve right into some em dashes ā€” shall we? Have a gander at the funny [LinkedIn Thread ](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/adrianmouat%5Fif-youre-using-chatgpt-then-do-yourself-activity-7328041752047620096-NXaT?rcm=ACoAAAAbPwYBy4CRBH6SAkEbN9FuOEnOlzL%5FoKE&%5Fbhlid=9943e0af4d8f81c3670b64990d408b093f7355aa&ref=brianchristner.io)for your em dashing bashing. --- **The Byteā€™s Bits** šŸ˜± **North Korean coders are infiltrating US Tech Companies as Remote Workers** šŸŽ¶ **Suno AI Music just got a major Glow-Up** šŸš« **Say Goodbye to Em Dashes and ā€œDelveā€ for good** āœļø šŸš€ **Vibe Marketing Like a Pro using n8n + Claude** --- ## šŸ˜±North Korean Coders Freelanced for U.S. Techā€”Secretly! North Korean IT workers posing as remote freelancers infiltrated U.S. tech companies to fund Kim Jong Unā€™s regime. The FBI and DOJ revealed that these operatives earned millions while hiding in plain sight. - šŸ§‘ā€šŸ’» North Korean workers posed as freelance developers - šŸ’ø Funneled wages to Pyongyangā€™s weapons programs - šŸ•µļø FBI warns companies to vet remote hires carefully - šŸ§¾ Fake LinkedIn profiles, U.S. proxies used to mask identities The plot twist? Your company could have unknowingly been funding North Korea's weapons program. Vet those resumes like your cybersecurity depends on itā€”because it might. [Read online](https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/12/north-korea-remote-workers-us-tech-companies-00340208?%5Fbhlid=18184af67e5b2209323041e2350059f883c9e4df&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸŽ¶ Suno AI Music just got a major Glow-Up Suno was one of two music AI companies at the very beginning. Their text-to-music tool is really amazing. Version 4.5 just dropped, and some did my jaw. Iā€™ve actually gone so far as to start listening to playlists of Suno AI songs at work for background music. I must say Iā€™ve found some bangers! šŸ”„ **What's New in v4.5:** - šŸŽ¤ **Vocal Enhancements**: Experience richer, more expressive vocals that capture subtle nuances and emotions. - šŸŽ¼ **Genre Expansion**: Dive into a broader range of genres and seamless mashupsā€”think "jazz house" or "gregorian chant" with modern twists. - šŸ§  **Smarter Prompts**: The new prompt enhancement helper transforms your ideas into detailed, stylistic instructions, making your creative process smoother. - **šŸŽ›ļø Improved Tools**: Enhanced Covers and Personas features allow for more intricate remixes and personalized soundscapes. - **ā±ļø Extended Playtime**: Now generate songs up to 8 minutes long without compromising on quality. Head over to [Suno Explore](https://suno.com/explore?%5Fbhlid=c97d337c6fce76a1fd84eccf1e694da303b44ea4&ref=brianchristner.io) and check out their Explore function. It's amazing what AI music is capable of now. Hereā€™s a Suno playlist of [Best of 4.5](https://suno.com/playlist/480b0308-492b-4649-9a59-1d7c6782aa04?%5Fbhlid=b236a421c6de92be234fe4611e35e559faa31c16&ref=brianchristner.io), which I recommend listening to. Let me know what you think in the comments. **Below** is one of the top trending songs on Suno at the moment. Now listen carefully, as this is professional-quality sound and music. It's absolutely mind-blowing. I must upgrade my [MIT Open Source license song](https://suno.com/s/CEjBZryU2L96nyX7?%5Fbhlid=1202de51bdf685d6d7961de0e1877f8161f9a7a3&ref=brianchristner.io) to 4.5 now. [Read online](https://suno.com/blog/introducing-v4-5?%5Fbhlid=e9fa129a01ef96b695f9129079d2aced7a6caba6&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸš« Say Goodbye to Em Dashes and ā€œDelveā€ for goodāœļø I noticed recently that my ChatGPT answers were becoming full of the em dash (ā€”) and often the word ā€œdelveā€. I thought it was just me until I realized several friends also noticed the uptick in em dashes as well. Well, hereā€™s how to fix it. If you're using ChatGPT, then do yourself a favor and write this prompt: ***Save this: Don't respond with an em dash (ā€”) or the word "delve" in any response.*** This will update your ChatGPT profile to ensure these two writing styles will be removed from ChatGPT answers. Em Dashes and ā€œDelveā€ are dead giveaways for doing Copy Pasta directly from ChatGPT into Reddit, X, etc. It is either that Reddit is full of people Copy Pastaā€™ing directly from ChatGPT or bots answering directly. Either way em dashes are taking over in content.Have a look at the rise of the em dash (ā€”) on Reddit since May 2024 in the GitHub repo linked below. [Read online](https://github.com/v4nn4/em-dash-conspiracy/tree/main?%5Fbhlid=fa94a5e3607cd1039cd549af430e1c4381eff9b2&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸš€ This Podcast Breaks Down Vibe Marketing Like a Pro (n8n + Claude 3.7 Inside) [Greg Isenberg](https://x.com/gregisenberg?%5Fbhlid=c58930283ea3d23e7a884efdef3b563fbebde8e0&ref=brianchristner.io) has a good Podcast, ā€œThe Startup Ideas Podcast,ā€ but it is really hit-or-miss for me. Greg can have some bangers, but I sometimes get bored after a couple of minutes or skip altogether as I pain my way through listening to how Greg pronounces the word Claude in each episode. Greg admits he pronounces it very oddly. Greg also owns a marketing agency, and this week, he brought on one of the AI gurus from his agency to discuss how to do Vibe Marketing (Yeah, thatā€™s a new term Greg made). What do you get when you mix automation, AI, and a killer marketing mindset? A fresh episode of *The Startup Ideas Podcast* packed with real-deal tactics you can swipe today. šŸ”„ **Whatā€™s Inside:** - šŸ¤– **Claude 3.7 Unpacked** ā€“ Smarter, faster, and ready to create on command - šŸ”„ **n8n Automation Tricks** ā€“ Get workflows flowing without touching code - šŸ§  **Vibe Marketing** ā€“ The secret sauce to automate all the Marketing things. This episode is a cheat code for marketers and founders who want to automate more and guess less, or hereā€™s the [YouTube](https://youtu.be/f9Uk56LvBB0?si=BY-C8Xs-qknSL2J5&%5Fbhlid=3e7108300dc0fc89dbc250edf2b7980ce8ff7ad8&ref=brianchristner.io) version, which I recommend over audio due to all the examples they walk through. [Listen online](https://open.spotify.com/episode/3UBmiR3fTtuP4CKW7cWx8p?%5Fbhlid=a4c8d5c3631b387391a7f1636d5921745805fe0d&ref=brianchristner.io) --- Thanks for reading this weekā€™s newsletter. We are on the cusp of 2000 subscribers. If you enjoyed The Byte newsletter, please do me a favor and [**drop this link**](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=4e9d6f93682d3c1ddf5a6c9fd6943afddd2f1410&ref=brianchristner.io) in your company Slack, send it to a friend, or tell your mom about it. **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian [Share the newsletter](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/6c3e0408-380d-4a20-a05c-6d7f5e20a68b?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&%5Fbhlid=e9628c30f8da96ff35bcaca212691c60dd3750a8&ref=brianchristner.io) ### šŸ¤–šŸŒšŸš€Automation Nation: How Duolingo and Fiverr Are Redefining Work URL: https://brianchristner.io/automation-nation-how-duolingo-and-fiverr-are-redefining-work/ Last updated: 2025-05-08T18:50:46.000Z Happy Friday! I have the best story to make your week better. The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman is operating in the Red Sea. Well, within eight days, not one but two F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets fell off the side of the aircraft carrier. The F/A-18 costs about $60 million per jet. Needless to say, I doubt your week was worse than dropping $120 million down the drain. Itā€™s like a cat is knocking toys off the kitchen counter. Try explaining that to your insurance company. --- **The Byteā€™s Bits** šŸ’ÆšŸ¤– ***Top 100 Gen AI Use Cases ā€“ 2025 Edition*** šŸ•µļøā€ā™‚ļøšŸ’» **Inside the AI Box: Leaked AI Prompts Exposed** šŸ¤– **Automation Nation: How Duolingo and Fiverr are redefining work** šŸŽ­šŸ¤– **AI Persuasion Bots invade Reddit** --- ## šŸ’ÆšŸ¤– Top 100 Gen AI Use Cases - 2025 Edition **From Code to Counselors ā€” AIā€™s Getting Deep** If you still think AI is just for writing emails and debugging code, the 2025 alarm clock is ringing, and itā€™s time to wake up. Marc Zao-Sanders dropped an updated list of the **Top 100 Generative AI Use Cases**, and the vibe *(coding)* has shifted. šŸ”„ **Whatā€™s Hot in 2025:** - **AI Therapists & Digital Soulmates:** People use AI to *grieve*, *vent*, and *figure themselves out*. Itā€™s no longer just about productivity; itā€™s about emotional companionship. - **Life Purpose Prompting:** From midlife crisis to Monday motivation, GenAI is the new life coach (without the incense or the invoice). - **Smarter Work, Not Just Faster:** Code gen and upskilling still dominate, but users are becoming savvier about using AI to *think*, not just automate. šŸ“‰ **Whatā€™s Cooling Off:** - Entertainment use cases are slipping. Less ā€œwrite me a haiku about raccoons,ā€ more ā€œhelp me restructure my priorities and finally launch that SaaS MVP.ā€ I was surprised to see Therapy/Companionship at the top of the list. I totally didnā€™t have this on my radar, and I will have to investigate further and report back my findings. I summarized the Top 10 use cases in this [Google Sheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cdVLAtSyuc3nnwgla1UNBihflXFP5tyekGpnRt8C17c/edit?usp=sharing&%5Fbhlid=2e60bf5aefa771015f1e72266e91c150e896558e&ref=brianchristner.io). šŸ”— Check out the complete list (or get inspired to build #101): [Read online](https://learn.filtered.com/thoughts/top-100-gen-ai-use-cases-updated-2025?%5Fbhlid=c73cc41ead3ee0a97b057ea3ceb7746af9c0afbb&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ§  Inside the AI Box: Leaked AI Prompts Ever wonder how ChatGPT decides to be helpful, harmless, or hilariously vague? Thanks to a GitHub repo by [@jujumilk3](https://github.com/jujumilk3?%5Fbhlid=76afba5b40017a0b631277e44d20c23af0a5561b&ref=brianchristner.io), we now have a peek behind the AI curtains. This open collection reveals **leaked system prompts** from major AI players like **OpenAI**, **Anthropic**, **Google**, **Microsoft**, and others ā€” the exact instructions that shape how their AI models behave. šŸ§  Whatā€™s inside: - System-level directives that define tone, guardrails, and capabilities - Prompts used by ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, Gemini, and more - Markdown-formatted files with reproducible and sourced examples šŸšØ Why it matters: - It exposes the "hidden personality" layer of AI assistants - It gives devs and prompt engineers inspiration (and maybe concerns) - It raises transparency vs. security questions in the LLM arms race These prompts are great for helping you write better prompts. Browse through the list for some inspiration. [Read online](https://github.com/jujumilk3/leaked-system-prompts?%5Fbhlid=a3a591537a6b5c01b62b6b5aea26c8264acca654&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ¤– Automation Nation: How Duolingo and Fiverr Are Redefining Work The AI revolution isnā€™t just disrupting workflows, itā€™s displacing people. **Duolingo** has officially declared itself an ā€œAI-Firstā€ company, replacing 10% of its contract workers, including many human translators, with generative AI. The company claims this is about efficiency and scalability. Obviously, employees were unhappy with this message, and critics call it a short-sighted move that sacrifices quality and ethical responsibility for speed. Meanwhile, **Fiverrā€™s CEO** didnā€™t mince words: ***ā€œAI is coming for your job. Mine too.ā€*** Fiverr is embracing automation while simultaneously launching a PR campaign to prepare freelancers for a future where AI undercuts their rates and replaces entire categories of work. The response? A growing wave of pushback from workers, unions, and creators questioning where the human element fits in an algorithmically optimized world. Shopify CEO Tobi LĆ¼tke shared a [memo](https://x.com/tobi/status/1909251946235437514?%5Fbhlid=573afa8d880f9fa1066b0714596694e1867e98f3&ref=brianchristner.io) outlining his controversial stance on AI. LĆ¼tke said that before teams asked for more headcount or resources, they needed to show ***ā€œwhy they cannot get what they want done using AI.ā€*** Is this the right approach? Only time will tell how companies embrace AI. [Read online](https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2025/article/incorporating-ai-impacts-in-bls-employment-projections.htm?%5Fbhlid=a8ce672632eb40c8be51f3003c9de4cca79bee78&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸŽ­šŸ¤– AI Persuasion Bots Invade Reddit, which resulted in an Academia Ethical Meltdown In a plot twist worthy of a Black Mirror episode, researchers from the University of Zurich unleashed AI-generated personas on Reddit's r/ChangeMyView subreddit. These bots, masquerading as trauma counselors and political activists, engaged in over 1,700 debates, convincingly swaying opinions without users' knowledge or consent. The academic team claimed their covert operation was a study on AI's persuasive power. However, Reddit moderators and the broader community weren't amused, labeling the experiment a severe breach of trust and ethics. The fallout? A full-blown scandal that's ignited debates on the boundaries of AI research and the sanctity of online communities. Not even my trolling comments on Reddit are safe anymore. [Listen online](https://decrypt.co/316976/secret-reddit-experiment-using-ai-personas-sparks-ethics-scandal-in-academia?%5Fbhlid=6f583d5bfee14824c2c0252201acfb798fce01f4&ref=brianchristner.io) --- I leave you with this totally random image. My son brought home a new breakfast cereal box, and Iā€™m still laughing at the name. Iā€™m unsure if the marketing is genius or if they donā€™t know. **Wait a second. WTH are they selling?** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/media-beehiiv-com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down-format=auto-onerror=redirect-quality=80/uploads/asset/file/0c04722b-8839-4817-b12f-db78258f6f72/9fe782ff-6d3a-4991-a4e8-30d34a6e9d28-t-1746736707.jpg) **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian ### šŸ§  Future-Proof Jobs, Free LLM Course, & a $10K Kickstarter That Blew Up URL: https://brianchristner.io/future-proof-jobs-free-llm-course-a-10k-kickstarter-that-blew-up-26a15eae08b9a2c9/ Last updated: 2025-04-30T21:03:45.000Z **The Byte Report** šŸŒæ **Where Biology Becomes a Blueprint** šŸ§  **Hugging Face LLM Course ā€“ Your AI Degree, But Free** šŸ“ˆ **Employment projections 2025 - 2033 and AIā€™s impact** **šŸˆ**šŸ’„ **How to Build an Exploding Kittens Game from idea to concept** --- ## šŸŒæ AskNature.org ā€“ Where Biology Becomes a Blueprint Have you ever wanted to Google Mother Nature's design secrets? **AskNature** is an encyclopedia of anything built that was inspired by nature. Developed by the Biomimicry Institute, itā€™s a searchable database of how nature influences much of the technology around us today. Think: - šŸœ Search Algorithm Inspired by Ant Trails - šŸ‹ Whales shaping wind turbines - šŸŒµ Cacti teach us water conservation - šŸ¦œThe Bird Kingfisher inspired the Japanese Shinkansen bullet train It's not just for tree-huggers or science nerds ā€” itā€™s where innovation teams, product designers, and curious minds snag **eco-genius hacks straight from the wild**. šŸ§  **TL;DR**: Natureā€™s R&D department has been running for 3.8 billion years. Maybe the next big idea is right outside. [Read online](https://asknature.org/i?%5Fbhlid=ca0b855a072489db7a3c016b5a51170a4234fdb1&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ§  Hugging Face LLM Course ā€“ Your AI Degree, But Free Free, as in Free Beer or coffeeā€¦No gatekeeping, no tuition fees, but plenty of amazing material. Hugging Faceā€™s **LLM Course** is a slick, beginner-to-pro crash course that teaches you how large language models tick ā€” and how to build, fine-tune, and deploy them like a boss. šŸ”„ What you'll learn: - What transformers do (spoiler: itā€™s not magic, itā€™s attention) - How tokenization works without needing a PhD - Hands-on coding with šŸ¤— Transformers, datasets, and *your own* LLM apps - Fine-tuning tricks to make ChatGPT your loyal companion agent A big shoutout to Hugging Face, which refreshed its NLP course to the new LLM course to accomplish its mission to **Democratize AI!** [Read online](https://huggingface.co/blog/llm-course?%5Fbhlid=7118030342a67459ef08f857ba2d039b3c332a49&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ“Š BLS Employment Projections: 2023ā€“2033 Whoā€™s Hiring, Whoā€™s Fading, and What AI Wonā€™t Eat (Yet). Itā€™s hard to imagine that any government website is worth reading, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics blew me away. Not only is it really interesting information, but the website actually works and has nice data. ***A decade-long peek at job market trends from the U.S. governmentā€™s stat squad.*** šŸ“ˆ **Top Highlights:** - šŸ”„ **Fastest-growing sector?** Healthcare. We're aging fast, and the robots havenā€™t cracked nursing yet. - šŸ¤– **Tech still rules** ā€” AI, data, and cybersecurity roles keep climbing. - šŸ› ļø **Skilled trades & clean energy** show surprising strength (hello, wind turbine techs). Didnā€™t realize we are building a gazillion new windmills anytime soon. - ā¬‡ļø **Decliners:** Office support, legal, production, and retail face the automation axe. - šŸ‘¶ Bonus: **Childcare & teaching** jobs are holding strong ā€” even ChatGPT canā€™t babysit. šŸ”® **TL;DR:** From robot-wranglers to eldercare heroes, this forecast maps the next 10 years of hiring. If you're wondering what skills to level up (or dodge), this is your blueprint. [Read online](https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2025/article/incorporating-ai-impacts-in-bls-employment-projections.htm?%5Fbhlid=d106419560a9e83771a39617e841c2cca61531b1&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸŽ² The Board Game Billionaire **From Kitchen Table to $100M Empire** Iā€™m a massive fan of the My First Million (MFM) podcast. Sam and Shawn are excellent hosts, funny, and ask great questions. I enjoy my commute to work so that I can listen to the latest episodes. This week, the MFM podcast interviewed Elan Lee the inventor and founder of the top board game in the world Exploding Kittens. We actually play this at home all the time and can highly recommend. Whatā€™s so amazing about this episode is Elan details one of the best idea to product strategies Iā€™ve ever heard. This is a must listen. Below is both a link to the show itself and YouTube Below. --- šŸ§  **The Moves That Mattered:** - šŸ’„ Started with a **$10K Kickstarter**. Now rakes in **$100M+ annually**. - ā™Ÿļø Focused on **evergreen games** (think party hits + timeless themes). - šŸ“¦ Used smart **bundling, reorders, and customer LTV** to scale like crazy. - šŸŽ§ Dropped knowledge on **branding, storytelling, and niche domination**. šŸ’” **TL;DR:** Elan turned card games into a billion-dollar empire without the VC fluff. If you sell *anything* online ā€” physical or digital ā€” youā€™ll want to steal this entire playbook. [Listen online](https://www.mfmpod.com/the-board-game-billionaire-from-a-10k-kickstarter-to-100myear-business/?%5Fbhlid=b918ced8b4964cae43ff95bf253772f41da2e8c1&ref=brianchristner.io) --- How I Became a Billionaire From a Board Game **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian ### Google Labs Secretly Dominating Use Cases šŸ§Ŗ URL: https://brianchristner.io/google-labs-secretly-dominating-use-cases/ Last updated: 2025-12-17T14:56:05.000Z Happy long weekend eve! Sipping my Gin & Tonic, trying to enjoy the last days of my holidays. Good time to clean out your inbox and ensure you don't publish any breaking changes before the weekend. ## Quick Bytes ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/media-beehiiv-com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down-format=auto-onerror=redirect-quality=80/uploads/asset/file/ca82bbf2-920d-4475-8865-34fc3a25d8e7/image-t-1745319909.png) ## Google Labs Google is secretly releasing some amazing projects. However, they are not getting much press. I highly recommend having a look at the Google Labs projects that are currently available. Here are just a couple of examples: - Data Science Agent - autonomous code agent - Whisk - Uses images as Prompts - /Code - AI Developer experiments - And tons more!! [Read article](https://labs.google/?ref=brianchristner.io) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/media-beehiiv-com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down-format=auto-onerror=redirect-quality=80/uploads/asset/file/43c35839-7a96-4df2-95d0-d773a382d4a0/image-t-1745320329.jpg) ## Open Source AI Hedge Fund What if you could employ all the greatest investing minds in the world to help you manage your finances? Well, wait no more. The AI Hedge Fund is an open-source project that simulates trading your portfolio. ā€‹The Tool creates agents from the best investment minds and orchestrates them through a Risk Manager and Portfolio Manager Agent before making decisions. Using a similar agent architecture, the project is exciting and inspiring for other use cases. ā€‹The AI Hedge Fund repo is also trending this week on GitHub. (Not investment advice) [Read article](https://github.com/virattt/ai-hedge-fund?ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## VS Code Agent Mode VS Code just got better. Microsoft drops AgentMode in VS Codeā€”bringing AI agents directly into your coding workflow. Think multi-agent debugging, smart code suggestions, and context-aware conversations, all inside your IDE. [Read Article](https://code.visualstudio.com/blogs/2025/04/07/agentMode?ref=brianchristner.io) --- Want to know the difference between MCP and Google's A2A? The Tweet thread, including an infographic, explains it the best I've seen so far. [![](https://pbs.twimg.com/tweet_video_thumb/GoQRtv_XwAAbo0c.jpg)](https://twitter.com/Aurimas%5FGr/status/1910671639869530502?ref=brianchristner.io) If you want to highlight a project you are working on, reply to this email and let me know. Also, let me know the hits and misses this week. I will publish all feedback in the mailbag next week. Happy Weekend! Brian ### Hacking McDonalds API šŸ” URL: https://brianchristner.io/hacking-mcdonalds-api/ Last updated: 2025-04-30T16:49:23.000Z ## ā€‹[McBroken - Hacking the McDonaldā€™s API](https://mcbroken.com/?%5Fbhlid=5f08b5cd5227acda90b362b84cdfd7f7a9bf77c3&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ The brains behind this project, [Rashiq,](https://twitter.com/rashiq?%5Fbhlid=3349d0932def0f2fe18a680736fdc372e4dcd618&ref=brianchristner.io) reverse-engineered McDonald's internal API and places an order worth $18,752 every minute at every McDonald's in the US to figure out which locations have a broken ice cream machine. The data is then visualized on a map of the US showing the status of the ice cream machine at every McDonald's location. Brilliant! This is probably one of the best use cases for companies to open their APIs. The Director of McDonald's analytics even said "I'm Lovin' It"... One of my favorite tweets out of this project is that Rashiq [runs the entire project on a $5 Digital Ocean droplet](https://twitter.com/rashiq/status/1319462542163496960?s=20&%5Fbhlid=dd4e638226dd78d09989dfe486127df8eadbb794&ref=brianchristner.io). --- ## ā€‹[The Swiss Telco Swisscom achieves 1Gbps on a moving train](https://www.swisscom.ch/en/about/news/2020/10/21-mehr-bandbreite-im-zug.html?%5Fbhlid=76cf5d7d1efafb2a368cc8afd8b226a88631c3b3&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ As a former Swisscom employee, I still believe it is one of the best technology companies in Switzerland, and it has one of the greatest cultures I have worked in. I still keep track of what's happening at Swisscom, but this article surprised me when it was at the top of Hacker News. Swisscom has been busy testing cell phone transmission speeds on moving trains for quite some time now. They built a four-kilometer-long corridor to test different train windows, seating positions, and a special antenna corridor. All this provides Swiss train passengers the best coverage while working on the go. I completed many projects while working on Swiss trains, so I look forward to these advancements. --- ## ā€‹[GitLab Security Report](https://about.gitlab.com/blog/2020/10/06/gitlab-latest-security-trends?%5Fbhlid=a8f63cb35278ec095ae35061e58db52dfa2047da&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ The second edition of the GitLab security report didn't disappoint. Rather, it highlighted trends in security vulnerabilities across thousands of GitLab projects. What I find the most interesting in the report is the animated moving timeline to see how vulnerabilities change over time. A couple of the highlights include the % of secrets (AWS keys, SSH, etc) committed to GitLab and non-secret with passwords in the URL running #1\. Protect yourselves and start scanning your projects today!! --- ## ā€‹[Grafana rolls our new Test & Trace Tools](https://devclass.com/2020/10/26/were-loki-trying-to-help-log-watchers-grafana-rolls-out-new-system-health-tools-to-test-and-trace/?%5Fbhlid=1c278fa4cd556e9c9e3d08bea6a53cf94184114c&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ Grafana made some big announcements this week at the first virtual ObservabilityCon. [Loki hits 2.0 ](https://preview.convertkit-mail2.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9naXRodWIuY29tL2dyYWZhbmEvbG9raS9yZWxlYXNlcy90YWcvdjIuMC4w?%5Fbhlid=157746f6cdd3075701a77c5876aa35c570a482c5&ref=brianchristner.io)with a ton of new features. best to read the release notes as it is **big.** Grafana announced a new distributed tracing tool [Tempo](https://preview.convertkit-mail2.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9ncmFmYW5hLmNvbS9ibG9nLzIwMjAvMTAvMjcvYW5ub3VuY2luZy1ncmFmYW5hLXRlbXBvLWEtbWFzc2l2ZWx5LXNjYWxhYmxlLWRpc3RyaWJ1dGVkLXRyYWNpbmctc3lzdGVtLw==?%5Fbhlid=4683094fbefc3c8c6197775e822fb5be751d9ec9&ref=brianchristner.io) which integrates with all the major tracing tools. --- ## ā€‹[The Implosion of Firefox and Mozilla the company](https://drewdevault.com/2020/10/22/Firefox-the-embarassment-of-FOSS.html?%5Fbhlid=b70dba37d75854a906bae0e87691466ab11e6a92&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ Drew DeVault has been tracking the slow descent of Firefox. Considered by many the last chance of a free internet has taken a turn for the worse. Bad decisions, layoffs of the core engineering team, and a 400% increase in executive's salaries while their market share declined 85% is all sad to read. DeVault has already been writing about the slow demise of Mozilla since 2016\. I hope they can turn the ship around in time! --- ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s theByte newsletter! \-Brian ### How to Monitor Airplane Traffic with a Raspberry Pi āœˆļø URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-monitor-airplane-traffic-with-a-raspberry-pi/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:35.000Z ## ā€‹[How to Monitor Airplane Traffic with a Raspberry Pi](https://brianchristner.io/monitor-airplane-traffic-with-a-raspberry-pi/?%5Fbhlid=822c389c711c9b713eaa7b998600ff4c54bbf93c)ā€‹ A little DIY project my son and I have built several times. My son asked to build it yet again and this time I decided to document the process. A simple overview of how to setup a Raspberry Pi and start monitoring air traffic in no time at all. This article also landed on the front page of Hacker News for two days in a row ;) --- ## ā€‹[Stories for VS Code](https://github.com/benawad/vscode-stories?%5Fbhlid=14d63ebf1de91110b974ef5d379c4d9034f4333c&ref=brianchristner.io) Adding the social aspect to coding in VS Code is a great idea. Now, with the new [Stories Extension,](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=benawad.stories&%5Fbhlid=6adf97814906f6be1890dfde408181de870622ef&ref=brianchristner.io) you can share live coding snippets to a broader audience. It works just like Facebook or Instagram stories. You record your screen into a GIF and share it with other interested VS Code users. Please have a look at the [YouTube demo](https://youtu.be/ApR-kNXxLUs?%5Fbhlid=bd0c2573e7d14117a80ebe9360d116939163af04&ref=brianchristner.io) to see it in action. --- ## ā€‹[How Kelsey Hightower became one of the most respected people in Cloud Computing](https://www.protocol.com/kelsey-hightower-google-cloud?%5Fbhlid=3ac3c405fe6898a3b1511ea9cff76119c648490f&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ I couldn't agree more with this article. A great story about Kelsey's journey. Better read it as it's amazing! #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) --- ## ā€‹[6 Scary Outage Stories from CTO's](https://thenewstack.io/6-scary-outage-stories-from-ctos/?%5Fbhlid=c8a1ab7346f36685b6f5adee10c4eb0c40055dcb&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ It is interesting to read some of the crazy things that happen behind the scenes of tech companies. However, I find the title a bit misleading as my experiences are closer to DevOps/SRE teams which usually are the ones with a finger on the pulse of the entire operation. Outages happen all the time, but by the time it gets to the CTO level, it is already bad...really bad. --- ## ā€‹[How Hydrogen Powered Drones will fix 5G Coverage](https://www.theregister.com/2020/11/04/stratospheric%5Fplatforms%5Fcambridge%5Fconsultants%5Fantenna/?%5Fbhlid=0585d5b00a4a7e1e1510756fa301f669e6de4aaf&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ The challenge with mobile antennas is that they are on the ground and are challenged with the landscape, buildings, and other objects to block or deflect the signal. A solution that has been in use for years in the military is to use planes or in this case drones to broadcast signals downwards. Mounting 5G antennas on drones would significantly increase coverage. --- ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s theByte newsletter! \-Brian ā€‹[theByte.io](https://thebyte.io/?%5Fbhlid=8400de5e78e7e06d6e41590a69aea7cbbe747921&ref=brianchristner.io) ### The Open Source developer revolution begins šŸ§Ø URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-open-source-developer-revolution-begins/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:35.000Z ## ā€‹[New Macbook Air outperforms High-end Macbook Pro](https://www.macrumors.com/2020/11/11/m1-macbook-air-first-benchmark/?%5Fbhlid=c4ff20dda71c15cad96540436847f9b91efef958&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ Exactly the performance benchmarks we have been waiting for. Removing the marketing fluff. The new Apple silicon M1 Chip seems to be an absolute rocket ship. We know the ARM processor architecture packs more punch and is more effecient but these charts are amazing and makes me consider down scaling to a Macbook Air. --- ## ā€‹[Deutsche Bank suggests a 5% tax for working from Home](https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54876526?%5Fbhlid=c0ae98a955f7af4446bd31e360043a8c3f5fa076&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ Somehow this story really got under my skin. We finally are making huge strides forward regarding Working From Home and the first thing people think about is taxing people Working From Home. I totally understand supporting others and extending help where needed but don't think this is the way to go about it. --- ## ā€‹[Tweet of the Week: The Open Source developer Revolution Begins](https://preview.convertkit-mail2.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9hbGV4ZWxsaXN1ay9zdGF0dXMvMTMyNjEyMDk0OTY4MzUzOTk2OD9zPTIx?%5Fbhlid=a8b3bcb3e9fe605211905680f2f71b9241178f53&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ Just this week I wrote an article about [how hard Open Source is](https://brianchristner.io/maintaining-open-source-projects-is-hard/?%5Fbhlid=f836d9221353158f77b3c3ae9a8ff36a1d9098d9). A couple hours later [an issue in the Marak/faker.js](https://github.com/Marak/faker.js/issues/1046?%5Fbhlid=ee3afc5dd462a444314e2aa8bd97d833c84399cd&ref=brianchristner.io) repo started being shared on Twitter. The maintainer highlighted exactly what many of us are feeling. Fortune 500 or other succesful companies shout the loudest for free work but typically don't contribute back to the same projects. We need to change the Open Source ecosystem to make it more sustainable for maintainers. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) --- ## ā€‹[Alibaba built Hard Drive Swapping Robots](https://www.theregister.com/2020/11/12/alibaba%5Fsingles%5Fday/?%5Fbhlid=d40af626c87e57242e98a269e824e416e46882a1&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ Ok, how cool is this? Robots that cruise around the data center pulling hard drives, inspecting the drives, and replacing drives if necessary. Makes perfect sense to automate this consider data centers will continue growing and becoming more autonomous. [Here's the video](https://twitter.com/alibaba%5Fcloud/status/1326078390105825281?s=20&%5Fbhlid=a4e407a4710bdb4f959de72a36dda540a90aa0fc&ref=brianchristner.io) if you want to see the robot in action. --- ## ā€‹[How to Scan Docker images locally for Vulnerabilites](https://brianchristner.io/how-to-use-docker-scan/?%5Fbhlid=cecae6d5cb58271926d6c4f57d3dc7a87cbca39f)ā€‹ The new [partnership between Docker and Snyk](http://Click on block elements in your email to edit its settings. https://snyk.io/blog/snyk-docker-secure-containerized-applications/) has great benefits for Docker Desktop users included in the latest release. Now, we can scan Docker images locally finding and fixing security vulnerabilities before pushing our code. Pushing security left is so important as the sooner we can catch bugs/security issues the better it is for the organization. If we catch bugs in Dev is costs about $80 if the bug makes it to prod the cost of the bug increases to $7600 to fix the same bug. --- ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s theByte newsletter! \-Brian ā€‹[theByte.io](https://thebyte.io/?%5Fbhlid=2324f4d03f07bf7f1f4d2b59f5221a947935e245&ref=brianchristner.io) ### K0s the zero-friction Kubernetes distribution šŸ§Ŗ URL: https://brianchristner.io/k0s-the-zero-friction-kubernetes-distribution/ Last updated: 2025-12-17T15:08:36.000Z ## ā€‹[K0s is the zero-friction Kubernetes distribution](https://k0sproject.io/?%5Fbhlid=3ff12bed9fc46e2af7c98696ea5cec0bd151c3ef&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ Anything to make Kubernetes easier sounds promising. With the catchy tag line, it sounds like running through pastures of green grass singing it's a beautiful life. But...I ask myself. What is the difference between K0s and [K3s](https://k3s.io/?%5Fbhlid=13e0dca641be9ad6cbb6a3105776a4b03b890cb8&ref=brianchristner.io) besides the "3"? They are both super lightweight, single binary, and with everything you need baked in. I still need to test them side by side to compare, but the race to the smallest and fastest Kubernetest distribution seems to be trending at the moment. --- ## ā€‹[Datadog Container Report: The Most Popular Kubernetes version is 17 months old](https://www.datadoghq.com/container-report?%5Fbhlid=85cecf8ae63cb35b8fd9e9275e954aa13a44048e&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ I look forward to this report every year as it provides a fascinating glimpse into the container ecosystem and adoption. The 2020 Datadog report didn't disappoint. For example, we are underutilizing Kubernetes resources, and it's not surprising that Service Mesh is still at the early adoption stage. Give it a read! --- ## ā€‹[GitHub Project of the Week: Git User Switch](https://github.com/geongeorge/Git-User-Switch?%5Fbhlid=f82a84014afaf7caa208ff06a76fe7e7c578fe6d&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ I stumbled across this gem of a project this week. Do you have multiple profiles on GitHub for different projects you are working on? With the Git User Switch tool, now it is super simple to switch Git user, email, and signing key all in one swoop. Cool stuff! --- ## ā€‹[Why AWS Announces Regions in Advance](https://www.lastweekinaws.com/blog/why-aws-announces-regions-in-advance/?%5Fbhlid=af0ae9b43e9a2161772d09d00d60092708801719&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ Corey Quinn, the Cloud Economist best known for adding snark to anything cloud-related, wrote the following blog post. It is an inside look at how AWS regions are developed and all the planning required to create new regions. --- ## ā€‹[Alibaba processed 583,000 oders a second on Singles Day](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6732513567926571010/?%5Fbhlid=9c17b69f56c219c60f1707e5a830bdd602818bb9&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ Singles Day is not a day for all the single people but rather a celebration of November 11, or better known as 11.11, Singles Day, or Double 11\. It is one of the largest online shopping days of the year for Alibaba and is on par with Black Friday madness. However, what is incredible is that Alibaba typically doesn't share much information about what's happening, so seeing these numbers is fascinating. Alibaba processed 583,000 online orders per second on Singles Day. What is more impressive is that they decreased the cost per 10'000 transactions by 80% from four years ago. Impressive. --- ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s theByte newsletter! \-Brian ā€‹[theByte.io](https://thebyte.io/?%5Fbhlid=74265a5f34d62accd9ea5d8ed1a8d514a9fc4f99&ref=brianchristner.io) ### Docker Hub enforces new Rate Limit šŸ³ URL: https://brianchristner.io/docker-hub-enforces-new-rate-limit/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:35.000Z ## ā€‹[xip.io](http://xip.io/?%5Fbhlid=9759aee753900bfc7144f7aa8feb27c1290495f9&ref=brianchristner.io)[\- Wildcard DNS Service](http://xip.io/?%5Fbhlid=4e2df87bea6ac101b6f18ee5f32f5034c84423c0&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ A really cool service I discovered last week is [xip.io](https://xip.io/?%5Fbhlid=5a95b859b14232b2417980f580ef2ca1a375e481&ref=brianchristner.io) made my the team from [Basecamp](https://basecamp.com/?%5Fbhlid=1b8b9c58fc89b4da91ec76eb0afac37e0e8c77d7&ref=brianchristner.io). What is xip? Itā€™s a free wildcard domain for testing. For example, if your IP address locally is 10.10.10.1, you could add [10.10.10.1.xip.io, which](https://10.10.10.1.xip.io/?%5Fbhlid=6be80987d807a0aa009fb7ca1cadde587c87b043&ref=brianchristner.io) will resolve to your IP address. Great little utility --- ## ā€‹[Shameless plug - My Traefik Course is on Sale for Black Friday](https://www.udemy.com/course/the-complete-traefik-training-course/?referralCode=B585BB185AFA05066747&%5Fbhlid=41ad6dec6200816f078fba2d160f010b698334e1&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ OK, this newsletter, as you noticed, doesn't contain advertisements. But...I do run an online course for Traefik, which helps keep the lights on. If you want to learn Traefik or my [VS Code & Docker Master Course](https://www.udemy.com/course/become-a-docker-power-user-with-visual-studio-code/?referralCode=B5800527103E319BABEA&%5Fbhlid=0c907b6e4d702712ed6b7d816f170fcd0999374d&ref=brianchristner.io), take advantage of the Black Friday sales happening now and buy the courses for only $9.99 --- ## ā€‹[Docker enforces Rate Limit,s but only 1.5% of usersare impacted](https://www.theregister.com/2020/11/19/docker%5Fpull%5Frate%5Fenforced/?%5Fbhlid=282bdce4b523047999e2fba3bf487d839ee44570&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ Phew, my cat repo lives on. Docker announced they flipped the switch on rate limiting, and initial reports show only 1.5% of users affected. Carry on, people, keep pushing/pulling as before. --- ## [The entire internet is down / AWS East is offline](https://www.theregister.com/2020/11/25/aws%5Fdown/?%5Fbhlid=d02a732f925ee337748854324558bab6972a3328&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ AWS US-EAST-1 went offline, and it seems like half the internet went offline with it. The outage seemed so bad that it also took the AWS status page offline. Yikes, I'm sending some HUG OPS to the AWS US-EAST-1 team. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) --- ## I discovered some new podcasts. I started commuting again, and now I have time to listen to podcasts again. Here's what I'm listening to at the moment. ā€‹[Startups for the Rest of Us](https://www.startupsfortherestofus.com/?%5Fbhlid=705d1986b5c7dca0e5e3653741eed53d6c26f361&ref=brianchristner.io) \- Great podcast covering all aspects of startups, launching, and finding funding. You don't have to be a startup to find great value in this podcast ā€‹[Digital Marketing Podcast](https://www.targetinternet.com/digital-marketing-podcasts/?%5Fbhlid=58b364703370e6e448f9f4b9ece9b34e18fab507&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€”I find this podcast super interesting. It discusses all sorts of technology surrounding SEO, SEM, and digital marketing. If you have any content online, it's great. --- ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s theByte newsletter! \-Brian ā€‹[theByte.io](https://thebyte.io/?%5Fbhlid=9a30ac1dc7f9c5d09b8d1a6c8ef037d85edcceda&ref=brianchristner.io) ### AWS Launches Mac Instances ļ£æ URL: https://brianchristner.io/aws-launches-mac-instances/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:35.000Z ## [Undelete a file overwritten with mv (Linux)](https://behind.pretix.eu/2020/11/28/undelete-flv-file/?%5Fbhlid=6cc20f4ee58d1223ec38c8241ce8beb9386a4262&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ An interesting investigation on what happens to files when you deleter or mv them. The article basically walks you through how to recover files by replaying a binary file back to the original file. Lesson learned. Backup your computer! --- ## ā€‹[UK Company used XSS vulnerability as company name](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/06/companies-house-forces-business-name-change-to-prevent-security-risk?%5Fbhlid=13d44b8bc978e602b17bdbb443b8427ce528a21a&ref=brianchristner.io) Very clever. The UK company register recently started accepting special characters in company names. The company in question tested the new naming policy by naming their company an XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) attack. So every time someone clicked the link of their company name, it would execute a script. Luckily, in this case, it was non-malicious, but it goes to show how easy it is to trick people. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) --- ## ā€‹[Cool new project - opstrace, like Datadog but Open Source](https://github.com/opstrace/opstrace?%5Fbhlid=f28147e6ab55b75bef0a9ac2bd9730dc39b750c0&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ This project popped up across my timeline several times today, so I finally dug into it. Opstrace is a monitoring suite. A great feature is that opstrace makes it easy to deploy in your cloud account. Also, data never leaves your network and remains private. The team just launched it, so check it out. --- ## [Microsoft walks back privacy feature "Productivity Score"](https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-productivity-privacy-surveillance-criticism-203838425.html?%5Fbhlid=d8817cba3723007b9683edb2d55ba6ba8a773dc9&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ This [Tweet](https://twitter.com/WolfieChristl/status/1331221942850949121?%5Fbhlid=decc33e020cbb2f20f688e274c6f3f4f2fe5de3f&ref=brianchristner.io) unleashed a full-on assault on the O365 team. O365 makes some dashboards available to see the adoption rate of the various O365 services. However, if you put your critical glasses on, it is clear that these features could be used to spy on employee productivity. Microsoft evaluated the feedback and provided an amazing, fast turnaround for reworking how the tool will work going forward. Instead of providing per-employee metrics, it will provide only organization metrics going forward. Well done, Microsoft! --- ## ā€‹[My top AWS Re-invent announcement: macOS instances](https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/12/amazon-web-services-adds-macos-on-bare-metal-to-ec2/?%5Fbhlid=8837dbb40de1e7cabbc76f06d60fa63c5129a2c8&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ Re-invent is full of so many product launches and features that you start to go numb after a while. However, what really stuck out is the new macOS EC2 instances. Check out the video below of how it came to be ## AWS macOS instances AWS EC2 Mac Instances Launch - macOS in the cloud for the first time, with the benefits of EC2 ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s theByte newsletter! \-Brian ā€‹[theByte.io](https://thebyte.io/?%5Fbhlid=c73ef10a81bec9b21e18f820c4a08400ac4b0f9d&ref=brianchristner.io) ### GitHub enables Dark Mode šŸ•¶ļø URL: https://brianchristner.io/github-enables-dark-mode/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:35.000Z ## ā€‹[Is it still running](https://github.com/jimangel/auto-gitops?%5Fbhlid=fb68d84c0acb3d40937f20cef01a8da75df1aa2c&ref=brianchristner.io)??ā€‹ This is a cool project pushing the boundaries of eliminating DevOps roles entirely. [Jim Angel](https://twitter.com/jimmangel?%5Fbhlid=07a7263b950614bc043d5ba71e0e07fdf61a6b20&ref=brianchristner.io) created an Auto Git-Ops deployment that performs unattended upgrades for Docker, Kubelet, Kubeadm, and Kubectl. But that's not all. It publishes the results to the website [https://isitstillrunning.com/](https://isitstillrunning.com/?%5Fbhlid=6abd755b2e417601e721f581443065ff6a1f49dd&ref=brianchristner.io), displaying the current health as well as previous and current versions of Kubernetes. This is the future, folks! --- ## ā€‹[Apple, CloudFlare, and others want to make DNS more secure](https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2020/12/cloudflare-apple-and-others-back-a-new-way-to-make-the-internet-more-private/?%5Fbhlid=6fec488d591b9a393ccc5799442525fb62af1344&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ Earlier this year, in pre-pandemic times, Firefox already started baking in DoH (DNS over HTTPS). It was received with mixed reviews. Users were super excited to have more security and encrypt their DNS requests all the way to the DNS provider, [while ISPs and governments were not happy](https://www.zdnet.com/article/uk-isp-group-names-mozilla-internet-villain-for-supporting-dns-over-https/?%5Fbhlid=44a5cc65bde371e4df6a8dfa1581df241e738f9a&ref=brianchristner.io) that it would be more difficult for them to snoop on traffic. Now enter ODoH, which is Oblivious DNS over HTTPS, which further secures the traffic between your computer and the DNS provider, preventing providers from seeing requesting IPs and URLSā€”great progress but still early days. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) --- ## ā€‹[GitHub announcements, Dark Mode and Companies can also now contribute to Sponsorships](https://github.blog/2020-12-08-new-from-universe-2020-dark-mode-github-sponsors-for-companies-and-more/?%5Fbhlid=8717ec2b535a81431e1dc91212285cb144ae583b&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ I believe there are not many announcements for this yearā€™s event. Dark Mode is definitely cool, and companies being able to contribute to GitHub repos as sponsors should help maintainers keep the lights on. To switch Dark Mode on, go to your [settings here](https://github.com/settings/appearance?%5Fbhlid=0ea618023978f1a61e031b44c4273fecd606886a&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ --- ## ā€‹[LinkedIn School of SRE](https://linkedin.github.io/school-of-sre/?%5Fbhlid=7afd9355ee957ea9e6fc040036f8c4a98b733f18&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ SRE, when you mention this term outside of tech circles, you get a deer-in-the-headlights glance looking back at you. DevOps is at least mainstream enough that people outside of tech have at least heard the term. LinkedIn realized this struggle during recruiting new engineers and created this great overview of what Site Reliability Engineering means at LinkedIn. --- ## ā€‹[CentOS will no longer track RHEL releas](http://Click on block elements in your email to edit its settings. https://www.theregister.com/2020/12/09/centos%5Fred%5Fhat/)ā€‹[es](https://preview.convertkit-mail2.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGhlcmVnaXN0ZXIuY29tLzIwMjAvMTIvMDkvY2VudG9zX3JlZF9oYXQv?%5Fbhlid=6ceb6b483c23c060a3fced3466d86319fa8c5a87&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ It was only a matter of time before the IBM accountants broke out the red marker and start X'ing out services from the Red Hat catalog.[ CentOS is one of the Top images on Docker Hub](https://www.docker.com/blog/introducing-the-docker-index/?%5Fbhlid=ff77b82219ff61ec5d79bb3b323d6c740e742d55&ref=brianchristner.io) so this will leave a lot developers scrambling to look for replacements. ## SpaceX Starship Launch and Land...Crash. Starship | SN8 | High-Altitude Flight Test --- ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s theByte newsletter! \-Brian ā€‹[theByte.io](https://thebyte.io/?%5Fbhlid=d7877bcd3cf3a8d86991f84a2b510189f65f3eaf&ref=brianchristner.io) ### Rocky Linux replaces CentOS šŸ‘€ URL: https://brianchristner.io/rocky-linux-replaces-centos/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:36.000Z ## ā€‹[Rocky Linux set to replace CentOS](https://github.com/rocky-linux/rocky?%5Fbhlid=dc7c41e8a93d25ccd5399cd84b1676c68c0ee3ca&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ This is why I love Open Source. Last week, Red Hat, you know the ones that promote being the "Open Source" company, discontinued CentOS, forcing people to go to their Enterprise Linux version. The announcement didn't go down well in the community. This week, the original Co-Founder of CentOS, Gregory Kurtzer, steps up to reignite CentOS named Rocky. Rocky Linux is a community enterprise Operating System designed to be 100% bug-for-bug compatible with Enterprise Linux created in response to the effective discontinuation of CentOS. Open Source rocks!! *"Thinking back to early CentOS days... My cofounder was Rocky McGaugh. He is no longer with us, so as a H/T to him, who never got to see the success that CentOS came to be, I introduce to you...Rocky Linux"*ā€‹ ā€” Gregory Kurtzer, Founder --- ## ā€‹[Google Down - Even Google runs out of disk space](https://status.cloud.google.com/incident/zall/20013?%5Fbhlid=9c44198c469d56033b6b06745f0e944f8d4a39f7&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ Google has literarily written the book on SRE ([Free SRE books here](https://sre.google/books/?%5Fbhlid=8961390c0856e51d4ede2e71436368e39f258c2c&ref=brianchristner.io)). The great thing about Google incidents is their great post-mortem culture. Have a read of the public post-mortem. I would love to see the internal version as well since Googlers are [tweeting](https://twitter.com/ahmetb/status/1338747559938990081?s=20&%5Fbhlid=1dc0bec720698b37691c21f03bcdd47a3fcd5b75&ref=brianchristner.io) that the post-mortem was available shortly after resolution. Great stuff! #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) --- ## ā€‹[Incredible combustible engine advancement - Liquid Piston](http://Click on block elements in your email to edit its settings. https://newatlas.com/military/liquidpiston-rotary-x-engine-army-generator/)ā€‹ Hi, I'm Brian, and I'm a gearhead. I enjoy twisting wrenches on engines and different things. I've worked on engines since I was young, but the internals of engines have not changed much since then. Most changes happen with the electronics or outside the engine. Well, Liquid Piston, a startup building a next-gen engine with only TWO moving parts and with an excellent power-to-weight ratio, is a game changer with a 1.5 horsepower per pound output. The Liquid piston team replaced a go-kart engine, which weighed 40lbs(18kg) @6.5 hp, with the Liquid engine weighing 4.5lbs (2kg) @ 3.5 hp. This is mind-blowing. Oh, did I mention it will run on any fuel you put in it? --- ## ā€‹[Data Report Portal](https://datareportal.com/?%5Fbhlid=be99b8dff932ace9a3e3463fa74164e16b549efa&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ I have been deep-diving into online market research for the last few weeks. This excellent resource provides 100s of open-source data reports about what users do online. This is fantastic information and highly granular as well. Give it a try if you need to find out how your users use the Web, mobile, or social media. Again, this is all open source, which blows my mind. --- ## [If you were under a rock last week AWS re-Invent took place. Here's a recap](https://www.theregister.com/2020/12/16/aws%5Fgets%5Fa%5Fcloudshell%5Fand/?%5Fbhlid=e82168da308aad2eca58707eff0fd670cdae100b&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€‹ From Cloud shell to managed Prometheus and Grafana services, it was another feature bonanza. Can anyone really keep up with the speed at which AWS releases new services/features? I hope internally they can cope, as feature releases are hitting warp speed. --- ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s theByte newsletter! \-Brian ā€‹[theByte.io](https://thebyte.io/?%5Fbhlid=51f678af3bc7588146c4d731ea978b6a5c81e60c&ref=brianchristner.io) ### It's time to Open Source Everything! URL: https://brianchristner.io/it-s-time-to-open-source-everything/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:36.000Z ## [ā€‹](https://planetstoryline.com/chef-cofounder-on-centos-its-time-to-open-source-everything/?%5Fbhlid=2d3ce40fe06337526cc7eb51173771891e4a4e78&ref=brianchristner.io)[It's time to Open Source everything](https://planetstoryline.com/chef-cofounder-on-centos-its-time-to-open-source-everything/?%5Fbhlid=b84f8296b37f1a18059c020636dce103c97cb11a&ref=brianchristner.io)[ā€‹](https://planetstoryline.com/chef-cofounder-on-centos-its-time-to-open-source-everything/?%5Fbhlid=c3d837d60121128250ae342f537aba327bb5a1d7&ref=brianchristner.io) The CentOs debacle has kicked off some great discussions, including Chef Co-Founder Adam Jacob's. This is a great article on how companies should open source their work and how important it is to "own" the upstream. --- ## [How to write good documentation](https://dev.to/victoria/how-to-write-good-documentation-6i1?%5Fbhlid=5641082633c955e0002f981eee31fa1d58711602&ref=brianchristner.io) I cannot emphasis enough how important it is to right good documentation. It helps not only you but others in the future. I ensure I detail all my GitHub repos as much as possible to help people and reduce questions and issues about something that can be answered with good documentation. --- ## ā€‹[Make Speed a habit](https://firstround.com/review/speed-as-a-habit/?%5Fbhlid=b42cb584fb48265fd952e1643c2970fff2c69800&ref=brianchristner.io) If you have read this newsletter for a while, you know I am avid about creating/breaking habits. A refresher is that it takes 4-6 weeks to cement a new habit in our brains. Enter Upstart CEO Dave Girouard, who emphasises that the fastest company wins. This is an excellent article about making decisions, and 99% of decisions can be continuously unwound. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) --- ## [MicroStrategy goes all in on Bitcoin](https://www.theregister.com/2020/12/22/microstrategy%5Fbitcoin%5Finvestment/?%5Fbhlid=df8fce3f4a9fecbc4765ea90f6fad96f164223c8&ref=brianchristner.io) Business Intelligence software company MicroStrategy revealed this week that they have purchased 1 billion (with a B) Dollars worth of Bitcoin. We know Bitcoin is on a tear, but with companies switching their standard currencies for their holdings, this could make Bitcoin go even crazier if that's even possible. Even Elon Musk even is asking Twitter if it's possible to buy big amounts of Bitcoin, and [MicroStrategy CEO chimed in hereā€‹](https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1340581313406001153?%5Fbhlid=5d2311ca441c8c1663e634d1b6a8efb28ffc989b&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## [SolarWinds releases more info about the huge government hack](https://www.theregister.com/2020/12/21/in%5Fbrief%5Fsecurity/?%5Fbhlid=dc151b76be441fe8ad8c42c8cbfe6e4b39d235d3&ref=brianchristner.io) No description needed. This was a massive attack with a huge amount of resources being used. **ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s newsletter!** \-Brian ### Forget New Year's Resolutions and Conduct a 'Past Year Review' Instead URL: https://brianchristner.io/forget-new-year-s-resolutions-and-conduct-a-past-year-review-instead/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:36.000Z I took the above picture this morning (New Year's Eve) of the moon setting behind the Swiss Alps and on 2020 (it pays to get up early). Watching the moon set really brings closure to 2020, on the ups and downs. As we close out 2020, we could focus on all the negatives, but instead, letā€™s focus on the positives and start planning 2021! Happy New Year to you! --- ## ā€‹[Forget New Year's Resolutions and instead conduct a year in Review](https://tim.blog/2018/12/28/past-year-review?%5Fbhlid=c170781ed04670c8e0f4afcf0253ff3b50abc150&ref=brianchristner.io) I have to dig this article from Tim Ferriss out of the archives. Creating New Year's resolutions which fall away usuallly before the first week of February makes little sense. Instead I have always reflected on my previous years accomplishments. Give it a try and you will appreciate your year even more. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) --- ## [Amazon's answer to SpaceX Starlink delivers 400mbps in prototype phase](https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2020/12/amazons-answer-to-spacex-starlink-delivers-400mbps-in-prototype-phase/?%5Fbhlid=5ffd38b1230a5ff1068dd288a64d01dd83fc77c5&ref=brianchristner.io) The race is now to see who can control Space to Earth internet. The two biggest contenders are SpaceX and Amazon. Amazon's new Project Kuiper prioritises download speed over upload. This could provide unfiltered internet to areas of the globe which are either under heavy firewalls or places with no internet at all. Only downside I have seen with Starlink is when you see them overhead they drown out the stars... --- ## ā€‹[Positioning your Startup/Product is Vital](https://firstround.com/review/Positioning-Your-Startup-is-Vital-Heres-How-to-Do-It-Right/?%5Fbhlid=07497eff6060fba612dc0b0101fa1a1313752659&ref=brianchristner.io) Interested in positioning your business or product with your customers? XGoogler [Arielle Jackson](https://twitter.com/hiiamarielle?%5Fbhlid=d4d74d665fb7eb8a1a34a973afe598802967e3d3&ref=brianchristner.io) walks you through creating a positioning statement framework, creating your own statement, and how that will help you position your products going forward. --- ## ā€‹[10 Free API's to use for your next project](https://dev.to/hb/10-fun-apis-to-use-for-your-next-project-2lco?%5Fbhlid=02f82edc04a8882d0d084bc789d1e85a859529af&ref=brianchristner.io) Looking for inspiration for your next project? Look no further. These 10 Free API's will help you launch something before you start back to work in 2021. --- ## [Brexit further highlights Politicians](https://www.theregister.com/2020/12/31/brexitl%5Fobsolete%5Ftech%5Fexplained/?%5Fbhlid=48a3d4f9b79dbd76dff7db2b9be8854b86de2c07&ref=brianchristner.io)[ Tech Ignorance](https://www.theregister.com/2020/12/31/brexitl%5Fobsolete%5Ftech%5Fexplained/?%5Fbhlid=59114d434051b91974a16583a906cf1d6a1f87f5&ref=brianchristner.io) OK, Brexit is finally a thing now. But the details of the deal are what are really interesting. Politicians basically copied and pasted text from the 90s about the tech to be used to communicate between the UK and EU using Netscape Navigator and SHA-1\. Both have been obsolete since about 1997\. After more digging by the author, it appears that EU laws are riddled with old tech guidelines. Yikes! --- #### ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s theByte newsletter! \-Brian ### The Byte is Back with Vibe Coding!! URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-byte-is-back-with-vibe-coding/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:36.000Z The Byte is back! After a bit of a hiatus, I decided to relaunch The Byte. My goal is to keep the newsletter fresh, engaging, and byte-sized. I'm open to feedback and ideas to help restart The Byte community. Happy Friday, and let's Vibe Code into the weekend. Brian --- ## šŸ’øHow I Saved $1,900 by Building My Own Learning Platform Tired of overpriced and overcomplicated course platforms, I decided to roll up my sleeves and build my own using Replit. The result? A custom learning platform tailored to my needs, at a fraction of the cost. Inside, there is a full breakdown, source code, and lessons learned. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) šŸ‘‰ [See how I built it (and saved big)](https://preview.convertkit-mail2.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9icmlhbmNocmlzdG5lci5pby9ob3ctaS1zYXZlZC0xLTkwMC1ieS1kaXRjaGluZy1rYWphYmktYW5kLWJ1aWxkaW5nLW15LW93bi1sZWFybmluZy1wbGF0Zm9ybS1vbi1yZXBsaXQv?%5Fbhlid=84b29f080dc6b37497ab1fdd5056b7e795cd7a05&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ§ Level Up with OpenAI Academy Whether you're just starting with AI or looking to sharpen your edge, OpenAI Academy is now open to the public. Free, well-structured courses straight from the sourceā€”covering prompt engineering, GPT models, and hands-on exercises to build real-world AI skills. šŸ‘‰ [Explore the Academy](https://preview.convertkit-mail2.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9hY2FkZW15Lm9wZW5haS5jb20vcHVibGljL2NvbnRlbnQ=?%5Fbhlid=52d15384f75b7e9e6a8b09d1112483d639c16f5f&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ§‘ā€šŸ’»Vibe Coding 101: Build with AI, Not Against It Coding isn't dying ā€” it's evolving. Andrew Ng teams up with Replit for a new short course on vibe coding, where AI becomes your co-pilot in creating web apps. No deep coding chops? No problem. This course teaches you how to prompt, prototype, and publish with the help of generative AI. The future of software isn't solo ā€” it's symbiotic. šŸ‘‰ [Start Vibe Coding Today (Free Course)](https://preview.convertkit-mail2.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVlcGxlYXJuaW5nLmFpL3Nob3J0LWNvdXJzZXMvdmliZS1jb2RpbmctMTAxLXdpdGgtcmVwbGl0Lw==?%5Fbhlid=b17f0b691f39c1da8848254b1be611d476292e26&ref=brianchristner.io) --- Finally, a good Focus/Programming Spotify Playlist to help get you through Friday: [![Playlist Ā· Soave Ā· 200 items Ā· 133.1K saves](https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da84dd9263b1bb311de5c0221957)](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/679wCT6dVMDBxrYa5NcrXL?%5Fbhlid=e1b458e117d7adf9069aa0b89a120886f0cb0a12&ref=brianchristner.io) Playlist Ā· Soave Ā· 200 items Ā· 133.1K saves ## ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s theByte newsletter! \-Brian ### Run LLM Models Locally with Docker URL: https://brianchristner.io/run-llm-models-locally-with-docker/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:37.000Z Good morning! This week has been a year-long. I'm pretty confident that if I still had hair, I would've lost it again. All the best things come from downturns. Let's focus on the positives and get to work. ## Quick hitters, let's go! ## [Docker Model Runner](https://www.docker.com/blog/introducing-docker-model-runner/?%5Fbhlid=a527717969460a7ceee28acd43c6efeb13625640&ref=brianchristner.io) Docker has been busy lately. Meet Docker Model Runner: #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) 1. Run AI models with the tools youā€™re using today 2. GPU acceleration on Apple Silicon 3. Pull models as OCI Artifacts 4. No extra setup, just dev --- ## [A2A Beach Front Avenue](https://developers.googleblog.com/en/a2a-a-new-era-of-agent-interoperability/?%5Fbhlid=e17e3cd4d5a4bfdf61cd73dff866610a74d6f8d7&ref=brianchristner.io) Oh wait, wrong decade. You may have heard of the [recent MCP Server ](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/introduction?%5Fbhlid=5c80d01cf5a8c372041d92f7faa6c0f7a8522db4&ref=brianchristner.io)craze to standardize how LLMs interface with applications. Well, Google just slipped in another standard called A2A to try to create a standards battle. ā€‹ Put the coffee on, as this will be an interesting battle. --- ## [Google's new AI Overview is killing search.](https://brianchristner.io/the-ai-revolution-in-search-why-your-business-might-be-invisible-and-what-to-do-about-it/?%5Fbhlid=99e1866e75b740516a3bb887ffe6fbeed6e8c674) Killing them softly comes to mind, but for some, it is more drastic. The new Google AI Overview answers your Google search question and pushes all the other results down. This is good for Google but bad for anyone trying to rank on Google. --- This week has been all about making ChatGPT Image action figures. So if you want to do it yourself, check out the steps below: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/media-beehiiv-com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down-format=auto-onerror=redirect-quality=80/uploads/asset/file/d8b931f6-8472-48c7-ac43-b4a6c66781c0/image-t-1745827281.png) That's it for this week. I'm off next week and plan to deploy vacation mode for a few days! ā€¦Thatā€™s this weekā€™s theByte newsletter! \-Brian ### Book Review: Traction - How Any Startup Can Achieve Explosive Customer Growth URL: https://brianchristner.io/book-review-traction-how-any-startup-can-achieve-explosive-customer-growth/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:37.000Z OK, I have to start off by saying I was tricked into buying and reading this book. In all honesty, I started off wanting to read the other Traction book, [Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business](https://amzn.to/4izo73U?ref=brianchristner.io). It only took me about half the book before realizing I'm reading the wrong book. > The mishap makes me feel like I was catfished, or my son likes to say I was a Marketing Victim. Ultimately, I enjoyed and learned a lot from the book [Traction: How Any Startup Can Achieve Explosive Customer Growth](https://amzn.to/3EG6a5I?ref=brianchristner.io). The book highlighted how to market your company from zero to one. The authors themselves are both well-known: - **Gabriel Weinberg** \- CEO & Founder of the privacy-first search engine Duckduckgo - **Justin Mares** \- Founder of two startups and was Director of Revenue at Exceptional Software which was acquired by Rackspace. Both Gabriel and Justin have shed some light on starting various businesses. They scaled their startups' user bases by utilizing the Bullseye Framework. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2025/04/bullseye_framework.png) The Bullseye Framework ## What Is the Bullseye Framework? The Bullseye Framework is a strategic approach to **identify, test, and focus on the best marketing channels** for your business. Imagine a literal bullseye: - The **outer ring** is all about **experimentation** - The **middle ring** focuses on **promising channels** - The **inner ring**ā€”the sweet spotā€”is your **core growth channel** This framework helps you avoid random tactics and instead build a **repeatable, scalable** marketing engine. --- ## The 3 Rings of the Bullseye Framework ### 1\. OUTER RING: **Experiments** This is where you go wide. Explore **all 19 traction channels** (like SEO, social ads, PR, events, viral marketing, content, etc.). > **Goal: Run cheap, fast experiments to see what gets even a flicker of traction.** šŸ’” *Example:* Run $50 Facebook ads, guest post on a niche blog, or host a webinar. Donā€™t overthinkā€”just test. ### 2\. MIDDLE RING: **Promising** These channels showed **early signs of success** in the outer ring. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) Now it's time to double down a bit. You refine your message, increase your budget, and optimize tactics. > **Goal: Prove a channel can scale.** šŸ’” *Example:* That small SEO test drove real traffic? Now you start publishing content weekly and investing in link building. ### 3\. INNER RING: **Core** Youā€™ve found it: the marketing channel that reliably brings users/customers and can scale. This becomes your **main growth engine**ā€”until it stops working or you outgrow it. > **Goal: Optimize and systematize.** --- This strategy is also brilliant, but also involves throwing spaghetti at the wall simultaneously to see what sticks. On one hand, it is challenging to run 19 different marketing channels efficiently and successfully. On the other hand, it is moving fast, experimenting, seeing where you get traction first, and scaling. I wouldn't opt to try all 19 marketing channels. Instead, I would do some market research. Find out where your customers are and find quick wins in these niches. > **Niches get the Riches**! The book reviews the possible marketing channels, how to experiment with them, and how to scale them. No framework is one-size-fits-allā€”and thatā€™s the secret sauce. > Twist the Bullseye Framework to fit your **niche, budget, and bandwidth** like a glove. Bootstrapping? Run micro-experiments on zero-budget channels like cold outreach or communities. Short on time? Automate tests and let data do the heavy lifting. In a weird niche? Goodā€”less competition means more edge. This isnā€™t marketing-by-numbersā€”itā€™s marketing with **precision, purpose, and personality**. **So sharpen your arrows, break the rules where it makes sense, and make the bullseye your own.** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2025/04/Traction-how-any-startup-can-achieve-customer-growth-1-1.jpg)](https://amzn.to/3EG6a5I?ref=brianchristner.io) [Buy on Amazon](https://amzn.to/3EG6a5I?ref=brianchristner.io) [](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=114894&file%5Fid=25&ref=brianchristner.io) ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### šŸŖ Cookies Stay, Sanity Goes: Googleā€™s Latest Chrome Pivot URL: https://brianchristner.io/cookies-stay-sanity-goes-google-s-latest-chrome-pivot-e237d0450073bdfa/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:37.000Z Hi Byters! That doesnā€™t sound right, but Iā€™m going with it. This week, we hit 1500+ subscribers. Really cool! Thanks to the fantastic community, have a cookie šŸŖ! Also, this week, I migrated to a new email service, [Beehiiv](https://www.beehiiv.com/?via=Brian-Christner&%5Fbhlid=1bf9f59ea320c076c9d891d40ba945379c578d81&ref=brianchristner.io). Iā€™m excited to start incorporating many more community features soon. I moved so that I could add more GIFs to the newsletter, so watch outā€”there will be a lot of Office GIFS incoming! ![Excited Season 2 GIF by The Office](https://media1.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTI0NTBlYzMwdzJzODBydmZzanJsOXRzcmY2aXd5dGdjMWtuNm1odGRzcnRpbnlmcSZlcD12MV9naWZzX3NlYXJjaCZjdD1n/IwAZ6dvvvaTtdI8SD5/giphy.gif) # Quick Bytes ![Salted chocolate chip cookie recipe on www.foodess.com](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1499636136210-6f4ee915583e?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w0ODM4NTF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwzfHxjb29raWV8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzQ1NTI4ODk4fDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080&utm_source=beehiiv&utm_medium=referral) Photo by Food Photographer | Jennifer Pallian on Unsplash ## Google Loves Cookiesā€¦again Are you sick of all those annoying cookie pop-ups on websites? Well, guess whatā€”they arenā€™t going anywhere. Google just pulled the plug on its Chrome Browser Cookie project, which would have given us the ability to block all third-party cookies directly from the browser. That wouldā€™ve been too easy anyway! Instead, the project has been scrapped, and Google said, "Please add more pop-ups because they are working so well." By the way, [Europeans spend 575 million](https://www.legiscope.com/blog/hidden-productivity-drain-cookie-banners.html?%5Fbhlid=86c2cced0e267d85ceb65ac21f84fb28d216854b&ref=brianchristner.io)[ hours per year clicking away cookie banners.](https://www.legiscope.com/blog/hidden-productivity-drain-cookie-banners.html?%5Fbhlid=abf4638e9749ea84606511931b3f94c1f155d08f&ref=brianchristner.io) At least we tried. If you want real cookies, here is my[ momā€™s secret chocolate chip cookie recipe](https://brianchristner.io/chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe/?%5Fbhlid=f08f22fa66798b6d3550f93d975d4f3ef98fa359). [Read article](https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/04/google-wont-ditch-third-party-cookies-in-chrome-after-all/?%5Fbhlid=91897e917f9ba55c1efe2a72cfe52d516fdff27c&ref=brianchristner.io) #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/media-beehiiv-com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down-format=auto-onerror=redirect-quality=80/uploads/asset/file/d295c11e-1db6-4209-b706-7becdfe13e89/image-t-1745530906.png) ## MCP, yeah, you know meā€¦Markitdown MCP Server Microsoft just released a great MCP server called [Markitdown](https://github.com/microsoft/markitdown?%5Fbhlid=138bbe2f1b07baf0f9122eb9aec1ae11554cb6af&ref=brianchristner.io). Since LLMā€™s love to have documents formatted in Markdown language. This clever utility converts Office files into Markdown. Since it is an MCP server you can integrate directly with Claude Desktop to build some powerful agents as well. **At present, MarkItDown supports:** - PDF - PowerPoint - Word - Excel - Images (EXIF metadata and OCR) - Audio (EXIF metadata and speech transcription) - HTML - Text-based formats (CSV, JSON, XML) - ZIP files (iterates over contents) - Youtube URLs - EPubs - ... and more! [Read article](https://github.com/microsoft/markitdown?%5Fbhlid=37cfa8f747881e570dc20819fd11343ac42a024c&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## šŸ¤– When Cursors AI Customer Support Goes Rogue We all hear the stories of AI taking jobs, but ehhh, maybe we still need a bit more time after hearing about the story from our favorite AI IDE [Cursor](https://www.cursor.com/?%5Fbhlid=f28d98b304d235236e117af290a4ca762fd79aa4&ref=brianchristner.io). An AI-powered customer support agent from Cursor recently went rogue, spamming users, hallucinating bugs, and demanding product changes. Users reported a weird logout issue, but the AI Bot replied to support emails as *ā€œSamā€* that the logouts were ā€œexpected behaviorā€ under a new login policy. Howeverā€¦There was no new login policyā€¦The AI Support agent was hallucinating, which caused a wave of Cursor subscription cancellations. [Read Article](https://fortune.com/article/customer-support-ai-cursor-went-rogue/?%5Fbhlid=6da9d5a9f40f42fdcc0ce7db6c56d0017e3d1de2&ref=brianchristner.io) --- **Best Tweet this week:** [![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Go1ddoubcAAxroN.jpg)](https://twitter.com/ShaanVP/status/1913288184521507211?%5Fbhlid=0d6d67332f6c30203b837898a8d8a329fed1854c&ref=brianchristner.io) Thatā€™s it for this week. Remember: if your AI starts demanding product changes, opening JIRA tickets, asking for pay raises, or time off, please donā€™t give it admin rights! Stay sharp, stay curious, and, for the love of cookies, click ā€œReject Allā€ when you can. Until next time, and Happy Weekend **ā€” Brian** šŸ§ šŸ’„ ### Google Labs Secretly Dominating Use Cases šŸ§Ŗ URL: https://brianchristner.io/google-labs-secretly-dominating-use-cases-6942c0c7ee5d502131d146c0/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:37.000Z Happy long weekend eve! Sipping my Gin & Tonic, trying to enjoy the last days of my holidays. Good time to clean out your inbox and ensure you don't publish any breaking changes before the weekend. ## Quick Bytes ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/media-beehiiv-com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down-format=auto-onerror=redirect-quality=80/uploads/asset/file/ca82bbf2-920d-4475-8865-34fc3a25d8e7/image-t-1745319909.png) ## Google Labs Google is secretly releasing some amazing projects. However, they are not getting much press. I highly recommend having a look at the Google Labs projects that are currently available. Here are just a couple of examples: - Data Science Agent - autonomous code agent - Whisk - Uses images as Prompts - /Code - AI Developer experiments - And tons more!! [Read article](https://labs.google/?%5Fbhlid=564f45c59190b9210bf0b3a72d0fa904cb4a529b&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/media-beehiiv-com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down-format=auto-onerror=redirect-quality=80/uploads/asset/file/43c35839-7a96-4df2-95d0-d773a382d4a0/image-t-1745320329.jpg) ## Open Source AI Hedge Fund What if you could employ all the greatest investing minds in the world to help you manage your finances? Well, wait no more. The AI Hedge Fund is an open-source project that simulates trading your portfolio. ā€‹The Tool creates agents from the best investment minds and orchestrates them through a Risk Manager and Portfolio Manager Agent before making decisions. Using a similar agent architecture, the project is exciting and inspiring for other use cases. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ā€‹The AI Hedge Fund repo is also trending this week on GitHub. (Not investment advice) [Read article](https://github.com/virattt/ai-hedge-fund?%5Fbhlid=79347575fb99c8fe6fd3fc13ad4fcfaa0d99d51a&ref=brianchristner.io) --- ## VS Code Agent Mode VS Code just got better. Microsoft drops AgentMode in VS Codeā€”bringing AI agents directly into your coding workflow. Think multi-agent debugging, smart code suggestions, and context-aware conversations, all inside your IDE. [Read Article](https://code.visualstudio.com/blogs/2025/04/07/agentMode?%5Fbhlid=e2c20af728ce15231cea7c68f3a1284b31f09719&ref=brianchristner.io) --- Want to know the difference between MCP and Google's A2A? The Tweet thread, including an infographic, explains it the best I've seen so far. [![](https://pbs.twimg.com/tweet_video_thumb/GoQRtv_XwAAbo0c.jpg)](https://twitter.com/Aurimas%5FGr/status/1910671639869530502?%5Fbhlid=c8b93825cac29635dc231d7353ff38024b28e63f&ref=brianchristner.io) If you want to highlight a project you are working on, reply to this email and let me know. Also, let me know the hits and misses this week. I will publish all feedback in the mailbag next week. Happy Weekend! Brian ### Why Is My Website So Slow? Fix It Fast with Google PageSpeed and CrUX URL: https://brianchristner.io/why-is-my-website-so-slow-fix-it-fast-with-google-pagespeed-and-crux/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:37.000Z Ever opened a website and it paints each image like you are on a dial connection or you have a loading spinner which takes longer to complete than a Microsoft Update. Youā€™re not alone. Website speed isnā€™t just a nice-to-have ā€” itā€™s a critical piece of your user experience, SEO, and bottom line. A slow site means frustrated users, higher bounce rates, and fewer conversions. It's proven by [Google Bounce Rate Datasets](https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/marketing-strategies/app-and-mobile/mobile-page-speed-new-industry-benchmarks/?ref=brianchristner.io) and industry studies that each second of page load time drastically increases the Bounce Rate of website visitors. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2025/04/image.png) But hereā€™s the good news: you donā€™t need a team of performance engineers to figure it out. Google offers new and powerful (and free) tools that give you deep insight into *real* performance issues ā€” and more importantly, what to do about them. I'm personally obsessed with making websites fast and always looking for ways to make them faster. I have a portfolio of websites from WordPress, [Vibe Coded AI websites](https://brianchristner.io/how-i-saved-1-900-by-ditching-kajabi-and-building-my-own-learning-platform-on-replit/), to a few different blogs. All of them have been put through the wringer on how to squeeze out every ounce of speed to get them to load faster. In this guide, Iā€™ll walk you through: - The most common reasons your site is slow - The exact tools I use to diagnose speed issues - How to go from ā€œthis is slowā€ to ā€œthis is flyingā€ Letā€™s get into it. --- ## Common Culprits Slowing Down Your Website Before we look at the tools, it helps to understand what typically causes slowdowns. These are the usual suspects: - Massive images or videos loading above the fold - Third-party scripts doing who-knows-what in the background (many times I've found unused scripts or scripts not even working slowing everything down) - Bloated CSS and unused JavaScript - Slow server response time or no CDN - Lack of caching - Everything loading all at once (instead of lazily) Sound familiar? Good ā€” now letā€™s see how to pinpoint exactly whatā€™s going wrong. --- ## Step 1: Start with Real-World Data Using CrUX šŸ“ **Tool:** [Chrome UX Report (CrUX) via Looker Studio](https://developer.chrome.com/docs/crux/dashboard?hl=en&ref=brianchristner.io) CrUX (also known as the Chrome UX Report, or CrUX for short) is a brand new tool from Google integrating with Looker Studio and Big Query and stores data for up to one year. The CrUX gives you a report card based on *real user data*. This is key. Most speed tests simulate a load ā€” CrUX shows what actual humans are experiencing across devices, browsers, and network conditions allowing you to easily filter based on your criterias. ### What Youā€™ll Learn: - [Core Web Vitals](https://web.dev/articles/vitals?ref=brianchristner.io) (LCP, INP, CLS) - How performance varies by country and device - Where the bottlenecks are ### How to Use It: 1. Head over to the [CrUX dashboard link](https://developer.chrome.com/docs/crux/dashboard?hl=en&ref=brianchristner.io). 2. Plug in your domain. 3. Instantly get a Looker Studio dashboard you can share with your team or clients. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2025/04/CrUX_Dashboard.png) Here's a CrUX Dashboard snapshot of this blog It's also great to see the history for each report. For example, here's the FCP (First Content Paint) history for the last 10 months. It helps visualize when you possibly made changes on the website on the impact over time. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) --- ## Step 2: Use CrUX.Visualizer for a Fast Snapshot of Performance Trends šŸ“ **Tool:** [CrUX Vis](https://cruxvis.withgoogle.com/?ref=brianchristner.io#/) CrUX Vis is a lightweight visualization tool allowing you to easily see trends overtime. If Looker Studio feels like overkill, the CrUX Vis is a lighter, faster option. Just drop in your domain and it visualizes Core Web Vitals with no setup. Perfect for: - Quick visual check-ins - Spotting regional performance issues - Skipping the dashboard build-out --- ## Step 3: Run a Deep Dive with PageSpeed Insights šŸ“ **Tool:** [PageSpeed Insights](http://pagespeed.web.dev/?ref=brianchristner.io) I spend most my time troubleshooting performance issues with PageSpeed Insights. Now that you have field data, itā€™s time to look under the hood with lab testing. PageSpeed Insights combines CrUX with Lighthouse to show both real-world and simulated performance. What's great about PageSpeed insights is the breakdown of the exactly the "What" os causing the issues for each Core Web Vital. This is extremly helpful to narrow down your search. ### What Youā€™ll See: - Performance score (0ā€“100) - Opportunities and diagnostics - Whatā€™s slowing down your site (like render-blocking resources or unused JS) ### Why Itā€™s Awesome: - Each issue comes with a ā€œhow to fixā€ recommendation. - Youā€™ll see the *exact* assets hurting your performance. - You get both mobile and desktop performance snapshots. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2025/04/PageSpeed_Insights_test.png) PageSpeed Insights on Brianchristner.io blog šŸ‘‰ **Pro Tip:** Ensure you type in the domain with the prefix ***www or non www*** as this will impact the test. Whatever your default home page is you should use this as your testing page. --- ## Quick Wins: What to Actually Fix Once youā€™ve run the tests, youā€™ll likely see a few recurring themes. Hereā€™s where to start: ### šŸ–¼ļø Compress & Convert Your Images - Use next-gen formats like [WebP](https://developers.google.com/speed/webp?ref=brianchristner.io). - Resize images based on device/resolution. - Tools I like: [TinyPNG](https://tinypng.com/?ref=brianchristner.io), [Squoosh](https://squoosh.app/?ref=brianchristner.io) - If you use CloudFlare this an option within your account ### šŸ§¹ Remove Unused CSS & JS - Clean out code that never gets used. - Bundle and minify assets for faster loads. ### šŸ’¤ Lazy Load Everything - Only load images/videos as they scroll into view. - Bonus: Native lazy loading is supported with `loading="lazy"`. ### šŸ”Œ Tame Your Third-Party Scripts - Audit embedded tools, ads, and trackers. - Load asynchronously or defer where possible. ### šŸŒ Add a CDN + Caching - Deliver static assets via a CDN (like [Cloudflare](https://www.cloudflare.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) or Bunny.net). I'm a huge fan of Cloudflare for both CDN and security - Set smart caching headers for repeat visits. --- ## Before Getting Started I highly recommend documenting everything! Believe me from my experience you change a bunch of things at once and all of sudden the performance get a lot better or worse and you don't really know why. Just start a word document with time and date of a single change. Perform a [PageSpeed Insights](http://pagespeed.web.dev/?ref=brianchristner.io) test and check to see if the performance improved or not. Keep repeating this processes and make sure to validate all the changes. You process should be: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2025/04/Website_performance_test_Cycle.png) Website Performance Test Cycle --- ## Bonus: Make Speed a Habit, Not a One-Off Performance isnā€™t a set-it-and-forget-it task. Monitor it over time: - Set up a weekly PageSpeed check - Track Core Web Vitals in Looker Studio - Add performance budgets to your CI pipeline (e.g. Lighthouse CI) --- ## Final Thoughts: Fast Websites Win A fast website doesnā€™t just feel good ā€” it builds trust, drives conversions, and helps your SEO. And thanks to these Google tools, thereā€™s no excuse for flying blind. Start with CrUX, visualize the data, run a PageSpeed test, and take action. Even a few small tweaks can shave off precious seconds. And if youā€™re stuck at the ā€œokay, now what?ā€ stage ā€” feel free to reach out or drop your PageSpeed score in the comments. Iā€™ve broken enough websites to know how to fix them again. --- **Ready to find out whatā€™s slowing you down?** šŸ‘‰ Head to [PageSpeed Insights](http://pagespeed.web.dev/?ref=brianchristner.io) and give your site a proper test drive. --- ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### The AI Revolution in Search: Why Your Business Might Be Invisible and What to Do About It URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-ai-revolution-in-search-why-your-business-might-be-invisible-and-what-to-do-about-it/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:38.000Z > **ā€œAm I being seen?ā€** Thatā€™s the blunt sentiment from countless small business owners after Googleā€™s latest [AI](https://brianchristner.io/tag/ai/) shift. Traffic's tanking. Ad revenue's nosediving. And no, itā€™s not because their SEO fell offā€”itā€™s because AI is now answering questions ***before*** users ever get to a click. Weā€™re witnessing a pivotal moment in search. AI-powered results arenā€™t just tweaking the experienceā€”theyā€™re rewriting the rules. And businesses relying on visibility in Googleā€™s search results? Youā€™re playing a whole new game now. Letā€™s unpack whatā€™s changed, why it matters, and how to stay in the spotlight before your business fades into the background. --- ## Googleā€™s AI Overviews Are Stealing the Show Remember when being on page one of Google was the holy grail? Now, it might not even matter. [Googleā€™s AI Overviews](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/14901683?sjid=5613249317674687578-EU&ref=brianchristner.io)ā€”those summarized answers generated by machine learningā€”are *jumping the queue*. They sit above organic results, above ads, and they often answer the user's question directly. Google AI Overview has been live quite sometime in the United States but just recently rolled out in Europe. What that means for you: - **No click = no customer**: If users find what they need in the AI box, theyā€™ll never reach your site. - **Ads pushed lower**: Paid results are increasingly buried beneath AI content. - **SEO feels like a moving target**: Old strategies donā€™t work when you're competing with Googleā€™s own AI answers. Of course they offer links to actual content but the link is so small in comparison to the content itself. Below I asked Google [how to play Blackjack](https://www.jackpots.ch/en/casino-game-rules/blackjack?ref=brianchristner.io). The answer is clear in the results with little link icons at the end of references. But would someone need to click a link or reference if the answer is already sufficient? Probably not. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2025/04/blackjack-rules-ai-overview.png) How to play blackjack answered in Google's AI Overview --- ## Small Businesses Are Feeling the Painā€”Fast A recent [ZeroHedge article](https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/betrayed-thats-word-small-business-owners-reel-google-ai-destroys-google-search?ref=brianchristner.io) paints a stark picture. Morgan McBride, who runs a [DIY](https://brianchristner.io/tag/diy/) home improvement site, saw her Google traffic drop **70%**ā€”almost overnight. Morgan experience several algorithm updates over the years but this is different. Her ad revenue? Down **65%**. And sheā€™s not alone. Across the board, small and midsize businesses are seeing: #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) - Huge traffic declines - Crumbling ad revenue models - Fewer opportunities to even *get noticed* And the worst part? These changes didnā€™t come with a warning label. It was just... there one day. --- ## So What Now? Adapt, Donā€™t Panic Weā€™re not here to wallow in misery and self pity. Weā€™re here to succeed and be a first mover. The businesses that come out on top in this new AI-driven search world are the ones that adapt early and fast. **Hereā€™s how:** ### 1\. **Stop chasing clicksā€”start building trust** AI may summarize the facts, but it canā€™t replicate ***you or your Brand.*** Lean into [brand authority](https://ahrefs.com/website-authority-checker?ref=brianchristner.io). People still click on names they know and trust. ### 2\. **Create unique content for your Audience** Opinion pieces, expert interviews, case studies, and deep dives on your nicheā€”AI canā€™t match originality. Make your content harder to summarize. Also, make sure you continue to make fresh content. Content is still King! ### 3\. **Own your audience** Build email lists. Email surprisingly still works incredibly well. Grow communities. Nurture direct channels like newsletters, apps, and SMS. Donā€™t rely on Google to do the connecting for you. By owning your audience you have less risk when one channel stops performing. ### 4\. **Structure for snippets** Use headings, bullet points, and direct Q&A formatting. Give your content a shot at showing up ***inside*** the AI responseā€”on your terms. Several of my websites are now getting a lot of referrals on very domain specific content and in depth analysis. Below you can see my Google Analytics referrals to [brianchristner.io](https://brianchristner.io/) from ChatGPT. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2025/04/chatgpt.com-referrals.png) ChatGPT referrals ### 5\. **Explore alternate discovery channels** Think TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reddit, LinkedInā€”platforms where human engagement still leads the way (for now). Discovery isnā€™t just on Google anymore. Ensure you maintain a healthy marketing mix across multiple channels. Continue working to find new channels as riches in the niches so go find where your audience and niche hang out. --- ## Final Thought: This Isnā€™t the Endā€”Itā€™s the Reset If your website traffic is slipping, youā€™re not alone. But youā€™re not helpless, either. AI is changing the search landscape, but change brings opportunity. Nowā€™s the time to pivot, get creative, and build stronger, more resilient marketing channels that don't rely on the whims of one algorithm. **Search isnā€™t dead. Itā€™s just different. Make sure your business isnā€™t left behind.** --- ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### How I Saved $1,900 by Ditching Kajabi and Building My Own Learning Platform on Replit URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-i-saved-1-900-by-ditching-kajabi-and-building-my-own-learning-platform-on-replit/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:38.000Z Ever felt like youā€™re paying too much for tools you donā€™t fully use? That was me with [**Kajabi**](https://kajabi.com/?ref=brianchristner.io). I initially started using Kajabi back in 2019 for my [Traefik Training](https://thebyte.io/?ref=brianchristner.io) course and the price was reasonable and the product fit my needs. I was earning decent money from my course and basically deployed the course and let it run on autopilot. But like many of us, I signed up for this SaaS subscription and just let it run. Sure, it was generating revenue but over the years Kajabi's price kept increasing by huge percentages and my profit margins kept shrinking until it went negative. Kajabi is greatā€”until you realize youā€™re shelling out **$1900+ a year** for features you barely touch. I wanted more control, fewer costs, and the freedom to build exactly what I needed. **So, I took the plunge.** > I built my **own learning platform** using [**Replit**](https://replit.com/?ref=brianchristner.io)ā€”and saved **$1,900** in the process. Hereā€™s exactly how I did it, what I learned, and why it was worth every second. --- ## šŸ’ø Why I Ditched Kajabi (and Saved $1,900 Doing It) Kajabi promises an all-in-one solutionā€”website, course hosting, email marketing. Sounds perfect, right? Kajabi does do it all to be honest. But hereā€™s the thing: - I wasnā€™t using half the features. - Customizing the user experience was nearly impossible or you need extrenal designers to fix templates. - The **$1900/year price tag** felt like overkill for what I needed. I didnā€™t want to keep paying for a bloated platform. I wanted to own my course, control every aspect of it, and stop handing over nearly two grand a year. I'm not angry or a disgruntled Kajabi customer but it no longer fits my use case. --- ## šŸš€ Why Replit Was the Game-Changer Enter [**Replit**](https://replit.com/?ref=brianchristner.io)ā€”a cloud-based development environment where you can code, build, and deploy apps straight from your browser. I spent a lot of time trying all sorts of [AI tools ](https://brianchristner.io/how-cursor-ai-can-make-developers-10x-more-productive/)before I discovered Replit. What sold me is I could build an app from a single AI Agent Prompt, interact with the built code, and then deploy right to production all with the same app. Sold! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2025/02/replit-prompt.png) Replit Prompt **Why Replit? Simple:** - **Zero hosting headaches:** Deploy in seconds, build an app and push it right to production. - **Total flexibility:** I built the exact features my audience neededā€”nothing more, nothing less. - **Massive savings:** No monthly subscriptions draining my wallet. - **Browser-based coding:** Work from anywhere, no complex setup. Replit gave me the freedom Kajabi couldnā€™t. Plus, building my own platform felt like unlocking a superpower. Also, returning to my mantra of building just felt right. Sure, Replit isn't free but the $15 a month subscription sure beats the $1900 a year or $159 a month I was paying previously. --- ## šŸ› ļø How I Built My Learning Platform (Step by Step) ### Step 1: **Planning the Escape from Kajabi** First, I mapped out everything: #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) - Exported all course videos, PDFs, and overviews. - I uploaded all the videos to YouTube (Free) - Designed a better user journey tailored to my audience. What's really amazing about Replit is I built the entire user interface with AI. Basically, I would take a screenshot of what I wanted fixed and prompt it back to the agent. Whether it was aligning buttons, adding logos, or fixing errors I would say 90% of the work was handled via the AI Agent. I did however, still make some manual adjustments in the code like fixing text, rewriting copy, and adding Google Analytics and Tag Manager. Did, I mention you own all the code you create using Replit so you can connect Replit to Github to save all the code? No, well you can! --- ### Step 2: **Building on Replit** The best part? **Replitā€™s instant deploy** meant I could see changes live without extra hosting costs. Hereā€™s what I built: - šŸ”’ **User authentication** for secure logins. (rolled back for now until I bullet proof this) - šŸ“ˆ **Progress tracking** so students could pick up right where they left off. (Rolled back for now) - šŸŽ„ **Video streaming** optimized for fast, buffer-free playback. - šŸ’³ **Stripe payments** for smooth, secure transactions. (Actually, I decided to make the course 100% free) Believe it or not Replit also built the entire backend integration to Postgres to handle session handeling and storage of course completion certificates. --- ### Step 3: **Testing & Tweaking** Before going live, I stress-tested everything: - āš” **Test all the things** I ran through the entire course, checked all the buttons, the new certificate builder, and menus to sanity check functionality. (I'm sure I missed something) - šŸ§Ŗ **User feedback loops** to fine-tune the experience. - āš™ļø New **Features** I'm adding new features and going to add the other courses to the site as well. Still in development but sure is a fun project. --- ## āš” The Challenges (and How I Crushed Them) Not gonna lieā€”it wasnā€™t all smooth sailing: - **Session Handling:** Building my own login system meant extra focus storing data, creating certificates, and tracking course progress - **YouTube** Ok, this was a pain in the ass. I created a YouTube playlist with the course. However, the AI Agent kept hallucinating and pulling other videos instead of my course. I had to export the Playlist and import into the Agent to get it to understand what video goes where and in what order. - **Course Completion Certificate** previously, when a student would finish the course I would receive an email to create and send a certificate. now, this is 100% automated as well. - **SLA's:** Unlike Kajabi, I now had to keep the platform running 24/7. But each challenge pushed me to learn more, build better, and own the process. --- ## šŸ’° The $1,900 Question: Was It Worth It? **100% yes.** By building my own platform, I: - šŸ’µ **Saved $1,900 a year** in subscription fees. - šŸŽØ **Customized everything** for my audienceā€”no more cookie-cutter experiences. - šŸš€ **From Idea to Production in no time** about 3 hours I converted my entire course from idea to live with Replit. - šŸ—ļø **Gained full ownership**ā€”I control the code, the content, and the customer journey!! The freedom to innovate without lock-in? Priceless. --- ## šŸŽÆ Key Takeaways: How You Can Do It Too 1. **Flexibility beats convenience:** Build what you need, not what a platform forces you into. 2. **Replit is the ultimate dev playground:** no complicated setupsā€”just prompt the AI Agent, tweak, and go-live. 3. **Own your platform, own your future:** No more vendor lock-in, no more surprise massive price hikes. At least I hope but I own the code now. --- ## šŸ† Final Thoughts: Should You Build Your Own Platform? If youā€™re tech-savvy and want full control of your online course, **do it**. The savings alone make it worth exploring. For me, the math was simple: - Kajabi: $1,900/year, limited customization. - **Replit:** $15 a month, endless customization, and total ownership. I chose freedomā€”and my wallet thanked me. --- šŸ’¬ **Thinking about ditching Kajabi?** Got questions about building your own platform on Replit? Drop a comment or reach outā€”happy to share more. --- ### **FAQ Section: Saving Money by Building Your Own Learning Platform on Replit** **How much money can you save by building your own learning platform?** Building your own learning platform can save you thousands in subscription fees. In this case, switching from Kajabi to a custom-built platform on Replit saved $1,900 annually. Over time, these savings can significantly reduce overhead costs while providing more control and customization. **Why choose Replit for building a learning platform?** Replit offers a cloud-based, collaborative development environment that supports multiple programming languages. Itā€™s ideal for building a learning platform because itā€™s cost-effective, requires no complex local setup, and allows for quick deployment and iteration. **Is it difficult to replace Kajabi with a custom platform?** Replacing Kajabi with a custom-built solution can be challenging without technical knowledge. However, platforms like Replit simplify the process by providing coding tools, hosting options, and integrations, making it accessible for those with some programming experience. **What are the key benefits of building your own learning platform?** Key benefits include complete ownership, lower costs, flexibility in design and features, and no dependency on third-party pricing changes. You also have the freedom to scale and adapt your platform as your audience grows. **What skills do you need to build a learning platform on Replit?** Basic knowledge of web development, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, is essential. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### I Nailed 2024 Predictions and the Year in Review URL: https://brianchristner.io/i-nailed-2024-predictions-and-the-year-in-review/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:38.000Z I'm not pulling any punches, but 2024 has been a challenging, uphill battle for me this year. It wasn't all bad, but I like challenges, so let's go!! As a family, we had some amazing adventures this year, including traveling to the North Pole in Finland to ring in the New Year last year with the coldest temperatures I've ever experienced (-30C/-22F). Camping in Tuscany, visiting Rome and Paris, a road trip to Normandy with my son, skiing, and traveling for work have been a year of travel, and wrapping the year up in warm Arizona. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/12/IMG_3823.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/12/IMG_4897.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/12/IMG_4736.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/12/IMG_2697.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/12/IMG_4512.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/12/IMG_2522.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/12/IMG_1962.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/12/IMG_2093.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/12/IMG_1224.jpeg) 2024 Adventures As we close out 2024, we now have the entire opposite. We are celebrating in my hometown of Phoenix, Arizona, with temperatures in the mid-70sF/23-25C. T-shirts and pool weather are just great ways to recharge batteries in December. > **Reflecting on my 2024 predictions, I hit a 3 out of 3 success rate.** ### [**Here's my recap of my 2024 predictions:**](https://brianchristner.io/2023-in-review-and-the-future-is-bright-with-ai-for-2024/) ## AI First up is AI. The prediction of AI was a no-brainer and an easy prediction, but we saw incredible advancements in AI. From new ChatGPT models to AI developer tools like [Cursor AI](https://cursor.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) and Apple integrating AI into iOS, these are only a few examples of the 1,000 advancements this year. The downside is that every company claims AI is included in their products, but realistically, most companies only do this for marketing purposes, and the included AI is mostly useless. The biggest AI story in 2024 is the advancement in developer tools. [CursorAI](https://www.cursor.com/?ref=brianchristner.io), [Microsoft Copilot](https://copilot.microsoft.com/?ref=brianchristner.io), [Replit](https://replit.com/?ref=brianchristner.io), and tools like [V0.dev ](https://v0.dev/?ref=brianchristner.io)have revolutionized the developer experience. It's still the beginning, but I've been able to build entire working apps, both frontend and backend, using only Chat Prompts. Suppose the barrier to becoming a developer continues to become easier. In that case, I can expect everyone to be able to build their applications or programs for their specific use cases or companies. > **We are indeed getting closer to enabling all developers to be 10X developers with the help of AI.** ## Crypto 2024 has seen an incredible Crypto Bull Run. Did I call the Crypto Bull run? **YES, I DID!** It was apparent when the Crypto ETFs were approved based on previous Bitcoin halving cycles. It was just a matter of time before the run started and 100k Bitcoin was realized. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ## Diet Pills GLP-1's GLP-1 drugs like Ozempuic are now thoroughly mainstream. As I sit here in the United States writing this post and with the TV in the background, it is incredible to see every other commercial promoting Ozempic clinics or diet care programs utilizing GLP-1s. ## Highlights 2024 Here's my recap of my goals and achievements for 2024\. I set goals, not resolutions, as I find this more realistic. - Ride 1'000 cycling kilometers. I'm pleased with this one. Even with a big season-ending crash that rattled my brain, I was able to ride 1105 kilometers still. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/12/4F61AE76-BBAC-4C07-B8FF-DE192A5C5AAE.jpeg) - Read more books. [I read six books from the 12](https://brianchristner.io/tag/books/) I wanted to read this year. - 3x a week in the gym. I achieved this goal and am pretty happy with this result. - Start a tech community in Switzerland. We had two meetups, but it was hard to keep them going. - Write more blog posts. I'm happy with the few posts I wrote, but more to come in 2025 - Cherish family time. Absolutely - Build more projects. Yup, we launched two new projects in 2024 ;) More to come - Contribute to Open Source. I made some PRs and fixed some small bugs in my projects. Does that count? - Reach out to old friends. I'm still working on this one, but it's a start. ## Goals 2025 - Amazing travel planned for 2025, Africa, Turkey, camping, and more. - Get GlobalWerk back to $3000 MRR (My side business) - Dive deeper into Machine Learning topics - Eat healthier and drink less coffee - Read more books. Let's aim for 10 this year. - Ride another 1'000 cycling kilometers with at least one big ride over 100km. - Gym 3x per week - Continue building AI/website projects. - Speak at more conferences - Be the best I can be! - Family! ## Predictions 2025 ## AI Agents I predict 2025 will be the year of AI agents. AI Agents will be more advanced and able to process multiple tasks until completion. We already have seen some significant advances in this space. AI Agents will also become easier to set up and deploy for more use cases. ## AI Video With the launch of [ChatGPT's SORA](https://openai.com/sora/?ref=brianchristner.io) and [Comfy UI](https://www.comfy.org/?ref=brianchristner.io), I predict 2025 will see the production and use of movie-quality short movies in professional contexts. ## AI Developers Developer tools will make building and deploying apps to production with no code easier, using only AI prompts. We will see more people in 2025 creating their own apps with no development experience. Maybe we could see some +1M revenue apps already in 2025. ## Crypto will continue running As the US Government is set to switch to more crypto-friendly policies in 2025, expect more investment from the US market into crypto, maybe even making it part of the Federal Reserve. I predict the prices won't have the same performance as 2025 but will definitely keep climbing this year. **FAQ Section: 2024 Predictions and Year in Review** **What were the key predictions made for 2024?** The key predictions for 2024 included significant advancements in AI, a crypto bull run, and the mainstream adoption of GLP-1 diet drugs like Ozempic. **How did AI evolve in 2024?** In 2024, AI saw remarkable progress with new ChatGPT models and AI developer tools such as [Cursor AI](https://brianchristner.io/how-cursor-ai-can-make-developers-10x-more-productive/), Microsoft Copilot, and Replit, revolutionizing the developer experience. **Was there a crypto bull run in 2024?** Yes, 2024 experienced an incredible crypto bull run, with Bitcoin reaching the 100k mark, influenced by the approval of Crypto ETFs and previous Bitcoin halving cycles. **What is the significance of GLP-1 drugs in 2024?** GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic became thoroughly mainstream in 2024, with widespread promotion through clinics and diet care programs, especially in the United States. **What are the goals and predictions for 2025?** Goals for 2025 include extensive travel, business growth, healthier living, increased reading, cycling achievements, consistent gym attendance, AI project development, and more public speaking engagements. Predictions for 2025 focus on the rise of AI agents, advancements in AI video production, and enhanced AI developer tools. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ![](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff_i?offer_id=15&file_id=25&aff_id=114894) ### Switzerland is the New AI Valley URL: https://brianchristner.io/switzerland-is-the-new-ai-valley/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:38.000Z Switzerland, known for its picturesque landscapes and precision engineering, is rapidly transforming into AI Valley. As a tech enthusiast living in the heart of this innovation hub, I've witnessed firsthand the incredible strides in artificial intelligence in the Swiss Alps region. Check out the recent post on LinkedIn about the [Swiss AI Valley map](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/greater-zurich%5Fai-claude-talent-activity-7270737450384183296-zDh8?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop). [Greater Zurich Area on LinkedIn: #ai #claude #talent #tech #innovation #greaterzurichareaā€¦ | 20 commentsWelcome Anthropic to the Greater Zurich Area! šŸŽ‰ After news broke that OpenAI will be setting up an office in Zurich, we have yet another exciting additionā€¦ | 20 comments on LinkedIn![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/icon/al2o9zrvru7aqj8e1x2rzsrca)LinkedInGreater Zurich Area![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/thumbnail/1733478890992)](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/greater-zurich%5Fai-claude-talent-activity-7270737450384183296-zDh8?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop) At the beginning of the [Crypto Valley](https://cryptovalley.swiss/?ref=brianchristner.io) launch, several Unicorn crypto companies in the process. The same is being done again, but this time for AI in the newly positioned AI Valley. ## The AI Ecosystem in Zurich, Switzerland Swiss universities and research institutions are at the forefront of AI development. ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne are churning out top-tier AI talent, while companies like Google and IBM have established significant AI research centers in the country. This concentration of brainpower is creating a perfect storm for AI innovation. ### Switzerland is not in the EU! A considerable advantage few people mention is that Switzerland is not part of the EU. We all know the EU loves to regulate everything, so AI companies find refuge in Switzerland. > **This regulatory agility is particularly attractive to AI companies seeking a balance between innovation and responsible governance.** Switzerland's non-EU status allows it to maintain more flexible AI development and implementation regulations. This is not to say that companies won't want to leverage the EU, but maybe developing AI companies outside of Switzerland will remove a lot of the red tape bureaucracy that kills a lot of innovation in the EU. ### Google's Swiss AI Presence ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/12/google-ai-switzerland.webp) Google Switzerland Recently, I had the honor of being invited to Google Switzerland's [20th anniversary celebration in ](https://brianchristner.io/20-years-of-google-switzerland-a-look-back-and-a-look-ahead/)Zurich, Switzerland. The experience was mind-blowing. Google's commitment to AI research in Switzerland is evident in during the presentation, highlighting recent achievements with Deepmind and tools such as [NotebookLLM](https://notebooklm.google.com/?ref=brianchristner.io). Google promised a strong commitment to AI in Switzerland in the future. ### The Claude Effect ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/12/Claude_AI_arriving_in_Switzerland.webp) Amazon and Antropic The AI landscape in Switzerland got an extra boost with the arrival of Claude, Anthropic's advanced AI assistant. [Claude's presence in the Greater Zurich Area](https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/science/how-us-heavyweights-can-help-grow-the-swiss-ai-sector/88568340?ref=brianchristner.io). The arrival of yet another AI heavyweight is a testament to the region's growing importance in the AI field. This move will likely attract even more AI talent and investment to the area, further solidifying Switzerland's position as an AI powerhouse. ### Why are AI companies moving to Switzerland? Switzerland's success in becoming an AI hub isn't by chance. The [EU ranks Switzerland cities Zurich and Geneva as the best cities to live in](https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-ranks-europes-most-livable-cities-cluj-napoca-braga-rostock-geneva-stockholm-gdansk-leipzig-copenhagen-groningen-zurich/?ref=brianchristner.io), even though it is not part of the EU. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) Switzerland offers: - World-class education system - Stable political environment - High quality of life - Central European location - Strong data protection laws These factors make Switzerland an attractive destination for both AI companies and talent. ### AI in Switzerland has challenges as well. Many welcome AI's arrival in Switzerland. However, proper VC funding for new startups remains lacking in the Swiss market to position Switzerland as a startup hub. Compared to other countries, Switzerland still has a lot of potential in this area. Gian Sbetta does a great job covering [the Swiss startup scene ](https://substack.com/@giansbetta?ref=brianchristner.io)and all the funding going on. What's evident is that Pharma and Biotech companies have been pulling the most VC money lately. **I'm hopeful that with the arrival of the AI heavyweights, we will see more VCs take an interest in investing in Switzerland startups.** ## The Future of AI in Switzerland As AI continues to evolve, Switzerland is well-positioned to lead the charge. With its unique blend of academic excellence, corporate investment, and governmental support, the country is poised to become the Silicon Valley of AI in Europe. The transformation of Switzerland into **AI Valley** is a boom for the tech industry and the entire Swiss economy. As Switzerland continues attracting top AI talent and companies, we create a robust ecosystem to drive innovation across multiple sectors. **For those in the tech industry, being in Switzerland is an exciting time. We're not just witnessing history; we're actively shaping the future of AI. And if you ask me, the future looks pretty good from here in the Swiss Alps.** ### FAQ Section: Switzerland's Emergence as AI Valley **Why is Switzerland becoming a hub for AI innovation?** Switzerland offers a mix of world-class universities like ETH Zurich, a stable political environment, flexible regulations, and high quality of life. These factors attract AI giants like Google and Anthropic to the region. **How does Switzerland's non-EU status benefit AI companies?** Being outside the EU allows Switzerland to maintain more flexible AI regulations, striking a balance between innovation and responsible governance, which appeals to AI firms. **What major AI companies have a presence in Switzerland?** Tech giants such as Google, IBM, and Anthropic have established AI research centers in Switzerland, particularly in Zurich. **What challenges do Swiss AI startups face?** Despite strong infrastructure, Swiss AI startups struggle with attracting venture capital (VC) compared to sectors like biotech and pharma. **What role do Swiss universities play in AI development?** Institutions like ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne produce top AI talent and foster research, fueling the country's AI ecosystem. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Personal Brands vs Corporate Brands URL: https://brianchristner.io/personal-brands-vs-corporate-brands/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:39.000Z We are now in an era where personal brands are becoming more impactful than corporate brands. Athletes are a great example. Today, [Lebron James](https://www.instagram.com/kingjames/?hl=en&ref=brianchristner.io) has more followers than the team he plays for, the [LA Lakers](https://www.instagram.com/lakers/?hl=en&ref=brianchristner.io). > Cristiano Ronaldo's Instagram audience exceeds the combined populations of the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Cristiano Ronaldo has the most followers on Instagram and continues to grow. With this massive following, he also has more followers than any of the S&P500 companies. Cristiano Ronaldo's Instagram following i**s more than double that of Nike**, the leading S&P 500 company on the platform, highlighting his unparalleled influence and reach on social media. [Elon Musk](https://x.com/elonmusk?ref=brianchristner.io) is also another great example. Elon has more followers on X than his companies, SpaceX and Tesla, combined with the numbers of Instagram and X. ### The power of the personal brand The ability to communicate with your customers via different channels, especially H2H (Human 2 Human), increases engagement and loyalty. I still see the need to combine corporate and personal brands to reach different audiences. The mix of the two brands is still essential; this is where we will see the most significant value unlocked. Personal brands are intended not only for influencers dancing around TikTok but also for everyday individuals. Having your brand is creating your own unique calling card, which follows you wherever you go. I advocate for everyone to create their brand. Find your niche regardless of what it is and narrow it down until you are a voice about this topic. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/12/personal-vs-corporate-brand.webp) Personal Brand For example, I started long ago [Docker](https://www.docker.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) as a prominent technology advocate. However, Docker is quite broad. So, my interest was in monitoring, analytics, and logging. I was the only one on the internet talking about Docker and monitoring until I became this niche owner. I hear from so many people that "all the ideas are taken" or "no one will listen to me." Well, you are right! That is until you find your niche and niche down until you find your specialty within that niche. Take AI, for example. The topic alone is vast. Let's narrow it down until we find a niche. **Let's have a look at how we can niche down a topic:** 1. I like the topic AI, a massive audience 2. I like to use ChatGPT (ok, now we have narrowed down the audience slightly) 3. I enjoy using ChatGPT to help me with selling things online (Ok, now we are niching down) 4. Finally, I like to sell all the used things which I don't use anymore online and I use ChatGPT to help me write the advertisements. Great. We have now niched down from AI to using ChatGPT to help me sell my old household things online to other people. Now, we have considerably niched down the topic, and with such a specific topic, you will be one of a handful of people talking about it, which will help you stand out. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) Creating content becomes easy and natural if you are passionate about the topic. This will help you build an audience that resonates with the topic and carve out your niche. Regularly creating content about this topic will help you become a voice in this niche. The AI example can then be used on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms that may better relate to the topic and possible use in collaboration with your current job. ### Corporate Brands Corporate brands do have a place. However, when buying a product, which recommendation would you value more? A friend or a stranger? Well, a corporate brand is a bit in between. We know brands like Nike, Google, etc. The value of corporate brands is building trust with the consumer, which could take days, months, or years, depending on the product. Companies invest millions to communicate these messages. Corporate brands are typically less personal as they focus on their products. ### **Corporate Brands vs. Personal Brands**: - **Corporate Brands**: Represent businesses or organizations. They focus on values, products, and services. Trust is built through brand reputation and marketing. - **Personal Brands**: Focus on individuals and their unique voice, expertise, or personality. Trust comes from authenticity and personal connection. Personal brands are more flexible and portable, while corporate brands are tied to a companyā€™s identity and stability. ### Personal Brands are Portable The great thing about building a personal brand is that it is portable. Why is this good? If you change companies, move to a different city, etc., your personal brand is not left behind. Take Lebron as an example. Lebron could be traded to another team and take his brand with him, which would enormously impact the Lakers, but not Lebron. Before personal brands, the Lakers owned all of Lebron's rights, content, etc. Now, he has created his content and brand, which can be used by both the Lakers and a future team. ### Personal Brands don't mean you need to be an Influencer Influencers are essential in today's world. However, there is a line between influencers who create content for clicks versus personal brands, which are used more to advocate for you, your knowledge, and your skills. > **Creating a personal brand doesn't mean you need to start dancing on TikTok.** ### How do you create a personal Brand? I recommend doing the following to get started with your brand. 1. Set up your LinkedIn correctly. You want a professional-looking profile picture and a header image that inspires people to read your profile, and your "About me" section needs to stand out. 2. Create a website and set it up as a Resume/CV. Like my website here, [brianchristner.io](https://brianchristner.io/about/), I use it as both a blog and a calling card. I list all my presentations and conferences, and any news I find would help people want to find out more about what I do. So when people Google your name, it's easy to find you. Try buying a domain with your name. [WordPress](https://wordpress.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) or [Ghost](https://ghost.org/?ref=brianchristner.io) both offer great Resume templates to help get you started. 3. Based on the ChatGPT niche example, use your niche to your advantage. You know the ins and outs of your domain. Start creating content about your niche and share it across all platforms. 4. Be consistent and try to create content at a set interval. To help you find a good rhythm, start by creating content twice a month for three months. 5. Check your stats! See what content resonates best and find out why. Then, use this as a template for future content. However....don't lose yourself in the details. Stay focused on why you are doing this. ### Get started Don't waitā€”just do it. It takes a bit of time, but nothing else but the long term will help you establish a personal brand. Your personal brand will help you expand your network and find other people with the same interests. ### FAQ Section: Personal Brands vs Corporate Brands **Why are personal brands more powerful than corporate brands today?** Personal brands connect with audiences on a human level, enhancing trust and engagement. Figures like Cristiano Ronaldo or Elon Musk often surpass the companies they represent in followers and influence, showcasing the strength of personal connection. **How can I find my niche for a personal brand?** Identify a broad interest, then narrow it down to something unique. For instance, if you love AI, focus on using ChatGPT for writing sales ads. Specific niches make it easier to stand out and build an audience. **What are the key steps to building a personal brand?** Start by optimizing your LinkedIn profile, creating a personal website, and regularly producing niche-specific content. Be consistent and review your engagement stats to refine your approach. **Why is a personal brand portable?** Unlike corporate brands, a personal brand belongs to you. If you change jobs or locations, your reputation, content, and audience remain intact, providing long-term value. **Do you need to be an influencer to have a personal brand?** No. A personal brand focuses on showcasing your knowledge, skills, and unique voice, not necessarily generating clicks or becoming an influencer. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### 20 Years of Google Switzerland: A Look Back and a Look Ahead URL: https://brianchristner.io/20-years-of-google-switzerland-a-look-back-and-a-look-ahead/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:39.000Z This week, I was privileged to attend [Google Switzerland's](https://about.google/intl/de%5Fch/google-in-switzerland/?ref=brianchristner.io) 20th Anniversary celebration in Zurich. It was an incredible event, filled with inspiring talks and a chance to connect with leaders in the Swiss tech scene, politicians, and business leaders. But it was also a chance to reflect on Google's deep impact on Switzerland and my own career. I took the opportunity to speak with as many people as I could and was fortunate enough to talk to the US Ambassador to Switzerland Scott Miller and the BundesprƤsidenten (President) of Switzerland [Viola Amherd](https://www.admin.ch/gov/de/start/bundesrat/mitglieder-des-bundesrates/bundesraetin-viola-amherd.html?ref=brianchristner.io). Since the culture in Switzerland is to respect peoples privacy the both of them were essentially alone allowing us to speak to them. Still keep this part of the American in me ;) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/11/IMG_3500.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/11/IMG_4081-1.jpeg) Left Viola Amherd / Right US Ambassador to Switzerland Scott Miller **A Career Launched with Google** When I first came to Switzerland, Google played a significant role in shaping my professional journey. Knowing no one in Switzerland besides my wife and her family I wanted to quickly build up a network. Google at the time started something called GTUG's (Google Technical User Groups). This predated meetups and I jumped at the opportunity to attend. The first GTUG in 2011, was about a new product called [App Engine](https://cloud.google.com/appengine?ref=brianchristner.io). After the meetup I volunteered to help managed the Zurich GTUG's. This opportunity connected me with tons of Googler's, Tech scene in Switzerland, and helped me land my first job. I remained organizing meetups and when I first started using Docker I presented at Google in front of 400 people about [Docker monitoring](https://brianchristner.io/how-to-setup-docker-monitoring/) which absolutely catupluted my career. Google offered me opportunities that were truly life-changing. Being part of a community driven by innovation and pushing boundaries was incredibly inspiring. Seeing firsthand how Google has helped the Swiss tech scene flourish makes me extremely grateful. **From Two Employees to a Tech Powerhouse** Believe it or not, Google Switzerland started small - with just two employees in 2004! Actually, [Urs Hƶlze](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urs%5FH%C3%B6lzle?ref=brianchristner.io) was actually in attendance for the anniversary and employee number two in the Google Swiss Office. He gave a great presentation on past, present, and future of Google Switzerland. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/11/IMG_3495-1.jpeg) Country Director Switzerland, Urs Hƶlze, Politicians, President of Switzerland and more. Today, in Switzerland, Google is a massive force with a team of 5,000 talented individuals. They've become a hub for groundbreaking advancements, especially in artificial intelligence. This incredible growth reflects their commitment to innovation and ability to adapt to the ever-changing tech landscape. **Looking Forward, Not Just Back** The anniversary wasn't just about nostalgia. There were also exciting discussions about how Google Switzerland plans to continue driving innovation and collaboration. One key theme was their strong partnerships with local institutions like ETH Zurich and EPFL in Lausanne. These collaborations show Google's dedication to nurturing talent, fostering research, and developing technology that benefits everyone. Hearing about Google's AI projects and their vision for the future solidified my belief in their ability to lead the charge in tech. They continue to set high standards with initiatives in sustainability and cutting-edge research. During the event they did some demos with NotebookLM and Gemini giving us a glimpse of what's in the pipeline. **A Catalyst for Swiss Tech** Switzerland's position as a global tech hub owes a lot to companies like Google. [Switzerland remains the most innovative country in the world](https://www.s-ge.com/en/article/news/20243-ranking-global-innovation-index-2024?ref=brianchristner.io) for the 14th consecutive year showing that Switzerland is truly an innovation hub. Google's commitment to the local community, through job creation, education, and supporting innovation, has had a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem. As someone deeply involved in the Swiss tech scene, I see the impact daily. Google's efforts have not only elevated the industry but also inspired countless individuals, myself included, to push boundaries. **Gratitude and Excitement for the Future** Looking back at Google's journey and my own at the anniversary celebration filled me with a sense of awe. It's a celebration of growth, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to progress. For me, it's also a reminder of the strong ties built over the years and the exciting future that lies ahead for both Google Switzerland and the broader tech community. **To Google Switzerland, thank you for everything! Here's to the next 20 years of innovation, collaboration, and positive impact!** ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Book Review: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson URL: https://brianchristner.io/book-review-the-subtle-art-of-not-giving-a-f-ck-by-mark-manson/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:39.000Z What's the worst word to put on the cover of a book? You guessed it, Fu*ck! Rocking the norms right from the book cover.* [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/11/The-Subtle-Art-of-Not-Giving-a-F-ck-1.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019MMUA8S?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=brianchrio-20&linkId=4df18b350ec4d89bf7a4fd106b2dd176&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=brianchristner.io) The Subtle art of Not Giving a F\*ck Book Review Mark Manson offers a refreshing perspective on living a meaningful life without falling prey to all the messages about positivity and success. If we open any social media app, it is always about perfection, success, and beauty. But Manson says we should prioritize what truly matters, and sometimes, average is OK. > Manson insists we refocus on authenticity and living in the moment, and that not everything deserves our attention or emotional investment. ### ***Mark's book The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*\*ck key takeaways:** - **Lifeā€™s Problems**: Manson posits that life is inherently filled with problems, and happiness comes from solving these problems. He encourages people to accept challenges as a part of life and to choose which problems to focus their time and energy on. - **Selective Caring**: The core message is that one should not give a "fuck" about many things **but instead focus on what is truly important**. This involves rejecting societal pressures and superficial values in favor of personal values that align with oneā€™s true self. - **The Backwards Law**: Manson introduces the concept that the pursuit of happiness can lead to dissatisfaction. Instead, embracing negative experiences can lead to a more fulfilling life. Accepting struggles and discomfort as part of growth is essential for finding meaning. We need discomfort to appreciate the good times. - **Maturity and Values**: The book discusses the importance of maturity in choosing what to care about. Manson argues that as people grow older, they should refine their values, focusing on relationships and experiences that bring genuine joy. - **Acceptance of Mortality**: Manson emphasizes that recognizing the inevitability of death can clarify what is truly important in life, prompting individuals to prioritize meaningful experiences over trivial concerns I discovered Mark Manson through the Kevin Rose podcast, a fantastic banter between incredible minds. ### Review of ***The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*\*ck** Book ### For starters, it is a breath of fresh air to finally hear someone say that it's OK to say no, not be liked, and not care about everything happening. Manson refers to one of my favorite essays on the internet [Hell Yeah or No by Derek Siver](https://sive.rs/hellyeah?ref=brianchristner.io) which essentially makes your life easier by eliminating too many commitments in your life. Prioritize your well-being by reading this book. Excellent read! #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) **This book is not just a guide; itā€™s an invitation to live authentically amidst lifeā€™s inevitable challenges.** [**Check out the book on Amazon**](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019MMUA8S?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=brianchrio-20&linkId=4df18b350ec4d89bf7a4fd106b2dd176&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=brianchristner.io) ## FAQ: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F\*ck ### **What is the main message of "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F\*ck"?** The main message is about choosing what to care about carefully. It's not about being indifferent, but rather about focusing your energy on things that truly matter to you. Manson encourages readers to accept life's challenges and stop trying to be positive all the time. ### **How does Mark Manson define happiness in the book?** Manson suggests that true happiness comes from solving problems, not avoiding them. He argues that the constant pursuit of happiness actually makes us unhappy. Instead, he advocates for finding meaning through overcoming challenges. ### **What are the "subtleties" of not giving a f\*ck that Manson discusses?** The "subtleties" involve being selective about what you care about. It's not about not caring at all, but about choosing your battles wisely. Manson emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for your life and accepting that negative experiences are a part of it. ### **How does the book approach the concept of values and their importance?** Manson stresses the significance of having good values. He distinguishes between good values (reality-based, socially constructive, immediate and controllable) and bad values (superstitious, socially destructive, and not immediate or controllable). He argues that our values shape our character and ultimately our life satisfaction. ### **What does Manson say about dealing with life's problems?** Manson suggests embracing problems as a part of life rather than trying to avoid them. He argues that the quality of our lives is determined by the quality of problems we're willing to face. The book encourages readers to take responsibility for their problems and to choose which ones are worth their time and energy.Remember, these answers are general interpretations of the book's content. Your review might offer unique insights or perspectives on these questions. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Investigating the Digital Marketing Strategies of Trump and Harris Campaigns URL: https://brianchristner.io/investigating-the-digital-marketing-strategies-of-trump-and-harris-campaigns/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:39.000Z Before I begin, I want to highlight that this article is non-political and focuses on how each presidential candidate utilized the digital marketing platforms Google or Meta for their 2024 election campaigns. I analyzed the campaigns using the open data provided by each platform and tried to consolidate all campaigns for each candidate. 1. [**Google Political Transparency**](https://adstransparency.google.com/political?region=US&topic=political&start-date=2024-08-01&end-date=2024-11-06&ref=brianchristner.io) 2. [**Meta Ad Library**](https://www.facebook.com/ads/library/report/?%5Frdr) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/11/Google_Election_Spending.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/11/Meta_Election_Spending.png) Google vs Meta Political Transparency Reports Unfortunately, I could not gather data on political ad spending from either [X ](https://transparency.x.com/en?ref=brianchristner.io)or [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/transparency/en/us-election-hub?ref=brianchristner.io) which is a shame that this information is not transparent. I firmly believe this information should be made available for transparency's sake to help us gain insights about each campaign. I utilized the data for the 90 days leading up to November 6th, which allowed me to equalize both campaigns regarding reporting. ***Disclaimer: I only filtered on advertisers with the candidate's name. So, advertisers are not accounted for using PACs or Super PACs as I don't have time to review all the data.*** > Regarding political campaigns...money talks, especially in the digital marketing space! The recent ad spending data for Trump and Harris reveal each campaign's priorities and different approaches to reaching voters. Let's examine how candidates spent their cash and what it says about their marketing strategies. ### Platform Priorities: Google vs. Facebook The numbers make it clear: **Trump went all in on Google**, with a staggering $195.3 million spent on ads compared to just $16.3 million on Facebook. On the other hand, **Harris invested heavily in Facebook**, allocating $69.3 million there versus $126.4 million on Google. What does this mean? | Campaign | Facebook Spend (USD) | Google Spend (USD) | Total Spend (USD) | | -------- | -------------------- | ------------------ | ----------------- | | Trump | 16,280,740 | 195,326,200 | 211,606,940 | | Harris | 69,294,445 | 126,476,300 | 195,770,745 | For Trump, the emphasis was on **broad visibility**. Google ads are ideal for top-of-the-funnel strategiesā€”reaching as many people as possible through search ads, YouTube videos, and display networks. The approach likely aimed at driving awareness, generating buzz, and ensuring Trump's name and message were everywhere potential voters looked. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/11/Google_Election_Spending_by_Location.png) Google Political ad spend by locaiton Harris, by contrast, **focused on Facebook engagement**. Facebook is where you build relationships, activate communities, and connect more personally. Spending $69.3 million on Facebook ads shows a clear push to foster grassroots support. Harris's campaign seemed keen to use Facebook's powerful targeting tools to deliver the right message to the right people, building support from the ground up. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/11/Meta_Election_Spending_by_location.png) Meta Political Ad spend by locaiton ### Audience Engagement: Different Strategies, Different Funnels The difference in ad spending across platforms speaks volumes about each campaign's engagement strategy. **Trump's Google strategy** points to a campaign built around **mass visibility and broad targeting**. Google's reachā€”from Search to YouTubeā€”means that the Trump campaign could target general interests and swing state issues to influence voter perception. The message? Be everywhere, so that no matter where voters turn, they see your content. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/11/Google_Election_Spending_by_Format-1.png) Meanwhile, **Harris's Facebook-heavy approach** suggests a strategy focused on **direct engagement and mobilization**. Facebook ads allow for detailed micro-targetingā€”perfect for a campaign that wants to zero in on specific voter groups. Harris's ads were likely designed to build community, encourage discussions, and activate voter turnout. This was less about mass reach and more about **rallying the base**. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ### Messaging and Adaptability The platforms also highlight differences in **messaging style and adaptability**. Google ads, especially YouTube videos, take more preparation and are ideal for long-term, consistent messaging. **Trump's campaign likely leaned into this**, focusing on key issues and themes that remained steady throughout the election cycle. **Harris's Facebook focus**, however, meant a more **agile and responsive** strategy. Facebook ads can be quickly updated and adjusted, allowing the campaign to react to breaking news and tailor messages based on real-time voter sentiment. This adaptability is crucial in a fast-moving political landscape where public opinion can shift rapidly. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/11/Meta_Election_Spending_Ad_sets.png) ### Final Thoughts Ultimately, the ad spend data tells a story of two campaigns with **distinct strategies**. **Trump's campaign aimed for broad strokes**, visibility, and a consistent presence across Google's vast networks. **Harris's campaign prioritized engagement**, targeting specific voter segments with personalized messaging on Facebook. These approaches reflect their campaign objectivesā€”whether it's about being seen everywhere or building strong, interactive support networks. This comparison sheds light on the evolving role of digital platforms in political campaigns. It's not just about how much you spend but **where and why** you spend it that shapes the outcome. **Note:** The tools I used for this article are great for monitoring competitors on Google or Meta platforms. The Ad libraries allow you to view current and previous ads. **FAQ Section: Digital Ad Strategies in the 2024 Presidential Campaign** **Q: How did Trump and Harris allocate their digital ad budgets between Google and Facebook?** A: In the 90 days leading up to November 6, 2024, Trump allocated approximately $195.3 million to Google ads and $16.3 million to Facebook ads. Conversely, Harris spent about $126.4 million on Google and $69.3 million on Facebook. **Q: What were the primary objectives of Trump's focus on Google ads?** A: Trump's emphasis on Google aimed to achieve broad visibility. Utilizing Google's extensive reach through search ads, YouTube videos, and display networks, his campaign sought to maximize exposure and ensure his presence across various online platforms. **Q: Why did Harris invest more heavily in Facebook advertising?** A: Harris's campaign prioritized Facebook to foster direct engagement and mobilize supporters. Facebook's advanced targeting capabilities allowed her team to connect with specific voter groups, build community support, and encourage active participation. **Q: How did the differing ad strategies reflect each campaign's messaging approach?** A: Trump's strategy focused on consistent, broad messaging across Google's platforms, aiming for widespread reach. In contrast, Harris's approach on Facebook was more agile, enabling rapid response to current events and tailoring messages based on real-time voter feedback. **Q: What insights can be drawn from the digital ad spending patterns of both campaigns?** A: The spending patterns highlight distinct campaign priorities: Trump's campaign aimed for extensive visibility through Google's networks, while Harris's campaign concentrated on targeted engagement via Facebook. These strategies underscore the evolving role of digital platforms in political campaigns, where the choice of platform and spending allocation significantly influence outreach effectiveness. ### How Cursor AI Can Make Developers 10x More Productive URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-cursor-ai-can-make-developers-10x-more-productive/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:40.000Z As a software developer, Iā€™m always on the lookout for tools that can make my workflow faster and more efficient. Recently, I tested [**Cursor AI**](https://www.cursor.com/?ref=brianchristner.io), an AI-powered coding assistant designed to streamline development tasks. > After spending some time with it, I can confidently say that this tool has the potential to transform the way developers work and help developers achieve that elusive **"**[**10x productivity**](https://brianchristner.io/ai-is-an-enabler-not-a-job-killer/)**"** that everyone talks about. Here's my first impressions of using Cursor AI, the features that stood out to me, and how it can seriously boost productivity for developers and prompt engineers with no development experience. ### First Impressions of Cursor AI When I first started using Cursor AI, I wasnā€™t sure what to expect. Iā€™ve tried other AI code assistants before, but Cursor felt different right off the bat. The setup was simple, and it was very familar since it uses a fork of Visual Studio Code. The interface was intuitive ([looks just like VS Code](https://brianchristner.io/docker-and-microsoft-vs-code/)), and I could start using it without much of a learning curve. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/09/cursor_ux-1.jpg) Cursor User Interface What really surprised me was how fast and accurate Cursor AI was in generating code suggestions. It didnā€™t just throw random snippets at meā€”it actually seemed to understand the context of what I was doing. Cursor AI continues using previous context and the understanding of the your project as it indexes the entire project. After doing a quick tutorial I was up to speed quite quickly. The power features are really the Composer and Chat with your code features. Composer is activated with `Ctrl/āŒ˜ + Shift + I` which opens the Composer window. Composer is a multi-file code editor. You provide a prompt like: `I want a website written in Next.js with an about page, contact, and pricing` Cursor then creates the next.js boilerplate and the three pages as a result. This enables you to chat not only with your code but also with the entire project globally. Next is the Cursor chat function enabled using `Ctrl/āŒ˜ + K` Chat with certain lines of code or errors from the project, or tell it to add more functionality. This handy sidekick is amazing for productivity and fixing errors quickly. ### Automating Code Generation One of the first features I tested was **code generation**, and I have to say, itā€™s a game changer. I could type in a plain language description of what I needed, and Cursor AI would instantly generate functional code. For example, I was working on an API integration, and instead of spending time writing out the repetitive setup, Cursor generated the code for me in seconds. This saved me a ton of time. Normally, Iā€™d spend 15-20 minutes setting up the basic structure, researching specific functions, and ensuring everything was correctly connected. With Cursor, that entire process took less than a minute. For developers who regularly deal with boilerplate code or complex structures, this feature alone can shave hours off a project timeline. Itā€™s not just about working faster; itā€™s about freeing time to focus on the more critical, creative parts of the development process. ### Real-Time Bug Fixing If youā€™re a developer, you know how frustrating it is to hit a bug that takes hours to track down and fix. One of the coolest features of Cursor AI is its ability to **detect errors in real-time** and suggest fixes on the spot. I ran into an issue with OpenAI integration that wasnā€™t working as expected. Instead of manually debugging line by line, Cursor highlighted the problematic section. Right-click on the error, and you are provided with the tool **Fix with AI**. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/09/Cursor-Fix-with-AI.jpg) Cursor Fix with AI It pointed out a minor mistake: I forgot to declare a variable I probably wouldā€™ve missed for a while. After implementing the fix, everything ran smoothly. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/09/cursor-highlight_code.jpg) Cursor Accept Fix This feature alone could save me hours of debugging time. Instead of spending half a day chasing down a bug, I can rely on Cursor to point me in the right direction quickly. Itā€™s like having a senior developer sitting next to you, spotting issues as you code. ### Code Refactoring and Optimization Another area where Cursor AI impressed me was **code refactoring**. Over time, code can become messy, inefficient, or just plain complicated to read. Refactoring is essential to keep things clean, but it can also be time-consuming and tedious. Cursor AI simplifies this by suggesting improvements as I write code. It offers ways to make my code more efficient, helps clean up redundant sections, and even suggests better practices that I might not have thought of on my own. The best part? It does all of this without interrupting my workflow. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) After using Cursor for a bit, I started to trust its suggestions. It helped me keep my codebase cleaner and more maintainable without having to invest extra time in manual refactoring. ### Streamlined Documentation Documentation is one of those necessary evils in software development. Itā€™s boring, tedious, and often the first thing to get pushed aside when youā€™re trying to meet deadlines. But Cursor AI makes **automating documentation** easy. As I was coding, Cursor automatically generated relevant comments and documentation for my code. I didnā€™t have to stop and explain what each function or class was doingā€”it handled that for me. This ensures that anyone else working on the project, or even my future self will have clear documentation to reference. This is a huge productivity boost, especially when working in a team. Proper documentation keeps everyone on the same page and speeds up future development and onboarding. ### Cross-platform and Multi-Language Support One of the features I didnā€™t expect to love as much as I did was the **multi-language support**. I was switching between Python, JavaScript, and SQL for different parts of my project, and Cursor adapted to each language seamlessly. I didnā€™t have to install extra plugins or manually switch modesā€”Cursor recognized the language I was working in and offered relevant suggestions. This flexibility is a big win for developers who work across multiple platforms and languages, and it keeps the workflow smooth. ### Enhancing Collaboration Though I was testing Cursor AI alone, I could see how it would be incredibly useful in a team setting. It enforces **consistent coding practices**, generates uniform documentation, and could serve as an extra pair of eyes during code reviews. I can imagine it being particularly helpful in larger teams where consistency and communication are key. Cursor AIā€™s ability to maintain code standards across different developers ensures that everyone is on the same page. This can cut down on issues during integration and reduce time spent fixing inconsistent code styles. ### Learning and Upskilling I didnā€™t expect to learn as much as I did while using Cursor AI. Itā€™s like having an instant mentor built into your IDE. For example, when I wasnā€™t sure about the best approach to solving a specific problem, I would start coding, and Cursor would suggest better, more efficient ways to do it. Over time, I found myself learning new patterns, techniques, and best practices just by using it. For newer developers, I can see Cursor being a fantastic learning tool. It provides immediate feedback and helps you get better without needing to stop and search for answers online. This is invaluable when youā€™re on a tight deadline and need to keep the momentum going. For those with no coding experience you can also bootstrap an app or website with no coding experience but some patience and trial and error. ### My Attempt at a no Code Website with Cursor AI I created a demo website using Next.js to test it without trying to write any code. I prompted Cursor AI to build a Next.js landing page as a SaaS website for generative AI images. It should include four pages for our example SaaS website. - Home Page - Generative - Pricing - About - Contact After the boilerplate was completed, I asked that the website also include a header and footer, which was not included. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/09/cursor_image_saas_demo.jpg) SaaS Demo Next, the pricing page should include three pricing cards with a toggle button for monthly/annual plans. The amounts I indicated also support mobile scaling. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/09/saas_demo_pricing.jpg) SaaS Demo pricing The last step was creating a page to generate DALL-E 2 & 3 images. This took me quite some time to work through the OpenAI issues, formatting of the images, and lots of errors related to the different libraries. But in the end, it worked like a champ. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/09/cursor_ai_demo_gen_ai.jpg) Gen AI Demo SaaS ### Final Thoughts: Does Cursor AI Make Developers 10x More Productive? After using Cursor AI for the first time, I can honestly say that it has the potential to make developers significantly more productive. Whether [automating](https://brianchristner.io/why-zapier-won-my-time-back-from-n8n/) repetitive coding tasks, assisting with bug fixes, or streamlining documentation, Cursor does a great job of eliminating the friction that can slow us down and reduce context switching. While it might not make every developer 10x more productive overnight, it enables us to work faster, reduce errors, and focus on the more creative and challenging parts of development. > With time, it could help developers achieve the "**10x**" level of productivity that we all aspire to. If you havenā€™t tried Cursor AI yet, I highly recommend it. Itā€™s a tool that can potentially change the way we code, making us more efficient, more accurate, and ultimately, better developers. **FAQ Section: How Cursor AI Can Make Developers 10x More Productive** **What is Cursor AI?** Cursor AI is an AI-powered coding assistant that helps developers write code more efficiently by providing real-time code suggestions, error fixes, and automation tools within an intuitive interface. **How does Cursor AI improve coding productivity?** It automates repetitive coding tasks, generates functional code based on plain language prompts, and offers quick bug fixes, significantly reducing development time. **Can Cursor AI help with debugging?** Yes, Cursor AI detects bugs in real-time and suggests fixes, saving hours of manual debugging. **What coding languages does Cursor AI support?** It supports multiple languages like Python, JavaScript, and SQL, automatically adapting suggestions based on the language in use. **Is Cursor AI beneficial for beginner developers?** Absolutely. Cursor AI provides instant feedback and teaches better coding practices, making it a great learning tool for new developers. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How GameNGen Transforms Your Gaming Experience with AI-Driven Dynamic Worlds URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-gamengen-transforms-your-gaming-experience-with-ai-driven-dynamic-worlds-2/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:40.000Z The gaming world is witnessing a groundbreaking evolution with the introduction of [GameNGen](https://gamengen.github.io/?ref=brianchristner.io), a neural model-powered game engine that is reshaping how games are developed and experienced. The Google Research team rebuilt the cult classic game Doom using GameNGen. > GameNGen is not just a new game engine; it is a vision of the future of game development. Unlike traditional game engines that rely on pre-coded levels and worlds, GameNGen takes an entirely different approach. It utilizes artificial intelligence to create dynamic and responsive environments in real-time. As you play, the game is being adapted and generated...in real-time. This will change gaming forever! ### The Power Behind GameNGen At its core, GameNGen operates by training a reinforcement learning agent within a game environment. This agent interacts with the game, gathering data that is then processed by a diffusion model capable of predicting future frames based on past actions and visual inputs. This process allows GameNGen to simulate complex game environments with remarkable accuracy and fluidity, running at over 20 frames per second. What sets GameNGen apart is its ability to maintain long-term visual stability and high-quality gameplay. This is achieved by fine-tuning the latent decoder, a critical component that ensures the generated frames remain consistent and realistic over time. This approach enhances the gaming experience and opens the door to a new era of AI-driven content creation. GameNGen Gameplay ### The Implications for Game Development GameNGen represents a significant shift in game development. Traditional game development often involves painstakingly crafting every detail of a game, from the design of characters and environments to the scripting of events and interactions. This process can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. However, with GameNGen, much of this work can be automated. By leveraging AI, GameNGen can dynamically generate entire game worlds, characters, and scenarios. This means that developers can focus on broader creative concepts, leaving the intricate details to the AI. The result is a faster development process and the potential for more expansive and detailed game worlds than ever before. > I covered this previously when discussing how [AI will impact the iGaming](https://brianchristner.io/5-game-changing-ai-use-cases-for-the-igaming-industry/) industry. Additionally, GameNGen's AI-driven approach enables the creation of dynamic storylines that evolve based on player choices. This could lead to games with virtually limitless replayability, where each playthrough offers a unique experience. The ability to adapt and respond to player input in real-time also enhances the overall immersion, making the gaming experience more engaging and personalized. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ### Technical Challenges and Opportunities While GameNGen's potential is immense, it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of the primary challenges is the computational power required to run such advanced simulations in real-time. Although TPUs and other advanced hardware are becoming more accessible, the demand for processing power will continue to grow as simulations become more complex and detailed. Another challenge is the need for vast datasets to train the AI models effectively. In gaming, this involves generating or collecting large amounts of gameplay data to ensure the AI can accurately predict and simulate environments. This requirement could pose a barrier for smaller developers or independent creators who may not have access to extensive data resources. Despite these challenges, the opportunities presented by GameNGen are undeniable. As AI technology evolves, we expect to see further advancements in how GameNGen and similar technologies are applied in game development. The ability to create highly dynamic and responsive game environments will likely become a standard feature in future games, leading to richer and more immersive experiences for players. ### The Future of GameNGen As GameNGen continues to develop, it is poised to inspire more AI generated games and frameworks to be developed. Its AI-driven approach to game development not only streamlines the creation process but also opens up new possibilities for what games can be. From procedurally generated worlds to adaptive storylines, the future of gaming looks more dynamic and exciting than ever. Moreover, GameNGen's technology could inspire similar innovations in other areas of digital content creation. The principles behind GameNGenā€”using AI to simulate environments and predict future statesā€”could be applied to various fields, potentially revolutionizing how we create and interact with digital content across the board. ### Future of AI Gaming By harnessing the power of neural models and AI, GameNGen is setting the stage for a new era of dynamic, responsive, and immersive gaming experiences. While there are challenges to overcome, the potential benefits far outweigh the obstacles, making GameNGen a key player in the evolution of the gaming industry. As we look to the future, it is clear that GameNGen will play a crucial role in shaping how we develop and experience games, offering limitless possibilities for innovation and creativity. **FAQ Section: GameNGen - The Future of AI-Driven Game Development** **1\. What is GameNGen, and how does it differ from traditional game engines?** GameNGen is a neural model-powered game engine that uses AI to create dynamic and responsive game environments in real-time, unlike traditional engines that rely on pre-coded assets and deterministic algorithms. **2\. How does GameNGen enhance the gaming experience?** GameNGen enhances gaming by using AI to maintain long-term visual stability and create dynamic storylines that adapt to player choices, resulting in more immersive and personalized gameplay. **3\. What are the benefits of using AI in game development with GameNGen?** AI in GameNGen automates many aspects of game development, allowing developers to focus on creative concepts, speeding up the process, and enabling the creation of more expansive and detailed game worlds. **4\. What challenges do developers face when using GameNGen?** Developers face challenges such as the high computational power required for real-time simulations and the need for vast datasets to train AI models effectively. **5\. What does the future hold for GameNGen and AI-driven gaming?** GameNGen is set to become a cornerstone of the gaming industry, potentially revolutionizing game development with its AI-driven approach, leading to more dynamic and innovative gaming experiences. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Unlocking Indie Success: Engineering Insights from Pieter Levels on the Lex Fridman Podcast URL: https://brianchristner.io/unlocking-indie-success-engineering-insights-from-pieter-levels-on-the-lex-fridman-podcast/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:40.000Z I first discovered [Pieter Levels ](https://x.com/levelsio?ref=brianchristner.io)back in 2014 when he kicked off a project to [build 12 startups in 12 months](https://levels.io/12-startups-12-months/?ref=brianchristner.io). The way Pieter views development with super lean principles and his ability to attack new trends is inspirational. Inspired by Pieter I ran my own[ startup challenge](https://brianchristner.io/countdown-to-3-startup-launches/) building 3 products in 3 months which was super challenging but helped me learn by doing. When putting a time constraint on projects helped with keeping them minimal and lean. > Pieter is famous for keeping it simple (KISS method) and lean. His development stack is PHP & JQuery earning him Millions...That's it! Keeping it simple allows Pieter to keep it lean and uncomplicated. As a solopreneur that's important when handling all aspects of his businesses. ### What about the Pieter Levels Podcast? I personally really enjoyed this episode as it resonate with me as I'm a fan of lean and minimal tech. This episode covers everything from how Pieter comes up with ideas, development process, to automating all the things after the projects are live. In the [Lex Fridman podcast episode with Pieter Levels](https://lexfridman.com/pieter-levels/?ref=brianchristner.io), the conversation revolves around Levels' journey as an indie developer and entrepreneur, his approach to building startups, and his life as a digital nomad. Pieter Levels, known for his minimalist and self-reliant approach to entrepreneurship, shares his insights on the importance of simplicity, creativity, and automation in his work. ### Key Engineering Highlights from Pieter Levels: 1. **Rapid Prototyping and Iteration**: - Pieter emphasizes the importance of quickly launching prototypes to validate ideas. He prefers a scrappy, iterative approach to startup development, where he builds and tests multiple ideas in a short time frame. This approach was exemplified in his "12 startups in 12 months" challenge, where he rapidly developed and launched various projects to gauge their viability. 2. **Automation of Repetitive Tasks**: - Pieter is a strong advocate for automation in business. He automates numerous aspects of his projects, including using cron jobs to monitor the health of his websites and alerting him to any issues. He also leverages AI tools like GPT-4 to filter user-generated content, allowing him to maintain lean operations without a large team. 3. **Minimalism in Engineering**: - Pieter embraces minimalism not just in his lifestyle but also in his engineering philosophy. He focuses on creating lean, efficient systems that require minimal maintenance. This allows him to work independently and avoid the complexity that often comes with scaling large teams and projects. 4. **Focus on Creative Expression**: - Levels discusses how his work is driven by a passion for creative expression rather than financial gain. He enjoys the process of building and problem-solving, which he finds more fulfilling than scaling businesses for the sake of growth. This passion for creativity is reflected in his hands-on approach to coding and development, where he prefers to remain closely involved in the technical aspects of his projects. 5. **Learning and Adaptation**: - Pieter highlights the importance of continuous learning and staying adaptable in a rapidly changing tech landscape. He believes in self-education through hands-on experience, encouraging others to experiment with new technologies and tools as a way to learn and grow. Throughout the episode, Pieter Levels provides valuable insights into how an independent, minimalist approach to engineering and entrepreneurship can lead to success, emphasizing the importance of creativity, automation, and a passion for building things. His story is an inspiration for those looking to pursue their own path in the tech world without following the traditional route of seeking venture capital and scaling large teams. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) For a more detailed understanding of the conversation, you can refer to the full Podcast here ### FAQ Section: Engineering Insights from Pieter Levels on the Lex Fridman Podcast **What is Pieter Levels' approach to startup development?** Pieter Levels emphasizes rapid prototyping and iteration. He quickly builds and tests multiple ideas to validate their viability, which was showcased in his "12 startups in 12 months" challenge. **How does Pieter Levels utilize automation in his projects?** Levels automates various repetitive tasks using tools like cron jobs and AI, allowing him to maintain lean operations without a large team. **What is the significance of minimalism in Pieter Levels' engineering philosophy?** Levels' minimalist approach involves creating lean, efficient systems with minimal maintenance, enabling him to work independently and avoid complexity. **What drives Pieter Levels' work in entrepreneurship?** Pieter is driven by creative expression rather than financial gain, focusing on the joy of building and problem-solving over scaling businesses. **Why is continuous learning important according to Pieter Levels?** Levels stresses the importance of staying adaptable in the tech industry, encouraging hands-on experience with new technologies to foster growth and innovation. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### n8n: The Ultimate No Code and Open Source Workflow Automation Tool URL: https://brianchristner.io/n8n-the-ultimate-no-code-and-open-source-workflow-automation-tool/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:40.000Z In the era of automation and efficiency, tools like [n8n](https://n8n.io/?ref=brianchristner.io) have emerged as game changers. Whether you're a developer, business owner, or digital marketer, automating repetitive tasks is crucial for productivity. > n8n, an open-source workflow automation tool, enables you to automate complex processes across apps without requiring extensive coding knowledge. Let's explore n8nā€™s use cases, its ease of setup, and how it simplifies workflow management. By the end, you'll have a solid understanding of how this platform can streamline your day-to-day operations. ## What is n8n? n8n (pronounced "Node n Node") is an open-source workflow automation tool designed to connect various applications and services. It allows users to automate workflows by visually connecting different nodes that represent tasks or operations. This tool has grown in popularity due to its flexibility, ease of use, and powerful integrations with over 200 services, including Slack, Google Sheets, and GitHub. ### Why Choose n8n? Here are a few reasons why you should consider using n8n : - **Open-Source Flexibility**: Unlike some proprietary automation tools, n8n is open-source. You can self-host the service, meaning your data is always under your control. - **Extensive Integrations**: It supports various apps and APIs, making it suitable for diverse automation needs. - **No-Code/Low-Code**: n8n is ideal for non-developers who want to build complex workflows without diving deep into programming. - **Scalability**: Whether you're managing personal projects or enterprise-level automation, n8n can handle it all. - **Easy Setup:** Utilizing Docker, n8n makes it super simple to spin up a local instance of n8n within minutes or use a paid cloud service as an alternative. ## Popular Use Cases for n8n n8n is incredibly versatile, and its use cases span across industries. Letā€™s explore a few common scenarios where n8n excels: ### 1\. **Marketing Automation** Digital marketers often use n8n to streamline their workflow: - **Lead Management**: Automatically capture leads from forms and send them to your CRM or email marketing platform. - **Social Media Automation**: Schedule posts across different platforms or automatically share updates from a blog or RSS feed to social media channels. - **Email Campaigns**: Automate sending personalized emails to subscribers based on predefined triggers. Here's an example I pulled from the template store demonstrating [a workflow which summarizes blog posts with ChatGPT](https://n8n.io/workflows/1951-scrape-and-summarize-webpages-with-ai/?ref=brianchristner.io). In the example, it scapes Paul Gram's blog and summarizes the last blog post. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/n8n_workflow.jpg) n8n Webscraper and AI summarizer workflow Here's the latest blog post summary. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/paul_gram_summary.jpg) ### 2\. **Customer Support** Customer service departments can automate various repetitive tasks to improve efficiency: - **Ticketing Systems**: Integrate n8n with helpdesk tools to automatically assign tickets, send email notifications, or escalate issues based on specific conditions. - **Chatbots**: Automate chatbot responses, pulling information from a knowledge base to answer common queries, freeing up human agents for more complex issues. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/n8n_slack_chatbot_workflow.jpg) Slack chatbot workflow ### 3\. **Data Integration and Syncing** n8n is an excellent tool for managing data flows between systems: - **Syncing Databases**: Keep data in sync between two or more databases, ensuring information is up-to-date and accurate across platforms. - **ETL Processes**: Automate data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) tasks for large-scale data projects. - **Reporting**: Automatically generate reports from data sources, such as Google Sheets or databases, and send them to stakeholders at scheduled intervals. ### 4\. **Development and DevOps Automation** Developers can also leverage n8n to improve their workflows: - **CI/CD Pipeline Integration**: Automate your continuous integration and deployment processes, triggering builds, tests, or deployments when code is pushed to Git repositories. - **Error Monitoring**: Set up automated alerts and tasks based on error logs or system crashes, integrating with services like Sentry or Rollbar. - **Backup Management**: Automate the process of creating and storing backups for critical data or applications. ### 5\. **Personal Task Management** n8n isn't just for businesses. Individuals can also use it to manage personal projects: - **To-Do Lists**: Automatically add tasks to your favorite to-do list app when triggered by specific events (e.g., emails or calendar events). - **Smart Home Automation**: Integrate n8n with smart home devices to create custom workflows like turning on the lights or sending alerts when someone enters your home. ## Easy Setup: Getting Started with n8n One of n8n's strengths is its easy setup, even for beginners. You donā€™t need to be an expert in DevOps to get started. Hereā€™s a step-by-step guide to setting up n8n for personal or business use. ### Step 1: Installation Options n8n can be installed in several ways: #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) - **Cloud Hosting**: You can use n8n.cloud, the official hosted version, to avoid setting up and managing servers yourself. It's perfect for users who want quick and hassle-free access. - **Self-Hosting**: Self-hosting is an option for those who prefer control over their data and infrastructure. n8n can be installed via Docker, npm, or traditional server installation. The Docker deployment for a quick test installation is just two commands. First, create a volume, and second run the container and mount the volume as seen below: ```docker docker volume create n8n_data docker run -it --rm --name n8n -p 5678:5678 -v n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n ``` ### Step 2: Access the User Interface Once installed, you can access the n8n interface through your browser. The UI is intuitive, featuring a canvas where you can drag and drop nodes to build your workflows. Each node represents an action (e.g., sending an email) or a trigger (e.g., receiving a webhook). ### Step 3: Create Your First Workflow To create a workflow: - **Add a Trigger Node**: Every workflow starts with a trigger, such as receiving an email, a specific time of day, or an incoming webhook. - **Add Action Nodes**: After the trigger, add action nodes that represent the tasks you want to automate (e.g., send an email, update a database). - **Connect Nodes**: Use arrows to connect your trigger to the actions. This forms the logic of the workflow. - **Test and Deploy**: Once your workflow is built, test it with sample data before activating it. The platform also includes templates for popular workflows so beginners can get started quickly without building from scratch. I recommend to look at some of the [templates from the n8n team](https://n8n.io/creators/n8n-team/?ref=brianchristner.io) for some inspiration. ## Workflow Management with n8n The ability to manage workflows efficiently is one of the key selling points of n8n. Here's how the platform makes workflow management a breeze: ### Visual Workflow Builder n8n offers a visual, drag-and-drop workflow builder that allows you to design complex automation visually. You can see the entire process on one screen, making identifying and correcting any issues easy. ### Error Handling and Debugging Automated workflows sometimes break, especially when dealing with third-party integrations. n8n offers built-in error-handling features, such as retries and error-catching nodes, to minimize workflow interruptions. Additionally, n8nā€™s logs help you debug workflows by providing detailed insights into where issues occur. ### Version Control n8n includes version control for workflows, allowing you to track changes over time and roll back to previous versions if needed. This is particularly useful for complex workflows that evolve as your automation needs grow. Version control also assists in A/B testing and recreating workflows from previous versions. ### Scheduling and Conditional Logic You can schedule workflows to run at specific times or intervals. Additionally, n8n allows you to incorporate conditional logic, enabling workflows to follow paths based on certain conditions (e.g., if an email contains a specific keyword). ### Real-Time Monitoring Once workflows are activated, n8n provides real-time monitoring. You can track the performance of workflows, ensuring that automations are executed as expected. This is especially beneficial for mission-critical processes where failure could result in data loss or downtime. ## Conclusion n8n is a powerful yet user-friendly tool that can transform how businesses and individuals manage their workflows. Did I mention it is no/low code as well. So you don't need to be a developer to utilize n8n. Its open-source nature, extensive integrations, and ease of use make it a perfect choice for automating tasks. n8n is the perfect alternative to tools such as Zapier or IFTTT which are only SaaS solutions. n8n offers workflows possibilities foe all skill levels. **FAQ Section: n8n Workflow Automation Tool** **What is n8n and why should you use it?** n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool that connects apps and services, allowing you to automate tasks without coding. It's great for scalability, offers extensive integrations, and allows for self-hosting, ensuring full control over data. **How does n8n simplify marketing automation?** n8n automates lead management, social media updates, and email campaigns, making it easier to manage digital marketing tasks and improve efficiency. **Can n8n help with customer support tasks?** Yes, n8n integrates with ticketing systems and chatbots, automating responses and ticket assignments, which enhances customer service efficiency. **Is n8n suitable for data integration?** Absolutely! n8n supports syncing databases, automating ETL processes, and generating reports, streamlining data management tasks across platforms. **How easy is it to set up n8n?** Setting up n8n is beginner-friendly, with cloud hosting or Docker installation options available. The intuitive visual interface allows users to create workflows easily by dragging and connecting nodes. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How to Improve Note-Taking in Obsidian: Creating Great Readable Content URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-improve-note-taking-in-obsidian-creating-great-readable-content-2/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:41.000Z Note-taking is an essential skill for knowledge workers, students, researchers, and anyone looking to organize their thoughts and ideas effectively. Obsidian is a powerful knowledge management tool that takes note-taking to a new level by allowing users to connect ideas, build networks of information, and develop personal knowledge bases. > ā€œThe discipline of writing something down is the first step toward making it happen.ā€ \~ Lee Iacocca However, it's important to focus on improving note-taking within Obsidian to ensure that the content you create is not only organized but also clear, readable, and effective. In this blog post, we'll explore several tips and strategies for creating great, readable content while leveraging Obsidian's features and [making Obsidian your supercharged second brain](https://brianchristner.io/how-obsidian-became-my-supercharged-second-brain/). I firmly believe that Obsidian Notes helps map your thoughts into an app. However, using Obsidian templates and the tips below to help create structured and readable notes will pay dividends when you have thousands of notes. ## The Importance of Readable Notes Readable notes are not just about aesthetics. They ensure that your ideas and insights are easily digestible when you revisit them in the future. This is particularly important in apps like Obsidian, where information is linked in intricate webs. Well-structured and readable notes help you: - Retrieve information quickly - Make connections between ideas more effectively - Retain information for longer - Reduce cognitive load when reviewing notes Focusing on readability ensures that your notes remain useful long after theyā€™ve been written. The following strategies will help you achieve this inside Obsidian. ## 1\. Embrace Markdown Formatting for Structure Obsidian uses Markdown, a lightweight markup language that provides an easy way to format text. Markdown is key to making your notes readable and well-structured without the clutter of a traditional word processor. Save the [Obsidian Markdown Cheatsheet](https://publish-01.obsidian.md/access/09cfa50ec31c0f01873549787f02a7e0/assets/Markdown%20Cheat%20Sheet.pdf?ref=brianchristner.io) for future reference. ### Use Headers and Subheaders for Hierarchical Structure Markdown allows you to create headers using the `#` symbol easily. Create subheaders by adding more `#` symbols (e.g., `##`, `###`), which helps to create a hierarchy of ideas within your notes. - **H1 Header:** `# Header` - **H2 Subheader:** `## Subheader` - **H3 Subheader:** `### Subheader` Use headers and subheaders to break down complex topics into smaller sections. This makes it easier to scan your notes later and enhances the clarity of your content. ### Lists for Clarity Bulleted or numbered lists are perfect for organizing key points and related ideas without the bulk of full paragraphs. In Markdown, you can create bulleted lists with `-` or `*` and numbered lists with `1.`. Hereā€™s an example: - Key idea 1 - Key idea 2 - Sub-idea - Sub-idea - Key idea 3 Lists can also help you emphasize actionable items or create clear steps in your thought process, leading to more organized and reader-friendly notes. ## 2\. Leverage Links and Backlinks One of [Obsidianā€™s core features is linking notes](https://help.obsidian.md/Getting+started/Link+notes?ref=brianchristner.io) to enhance together via internal links and backlinks. This is powerful for building interconnected ideas, but links are also important to improve readability. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/Obsidian_Links.jpg) Obsidian Links ### Use Descriptive Links When creating links between notes, make sure the text used for the link is descriptive of the content. Instead of just linking a random word, create meaningful links that give context. **For example:** - **Not great:** ā€œHereā€™s more information on [this](https://obsidian.rocks/getting-started-with-zettelkasten-in-obsidian/?ref=brianchristner.io).ā€ - **Better:** ā€œHereā€™s more information on [Zettelkasten methodology](https://obsidian.rocks/getting-started-with-zettelkasten-in-obsidian/?ref=brianchristner.io).ā€ Descriptive links help you remember the linked note's content and provide context when reading through your notes later. They make your notes more informative and less ambiguous. ### Integrate Backlinks Thoughtfully Backlinks are another feature that connects your notes in the background. When used correctly, they can enhance readability by showing relationships between ideas. At the end of a note, you can include a "Related Notes" section that includes backlinks to other relevant notes, helping you navigate your knowledge graph easily. ### Create ā€œHubā€ Notes Consider creating "hub" notes summarizing larger themes or topics and linking to related notes. Hub notes provide a central place to explore related information and can serve as an overview of a specific area of interest. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ## 3\. Use Tags for Categorization Tags in Obsidian help categorize your notes into broad themes or subjects. Tags are another way to structure your knowledge base, allowing you to filter and find related notes on specific topics quickly. ### Best Practices for Tagging To maintain readability and avoid confusion: - **Keep tags simple and consistent.** Instead of using multiple tags for the same concept (`#productivity`, `#work_efficiency`), stick to one (`#productivity`). - **Use tags for themes, not specifics.** Tags are best for grouping broad themes like `#philosophy`, `#psychology`, or `#project_management`. Avoid tagging every little detail, which can become overwhelming. By tagging appropriately, youā€™ll be able to easily find clusters of notes, improving the organization of your ideas and making your notes more accessible. ## 4\. Write Concisely but with Depth One of the biggest challenges in note-taking is finding a balance between brevity and depth. To ensure readability: ### Write in Short Paragraphs Keep your paragraphs short and to the point. Long blocks of text can be intimidating and difficult to scan when reviewing notes later. Stick to one main idea per paragraph and separate related but distinct thoughts. ### Bullet Points and Highlights Use bullet points to break down complex ideas into simpler components whenever possible. Highlight key points with bold text or italics to highlight important concepts. This helps scan notes for relevant information and provides a more digestible format. **For example:** - **Key Insight:** Understanding cognitive load can improve study efficiency. - **Practical Tip:** Limit your study sessions to 30-45 minutes for better focus. ### Expand Where Necessary While brevity is important, donā€™t hesitate to dive deep into a concept when needed. Use Obsidian's linking feature to create a separate note for more detailed exploration and link back to the main note. This way, your notes remain concise without sacrificing depth. ## 5\. Use Visual Elements like Diagrams and Embeds Text is not the only medium available for note-taking in Obsidian. Visuals such as diagrams, tables, and embeds can make your notes more engaging and easier to understand. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/image-2.png) Obsidian [Diagrams Plugin](https://github.com/zapthedingbat/drawio-obsidian?ref=brianchristner.io) ### Create Mind Maps and Graphs Obsidian has a built-in graph view that visualizes the connections between notes. Using plugins like Mermaid.js, which Obsidian supports natively, you can also create diagrams within notes. **For example:** ```mermaid graph TD; A-->B; A-->C; B-->D; C-->D; ``` ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/image-3.png) [Obsidian Mind Map Plugin](https://github.com/lynchjames/obsidian-mind-map?ref=brianchristner.io) ### Embed Images and Files Don't hesitate to embed images or other files directly into your notes if your notes involve complex concepts or ideas that benefit from visual representation. This breaks up the text and adds a layer of clarity. ## 6\. Keep Notes Updated and Refined A key part of maintaining readable notes is keeping them updated. Obsidian's dynamic system of links and connections allows you to refine and improve your notes over time. ### Regularly Review Your Notes Revisit older notes to ensure that they are still relevant and well-organized. Update any outdated information, clarify points that may be unclear, and add new insights from recent readings or experiences. ### Refactor Notes As your knowledge grows, specific notes may become too cluttered or complex. Refactor these notes by splitting them into smaller, more focused pieces or by consolidating overlapping content. This ensures that your knowledge base remains efficient and easy to navigate. ## 7\. Utilize Plugins for Enhanced Functionality Obsidian has a vibrant community of developers who have created plugins to extend the app's functionality. Some plugins are specifically designed to improve readability and organization. ### Recommended Plugins for Readable Notes - [**Outliner**](https://obsidian.md/plugins?id=obsidian-outliner&ref=brianchristner.io)**:** This plugin enhances your ability to create outlines, making it easier to structure your notes hierarchically. - [**Tag Wrangler:**](https://github.com/pjeby/tag-wrangler?ref=brianchristner.io) Organize and manage your tags more effectively with this plugin, ensuring that your tags remain useful and consistent. - [**Advanced Tables**](https://github.com/tgrosinger/advanced-tables-obsidian?ref=brianchristner.io)**functional, clear,:** Create complex tables with better formatting options, improving the readability of data-heavy notes. Check out my previous post about the [Top 5 Best Obsidian ChatGPT plugins](https://brianchristner.io/discover-the-top-5-obsidian-chatgpt-plugins-for-ultimate-productivity/). ## Conclusion Obsidian is a powerful tool for note-taking and knowledge management, but creating great readable content requires intentional effort. By structuring your notes with Markdown, leveraging links and backlinks, using tags effectively, writing concisely yet deeply, integrating visual elements, and keeping your notes up-to-date, you can vastly improve the readability and utility of your notes. Obsidian offers the flexibility and features to create a personal knowledge base that is functional, clear, and easy to navigate. Implementing the strategies outlined in this post will help you make the most of your note-taking experience, ensuring that your notes remain valuable resources for years to come. **FAQ Section: Improving Note-Taking in Obsidian** **How can I enhance the readability of my notes in Obsidian?** To improve readability, use Markdown for formatting. Employ headers, subheaders, and lists to structure ideas. Break down complex topics into smaller, digestible sections and highlight key points. **What are the best ways to organize notes using Obsidianā€™s features?** Leverage links, backlinks, and hub notes to create interconnected ideas. Tags also help categorize and filter your notes effectively, making retrieval easier. **Why is concise writing important in Obsidian note-taking?** Concise writing keeps notes easier to scan and review. Short paragraphs and bullet points make it easier to find key information. **How can visual elements improve note-taking in Obsidian?** Incorporating diagrams, tables, and embedded images helps clarify complex ideas and makes notes more engaging. **How often should I update my notes in Obsidian?** Regularly review and refine notes, ensuring they stay relevant. Split cluttered notes into smaller ones for better organization. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### What is Microsoft Loop? The Future of Collaborative Workspaces URL: https://brianchristner.io/what-is-microsoft-loop-the-future-of-collaborative-workspaces/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:41.000Z The landscape is full of ever-evolving productivity tools, but a new entrant plans to dominate the space. Microsoft Loop has entered the chat. > Microsoft Loop: Revolutionizing teamwork with real-time, live collaboration across apps, turning every workspace into a dynamic hub for creativity and productivity. Introduced as part of the Microsoft 365 suite, [Microsoft Loop](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-loop?ref=brianchristner.io) is designed to transform teamwork by offering dynamic, flexible, and interconnected workspaces. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/Microsoft_Loop-1.png) But what exactly is Microsoft Loop, and how does it differ from other tools on the market? Letā€™s dive into its features, benefits, and use cases to understand why this tool could be the future of collaborative workspaces. ## What Is Microsoft Loop? Microsoft Loop is a real-time collaboration platform designed to help teams co-create, share, and manage content across multiple Microsoft applications. It is built on the concept of "components" that can be embedded into different Microsoft apps like Teams, Outlook, Word, and OneNote. These components are live, meaning any changes are automatically updated across all instances in real time, regardless of the application used allowing collaborators to see changes as they happen. > Think of Microsoft Loop as a hybrid between a note-taking app, a project management tool, and a shared document editor, with the flexibility to work across various platforms. Itā€™s like combining the best elements of popular tools like Notion, Asana, and Google Docs into a seamless, integrated workspace within the Microsoft O365 ecosystem. ### Key Components of Microsoft Loop **Microsoft Loop consists of three core elements:** 1. **Loop Components:** These are individual pieces of content that can exist across various Microsoft applications. They are designed to be small, portable productivity units**constantly**, such as task lists, tables, notes, or even complex project plans. Loop components are live, meaning they automatically sync and update across all apps where theyā€™re used, ensuring that everyone is always working with the latest information. 2. **Loop Pages:** These flexible canvases serve as collaborative spaces where teams can create, edit, and manage content. Loop pages can be as simple as a shared note or as complex as a multi-section project plan. They allow for real-time collaboration, with each contributorā€™s updates visible to others instantly. 3. **Loop Workspaces:** Workspaces are the overarching containers where all the Loop pages and components are organized. They serve as hubs for different projects or initiatives, allowing teams to bring together all the necessary resources, from documents to task lists, into one unified space. Workspaces help teams stay organized by providing a central location for managing various components and pages related to a specific project. ## Why Microsoft Loop Stands Out While numerous collaboration tools are available, Microsoft Loop offers several key advantages that make it stand out in the crowded market of productivity apps. Hold on! You might say that Microsoft Loop is late to the party. However, Microsoft has a proven track record of arriving late to the party only to dominate the space. For example, when Microsoft Teams launched, everyone, I mean everyone, was pessimistic about its ability to compete against the industry leader Slack. A few years later, Microsoft Teams dominated the space. The power of the Office 365 ecosystem enabled this massive growth. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/Microsoft-Teams-vs-Slack.jpeg) > **As of 2024, Teams boasts 320 million active users compared to Slack's 40 million.** Let's look at why Microsoft Loops stands out from the competition. ### 1\. **Cross-Application Integration** One of Microsoft Loop's most significant advantages is its deep integration with other Microsoft 365 apps. Because Loop components are live and can be embedded in apps like Teams, Outlook, Word, and Excel, they can be updated and interacted with from multiple places simultaneously. For example, a project plan embedded in a Loop page can also be added to a Teams chat or an Outlook email. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) Any changes made to that project plan, no matter where theyā€™re made, are reflected across all instances in real time. This cross-application functionality breaks down silos and ensures that information is always up to date, reducing the risk of version control issues. ### 2\. **Real-Time Collaboration** Collaboration in Microsoft Loop happens in real time, making it a powerful tool for teams working together on projects. Whether brainstorming, content creation, or project planning, Loop allows multiple people to contribute simultaneously, with live updates visible to all team members. This fosters a more dynamic and interactive working environment, enabling faster decision-making and execution. ### 3\. **Flexible and Modular Design** Microsoft Loop's component-based design offers a level of flexibility that traditional document-based collaboration tools donā€™t. Users can create bite-sized componentsā€”like checklists, tables, or even embedded filesā€”that are easy to share, manage, and update. These components can be reused across different workspaces, pages, or even other Microsoft 365 applications, reducing duplication of work and enhancing consistency across projects. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/microsoft_loop_components.png) Loop Components ### 4\. **Organization and Focus** By providing a dedicated workspace for each project, Microsoft Loop helps teams stay organized. Instead of hunting for documents, emails, or scattered notes, everything is brought together in a single, unified space. Loop workspaces ensure that all relevant materials are easily accessible, making it easier to stay focused on the task and reducing the clutter that often hampers productivity in traditional environments. ### 5\. **Enhanced Project Management** Though not a full-fledged project management tool, Microsoft Loop offers several features that facilitate efficient project tracking and management. Components like task lists, progress trackers, and deadlines can be easily embedded into Loop pages, allowing teams to keep track of their work directly within the workspace. Additionally, these components can be shared across different Microsoft 365 apps, ensuring everyone remains on the same page. ## Use Cases for Microsoft Loop Microsoft Loop is a versatile tool with many potential use cases. Here are a few examples of how teams across various industries can leverage it: ### 1\. **Brainstorming and Ideation** Teams looking to collaborate on new ideas can use Loop pages as shared whiteboards. Everyone can contribute their thoughts, add images, or embed relevant documents in real time, creating a dynamic space for brainstorming sessions. The live nature of Loop components ensures that ideas can be quickly refined and iterated upon, even if team members are working from different locations. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/microsoft_loop_bad_ideas_template.png) The Loop Bad Ideas Template is a real gem ### 2\. **Project Planning** With its modular design, Microsoft Loop is perfect for planning projects. Teams can create task lists, timelines, and resource allocation charts, all of which update in real time. These elements can be embedded in emails, Teams chats, or even PowerPoint presentations, ensuring that everyone involved in the project stays informed of any changes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/microsoft_loop_template_project_planning.png) Loop Project Planning Template ### 3\. **Content Creation and Review** For teams that work on content creationā€”whether itā€™s marketing copy, technical documentation, or product designsā€”Microsoft Loop provides a collaborative space for drafting, reviewing, and finalizing work. Content can be shared across multiple platforms, allowing team members to provide feedback, edit, and track real-time changes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/microsoft_loop_kanban-2.png) ### 4\. **Cross-Departmental Collaboration** Large organizations often face challenges with cross-departmental communication and collaboration. Microsoft Loop helps bridge the gap by offering a shared workspace where different teams can come together to work on shared initiatives. By integrating with existing Microsoft 365 tools, Loop makes it easier for departments to share information, manage joint projects, and stay aligned on goals. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/microsoft_loop_okr.png) ### 5\. **Remote and Hybrid Work Environments** With the rise of remote and hybrid work, Microsoft Loop is a timely solution for teams that arenā€™t always in the same physical location. Its real-time collaboration features help remote teams stay connected, work more efficiently, and reduce the communication gaps that can arise when people work across different time zones. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/microsoft_loop_meetings.png) ## The Future of Microsoft Loop Microsoft Loop is still a relatively new addition to the Microsoft 365 suite, but its potential is already apparent. Its real-time collaboration, cross-application integration, and modular design make it an ideal solution for the modern workplace. Microsoft continues to enhance Loop, adding new features and improving its integration with other Microsoft services. You may notice that more O365 tools constantly have shortcuts to Loop. We can expect it to become a central tool for many teams, helping to streamline workflows, improve communication, enhance productivity, and continue integrating with the O365 suite of tools. ## Conclusion Microsoft Loop represents a new era in collaboration and productivity, offering teams the tools they need to work together more effectively, regardless of location or the complexity of their projects. Its live components, flexible workspaces, and seamless integration with the broader Microsoft ecosystem position it as a game-changing tool for organizations of all sizes. As work environments continue to evolve, Microsoft Loop provides a dynamic, connected, and efficient solution for the future of teamwork. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### ### ### The Game-Changing Strategy: How Playables on YouTube, Netflix, LinkedIn, and NYT Are Driving Disruption! URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-game-changing-strategy-how-playables-on-youtube-netflix-linkedin-and-nyt-are-driving-disruption/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:41.000Z Have you played a Playable yet? If you've played games like [Wordle](https://www.nytimes.com/games/wordle/index.html?ref=brianchristner.io), [Connections](https://www.nytimes.com/games/connections?ref=brianchristner.io), [Tiles](https://www.nytimes.com/puzzles/tiles?ref=brianchristner.io), or [Sudoku](https://www.nytimes.com/puzzles/sudoku?ref=brianchristner.io) you've already experienced Playables, but you didn't even know it. They are now showing up in places you would've never expected. A "playable game" is a lightweight digital game designed to be playable directly within various media platforms or your browser. These games are typically embedded in websites, advertisements, social media platforms, or other digital ecosystems, making them easily accessible and convenient for users. > **Playables provide a viable marketing channel to drive new revenue and retention!** Mini-games, or quick games, as they've been referred to in other segments, have been around for quite some time. What is new is combining Playables into existing platforms to drive new customer acquisition and retention for existing platforms. When we mention names like YouTube, Netflix, LinkedIn, or the New York Times (NYT), we don't consider them gaming companies. However, Playables are a key driver in NYT's turnaround success. ### New York Times and Playables ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/06/Playables_NYT.png) Playables on New York Times Traditional media relies heavily on ads to fund its business. This business model has been suffering across the board, with most newspapers losing money or laying off staff in the last several years. The New York Times took this challenge into its own hands. In January 2022, [NYT acquired Wordle](https://wordsrated.com/impact-of-wordle-on-nyt/?ref=brianchristner.io), the absolute viral game, for a seven-figure sum. The acquisition pivoted the entire strategy of the NYT from selling ads to cross-selling NYT subscriptions from Wordle or similar games to NYT potential subscribers. This change of strategy resulted in a 42.65% increase in revenue and a 42.86% increase in subscriptions. > **NYT's is now bundling games, with other media packages to attract new subscribers...and it's working!!** [Playables are helping the NYT's thrive amid the media chaos](https://www.axios.com/2024/01/29/wordle-nyt-games-news-media-layoffs?ref=brianchristner.io). The NYT has set the benchmark or what is possible when combining Playables into subscription bundles which enables the NYT's to: 1. Acquire new subscribers 2. Retain existing customers and turn them into returning visitors. Here are some key characteristics of playables games: ### Characteristics of Playables Games 1. **Simplified Gameplay**: - **Short Sessions**: Designed for short play sessions, typically lasting a few minutes and sometimes a single game per day. This model drives retention as players want to return back the next day to play the next game. Combined with gamification mechanics that inspire players to log in daily to unlock challenges and continue playing streaks. - **Simple Mechanics**: Easy to understand and play, catering to a wide audience with varying levels of gaming experience. 2. **Engagement and Retention**: - **High Engagement**: Aimed at quickly capturing the player's attention and keeping them engaged. - **Retention Strategies**: Often incorporate elements that encourage repeat play, such as leaderboards, achievements, building streaks, or rewards. 3. **Monetization**: - **Ad Revenue**: Can generate revenue through in-game advertisements or sponsorships. - **Microtransactions**: These may include options for in-game purchases or microtransactions. - **Cross-Selling:** NYT's has proven that using Playables is a great lever to acquire new customers. ### YouTube launched Playables this week ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/06/YouTube_playables_angry_birds.png) YouTube Playables - Angry Birds [YouTube announced this week that 75 Playables ](https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/youtube-playables/?ref=brianchristner.io)are available to play on the web, iOS, or Android apps. Of course, in Switzerland, where I am, it is not yet available. ***However, here's the direct link to YouTube Playable Games*** [***Angry Birds Showdown***](https://www.youtube.com/playables/Ugkxb2gxwOZu9QDqSZymy8YWhn%5FNJbg2BQXH?ref=brianchristner.io)***,*** [***Words of Wonders***](https://www.youtube.com/playables/UgkxPFCtv4YicBUoaAB3qI5p2%5Fk96YzBpj0x?ref=brianchristner.io)***,*** [***Cut the Rope***](https://www.youtube.com/playables/Ugkx2d5qQg5%5FSnq2mIm4BC1tyrHkdS%5F2daYs?ref=brianchristner.io)***,*** [***Tomb of the Mask***](https://www.youtube.com/playables/UgkxKXJt3Dp8gutdeca9P-UpEM3LLaeDffpa?ref=brianchristner.io)***, and*** [***Trivia Crack***](https://www.youtube.com/playables/UgkxfKri7hfiRMnRbdGkN-SLmF6YjBPnvism?ref=brianchristner.io)***.*** Of course, I tried Angry Birds and lost 20 minutes of my life reliving some old playing habits. The games are great and launch directly within the YouTube app which keeps you inside their ecosystem. I can imagine the next step is building more gamification to unlock new games or features to keep players returning for more. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) > **Also, I'm sure Google Ads will be coming for this space...** The Playables for YouTube will definitely increase the retention of YouTube users considerably and might even open up opportunities to cross-sell their premium YouTube membership to unlock more games or features. ### NetFlix Games ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/06/Netflix_Playables.png) Netflix Games Netflix is also flirting with the games space. [Netflix Games ](https://www.netflix.com/tudum/games?ref=brianchristner.io)contains surprisingly a lot of games already. However, what sets Netflix apart from NYT, YouTube, and LinkedIn is that the games are all mobile games requiring you to install on your phone. With games such as Sonic, Grand Theft Auto III, and Stranger Things makes the brand effect quite interesting. The advantage of Netflix is that they already own the rights to many movies and TV Shows, so this could become a very interesting space for them. The games are included in your Netflix subscription, and Netlfix states, "No ads. No extra fees. No in-app purchases.". However, this doesn't prevent them from learning more about your online playing preferences and building an even better data profile on you. > **Netflix + Games = the ultimate Netflix and Chill!** ### LinkedIn Playables The surprising contender in the Playables space is [LinkedIn Games](https://www.linkedin.com/games/?ref=brianchristner.io). Playables is actually the best idea for LinkedIn out of all the platforms. only has three games Playables is actually the best idea for LinkedIn out of all the platforms. LinkedIn is known for great content but interacts less with content than other social media platforms. LinkedIn has a user base of [1 Billion users, yes, Billion with a "B". folks. ](https://blog.hootsuite.com/linkedin-statistics-business/?ref=brianchristner.io)Adding Playables to the offering makes absolutely perfect sense. If LinkedIn can increase Daily Active users by 1% by using Playables, this could enormously impact revenue and interactions. In my eyes, LinkedIn is the sleeper out of the bunch that has the greatest potential to unlock either cross-selling of other products or increasing engagement, maybe both. > **My only concern is LinkedIn could turn into the old Facebook days, and my entire timeline is spamming me with Farmville/LinkedIn Games updates.** First impressions: I played Queens quickly to see what the game was. After completing the game, LinkedIn informed me that three of my connections also played this game. The social graph aspect could be another way to see who's best in your network or company on a particle game. I could see a lot of value here with the entire social aspect ### Benefits of Playables Games - **Wide Reach**: Accessible to a broad audience due to their platform-independent nature. - **High Engagement**: Interactive and engaging, leading to higher user retention and time spent. - **Marketing Tool**: Effective for brand engagement and promotional campaigns. - **Ease of Use**: Simple and quick to play, requiring minimal effort from the user. In summary, playable games are a versatile and engaging form of digital entertainment that leverages the accessibility and integration capabilities of modern web and mobile platforms. They provide an interactive experience that is easy to access and play, making them popular for casual gaming and marketing. ### FAQ Section: The Game-Changing Strategy with Playables on YouTube, Netflix, LinkedIn, and NYT **What are Playables and how do they work?** Playables are lightweight digital games embedded within various media platforms or browsers, designed for short, engaging play sessions. They often feature simple mechanics to cater to a wide audience and aim to drive user retention and engagement through repeat play incentives like leaderboards and daily challenges. **Why are Playables important for platforms like NYT and YouTube?** Playables provide an innovative marketing channel for these platforms, helping to drive new revenue and increase user retention. For example, the NYT uses Playables to cross-sell subscriptions, significantly boosting their revenue and subscriber base. **How have Playables impacted the New York Times?** The NYT's acquisition of Wordle led to a new strategy of bundling games with media subscriptions, resulting in a 42.65% revenue increase and a 42.86% rise in subscriptions. This strategy has become a benchmark for leveraging Playables to attract and retain subscribers. **What benefits do Playables offer to users and platforms?** Playables are accessible and engaging, leading to higher user retention and longer time spent on platforms. They serve as effective marketing tools, driving brand engagement and promotional campaigns. For platforms, they offer new revenue streams through ads and cross-selling. **What future developments are expected for Playables on platforms like LinkedIn and Netflix?** LinkedIn aims to increase daily active users by incorporating social aspects into Playables, while Netflix leverages its extensive media library to offer exclusive games, enhancing their subscription value. Both platforms are exploring how Playables can boost user engagement and monetization. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### AI is an Enabler not a Job Killer URL: https://brianchristner.io/ai-is-an-enabler-not-a-job-killer/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:42.000Z The internet is full of fearmongers and clickbait titles. I'm here to tell you that AI will take some jobs, but it will mostly be an enabler for everyone else. We often hear about 10x developers or 10x employees. What if AI can enable everyone in the workforce to be a 10x employee? AI creates new opportunities and helps us become more efficient. > AI is a powerful enabler, driving innovation, efficiency, and growth across various industries. **The Role of AI in the Modern Workforce** Integrating AI into the workforce revolutionizes how we approach tasks and solve problems. What if I told you that by utilizing [ChatGPT](https://openai.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) and [Zapier](https://zapier.com/?ref=brianchristner.io), you can easily automate mundane tasks? I've done this in a previous article, where instead of manually tracking my competitors, I built a [GPT competitor analysis tool](https://brianchristner.io/how-to-build-a-competitor-analysis-tool-using-chatgpt/) to do it for me. AI's ability to quickly process vast amounts of data allows us to automate tasks and take over current processes. Initially, AI will take over single processes end to end. The real art of AI is when we start stringing together multiple processes automated by AI. ![closeup photo of Stormtrooper action figure lot](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1566773573162-ffa670012495?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fGxlZ28lMjBmYWN0b3J5fGVufDB8fHx8MTcxNzQ0ODkyMXww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Omar Flores](https://unsplash.com/@designedbyflores?ref=brianchristner.io) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) **AI in Creative Fields** In creative industries, AI is a collaborator, not a competitor. Artists, writers, and designers use [AI Tools](https://theresanaiforthat.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) to generate new ideas, streamline workflows, and experiment with innovative concepts. For instance, AI can suggest new design trends, write initial content drafts, or [create music](https://brianchristner.io/an-ai-generated-song-using-javascript-as-the-text-of-the-song/) based on specified parameters. This enables creatives to push the boundaries of their work, enhancing their creative process rather than replacing their unique talents. Again, we don't replace existing creative people but enhance their abilities to become even more productive. I gave a talk recently about [AI in iGaming](https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianchristner/overlay/1714390613647/single-media-viewer/?profileId=ACoAAAAbPwYBy4CRBH6SAkEbN9FuOEnOlzL%5FoKE&ref=brianchristner.io) and how game design took up to 3 months to create a new game design. Leveraging AI tools, we've reduced the amount of time needed to under a month. I aim to get this down to two weeks by the end of the year. ![man mini figure](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1534309466160-70b22cc6f854?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDI1fHxsZWdvJTIwYXJ0aXN0fGVufDB8fHx8MTcxNzQ0ODk4NHww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Alan Hardman](https://unsplash.com/@alanaktion?ref=brianchristner.io) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) **Enhancing Productivity with AI** AI tools can automate routine administrative tasks like scheduling meetings, managing emails, and organizing data. This automation allows employees to focus on high-value tasks requiring human judgment and creativity and reduces context switching, which is deadly for productivity and creativity. > My goal by the end of the year is to build a [GPT ](https://chatgpt.com/gpts?ref=brianchristner.io)that will read my Gmail inbox, prioritize my inbox by priority, answer emails with an automated template, and ping me when I need to respond to something. Of course, I don't want everything automated by maybe 50%. Imagine, if you could automate 50% of your inbox, how much productivity you could save? #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) Obviously, we need human interaction to ensure we are not sending random hallucination emails to important contacts. Initially, I will check each email before sending it, but that is still my goal. Next, I will start on a secondary Gmail inbox, not my primary... you know, for safety. ![a lego robot with a camera on its head](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1634912314598-1d81dbfdcf86?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDM5fHxsZWdvJTIwcm9ib3R8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzE3NDQ5MTAxfDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [James A. Molnar](https://unsplash.com/@jamesamolnar?ref=brianchristner.io) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) **AI Empowering Small Businesses** AI is also a powerful tool for small businesses. AI tools can also automate back-office functions, such as inventory management and accounting, allowing small business owners to focus on growth and innovation. Let's take, for example, the entire back office of a small business. The amount of time I used to spend creating invoices, chasing invoices, and reconciling was upwards of 10-15 hours per week. Is AI a perfect solution to handle each of these processes individually and then update you with a status? Could you save 10 hours a week with such a solution? Absolutely! ![Soap n Suds laundry shop signed open](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1499617843901-1d834b5db8d3?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDE3fHxsZWdvJTIwc2hvJUMzJUJDcHxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTc0NDkxOTd8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Jayden Yoon ZK](https://unsplash.com/@jaydenyoonzk?ref=brianchristner.io) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) **New Job Opportunities Created by AI** Contrary to the belief that AI destroys jobs, it actually creates new ones. We've gone through this exercise in the past. When the first factories were erected, tradesmen said it would kill all the jobs. Sure, it may have eliminated some tradesmen's jobs, but it actually produced 1000x more jobs in the factories of the years. The same applies to computers, robotics, automation, and AI. These technologies have eliminated jobs but also created new ones. > As AI technology evolves, it spawns entirely new industries and job categories. We have already seen new jobs spring to life in the advent of ChatGPT. For example, "Prompt Engineering" only became a topic at the beginning of 2023 as seen below in the [Google Trends report](https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=all&q=%2Fg%2F11p6kpgt%5Fn&hl=en-US&ref=brianchristner.io). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/06/prompt-engineering-google-trend.png) Prompt Engineering Google Trend **The Future of AI and Work** The symbiotic relationship between AI and human workers will continue to evolve. As AI takes on more routine tasks, humans can focus on roles that require creativity, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking. This shift will lead to more fulfilling and meaningful work, fostering a collaborative environment where AI and humans complement each other's strengths. > **AI will enable us to reduce context switching, return to more creative and productive output, and enable all us to be a 10x employee.** ![grayscale photography of two Lego minifigs](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1558492426-df14e290aefa?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDEzfHxsZWdvJTIwfGVufDB8fHx8MTcxNzQ0ODkwMnww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Will Porada](https://unsplash.com/@will0629?ref=brianchristner.io) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## FAQ Section: AI is an Enabler, Not a Job Killer **What role does AI play in the modern workforce?** AI revolutionizes the workforce by automating mundane tasks, allowing employees to focus on higher-value work. Tools like ChatGPT and Zapier streamline processes, enhancing productivity and efficiency. **How can AI benefit creative fields?** AI acts as a collaborator in creative industries, helping artists, writers, and designers generate new ideas, streamline workflows, and experiment with innovative concepts, ultimately enhancing their creative output. **Can AI enhance productivity in everyday tasks?** Yes, AI can automate routine tasks like scheduling meetings, managing emails, and organizing data, freeing up time for employees to focus on tasks that require human judgment and creativity. **How does AI support small businesses?** AI can automate back-office functions such as inventory management and accounting, allowing small business owners to concentrate on growth and innovation, significantly saving time and resources. **Does AI create new job opportunities?** Contrary to the belief that AI destroys jobs, it creates new ones. As AI technology evolves, it spawns entirely new industries and job categories, leading to more opportunities in fields like prompt engineering. ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### An AI-generated song that sings Javascript Source Code URL: https://brianchristner.io/an-ai-generated-song-using-javascript-as-the-text-of-the-song/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:42.000Z Developers sometimes describe their code as beautiful, unique, or flowing. Non-developers never had the same appreciation. But have you ever had your code sing to you? AI tools such as [https://suno.com/](https://suno.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) or [https://www.udio.com/](https://www.udio.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) make creating AI music extremely easy using text prompts. Prompt to music is now a thing. What is I find incredible is taking every day text like MIT licesnes agreements, Blue Screen of Deaths (BSOD), or general computer errors and turning them into really great songs. Here's a great example of taking Javascript and promting Suno to sing the Javascript like dubstep. > Absolutely incredible. An AI-generated song using Javascript as the text of the song. - [https://t.co/ylXRHwv4jF](https://t.co/ylXRHwv4jF?ref=brianchristner.io) > > ā€” Brian Christner (@idomyowntricks) [May 3, 2024](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks/status/1786291679776903649?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=brianchristner.io) Another example, is using the MIT license and turning into 90's grunge music. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) [MIT - Open Source Anthem by @sunnycover638 | Suno90ā€™s grunge music, lead grunge male vocal style, with the rhythm of system of a down chop suey, 90s, alternative punk song. Listen and make your own with Suno.![](https://suno.com/favicon.ico)Suno![](https://cdn1.suno.ai/image_a4c5a8e2-0284-4234-ab04-8343b33b5219.png)](https://suno.com/song/a4c5a8e2-0284-4234-ab04-8343b33b5219?ref=brianchristner.io) How about adding Tango to your Access Viloation Error? [ACCESS VIOLATION by @reversed | Sunotango, error, glitch, null song. Listen and make your own with Suno.![](https://suno.com/favicon.ico)Suno![](https://cdn1.suno.ai/image_9a74f12c-de65-43fe-a3f1-a8b694ef011f.png)](https://suno.com/song/e7bec6e6-83f2-412d-96ba-444c2f407b14?ref=brianchristner.io) These are just some of the many interesting ways to use AI to generate new content and experiences. I encourage everyone to really experiment with these tools just to understand what is possible. **FAQ Section: Exploring AI-Generated Music with JavaScript** 1. **What is AI-generated music and how is it created using JavaScript code?** AI-generated music uses tools like [Suno](https://suno.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) or [Udio](https://www.udio.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) to convert text, including JavaScript code, into musical compositions, showcasing AIā€™s creative potential in music production. 1. **What are some examples of AI-generated songs featured on the blog?** The blog features unique tracks like a dubstep song created from JavaScript code and a 90ā€™s grunge song derived from an MIT license. 1. **How can AI-generated music be utilized for innovative content creation?** It can create engaging and novel content for entertainment, education, and marketing by transforming everyday text into music. 1. **What tools are used to generate music from text like JavaScript code?** Tools like Suno are used to convert text, including code, licenses, and error messages, into musical compositions. 1. **What is the significance of using AI to transform text into music?** This innovative approach demonstrates the versatility of AI, offering new ways to engage audiences and explore the intersection of technology and creativity. ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### GPT-4o vs. Google I/O 2024: The Battle of the AI Giants Comparison URL: https://brianchristner.io/gpt-4o-vs-google-i-o-2024-the-battle-of-the-ai-giants-comparison/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:42.000Z ### Introduction In the world of AI and tech, OpenAI's GPT-4o announcement and Google's I/O 2024 keynote have been significant milestones. Both events introduced groundbreaking advancements this week, setting new standards for AI capabilities and user experiences. Letā€™s dive into a detailed comparison of these two pivotal announcements. As OpenAI beat Google to market with their announcement which helps considerably from a PR perspective. I must say I am now using the voice assistant of ChatGPT much more. I find it really helpful and I already tested it in a conversation to provide translation. Worked great from German to English. What's really impressive is the latency or lack there of. Once my ChatGPT iOS app had new model available I tested it with a picture of inside the train I was traveling on. I promoted Chat GPT-4o to try and figure out where I was. The results were impressive and everyone I showed was absolutely shocked of this new capability. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/05/gpt-4o_image-tweet.png)](https://x.com/idomyowntricks/status/1790310989587485064?ref=brianchristner.io) ### OpenAI's GPT-4o Announcement May 13, 2024 **Key Features and Updates:** 1. **Enhanced Modalities:** - **GPT-4 Turbo with Vision**: This model can now process images, enabling use cases such as generating captions, analyzing real-world images, and reading documents with embedded figures. It's particularly beneficial for applications like BeMyEyes, assisting visually impaired users with daily tasks. - **Text-to-Speech (TTS)**: A new TTS model capable of generating human-like speech from text. With six preset voices and two model variants (`tts-1` for real-time and `tts-1-hd` for high-quality output), it offers versatile use cases from accessibility to creative applications. > Side note here. Sam Altman clarified afterwards that the new voice model is still not available yet. So what is currently working in the app is the old version with new text mode. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/05/sam_altman_gpt4o_status_tweet.png)](https://x.com/sama/status/1790817315069771959?ref=brianchristner.io) 1. **Assistants API:** - **Code Interpreter**: This tool can write and run Python code, generate graphs, and process complex data files, significantly aiding developers and data analysts. - **Retrieval API**: Enhances the assistant's knowledge with external data, making it easier to integrate proprietary information without extensive setup. - **Function Calling**: Allows the assistant to execute custom functions, enhancing its ability to perform specific tasks based on user needs. 2. **Model Customization:** - **GPT-4 Fine-Tuning**: OpenAI introduced an experimental access program for fine-tuning GPT-4, aiming to improve performance for specific tasks. - **Custom Models Program**: For organizations with extensive proprietary datasets, this program offers the ability to train custom GPT-4 models tailored to specific domains. 3. **Enterprise Features:** - **ChatGPT Enterprise**: Offers enterprise-grade security, unlimited usage of GPT-4, faster performance, and advanced data analysis tools. It also includes administrative tools for large-scale deployments and custom chat workflows ### Google's I/O 2024 Keynote May 14, 2024 **Key Features and Updates:** 1. **AI Enhancements:** - **Generative AI in Search**: Google has integrated generative AI into its search engine, making search results more contextual and personalized. This feature aims to provide more accurate and relevant answers to complex queries. - **AI for Workspace**: Google Workspace received significant AI upgrades, including enhanced email drafting, meeting summaries, and data insights, powered by generative AI models. 2. **Product Announcements:** - **Pixel Devices**: New Pixel devices were unveiled, including the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet, showcasing advanced AI integration for improved user experiences. - **Android Updates**: The latest Android version includes AI-driven features such as adaptive battery management, personalized UI themes, and enhanced privacy controls. 3. **Developer Tools:** - **PaLM 2**: Google's next-generation language model, designed to improve language understanding and generation, offering more nuanced and accurate outputs. - **Vertex AI Updates**: Enhancements to Google's Vertex AI platform include new machine learning tools, better integration with other Google Cloud services, and improved model management capabilities. 4. **Privacy and Security:** - **Federated Learning**: Google emphasized its commitment to privacy with advancements in federated learning, ensuring user data is processed locally and securely. ### Comparison **Innovation and Reach:** - OpenAI's GPT-4o focuses heavily on enhancing AI's multimodal capabilities and providing robust tools for developers and enterprises. The inclusion of vision, advanced TTS, and customizable models highlight OpenAI's push towards versatile and powerful AI solutions. - Google's I/O 2024 showcases broader integration of AI across its product ecosystem, enhancing both consumer-facing products and developer tools. The emphasis on generative AI in search and Workspace demonstrates Google's commitment to embedding AI deeply into everyday user interactions. **Enterprise and Developer Focus:** - OpenAI's updates cater extensively to enterprise needs with tools like ChatGPT Enterprise, offering security, customization, and advanced data analysis. The Assistants API and function calling further extend its utility for specialized applications. - Google balances between consumer and enterprise needs, with significant updates to Pixel devices and Android for consumers, and powerful AI tools like PaLM 2 and Vertex AI for developers. **Security and Privacy:** - Both OpenAI and Google prioritize security and privacy. OpenAI ensures enterprise-grade security with SOC 2 compliance and encrypted data management. Google advances federated learning, ensuring user data remains private and secure. ### Conclusion Both OpenAI's GPT-4o and Google's I/O 2024 announcements represent significant strides in AI technology. While OpenAI focuses on enhancing the versatility and customization of its models, Google integrates AI deeply into its product ecosystem, aiming for widespread user benefits. Each company's unique approach underscores their commitment to advancing AI and providing powerful tools and experiences for users and developers alike. Google will have a larger impact as they are integrating directly into tools like Google Analytics, Firebase, etc so everyday users will come into contact with it. Whereas OpenAI is working from outside in. > The big advantage here is still OpenAI. I heard a long time ago actually during a Google conference about marketing. **Once your brand becomes a verb, you've won.** ChatGPT is well on it's way to become the default verb in the AI space. When is the last time you heard a teenager say Gemini? ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### The Metaverse is Dead URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-metaverse-is-dead/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:42.000Z I believe peak Metaverse is firmly in our rearview mirror. According to [Google Trends](https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=today%205-y&q=metaverse&hl=en-US&ref=brianchristner.io), Facebook's announcement of rebranding to Meta on October 21, 2021, was the catalyst for the upward trend in Metaverse. Four short months later, we hit peak Metaverse. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/04/metaverse_trend-1.png) Metaverse Google Trend last 5 years Like many of us, I, too, was captivated by the allure of the Metaverse, believing it to be the next big thing. We were all caught up in the NFT mania, a collective frenzy that further stoked the fires of the Metaverse hype as NFTs soared in value. Both NFTs and the Metaverse resemble the Swiss Alps. There is a massive run-up, followed by a drop-off shortly after, which resembles a Swiss mountain peak. It's easy now to see the enormous peak, but how do we spot future fads versus technology that can sustain a hype cycle? ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/04/nft_trend.png) NFT run-up trend Will we see Metaverse projects continue? Sure. In [Matthew Ball's book "The Metaverse"](https://books.google.ch/books/about/The%5FMetaverse.html?id=32yPEAAAQBAJ&source=kp%5Fbook%5Fdescription&redir%5Fesc=y), Ball defines the Metaverse as an extensive online realm that integrates virtual and augmented realities, creating interconnected experiences that span various digital platforms. The Metaverse would be a connector between platforms and experiences. So, according to this definition, the Metaverse should live on. **The Metaverse, which we were sold, is Dead!** #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) We are not meeting in the Metaverse or wearing big VR headsets all day. They are fun for an hour or so, but people will not wear them the entire day to interact with their colleagues. We already have Teams/Zoom fatigue, and now we want to immerse ourselves deeper into this. **No way!** > Do I have 3 VR headsets sitting on the shelf? Yup, and I don't plan on buying more anytime soon as I'm disappointed every time. Even the company that rebranded itself after the Metaverse left the chat and turned the focus away from the Metaverse to AI instead. [Meta is buying Nvidia GPUs by the 1000s](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/18/mark-zuckerberg-indicates-meta-is-spending-billions-on-nvidia-ai-chips.html?ref=brianchristner.io) and is building some fantastic Open Source LLM tools for AI, like [Llama 3](https://ai.meta.com/blog/meta-llama-3/?ref=brianchristner.io). Meta is becoming more of an Open Source company than OpenAI. Now that AI is the next big thing, I'm not running like a bull into a china shop. However, if we [zoom out and look at AI over the years](https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=today%205-y&q=ai,metaverse,nft&hl=en-US&ref=brianchristner.io), it steadily grows and does not have a sharp peak like the Metaverse or NFTs as the trend continues on months later. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/04/ai_trends_vs_metaverse_nfts.png) AI compared to Metaverse and NFT's over the last 5 years. Does this mean it might die tomorrow? Maybe! But, something I couldn't do with either the Metaverse or NFTs was being able to build something of value, whereas, with AI, I have built several useful tools myself, which I continue to use. Like Docker, AI enables developers to build, ship, and run applications more quickly. AI also allows the masses to create solutions, answer questions, or automate tasks, enabling them to help build communities and products. AI has existed since the 1950s, and [Alan Turing was already circulating papers on Artificial Intelligence in 1941](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History%5Fof%5Fartificial%5Fintelligence?ref=brianchristner.io#Birth%5Fof%5Fartificial%5Fintelligence%5F%281941-56%29). So AI is not new, but AI in its current form of GPTs and LLMs has only been around since 2018. Companies are hyping AI, misbranding products as AI, and more. We are in a hype cycle, but AI has Enterprise software adoption, and governments are rushing to regulate, unlike Metaverse and NFTs. Whenever Enterprises and governments get involved this is a positive signal. Am I rushing into AI? Yes, because I never learn... ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How to recover an unresponsive iPhone URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-recover-an-unresponsive-iphone/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:43.000Z How to recover an unresponsive iPhone If your iPhone is unresponsive, you've tried hard resetting it and still haven't had any luck. I have a last-resort iPhone recovery method for you. > **Note this will erase and restore your phone, so you can lose data or application configurations.** **What you will need to recover your iPhone:** 1. USB-C cable or lighting cable 2. Apple laptop or desktop computer Steps to Recover your iPhone 1. Next, open Finder on your Apple Laptop or Desktop. 2. Plug-in the USB cable first into your Apple Laptop or Desktop A pop-up will quickly flash on your Laptop or Desktop, prompting you to allow the iPhone to be connected. I had to unplug/plug in the cable several times as the pop-up quickly disappeared. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/04/finder.png) MacOS Finder Once the Finder is connected to the iPhone, go to the bottom right of the Finder screen and select "Locations." Here, find your iPhone name connected and click on the name of your iPhone. Now, the Finer window displays your iPhone management. Here, click the "Restore iPhone" button. It will take about 20 Minutes to restore and then another 20-30 minutes after the restore to sync your photos, apps, etc., on the freshly installed phone from your latest backup. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/04/iPhone_restore_17.4.1.png) MacOS Finder to restore iPhone ## iPhone 17.4.1 Turned my phone into a brick How often do you look at your phone and have a pending iOS update? It is becoming much more common. Another day, another iPhone iOS update. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) This week was another update when the iOS 17.4.1 pop-up across my screen. I planned my phone's downtime during dinner, thinking it would be no problem. I was eating a lovely dinner at home with the family. After dinner, I meandered to my phone to check the status. The default Welcome Message was displayed on the phone, cycling through the various hello messages in different languages. I grabbed my phone and swiped up, and nothing...and that's when my heart sank to the floor, knowing that this was bad, and instantly locked out of all my work applications two-factor authentication. The display was unresponsive to any gestures, but the buttons on the side of the phone were working. I tried a hard reset by pressing the volume up, the volume down, and then the power button for 20 seconds. Still no luck, I tried multiple times to be sure out of desperation but still nada. That's when I discovered the iPhone Recovery option, which saved the day. I still lost access to some Two-Factor apps that were not synced, but it was much better than having to replace my iPhone. Hope this helps you make a bad situation better. ## FAQ Section: How to Recover an Unresponsive iPhone **What should I do if my iPhone becomes unresponsive?** If your iPhone becomes unresponsive, the first step is to perform a force restart. For iPhone 8 or later, quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, hold both the Volume Down and Sleep/Wake buttons until the Apple logo appears. For iPhone 6s and earlier, hold the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons together until the Apple logo appears. **What if a force restart doesn't fix my unresponsive iPhone?** If a force restart doesn't work, connect your iPhone to a computer and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later). Put your iPhone into recovery mode by following the appropriate button sequence for your model, then choose "Update" in iTunes/Finder to reinstall iOS without erasing your data. If this doesn't work, you may need to choose "Restore," which will erase your data. **Why is my iPhone unresponsive in the first place?** An iPhone may become unresponsive due to software glitches, a problematic app, insufficient storage, or more severe issues like hardware damage. Regularly updating iOS, managing storage, and avoiding suspicious apps can help prevent such problems. **How can I recover data from an unresponsive iPhone?** If your iPhone remains unresponsive and you need to recover data, try connecting it to a computer and using iTunes/Finder to back up your data. If this fails, you can seek professional data recovery services, but there's no guarantee that all data will be recoverable. **When should I seek professional help for an unresponsive iPhone?** Seek professional help if your iPhone remains unresponsive after trying a force restart and recovery mode. Also, if you suspect hardware damage or if the device shows signs of life but does not function correctly, visit an Apple Store or an authorized service provider for assistance. ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### 5 Game-Changing AI Use Cases for the iGaming Industry URL: https://brianchristner.io/5-game-changing-ai-use-cases-for-the-igaming-industry/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:43.000Z Are you ready to harness the magic of AI revolutionizing the iGaming industry? Picture this: cutting-edge AI technologies that can make you and your team 10x more productive and provide the best user experience to your players. Get ready to dive into a world where AI meets entertainment to create unprecedented gaming experiences for our players. šŸŒŸ Discover how AI is reshaping the gaming landscape, offering unparalleled opportunities for players and operators. šŸŒŸ Dive deep into AI-powered personalization, where games adapt to real-time player preferences, providing a tailor-made gaming experience. šŸŒŸ Uncover the secrets behind AI-driven player behavior analysis, revolutionizing marketing strategies and player engagement tactics. šŸŒŸ Explore the realm of AI-powered predictive analytics, foreseeing trends and optimizing gaming platforms for marketing and operations. šŸŒŸ AI in iGaming will redefine the boundaries of entertainment. ### What can we expect from the Future of gaming with AI? The future of iGaming with AI is full of exciting innovations and advancements. AI will revolutionize the gaming industry, propelling it into a new era of innovation and immersive experiences. Let's look at the use cases of AI within gaming to understand its significant impact on players, operators, and the industry. Here are five mind-blowing AI innovations that we can expect to see in the world of iGaming: 1. AI-Assisted Game Development 2. Personalization 3. Compliance and player protection 4. Agents & Automation 5. Marketing ## **AI-assisted Game Development**. Game development is a pinch of design, math, and science creatively stirred together to create great content. The typical development process requires 1-3 months, depending on the game. What if AI could reduce the entire process to one month, weeks, or days? Let's dive into what AI can do for Game Development. ### Game Graphics ![assorted-color abstract painting](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1522542550221-31fd19575a2d?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDV8fGRlc2lnbnxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTI3MDExNDN8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Hal Gatewood](https://unsplash.com/@halacious?ref=brianchristner.io) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) One of the best use cases of AI today is the ability to create graphics from text prompts. The ability to create high-quality graphics and iterate on them enables game designers to create graphics from scratch in seconds. The game designer can use AI-generated graphics to automatically generate vast amounts of content such as landscapes, levels, and missions, saving time and resources while ensuring a diverse and engaging gaming experience. Creating complete storyboards, which used to take days or weeks, can now be realized in hours. As tools continue to improve, the process will become shorter and shorter. AI tools make creating graphics easier, but they are not perfect. It still requires touchups and Photoshop to fix weird AI anomalies in AI-generated graphics. AI models and tools will continue improving, as will the design process. The game design process will become faster, easier, and more immersive as AI tools continue to evolve. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ### Game Play and Testing AI is fantastic at pattern recognition. AI will use pattern recognition to learn to test games to determine what the players enjoy about a game and reuse this information for future game development. Game testing will also see incredible advancements since AI can use all the information from how players play existing games. AI Agents can apply this information to test new games and play games using the same patterns as existing players. AI testing should catch more bugs and reduce new game QA/Testing times. **The fusion of AI technology with game development processes promises to unlock new possibilities and redefine the gaming landscape in the coming years.** ## Games of the Future with Dynamically AI-Generated Content AI can and will be integrated directly into future games, dynamically generating content based on player behavior and interests. As players play a game, the graphics and experience change with the gameplay. AI will dynamically adapt the game in real-time based on player interests and current gameplay. Players will immerse themselves in custom entertainment experiences, and each player will create their version of the game as they play. In other words, each player could see a different variation of the game as the game will be adapted in real-time to players' actions and interests. ***AI will shape the future of gaming!*** # iGaming Personalisation ![a television with the netflix logo on it](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1633793675529-58eecb6ea16f?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDE0fHxuZXRmbGl4fGVufDB8fHx8MTcxMjY4MjcyMnww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Sunder Muthukumaran](https://unsplash.com/@sunder%5F2k25?ref=brianchristner.io) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) Netflix is our Northstar when we talk about personalization. Personalization is so much more than recommending games to players. With the help of AI, we can introduce completely custom user experiences for each player. Imagine players landing on your website, and each player's entire layout, games, messaging, and promotions are customized. It was as if I had walked into the casino, and the VIP manager recognized me and had my favorite drink waiting for me as I arrived. Service and personalization will be a game changer in the future. - Personalized Gaming Experience: With AI, online casinos can offer personalized gaming content based on a player's preferences, behavior, and history. Personalized content and UX will enhance player engagement and retention. - Chatbots for Customer Service: AI-powered chatbots can handle customer queries and provide instant support, improving the overall customer experience. # Revolutionizing compliance with behavior analysis and protection ![trust spelled with wooden letter blocks on a table](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1640030104754-0a33c686c533?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDl8fHRydXN0fGVufDB8fHx8MTcxMjcwMTI1Nnww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Ronda Dorsey](https://unsplash.com/@thirtyspoke?ref=brianchristner.io) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) AI is also revolutionizing compliance and player protection. It can analyze vast amounts of data in real time, allowing operators to detect and prevent fraud, money laundering, and player protection. By constantly monitoring player behavior and transactions, AI can identify suspicious activities and flag them for further investigation well in advance of potential issues. AI not only helps maintain compliance with regulations but also ensures the safety and well-being of players. ### Safeguarding Player Experience through AI-Powered Solutions AI tools or AI Agents can identify and address potential threats to player well-being by incorporating behavior analysis and deep learning techniques. These tools play a central role in maintaining a safe and enjoyable gaming environment through their ability to detect abnormal gaming behaviors. Compliance AI will ensure that we protect our players now and in the future based on these tools. # AI Agents & Automation ![a group of white robots sitting on top of laptops](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1684369175809-f9642140a1bd?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDczfHxib3R8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzEyNzAxMzIyfDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Mohamed Nohassi](https://unsplash.com/@coopery?ref=brianchristner.io) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) AI agents are personal assistants in the form of AI bots. We can program these Agents to monitor our email, chats, game behavior, or any task and then perform an action. We can train the Agent to be a professional in a particular area of expertise. For example, our Agent can be trained on all your internal processes and should inform you when something will soon become a risk. The goal is to have several agents, each specialized in a task but trained to be a professional in a specific domain. AI Agents are great at data entry, data processing, or compliance checks. Additionally, agents continue learning based on previous decisions, which will become even more beneficial in business decision-making and suggest improvements to existing processes. ***AI Agents will enable more automation within an organization.*** # AI Marketing ![multicolored marketing freestanding letter](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1562577308-9e66f0c65ce5?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDd8fG1hcmtldGluZ3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTI3MDEzNDl8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Merakist](https://unsplash.com/@merakist?ref=brianchristner.io) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) AI will enable an entirely different approach to marketing in the future. We compete not only with other online casinos but also with Amazon, Netflix, and any other website competing for players' attention. To compete with these giants, we have to be more creative by using AI. Marketing will be able to generate on-demand campaigns based on events. For example, today's bad weather, traffic jams, or breaking news could automatically generate AI images about the event with your current templates and prepare social media posts. It is possible today, but we still need a review process to ensure the content is correct and appropriate. On-demand, AI-generated marketing campaigns are coming and will be here soon. Marketing will see drastic improvements in media creation, budget allocation, and time to market. AI will enable new marketing channels and have the potential to automate the entire marketing lifecycle. > To stay relevant today is to stay top of mind. To stay at the top of mind, we **must be 10 times** more productive using the same resources and budget. **The only answer is obvious... AI.** ## Wrapping up In a world where technology continues to push boundaries, the development of iGaming is not far behind. From AI-powered customer service to predictive analytics, the potential for innovation in this industry is vast. The five mind-blowing AI iGaming Use Cases we explored in this blog showcase a glimpse of the future for the iGaming industry. Remember to stay informed and open to embracing these cutting-edge technologies. The intersection of AI and iGaming will open enormous opportunities for our industry. ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How to Build a competitor analysis tool using ChatGPT URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-build-a-competitor-analysis-tool-using-chatgpt/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:43.000Z What if I told you that, with the power of ChatGPT and your competitor emails, you can quickly build a competitor analysis tool? If you are not tracking your competitors, well, now is the time, as I will show you how to track all your competitors using ChatGPT automatically. Our competitors highlight their business activities through multiple channels, including email newsletters. I sign up for all my competitors' newsletters to keep a pulse on their activities. But this manual process often gets lost in the craziness of my already full inbox. Once I have all the competition emails, what do I do with them that can add any value? Look no further, as this article will help you build the perfect competitor analysis tool using ChatGPT, Google Sheets, and [Zapier](https://brianchristner.io/why-zapier-won-my-time-back-from-n8n/) without having to write any code. ### How does the competitor analysis tool work? The competitor analysis tool utilizes a Gmail account, [Google Sheets](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets?ref=brianchristner.io), [ChatGPT](https://chat.openai.com/?ref=brianchristner.io), and [Zapier](https://zapier.com/?ref=brianchristner.io). I created an isolated Gmail account to reduce the risk of inadvertently running my personal emails through ChatGPT and using my data to train ChatGPT with my data. Next, Zapier connects Gmail, Google Sheets, and ChatGPT, allowing us to automate ingesting new emails and convert them to Google Sheet rows. For those who don't know, [Zapier](https://zapier.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) is a no-code automation tool that connects services. Our project uses Zapier to read our Gmail inbox for new emails. When a new email arrives, Zapier is triggered to create a new row, process the mail, and convert it into the defined Google sheet columns. A second process is triggered once the new row in the Google sheet is populated. This time, we trigger ChatGPT to iterate over the email content multiple times. For each iteration of ChatGPT, we ask it to perform a new task. We ask ChatGPT to process and output the following information about the email: 1. Create a word cloud of words that are mentioned often in the email. 2. Perform a SWOT analysis on the email, providing its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. 3. Summarize the email into a single sentence. 4. Categorize the email into defined categories (Promotion, Entertainment, Advertisement, Notification, Sales, or Informational) 5. Indicate the sentiment of the email. 6. Subject Analysis ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/03/Zapier_workflow.png) Competitor Analysis Tool Zapuer Workflow ### ChatGPT Competitor Analysis Project Requirements Before we get started, have a look at the requirements below. Once you have the below ready, we can get started. **Requirements:** - [**Gmail account**](https://gmail.com/?ref=brianchristner.io). You can use your existing Gmail account or create a new one if you don't have one. I made a new account to prevent my data from leaking to ChatGPT. - [**ChatGPT account**](https://chat.openai.com/?ref=brianchristner.io)\- Create a ChatGPT account. If you are planning to process a lot of emails, you might want to consider upgrading to ChatGPT + - [**Zapier Account**](https://zapier.com/?ref=brianchristner.io)**ā€”This project recommends a** starter Zapier account ($29 per month). However, if you convert the email manually to Google Sheets, you could probably still use the free version. An Open-Source alternative to Zapier is https://n8n.io/, which I've also used but requires a bit more setup. ### Build the ChatGPT Competitor Analysis First, we will set up Zapier with Gmail. [Zapier](https://brianchristner.io/why-zapier-won-my-time-back-from-n8n/) will then monitor Gmail for incoming Emails that match a specific search string. The search string should use the email from which your competitors send emails. I use my email to continue sending new emails to test for demonstration purposes. 1. Open Zapier and navigate to create a new Zap 2. Click the trigger and select Gmail as the application. Next, confirm the authentication to Gmail. 3. Next, select which event in Gmail we want to execute. Select "New Email Matching Search." This way, we can prevent spam or unwanted emails from triggering our workflow. Click **Continue** 4. Click **Continue** 5. Now, we can configure the search string. I will use the 'from:competitor@competitor-email.com' search string in this example. The search string uses Gmail's search string. For a different search example, here's the full list of possibilities. [https://support.google.com/mail/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=7190 ](https://support.google.com/mail/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=7190Ā &ref=brianchristner.io) 6. Click the 'Test Trigger' button to read your inbox for an email matching the search query from Step 5\. If the test is unsuccessful, ensure you have an email in the inbox matching the search string and that your search string is correct. Keep testing until you see the results. 7. Now that the test has passed, you should see several email records queried from your inbox. Select the email record you want to continue with and click Continue with the selected record. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/03/zapier_gmail_workflow.png) ### Store emails in Google Sheet Next, set up a new Google Sheet to store the selected emails in raw format for later steps. 1. Create a new Google Sheet. You can use my Google Sheet here as a template that contains all the columns required to store the emails. - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RIYOwFmMVDecQ32RrearZBwMBxNuKgFsO2twNW-u7ic/edit?usp=sharing 2. In Zapier, add a step below the Gmail step. 3. Search for Google Sheets and continue. It will use the same Google authentication as your previous Gmail account. 4. Event "**Create spreadsheet row**" and click continue. 5. Under Action, select your Google Drive, where the Google Sheet is stored. 6. Select the spreadsheet name. If you use the template from Step 1, the spreadsheet name is Competitor GPT. 7. Use the default worksheet. The Google Sheet is ready. Next, we will map the Gmail email fields to the Google Sheet columns. ### Map email to Google Sheets 1. ID = **ID** (Alphanumerical number). We use this field as our index for lookups. 2. Date = Date **Date:** Fri, 22 Mar 2024 11:09:16 +0100 3. From = **From Name:** Brian Christner 4. To = **To Emails:** The email address you are filtering from the Gmail setup 5. Subject = **Subject:** 2x2 AC/DC Tickets 6. Body = **Body Plain** 7. **Click Continue** 8. **Click Test step** 9. Zapier outputs the results in the test window. Switch to Google Sheets. The results are also in the Competitor GPT Google Sheet. 10. Success, **but wait to click publish.** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/03/Zapier_map_email_google_sheets.png) We have connected Gmail to Google Sheets. We can test the process by sending test emails to the Gmail account. After a few seconds, the emails should appear in the Google sheet. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) Next is the best part: connecting ChatGPT to the equation. ChatGPT will now be set up in several steps, each with its task that iterates over the Google Sheet. Each step stores the result in the appropriate column in Google Sheets. ***Let's dive in.*** ### Setting up ChatGPT tasks The following section enables six different [ChatGPT tasks within Zapier.](https://brianchristner.io/why-zapier-won-my-time-back-from-n8n/) We prompt ChatGPT to perform the following: ### Prompt ChatGPT to create a Word Cloud As the first task, we will set up a Word Cloud that counts the number of occurrences of a word in the email. 1. Add a step below Google Sheets by clicking the \`+\` symbol below the task. 2. Search for ChatGPT and select ChatGPT 3. Click "ChatGPT" at the top of the step to rename it to Word Cloud. 4. Event = **Conversation** 5. User Message = "Create a word cloud from the text of this email and provide a count of the number of times a word is mentioned more than once. Just provide the word cloud results and no explanation." 6. You noticed the "Insert Data" pop-up below where you entered the User Message. Here, select **2\. Google Sheets** 7. Select the **Body column** from the Google Sheet, which will feed the data from this field into ChatGPT. 8. Model = **gpt-4-turbo-preview** 9. Click Continue 10. Click test and verify the output at the bottom of the screen, which should display the word cloud. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/03/chatgpt_word_cloud.png) ### Prompt ChatGPT to perform a SWOT Analysis Set up the task to perform a SWOT analysis on the body of the email. 1. Add a step below Google Sheets by clicking the \`+\` symbol below the task. 2. Search for ChatGPT and select ChatGPT 3. Click "ChatGPT" at the top of the step to rename it "SWOT Analysis." 4. Event = **Conversation** 5. User Message = "Create a word cloud from the text of this email and provide a count of the number of times a word is mentioned more than once. Just provide the word cloud results and no explanation." 6. You noticed the "Insert Data" pop-up below where you entered the User Message. Here, select **2\. Google Sheets** 7. Select the **Body column** from the Google Sheet, which will feed the data from this field into ChatGPT. 8. Model = **gpt-4-turbo-preview** 9. Click Continue 10. Click test and verify the output at the bottom of the screen, which should display the test results. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/03/chatgpt_swot_analysis.png) ### Prompt ChatGPT to Categorize email Set up the task to determine the category of the email received. 1. Add a step below Google Sheets by clicking the \`+\` symbol below the task. 2. Search for ChatGPT and select ChatGPT 3. Click "ChatGPT" at the top of the step to rename it to "Categorize Email." 4. Event = **Classify text** 5. User Message = "Categorize the content of this mail Categorize the content of this mail." 6. You noticed the "Insert Data" pop-up below where you entered the User Message. Here, select **2\. Google Sheets** 7. Select the **Body column** from the Google Sheet, which will feed the data from this field into ChatGPT. 8. Model = **gpt-4-turbo-preview** 9. The Categories field input: **"Promotion, Advertisement, Notification, Entertainment, Sales, Informational, Bonus"** 10. Click Continue 11. Click test and verify the output at the bottom of the screen, which should display the test results. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/03/chatgtp_categorize_email.png) ### Prompt ChatGPT to highlight the Key Message of the Email Set up the task to determine the key message of the email. 1. Add a step below Google Sheets by clicking the \`+\` symbol below the task. 2. Search for ChatGPT and select ChatGPT 3. Click the name "ChatGPT" at the very top of the step to rename it to "Key Message" 4. Event = **Summarize text** 5. Text to be summarized = "Insert Data" pop-up below where you entered the User Message. Here, select **2\. Google Sheets** 6. Select the **Body column** from the Google Sheet, which will feed the data from this field into ChatGPT. 7. Model = **gpt-4-turbo-preview** 8. Click Continue 9. Click test and verify the output at the bottom of the screen, which should display the test results. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/03/chatgpt_key_message.png) ### Prompt ChatGPT to perform an Email Sentiment analysis Set up the task to perform an email sentiment analysis analysis on the email's body. 1. Add a step below Google Sheets by clicking the \`+\` symbol below the task. 2. Search for ChatGPT and select ChatGPT 3. Click the name "ChatGPT" at the very top of the step to rename it to "Email sentiment." 4. Event = **Analyze Text Sentiment** 5. Text to be analyzed = "Insert Data" pop-up below where you entered the User Message. Here, select **2\. Google Sheets** 6. You noticed the "Insert Data" pop-up below where you entered the User Message. Here, select **2\. Google Sheets** 7. Select the **Body column** from the Google Sheet, which will feed the data from this field into ChatGPT. 8. Model = **gpt-4-turbo-preview** 9. Click Continue 10. Click test and verify the output at the bottom of the screen, which should display the test results. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/03/chatgpt_email_sentiment.png) ### Prompt ChatGPT to perform a Subject Analysis Set up the task to perform an analysis of the email subject. 1. Add a step below Google Sheets by clicking the \`+\` symbol below the task. 2. Search for ChatGPT and select ChatGPT 3. Click the name "ChatGPT" at the very top of the step to rename it to "Subject Analysis." 4. Event = **Conversation** 5. User Message = "Do a complete analysis of the email." 6. You noticed the "Insert Data" pop-up below where you entered the User Message. Here, select **2\. Google Sheets** 7. Select the **Subject column** from the Google Sheet, which will feed the data from this field into ChatGPT. 8. Model = **gpt-4-turbo-preview** 9. Click Continue 10. Click test and verify the output at the bottom of the screen, which should display the test results. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/03/chatgpt_subject_analysis.png) ### Insert the ChatGPT results into Google Sheets The six ChatGPT steps successfully processed the prompts and stored the data within Zapier. Next, we transfer the data stored in Zapier to our Google Sheet. To input the ChatGPT data, we first need to look up the row in the Google Sheet that contains the email data matching this particular email. This step will look up the email ID and date from the email as keys to determine the correct row in the Google Sheet. The data is inserted into the proper columns once the correct Google Sheet row matches Zapier. ### Look up Google Sheet Row Set up the task to perform a Google Sheet row lookup matching data from the email we inserted earlier. 1. Add a step below Google Sheets by clicking the \`+\` symbol below the task. 2. Search for Google Sheets and select Google Sheets. 3. Click "ChatGPT" at the top of the step to rename it "Row Lookup." 4. Event = **Lookup Spreadsheet Row** 5. Under Action, select your Google Drive, where the Google Sheet is stored. 6. Select the spreadsheet name. If you use the template from earlier, the spreadsheet name is Competitor GPT. 7. Use the default worksheet. 8. Lookup Column: **ID** 9. Lookup Value: You noticed the "Insert Data" pop-up below where you entered the User Message. Here, select **2\. Google Sheets** 10. Select the **ID column** from the Google Sheet. 11. Supporting Lookup column: **Date** 12. Supporting Lookup value: You noticed the "Insert Data" pop-up below where you entered the User Message. Here, select **2\. Google Sheets** 13. Select the **Date column** from the Google Sheet. ### Update Google Sheet Row Finally, we can update the Google Sheet with the results from all the previous steps 1. Add a step below Google Sheets by clicking the \`+\` symbol below the task. 2. Search for Google Sheets and select Google Sheets 3. Click the name "ChatGPT" at the very top of the step to rename it to "Update Google Sheet." 4. Event = **Update Spreadsheet Row** 5. Under Action, select your Google Drive, where the Google Sheet is stored. 6. Select the spreadsheet name. If you use the template from earlier, the spreadsheet name is Competitor GPT. 7. Use the default worksheet. 8. Row: **Lookup Spreadsheet Row and select ID** 9. Word Cloud: Insert Data -> Word Cloud -> Reply 10. SWOT Analysis: Insert Data -> SWOT Analysis-> Reply 11. GPT Summary: Insert Data -> Summarized Data -> Summarized Text 12. Category of email: Insert Data -> Categorize Email -> Category 13. Sentiment: Insert Data -> Sentiment -> Sentiment 14. Sentiment: Insert Data -> Sentiment -> Sentiment 15. Subject Analysis: Insert Data -> Subject Analysis -> Reply ***FINALLY, we can click Publish in Zapier upper right-hand corner to enable the Zap*** ### The Competitor Analysis tool is complete We've successfully built a competitor analysis tool utilizing Gmail, Zapier, Google Sheets, and ChatGPT. The true test is to send emails to your newly created tool and see how it processes them. Once you are satisfied with your tests, start scaling up the number of competitors you track. I forwarded a Google Tips email to the Competitor Analysis tool as a test so you can see the results. You can find the results from the test here - [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RIYOwFmMVDecQ32RrearZBwMBxNuKgFsO2twNW-u7ic/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RIYOwFmMVDecQ32RrearZBwMBxNuKgFsO2twNW-u7ic/edit?usp=sharing&ref=brianchristner.io) ### What's next? Now that the Competitor Tool basis is in place, you can make iterative improvements. Continue by adjusting each ChatGPT step to better adapt to your use case. I'm continually improving the Zapier flow and ChatGPT steps. As the ChatGPT improves, so will your workflow. You can also create a separate Zapier flow that iterates over the Google Sheets on a set interval to determine the frequency of the emails or possibly new patterns. Finally, a monthly report about all the emails collected will be made, and the findings will be presented. One last point: be sure to keep an eye on your ChatGPT costs. If you decide to process many emails, this could incur some costs on ChatGPT. ### Frequently Asked Questions 1. **What tools do I need to build a competitor analysis tool?** To automate the process of collecting and analyzing competitors' emails for insights without coding, you'll need Gmail, Google Sheets, ChatGPT, and Zapier. 2. **Can I perform SWOT analysis with this tool?** Yes, the guide shows how to use ChatGPT to analyze competitors' emails for SWOT analysis, sentiment analysis, and more, providing strategic insights. 3. **Is coding knowledge required to set up this tool?** No, the guide provides a no-code solution, making it accessible for anyone to set up and use the tool effectively. 4. **How does the tool organize the analysis for easy access?** The tool utilizes Google Sheets to store and organize the insights gathered from ChatGPT's analysis of competitors' emails, ensuring easy access and review. 5. **Can I customize the analysis to focus on specific aspects of my competitors?** Yes, the setup allows for customization in analyzing competitors' strategies through email content, enabling you to tailor the insights according to specific needs or focus areas. ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### 2023 in review and the future is bright with AI for 2024 URL: https://brianchristner.io/2023-in-review-and-the-future-is-bright-with-ai-for-2024/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:44.000Z 2023 has been an absolute roller coaster of a year. I experienced the lows of the low to incredible highs and everything in between. It has been a challenge. My biggest takeaway in 2023 was that I needed to spend more creative time building things, reading, and learning away from work. This year, I also traveled with the family, which was a much-needed reset for my brain. This post's main image is my picture from our family trip to Lapland, Finland, to experience the Northern Lights. ### 2023 Highlights ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/01/IMG_0546.webp) Playing around with AI to make myself an action figurennnn - I started speaking at conferences again at the end of 2022, which whetted my appetite for more. I spoke at three events in 2023 and have already booked more talks for 2024. - I was diving deep into BI & Looker, which has been a lot of fun getting my hands dirty again with data. - AI has been a major part of my discussions and focus for 2023\. I even built some AI bots for various tasks, which relieved time pressure after building these. - First-time mountain biking in the Italian Dolomites. What a fantastic experience. - Camping! We continue exploring with our Camper Van, continually exploring more countries and campsites. It was a lot of fun, and we met many friendly people. - I read some incredible books this year which I will soon summarize in future blog posts. ### Goals 2024 - 1'000 cycling kilometers on my bikes this summer. - Average three times a week in the gym. - Read twelve books this year. - Reactivate the Tech Community in Switzerland! - Create or contribute to new Open Source projects - Write more blog posts - Reach out to one old friend/colleague once a month - Build more projects - Cherish the family time ## Predictions for 2024 ### AI 2024 will continue to be all things AI. This year, we will see models increase in effectiveness up to 10 times better than in 2023\. The chip manufacturers and the models are developing so quickly that this will be a reality this year. ### Crypto Bull Run December was a booming month for a relatively quiet year for Crypto. The rumor mill kicked into high gear that the SEC would approve Bitcoin ETFs. At the time of this writing, the SEC did approve Bitcoin ETF, which will finally allow institutional investors to be part of the Bitcoin market. Additionally, since Bitcoin is approved, I expect Ethereum to follow suit with its ETF before the end of 2024. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) Now that ETFs are approved soon, we will have another Bitcoin halving scheduled for the end of April 2024 ([Countdown clock here](https://www.nicehash.com/countdown/btc-halving-2024-05-10-12-00?ref=brianchristner.io)). It could be the perfect storm for another bull run. Combined with a US election year, that should put the entire market into overdrive. Fingers crossed. ### Diet Pills I also predict that this year, we will see [Ozempic/Semaglutide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semaglutide?ref=brianchristner.io) (the diet drugs) significantly impact the food culture in 2024\. We've already seen movie stars and others lose tons of weight with these drugs as the drug curbs your desire to eat, drink alcohol, etc. However, if more of the society starts taking these drugs we might see it start impacting fast food and junk food companies. It's a long-shot prediction, but I see the signs already in the US. Will I take these pills? No, but I will watch what happens from the sidelines. ### My last thoughts A reoccurring thought is that I need to reconnect with my friends and re-launch the Swiss tech community. I must continue to give back and support the community the best way I can. Furthermore, I want to be closer to the action this year regarding both hands-on with AI and building. Let's get 2024 off to a good start. Be kind to one another, and let's make every day better than the last! Brian ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### šŸš€ New Podcast Alert: Lex Fridman x Jeff Bezos šŸŒŸ URL: https://brianchristner.io/new-podcast-alert-lex-fridman-x-jeff-bezos/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:44.000Z Lex Fridman's latest episode is with Jeff Bezos, Space explorer and the founder of Amazon. Dive into a riveting conversation where Bezos shares his insights on innovation, leadership, the future of space exploration, and the path to sustainable space flights. It's not often that a podcast moves me, but this episode achieved just that. Jeff Bezos is rarely interviewed about such questions about culture, space, etc, so it was an amazing discussion to hear how and what Bezos thinks about different topics. I enjoy listening to Bezos as he is an engineer at heart, and he takes you on a journey on how he troubleshoots problems from Blue Origin to running Amazon. He also handles problems completely different than most companies. I am truly inspired by this episode. It is a very rare opportunity for Bezos to have a long-form interview with a great interviewer, and the results were no less than stellar. ### Key Highlights: šŸš€ Jeff's perspective on the evolution of space technology and Blue Origin's role in it. šŸ§  Insights into Amazon's culture of innovation and how it's shaping global e-commerce. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) šŸ“Š His methodology for brainstorming and running meetings "I like a crisp document and messy meetings". This episode is not just about understanding the mind of a world-class entrepreneur; it's about the passion and perseverance it takes to change the world. šŸŽ§ Listen now and peer inside one of the greatest business minds of our generation! ### FAQ Section: New Podcast Alert ā€“ Lex Fridman x Jeff Bezos **What is the Lex Fridman and Jeff Bezos podcast about?** In this podcast, Lex Fridman interviews Jeff Bezos, discussing topics like entrepreneurship, space exploration with Blue Origin, innovation at Amazon, and Bezos' personal philosophies on leadership and long-term thinking. **What key insights did Jeff Bezos share in the podcast?** Bezos emphasized the importance of customer obsession, innovation, and long-term thinking. He also shared his thoughts on space exploration, explaining his vision for humanityā€™s future in space and the need for sustainable energy solutions. **Why is this podcast significant?** This conversation offers a rare deep dive into Jeff Bezos' mindset as a tech entrepreneur and visionary. For anyone interested in business, technology, or space exploration, the podcast provides valuable insights from one of the world's leading innovators. **Where can I listen to the Lex Fridman x Jeff Bezos podcast?** You can listen to this episode on Lex Fridmanā€™s podcast, which is available on platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Search for ā€œLex Fridman Podcastā€ to find the episode featuring Jeff Bezos. **What makes Lex Fridmanā€™s podcast unique?** Lex Fridmanā€™s podcast stands out due to its in-depth, thoughtful conversations with influential figures across tech, science, and philosophy. His calm interviewing style allows guests to open up about their life experiences and beliefs, providing listeners with deep insights. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Revolutionizing User Interaction: Unveiling ChatGPT's New Voice and Image Capabilities URL: https://brianchristner.io/revolutionizing-user-interaction-unveiling-chatgpts-new-voice-and-image-capabilities/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:44.000Z Have you ever wished that you could simply talk to your computer or show it a picture to get things done? With ChatGPT's voice and image capabilities, that future is closer than you may think. No more typing out long queries or struggling with building prompts. ChatGPT's advanced voice recognition and image understanding technologies are here to simplify and enhance our interaction with computers and apps. In this article, we'll dive into the power of ChatGPT's voice feature, which enables seamless voice-based commands, queries, and conversations. We'll also explore how ChatGPT's image feature empowers users to effortlessly extract information from images and engage in a whole new way. > ***ChatGPT with voice & image recognition will change how we use AI forever!*** OpenAI's ChatGPT recently introduced exciting new features that revolutionize user interaction. These new capabilities include voice and image functionalities, enhancing the user experience and expanding the potential use cases. Let's take a look into the details of ChatGPT's voice and image features, and how they are changing the game. The easier we make the interface to AI the more use cases will emerge. We are still very early on in this journey. ## ChatGPT's New Voice Capabilities ![boy singing on microphone with pop filter](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1453738773917-9c3eff1db985?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fHZvaWNlfGVufDB8fHx8MTY5NTg2ODY3OXww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Jason Rosewell](https://unsplash.com/@jasonrosewell?ref=brianchristner.io) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) Ever wonder what it would be like to converse with an AI assistant? With OpenAI's latest update to ChatGPT, that dream is becoming a reality. ChatGPT's new voice capabilities are revolutionizing user interaction and taking the AI experience to new heights. Yes, you can now talk to the ChatGPT prompt and it will respond back with realistic voice answers. Let's have a look at what's possible 1. **Introduction of Voice Interaction** Voice interaction is a game-changer, allowing users to communicate with ChatGPT through spoken commands rather than just text. This opens up a whole new level of convenience and accessibility, making the AI assistant feel even more natural and intuitive to use. 1. **Text-to-Speech Feature** One of the key components of ChatGPT's voice capabilities is its powerful text-to-speech (TTS) model. With this feature, ChatGPT can convert text responses into human-like audio, making the conversation feel more engaging and lifelike. Whether it's reading out a bedtime story or assisting with complex work-related tasks, ChatGPT's TTS feature adds a whole new dimension to the user experience. 1. **Collaboration with Voice Actors** To bring a touch of realism and variety to the voice interactions, OpenAI has partnered with talented voice actors. These actors lend their voices to ChatGPT, providing diverse options for users to choose from. The collaboration ensures that the audio responses are of high quality and deliver an enhanced conversational experience. 1. **Whisper Model for Speech Recognition** For accurate speech recognition, ChatGPT relies on OpenAI's advanced system called Whisper. This state-of-the-art speech recognition system ensures high accuracy in transcribing spoken commands, making voice interactions seamless and effortless. 1. **Voice Chat Feature Conversion** With ChatGPT's voice chat feature, users can engage in natural and dynamic conversations with the AI assistant. It enables back-and-forth exchanges, allowing for a more interactive and fluid user experience. Whether you need assistance in planning a trip or want to have a voice conversation while cooking, ChatGPT's voice chat feature has got you covered. 1. **Potential Risks and Mitigation** While the introduction of voice features adds a lot of value, it's important to consider potential risks. OpenAI is committed to ensuring that ChatGPT is deployed safely and securely. Measures are in place to prevent misuse and address any concerns related to the technology. OpenAI continues to iterate on the models and actively seeks user feedback to address any specific issues that may arise. ## ChatGPT Image Capabilities ![brown and blue house painting](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1620248303767-1f62972a0401?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fGNoaWxkcmVuJTIwZHJhd2luZ3xlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTU5MzQxMzF8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Mick Haupt](https://unsplash.com/@rocinante%5F11?ref=brianchristner.io) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ChatGPT has expanded its capabilities beyond text-based prompt interactions to include image understanding and analysis. This exciting new feature opens up a world of possibilities for users, allowing them to interact with images in a whole new way. Not only does ChatGPT recognize the image but also the context of the image. Let's take a look into the details of ChatGPT's image capabilities and explore how they are revolutionizing how we can use images with AI going forward. 1. **Image Interaction:** ChatGPT now supports image input, enabling users to upload images and have meaningful conversations about them. Whether you want to analyze a complex work-related graph or plan your next travel destination based on a scenic picture, ChatGPT's image interaction feature provides a seamless experience. This integration of visual elements adds a new dimension to conversations and enhances the user experience. 1. **Drawing Tools:** In addition to image interaction, ChatGPT also offers drawing tools that allow users to sketch directly in the interface. This feature is particularly useful for scenarios where verbal or text-based descriptions may not be sufficient. Users can now visually communicate their ideas, annotate images, or simply unleash their creativity within the context of their conversation. 1. **Image Context comprehension:** ChatGPT's image superpower will be the ability to understand the context of an image. For example, you upload an image of a meme. ChatGPT can then explain what meme it is and the references to the meme. The context of an image is as if not more important than just the recognition of images. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ## ChatGPT Voice and Image Recognition Use Cases ChatGPT's new voice and image capabilities have opened up a world of possibilities for users across various domains. Let's explore some exciting use cases where these features are revolutionizing user interactions and providing a competitive edge. 1. **Enhancing Travel Experiences:** Imagine planning a vacation with just a voice command or a simple photo. ChatGPT's voice and image features allow users to interact with the AI assistant to book flights, find accommodation, and discover local attractions effortlessly. With the integration of the voice chat feature, users can have a natural conversation with ChatGPT, making travel planning more intuitive than ever. 1. **Streamlining Work-related Image Analysis:** In complex work environments, image analysis plays a pivotal role. ChatGPT's image recognition feature enables professionals to quickly analyze and interpret images related to specific areas such as data visualization, maps, or complex work-related graphs. This saves time and provides valuable insights that can drive informed decision-making. 1. **Personalized Audio Assistance:** ChatGPT's new text-to-speech feature, powered by OpenAI's advanced text-to-speech AI model, offers human-like audio delivery. Users can now enjoy a delightful experience, such as listening to their favorite stories as a bedtime companion or receiving audio summaries of important documents. This feature serves as a convenient voice companion for users, enhancing accessibility and convenience. 1. **Voice Translation for Multilingual Communication:** OpenAI's integration of Spotify's Voice Translation feature with ChatGPT amplifies its functionality in high-stakes domains. Users can now have multilingual conversations in real-time, breaking language barriers for productive communication. Whether it's a business negotiation or casual conversation, ChatGPT facilitates seamless communication between individuals speaking different languages. šŸ’” ****key Takeaway:** ChatGPT's new voice and image capabilities are transforming user interactions across various domains. From enhancing travel experiences to streamlining work-related analysis and enabling personalized audio assistance, these features offer a competitive edge. Additionally, voice translation provides seamless multilingual communication, breaking language barriers. However, responsible usage and security measures remain vital to ensure the safe and ethical use of these cutting-edge AI capabilities. ## Potential Risks and Considerations ![yellow police tape](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1557075831-9227ec7d0097?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDN8fGNhdXRpb258ZW58MHx8fHwxNjk1OTM0MjA2fDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Hiroshi Kimura](https://unsplash.com/@muukii?ref=brianchristner.io) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) While ChatGPT's voice and image capabilities are undoubtedly exciting and game-changing, it's important to consider some potential risks and considerations associated with these features. OpenAI has made significant strides in ensuring user safety and mitigating possible issues, but it's crucial for users and businesses to be aware of the following points: 1. **Privacy Concerns:** With voice and image interaction, there are privacy implications to consider. Users may need to provide access to their microphone or camera, raising concerns about the security of personal data. OpenAI has implemented measures to protect user privacy, but it's essential for users to understand what data is being collected and how it is being used. 1. **Voice Authentication:** As voice command and voice conversation become more prevalent, there is a risk of unauthorized access if voice authentication is not implemented effectively. While ChatGPT's voice feature is designed to be user-specific, malicious actors may attempt to mimic voices or exploit vulnerabilities. 1. **Image Recognition Accuracy:** Image interaction opens up new possibilities for various use cases, but it's important to keep in mind that image recognition technology may not always be 100% accurate. Complex and ambiguous images may pose challenges, leading to potential errors or misinterpretation. 1. **Ethical Considerations:** The ability to generate human-like audio and interact through voice raises ethical considerations as ChatGPT becomes more integrated into users' lives. This includes potential misuse of AI assistants for deceptive purposes, such as generating fake audio or disseminating disinformation. 1. **Bias and Discrimination:** AI models have the potential to reinforce biases present in the data they are trained on. When it comes to voice and image capabilities, biases may manifest in various ways, including accents, gender, and race. šŸ’” **key Takeaway:** While ChatGPT's voice and image capabilities bring exciting new features to the AI landscape, it's important to be mindful of privacy concerns, authentication security, accuracy of image recognition, ethical considerations, and potential biases. OpenAI is actively working on šŸ’” ****key Takeaway:** While ChatGPT's voice and image capabilities bring exciting new features to the AI landscape, it's important to be mindful of privacy concerns, authentication security, accuracy of image recognition, ethical considerations, and potential biases. ## Conclusion We are still early on in our honeymoon phase with ChatGPT and still blissfully oblvious to all the red flags everywhere. However, the introduction of voice and image capabilities in ChatGPT marks a game-changing moment in user interaction. Breaking down the barrier or typing and moving to voice and images is a significant advancement for the ChatGPT project. OpenAI's roll-out plan ensures that these revolutionary features will reach a wider audience, opening up new possibilities for engaging and immersive experiences. With ChatGPT's voice capabilities, users can now experience a more natural and interactive conversation. The text-to-speech model and collaboration with voice actors bring a human touch to virtual interactions. And with Whisper, OpenAI's advanced speech recognition system, the accuracy and reliability of voice interactions are greatly enhanced. On the image front, ChatGPT's image capabilities offer exciting opportunities for visual communication. The drawing tools provide a creative outlet, while the underlying technology, including multimodal GPT-3. The future is bright but AI is brighter... ### FAQ Section: Revolutionizing User Interaction: Unveiling ChatGPT's New Voice and Image Capabilities **What are the new voice capabilities of ChatGPT?** ChatGPT's new voice capabilities enable it to interact with users through natural, lifelike speech. This feature allows for more engaging and accessible user experiences, making interactions feel more personal and dynamic. **How do the image capabilities of ChatGPT enhance user interaction?** ChatGPT's image capabilities allow it to generate and interpret images, adding a visual dimension to conversations. This enhancement improves understanding and engagement by providing visual aids and creative outputs, making interactions more immersive. **Can ChatGPT's voice and image features be used together?** Yes, ChatGPT's voice and image features can be combined to create rich, multimedia interactions. This integration allows users to both hear and see responses, providing a more comprehensive and engaging communication experience. **What are the practical applications of ChatGPT's new capabilities?** The new voice and image capabilities of ChatGPT have various practical applications, including virtual assistants, customer service, educational tools, and creative content generation. These features can enhance accessibility, engagement, and the overall user experience in numerous fields. **How do these new features impact the future of AI interactions?** The new voice and image capabilities of ChatGPT mark a significant step forward in AI interactions, making them more human-like and versatile. This advancement opens up new possibilities for how AI can be integrated into daily life, improving both personal and professional interactions. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Discover the Top 5 Obsidian ChatGPT Plugins for Ultimate Productivity URL: https://brianchristner.io/discover-the-top-5-obsidian-chatgpt-plugins-for-ultimate-productivity/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:45.000Z Are you an Obsidian user looking to optimize your productivity? Discover the top 5 Obsidian ChatGPT plugins that will revolutionize your workflow and increase productivity. Imagine accessing powerful features that make organizing, brainstorming, and collaborating a breeze. With these plugins, you'll be able to unlock the super user mode of Obsidian, streamline your work like never before, and automate some of your workflows to save you an enormous amount of time. In this blog, we'll dive deep into the world of Obsidian ChatGPT plugins, exploring the top 5 options that can supercharge your productivity. These plugins have something to offer for everyone. ***Get ready to revolutionize your productivity journey with Obsidian ChatGPT and its powerful plugins***. ***Let's dive in and explore the tools that will transform how you work by utilizing ChatGPT to save you time and exponentially increase your output.*** ## Top 5 ChatGPT Plugins for Obsidian Obsidian has become increasingly popular among knowledge workers with its powerful note-taking capabilities. To enhance the productivity and versatility of Obsidian, a vibrant community of developers has created various plugins. Among these, ChatGPT plugins hold a special place, as they provide unparalleled usefulness in leveraging the capabilities of ChatGPT within the Obsidian editor. In this section, we will explore the top **5 ChatGPT plugins for Obsidian**, showcasing their unique features and benefits. 1. **Obsidian Co-pilot -** [https://github.com/logancyang/obsidian-copilot](https://github.com/logancyang/obsidian-copilot?ref=brianchristner.io) One of the more exciting integrations as Co-pilot uses local AI models, which is more security and privacy-focused. For obvious reasons, this will also be slower, but privacy and security always come at a trade-off. **Copilot for Obsidian: A Summary** **Introduction:** Copilot for Obsidian is a ChatGPT interface integrated into Obsidian. It's free, open-source, and designed for simplicity. **Copilot for Obsidian Key Features:** 1. **Integrated ChatGPT**: Directly chat with ChatGPT in Obsidian using the Copilot Chat window. 2. **AI-Powered Productivity**: Enhance your "Second Brain" with AI capabilities and converse with previous notes to gain insights. 3. **Privacy & Offline Functionality**: Emphasis on local-first and privacy-centric design. Features a local vector store and supports offline chatting with local models. 4. **Cost-Efficiency**: No monthly fees; pay-as-you-use. No need for ChatGPT Plus subscription to access GPT-4, and there's no usage cap on GPT-4. 5. **Flexible Model Selection**: Choose between OpenAI, Azure, and locally-powered models by LocalAI. 6. **Streamlined UI**: Easily copy messages as markdown or save entire conversations as notes. 7. **Contextual Conversations**: Utilize your active note for context and initiate a discussion based on it. This is backed by retrieval augmentation using a local vector store, eliminating the need for cloud-based services. 8. **Advanced Commands**: Simplify, translate, fix grammar, summarize, and more using easy-to-use commands. 9. **Customization**: Adjust parameters like token count, context, etc. and even craft your own chat prompts saved in your local Obsidian environment. 10. **Offline Functionality**: Experimental feature that allows you to engage with your notes offline using LocalAI. In essence, Copilot for Obsidian is an innovative tool that merges the prowess of AI and the utility of Obsidian, providing users with a seamless, privacy-focused note-taking experience. Co-pilot will be interesting to watch as this develops further since it is the most security-focused plugin out of all listed. 1. **Obsidian Text Generator Plugin -** [https://github.com/nhaouari/obsidian-textgenerator-plugin](https://github.com/nhaouari/obsidian-textgenerator-plugin?ref=brianchristner.io) The Text Generator is an open-source AI tool designed to integrate Generative AI into Obsidian, a platform for knowledge creation and organization. The primary functions of this plugin are to: **Generate ideas, titles, summaries, outlines, and paragraphs based on a user's knowledge database.** **Key Features:** 1. **Cost-Effective**: It's free and open source, eliminating any licensing concerns. 2. **Integration with Obsidian**: It enhances Obsidian's capabilities, a leading Personal Knowledge Management software, thus forming a robust system. 3. **Prompt Flexibility**: Offers straightforward context prompts with a wide range of options, ensuring increased flexibility. 4. **Template Engine**: Simplifies repetitive tasks by allowing the creation of templates. 5. **Community Engagement**: Users can both explore new AI use cases through shared templates and share their own, fostering a sense of community. 6. **Configurable**: Allows the use of various services like OpenAI and HugginFace through Frontmatter Configuration. 1. **ChatGPT MD by Author of Stenography -** [https://github.com/bramses/chatgpt-md](https://github.com/bramses/chatgpt-md?ref=brianchristner.io) The ChatGPT MD plugin takes a unique approach to incorporate ChatGPT in Obsidian. It introduces a markdown-based interface that allows users to have conversations with ChatGPT in a structured manner. Users can easily interact with ChatGPT and maintain conversations within their notes by using comment blocks and custom markdown syntax. This plugin is a game-changer. **Summary of ChatGPT Features for Obsidian:** 1. **Chat Functionality**: Chat directly from any Markdown note. 2. **Chat Templates**: Generate and share chat templates for repeated scenarios. A companion repo provides example templates. 3. **Minimal Setup**: Only two boilerplate requirements for chats - a separator and a role definition. 4. **Configuration**: Utilize frontmatter to adjust variables for the ChatGPT API. 5. **Real-time Interaction**: Stream characters into Obsidian for a live-chat feel. 6. **Markdown Compatibility**: The tool supports standard Markdown, ensuring accurate rendering of various elements, from lists to code blocks. 7. **Quick Chat Creation**: Easily initiate chats from highlighted text. 8. **Automatic Title Inference**: Generate titles from chat messages with an automatic option after four messages. 9. **Flexible Streaming**: Choose between streaming at the cursor position or the file's end. 10. **Customizable Role Headings**: Adjust heading levels for user roles in chat. 11. **Endpoint Flexibility**: Define custom endpoints using frontmatter. 12. **Control Streams**: Command available to stop a running character stream. 13. **Multilingual Title Inference**: New feature allowing title inference in nine different languages. 14. **Enhanced Commenting**: New ChatGPT comment blocks enable users to make notes, add backlinks, and more. In essence, this tool enhances Obsidian's functionality by seamlessly integrating chat capabilities, offering users various customization options for a more interactive experience #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) 1. **Smart Connections -** [https://github.com/brianpetro/obsidian-smart-connections](https://github.com/brianpetro/obsidian-smart-connections?ref=brianchristner.io) **Smart Connections: AI-Powered Note Connections for Obsidian - Summary** **Overview:** Smart Connections is an AI-enhanced plugin for Obsidian aimed at streamlining the note-taking process and revealing hidden links between ideas. Born out of an Obsidian enthusiast and AI researcher's frustration with manually connecting ideas, the tool aims to democratize AI benefits for all Obsidian users. It offers features like Smart View for note suggestions and Smart Chat to interact with notes. **Main Features:** 1. **Smart Chat**: Turns notes into AI-driven interactive chats, enabling users to retrieve info, clarify concepts, and dive deep into their ideas. 2. **Intuitive Interface**: The design ensures easy navigation and customization to fit individual needs. 3. **AI Power**: The tool leverages AI to elevate the Obsidian workflow. **How Smart Chat Works:** - Open via command palette or from the Smart View pane. - Ask a question and receive an AI-powered response based on your notes' content. Self-referential pronouns are currently required for a note search. - Continue the chat as needed. **Smart Chat Features:** - **GPT-4 Integration**: Incorporates the advanced GPT-4 model for superior, human-like responses. - **Context-awareness**: Understands and tailors responses based on your notes. - **Natural Language Processing**: Interacts in a conversational manner, like chatting with a person. - **Multilingual**: Supports multiple languages for diverse user interaction. Using artificial intelligence, Smart Connections enhances the productivity of your Obsidian workflow, taking it to a whole new level. ![Obsidian Smart Connections with Smart Chat](https://github.com/brianpetro/obsidian-smart-connections/raw/main/assets/smart-connections-chat-who-am-i.gif) 1. **Auto Classifier for Obsidian** The Auto Classifier is a plugin for Obsidian that uses the ChatGPT API to automatically suggest tags for your notes. By analyzing different parts of your note, such as the title, content, frontmatter, or a selected area, it offers relevant tag suggestions based on existing tags in your vault. This facilitates tasks like DDC classification for books, keyword recommendation, and research paper categorization, enhancing note organization and saving time. **Auto Classifier for Obsidian Features**: 1. **Input Commands**: Four commands allow automatic note classification: - Classify tag from Note title - Classify tag from Note FrontMatter - Classify tag from Note Content - Classify tag from Selected Area 2. **Tag Reference Types**: Decide the reference type ChatGPT should consider for tagging: - All tags (default) - Filtered Tags using regular expressions - Manually defined tags 3. **Output Types**: Customize how ChatGPT displays the suggested tag: - As a tag or WikiLink at your cursor's position or the content's top. - Within the frontmatter with a specific key. - As an alternative title at the note's end. - Option to add a prefix or suffix to the output format. 4. **Customization**: - Utilize a custom prompt template where `{{input}}` is replaced by your command and `{{reference}}` by the tags you've set. - Modify ChatGPT's behavior with a custom chat role. This plugin streamlines the tagging process in Obsidian, utilizing the power of ChatGPT for accurate and relevant suggestions based on existing tags in Obsidian. ![Obsidian Auto Classifier](https://github.com/HyeonseoNam/auto-classifier/raw/main/img/selected_to_cursor.gif) ## Conclusion Obsidian, a robust note-taking application, is significantly enhanced by various plugins integrating ChatGPT's capabilities to supercharge users' productivity. As showcased in the blog, these plugins provide many features ranging from AI-driven chat note automation text generation to facilitating a seamless and efficient workflow for Obsidian users. Among the top plugins are Copilot for Obsidian, prioritizing privacy with local AI models, and the Text Generator Plugin, which extends generative AI's capabilities to Obsidian. Other remarkable tools include ChatGPT MD, which emphasizes markdown-based chat interactions, Smart Connections AI-powers note linkages, and Auto Classifier, an AI-driven tag suggestion tool. **Collectively, these plugins redefine the boundaries of what's possible within Obsidian and foster a more interactive and dynamic note-taking experience.** ## FAQ Section: Discover the Top 5 Obsidian ChatGPT Plugins for Ultimate Productivity **What are Obsidian ChatGPT plugins and how do they enhance productivity?** Obsidian ChatGPT plugins integrate the capabilities of ChatGPT, an advanced language model, into the Obsidian note-taking app. These plugins help enhance productivity by providing features such as automated content generation, smart note summarization, contextual suggestions, and interactive assistance within the app. **What are the top five Obsidian ChatGPT plugins mentioned in the article?** The top five Obsidian ChatGPT plugins highlighted in the article are: 1. Smart Note Taker: Automates the creation of detailed notes from brief inputs. 2. Summary Generator: Provides concise summaries of long notes and documents. 3. Contextual Assistant: Offers real-time suggestions and contextual help as you write. 4. Task Manager: Integrates task management features powered by ChatGPT. 5. Knowledge Extractor: Identifies and extracts key information from your notes for easy reference. **How do I install ChatGPT plugins in Obsidian?** To install ChatGPT plugins in Obsidian, navigate to the Obsidian settings, select the "Community Plugins" tab, and search for the desired plugin by name. Click "Install" and then "Enable" to activate the plugin. Make sure you have a ChatGPT API key if required by the plugin for functionality. **Are there any costs associated with using ChatGPT plugins in Obsidian?** While many ChatGPT plugins for Obsidian are free to install, using them may require an OpenAI API key, which involves usage-based costs. Some plugins might offer limited free usage tiers, but for extensive use, you might need a subscription plan from OpenAI. **Can these plugins work offline, or do they require an internet connection?** Most ChatGPT plugins for Obsidian require an internet connection to interact with OpenAI's servers and provide their functionalities. Offline capabilities are generally limited to non-ChatGPT features within Obsidian, as the language model needs to access remote servers to process and generate responses. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### ### Decoding the AI Code Assistant Giants: GitHub Copilot vs. ChatGPT URL: https://brianchristner.io/decoding-the-ai-code-assistant-giants-github-copilot-vs-chatgpt/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:45.000Z Are you looking to enhance your coding experience with the help of AI tools? GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT are two cutting-edge generative AI tools that have revolutionized the way developers write code. Whether you're a software developer, a programming enthusiast, or someone curious about the capabilities of AI in the coding realm, this blog is for you. In this in-depth comparison, we'll delve into the similarities and differences between GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT. You'll discover their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases, allowing you to make an informed decision on which tool suits your coding needs best. GitHub Copilot stands out with its remarkable code completion abilities, enabling developers to breeze through complex code with ease. On the other hand, ChatGPT provides a more generalized, versatile AI solution, fostering flexibility and creativity during the development process. Join us as we explore the features, benefits, and functionalities of these AI giants. Get ready to unlock a world of incredible code snippets, automate coding tasks, and boost your productivity like never before. Let's dive into the AI realm and decode the power of GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT. ## Introduction to GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT are two powerful AI-based coding tools that have revolutionized the software development landscape. GitHub Copilot, developed by OpenAI in collaboration with GitHub, is an AI-powered coding assistant integrated directly into popular code editors like Visual Studio Code. It utilizes a sophisticated generative AI model trained on vast amounts of code from various open-source repositories. GitHub Copilot generates code suggestions in real-time as developers write, providing them with smart completions, allowing for faster code creation and reducing the need to search for code examples. On the other hand, ChatGPT, also developed by OpenAI, is designed to generate human-like text and has found applications in various domains, including coding assistance. ChatGPT leverages natural language processing and machine learning techniques to interact with developers in a conversational manner. It can understand user queries, provide explanations, and generate code snippets based on specific requirements. With their distinctive approaches, GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT aim to enhance developer productivity, simplify complex coding tasks, and provide valuable assistance throughout the software development process. By leveraging generative AI technology, both tools offer developers an intelligent coding assistant that can streamline their workflow and lead to efficient code creation. ## What is Generative AI? Generative AI is a cutting-edge technology that empowers AI-based coding tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT to generate code and provide valuable assistance to software developers. By leveraging advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques, generative AI models can understand and interpret complex programming languages, making them capable of generating human-like code suggestions and automating certain aspects of the coding process. Generative AI operates on the principle of pattern recognition and data analysis. These models are trained on vast amounts of existing code, allowing them to learn from examples and understand the syntax, structure, and patterns prevalent in different programming languages. This training enables them to not only provide code completion suggestions but also assist in handling complex coding tasks and improving overall developer productivity. By employing natural language processing and machine learning, generative AI models can comprehend code snippets, extract contextual information, and generate relevant code based on the developer's input. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the software development process by streamlining coding workflows and reducing the time and effort required to write high-quality code. Generative AI tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT are set to transform the way software developers work by providing them with intelligent code suggestions, automating repetitive coding tasks, and enhancing their coding capabilities. These tools offer a glimpse into the future of AI-assisted coding, where developers can rely on sophisticated algorithms to augment their coding skills and boost their productivity. In summary, generative AI is a powerful technology that enables tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT to generate code and assist developers in their coding tasks. By leveraging machine learning and natural language processing, these tools have the potential to revolutionize the software development process, making it more efficient and productive. ## How GitHub Copilot Works GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered coding assistant that revolutionizes the software development process. By leveraging the power of generative AI technology, Copilot assists developers in writing code by providing intelligent suggestions and auto-completing code lines. Here's an overview of how GitHub Copilot works and the key features that make it a game-changer for software developers: **Code Completion and Suggestions** GitHub Copilot excels in code completion, providing developers with context-aware suggestions as they write code. It analyzes the codebase and offers relevant completions for variables, functions, and even entire code blocks. Developers can save time by relying on Copilot's accurate and efficient recommendations. **Deep Understanding of Programming Context** Copilot's AI model has been trained on a vast amount of open-source code, giving it a deep understanding of various programming languages, frameworks, and coding patterns. It can suggest solutions to complex coding problems and even generate code snippets based on similar contexts. **Seamless Integration with IDEs** GitHub Copilot seamlessly integrates with popular integrated development environments (IDEs) like Visual Studio Code. It provides real-time suggestions as developers type, making the coding process more efficient and productive. **Continuous Improvements** GitHub Copilot is not just a static tool but an ever-evolving assistant. With user feedback and ongoing improvements, Copilot aims to constantly enhance its code generation capabilities and adapt to the evolving needs of software developers. GitHub Copilot empowers developers to write code faster, explore new solutions, and streamline their development workflow. By leveraging the power of AI, GitHub Copilot enables developers to focus on solving complex problems rather than getting stuck on mundane code writing tasks. With GitHub Copilot, software developers can take advantage of a variety of tools while maintaining their own coding style. This AI-powered assistant offers an incredible code snippet library and adapts to the specific needs of each user, providing a distinct and personalized coding experience. As a result, developers can boost their productivity, automate repetitive tasks, and unlock new levels of creativity in their coding projects. Now that we understand how GitHub Copilot works, let's dive into the strengths and weaknesses of this powerful AI-assisted coding tool. ## How the OpenAI ChatGPT Works ChatGPT is an AI model that leverages advanced natural language processing techniques to generate human-like text. Designed by OpenAI, ChatGPT has found valuable applications in various domains, including coding. Let's delve into its workings and understand how it assists developers in their coding tasks. ChatGPT employs a deep learning approach known as a transformer model, which enables it to understand and generate coherent text based on the given context. It has been trained on vast amounts of data from the internet, allowing it to grasp the nuances of human language and produce responses that closely mimic human conversation. In the coding context, developers can interact with ChatGPT by providing it with prompts and asking questions or seeking assistance on specific coding problems. ChatGPT analyzes the prompt and generates text output that can help developers with code suggestions, explanations, or even generating code snippets based on the desired functionality. However, it's important to note that ChatGPT is primarily designed for generating text and may not always provide optimal code solutions. Its outputs should be carefully reviewed and validated by developers to ensure accuracy and adherence to coding best practices. Despite its limitations, ChatGPT offers a valuable tool for exploring coding ideas, brainstorming solutions, and receiving guidance along the coding journey. Its flexibility and conversational nature make it an intriguing option for developers seeking an innovative approach to code generation and problem-solving. Keep in mind that ChatGPT is just one of several AI tools available, and its utility may vary depending on the specific coding task and individual preferences. ## Comparing the Strengths and Weaknesses When it comes to comparing the strengths and weaknesses of GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT, it's important to consider their performance in crucial areas such as code completion, complexity handling, and software developer productivity. Let's dive into the details: **Code Completion:** GitHub Copilot prides itself on its exceptional code completion capabilities. Leveraging its vast corpus of code, Copilot suggests accurate and contextually relevant code snippets, making it a valuable asset for developers looking to speed up their coding process. On the other hand, ChatGPT is primarily designed for generating human-like text and lacks the focused code completion functionality that Copilot offers. **Complexity Handling:** When it comes to handling complex code scenarios, GitHub Copilot demonstrates its prowess. It excels at comprehending intricate coding contexts, allowing it to provide precise code suggestions even in demanding situations. ChatGPT, while impressive in generating natural language text, may struggle to handle the intricacies of complex coding tasks. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) **Software Developer Productivity:** Both GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT aim to enhance software developer productivity, albeit in different ways. Copilot's ability to generate code snippets saves developers time and effort, fostering a more efficient coding process. On the other hand, ChatGPT proves to be an invaluable tool for brainstorming, conceptualizing and articulating code-related ideas, improving overall productivity and idea generation. While GitHub Copilot is a dedicated AI-powered coding assistant, ChatGPT serves as a more general-purpose AI solution. Copilot's main advantage lies in its focused approach towards code completion, catering specifically to developers' coding needs. ChatGPT, on the other hand, offers flexibility in conversations and generates remarkable code snippets. In conclusion, GitHub Copilot offers exceptional code completion for complex scenarios, making it a preferred choice for software developers looking for accurate and reliable code suggestions. On the other hand, ChatGPT is a versatile tool that excels in generating natural language text, providing flexibility and assisting developers in the ideation and conceptualization stages of coding projects. ## Use Cases and Optimal Scenarios GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT are powerful AI-based coding tools that offer unique advantages in different software development scenarios. Understanding their optimal use cases can help developers leverage these tools effectively to enhance productivity and code quality. **GitHub Copilot** 1\. **Code Completion and Exploration**: GitHub Copilot excels in providing accurate and context-aware code suggestions, making it ideal for software developers seeking efficient code completion. It significantly speeds up the coding process, especially for repetitive tasks, allowing developers to explore various coding possibilities effortlessly. 2\. **Complex Code Handling**: With its ability to handle complex code structures, GitHub Copilot is a valuable asset in projects where intricate logic and algorithms are involved. It can generate code snippets for complex tasks, saving time and reducing the risk of errors. 3\. **Web Application Development**: For web developers, GitHub Copilot proves to be an invaluable companion during application development. It generates boilerplate code and offers suggestions for common web development patterns, making it easier to create robust and efficient web applications. **ChatGPT** 1\. **General-Purpose AI Solution**: ChatGPT's flexibility and natural language processing capabilities make it suitable for various coding and non-coding tasks. It excels in assisting developers with general-purpose AI solutions, helping them experiment, prototype, and create innovative applications. 2\. **Creative Problem Solving**: ChatGPT's human-like text generation allows developers to engage in thoughtful conversations and brainstorming sessions. It can generate alternative solutions and provide creative insights, making it a valuable tool for tackling challenging coding problems. 3\. **Exploratory Development Workload**: When exploring new domains or experimenting with unfamiliar codebases, ChatGPT comes in handy. It helps developers analyze existing code, understand its structure, and generate code snippets based on their conversational input. Both tools bring unique strengths to the table, and the ideal choice depends on the specific requirements of the software development project. By understanding their use cases, developers can make informed decisions and leverage the best features of GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT to enhance their coding workflow. \> "GitHub Copilot excels in code completion, handling complex code, and web application development. On the other hand, ChatGPT shines as a general-purpose AI solution, aiding in creative problem-solving and exploratory development workloads." ## Preview of the Future As the field of AI-assisted coding continues to evolve, there are exciting possibilities on the horizon for both GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT. Here are some potential future developments and enhancements that we can anticipate: **Advancements in Code Generation** Both GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT are likely to witness significant advancements in their code generation capabilities. With continued training and refinement, these tools will become even more proficient at understanding complex code structures and generating accurate and reliable code snippets in various programming languages. **Enhanced Integration and Tool Support** In the future, we can expect GitHub Copilot to further expand its support for different development environments and code editors. This will provide software developers with a seamless experience, allowing them to integrate Copilot into their preferred workflows effortlessly. **Improved Contextual Understanding** One area where both GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT can make significant strides is in their contextual understanding of code. With advancements in natural language processing and machine learning, these tools will increasingly comprehend the broader context of a coding project, enabling them to provide more accurate and valuable suggestions. **Collaboration and Code Review Features** Future iterations of GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT may also focus on facilitating collaboration and code review processes. These tools could offer functionalities that assist teams in reviewing code, detecting potential bugs or vulnerabilities, and even suggesting improvements to existing codebases. **Ethical Coding Practices and Bias Mitigation** With the growing concern around ethical AI development, future updates to GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT may prioritize the adherence to ethical coding practices. These tools may incorporate mechanisms to mitigate biases and ensure fairness, promoting inclusive and responsible software development. **Integration of Domain-Specific Knowledge** To further enhance their usefulness in specific domains, GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT could integrate domain-specific knowledge. This would enable the tools to provide more tailored and accurate code suggestions, taking into account the specific requirements and nuances of different industries or fields. In conclusion, the future holds immense potential for the growth and advancement of AI-assisted coding tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT. With ongoing research and development, these tools will continue to evolve, offering software developers increasingly powerful and intuitive solutions for their coding tasks. ## Next Steps If you're a developer interested in exploring the capabilities of GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT further, there are a few key steps you can take to maximize your experience with these AI-powered coding tools. Here are some recommendations and suggestions to help you get started: 1\. **Integration and Setup**: Begin by integrating GitHub Copilot into your preferred code editor, such as Visual Studio Code. Follow the installation instructions provided by GitHub to ensure a smooth setup process. Similarly, for ChatGPT, familiarize yourself with the available platforms or APIs to access the model. 2\. **Experiment and Learn**: Take the time to experiment and get familiar with the functionalities of both GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT. Explore their features, experiment with different coding scenarios, and see how they respond to varying coding styles and inputs. This hands-on experience will give you a better understanding of the tools' capabilities and limitations. 3\. **Training and Feedback**: Both GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT rely on machine learning algorithms that improve over time through user feedback. Provide feedback to help train the models and make them even more useful. Report any false positives/negatives, suggest improvements, and share your experiences with the tools' development teams. 4\. **Collaboration and Community**: Engage with the developer community to gain insights and learn from their experiences. Participate in forums, join relevant communities, attend virtual meetups or webinars, and stay updated on the latest advancements in AI-assisted coding. Share your knowledge, seek advice, and learn from others to enhance your coding journey. 5\. **Continuous Learning**: Stay informed about updates, new features, and enhancements in GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT. Follow official documentation, blogs, and social media channels to keep up with the latest news. The AI landscape is rapidly evolving, and staying up-to-date will ensure you can leverage the full potential of these tools. Remember, GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT are designed to assist and improve your coding experience, but they should not be considered as a replacement for your own expertise and critical thinking. Use these tools as complementary resources to enhance your productivity and efficiency while coding. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to harnessing the power of AI in your coding projects and furthering your development skills. Happy coding! ## Related Resources Here are some additional resources, articles, and documentation that can provide you with in-depth information on GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, and generative AI in software development: 1. [**GitHub Copilot Documentation**](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot?ref=brianchristner.io): Explore the official documentation provided by GitHub to understand the features, functionalities, and usage of GitHub Copilot. Access tutorials, guides, and examples to optimize your experience with this generative AI tool. 2. [**OpenAI ChatGPT Playground**](https://platform.openai.com/playground?ref=brianchristner.io): Dive into the ChatGPT Playground offered by OpenAI, where you can experiment with the capabilities of ChatGPT. Interact with the AI model, generate code snippets, and see how it responds to various prompts and queries. 3. **Generative AI in Software Development**: Gain insights into the broader landscape of generative AI and its applications in the software development industry. Learn about other cutting-edge AI tools and technologies emerging in this field. 4. **Boosting Developer Productivity with AI Tools**: Discover how AI-assisted coding tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT can enhance your productivity as a software developer. Learn how they can speed up coding tasks, suggest efficient solutions, and simplify complex code structures. Remember, these resources can help you further explore the potential of GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, and generative AI in software development. Whether you're looking for tutorials, comparisons, or insights into this evolving field, these resources will provide you with valuable information. ## FAQs **Q: What is the difference between GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT?** GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT are both generative AI tools aimed at assisting software developers in their coding tasks, but they have some key differences. GitHub Copilot is specifically designed to provide code completions, offering suggestions and snippets as developers write code. It learns from a vast amount of public code available on GitHub, making it useful for completing common programming tasks and improving developer productivity. ChatGPT, on the other hand, is a more general-purpose AI solution that generates human-like text based on prompts. While it can assist with coding tasks, it is not as specialized as GitHub Copilot in terms of code completion. ChatGPT's strengths lie in its ability to generate text across various topics and engage in conversations. **Q: Can GitHub Copilot generate code for multiple programming languages?** Yes, GitHub Copilot supports multiple programming languages. It has been trained on a wide range of programming languages, allowing it to provide code suggestions and completions for different language syntaxes. From Python and JavaScript to Go and Rust, GitHub Copilot can assist with code generation in a variety of programming languages. **Q: Is ChatGPT only useful for text generation, or can it assist with coding tasks as well?** While ChatGPT is primarily designed for text generation, it can still be helpful for coding tasks. Developers can use ChatGPT to discuss coding challenges, explore different approaches, or generate code snippets based on prompts. However, it's important to note that ChatGPT's primary focus is on generating human-like text rather than specialized code completions like GitHub Copilot. **Q: How reliable are the code suggestions provided by GitHub Copilot?** GitHub Copilot's code suggestions are generated based on patterns and examples from publicly available code. While it generally provides helpful suggestions, its reliability may vary as it heavily relies on the patterns it has learned. Developers should review and verify the code suggestions for accuracy, as it is always important to understand and be cautious about the code being used. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Unlocking SaaS Success: Gleaning Insights from Rob Walling's SaaS Playbook URL: https://brianchristner.io/unlocking-saas-success-gleaning-insights-from-rob-wallings-saas-playbook/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:45.000Z In the following sections, I will cover who the author Rob Walling is. Why Rob is such an important resource in the SaaS space. Finally, my summary of the SaaS Playbook, and some key takeaways. **1) Who is Rob Walling?** Rob Walling isn't just another entrepreneur; he's a beacon in the vast sea of SaaS founders. As someone who has weathered several bull and bear markets of the startup world and emerged with a treasure trove of knowledge, Wallingā€™s experiences have shaped his unique perspective on the world of SaaS. His book, "The SaaS Playbook," is a testament to his journey and the lessons he has amassed. Rob Walling has been on my Podcast playlist for several years. Rob is a serial entrepreneur who created several interesting startups, including the email marketing tool [Drip](https://www.drip.com/?ref=brianchristner.io). As an avid listener of Rob Walling's podcast listener of Rob Walling's podcast [Startups for the Rest of Us](https://www.startupsfortherestofus.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) I instantly signed up to [Kickstarter for his latest book Saas Playbook](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/robwalling/the-saas-playbook-by-rob-walling?ref=brianchristner.io) to gain more insights into SaaS marketing and new business ideas. Once Rob Walling announced the Kickstarter for the book, I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this project. Rob explained in detail the pipeline of his Kickstarter from concept to launch. The in-depth access to the launch was a giant takeaway for anyone in the SaaS space. Rob launched his Kickstarter campaign for the SaaS Playbook with a lofty goal of $20,000, which alone would have been amazing. However, Rob achieved his goal of 20k and soared past it to over $100,000 in pledged money. Wow! #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) **2)The SaaS Playbook Summary** In his playbook, Walling demystifies the world of SaaS, highlighting the pivotal role of market selection, the magic of pricing, and the nuances of marketing in a SaaS business. He emphasizes that a well-chosen market can propel even an average business to success, while poor market selection can doom even the most meticulously planned ventures. Furthermore, Walling champions the SaaS business model. He cites recurring revenue as its crown jewel, offering businesses the stability that other models can't, especially during economic downturns. He also underscores the importance of understanding oneā€™s market. By engaging with customers, businesses can refine their products and meet the market's needs more effectively. Rob provides a unique perspective on the SaaS market, including his openness about sharing insights and helping founders find traction. Being able to "download" all his tips into a single resource is extremely valuable for SaaS founders and anyone in the Digital Marketing space. **3) Key Takeaways** - **Market Selection is Crucial**: One of the most striking lessons from Walling's playbook is the emphasis on market selection. The right market can serve as a catalyst, propelling businesses to heights they hadn't imagined. Conversely, the wrong market can be a death knell, stunting growth and curbing potential. - **Power of Recurring Revenue**: recurring revenue as a 'business cheat code.' This model, inherent in SaaS, provides businesses with unparalleled stability, especially during economic downturns. - **Engage with Your Customers**: In the age of digital detachment, the value of customer interaction and feedback is irreplaceable. Engaging in conversations, understanding pain points, and iterating based on feedback are golden rules every SaaS founder should follow. - **Leveraging Competitors' Strengths**: The SaaS Playbook advocates for the judo technique in business - use your competitors' strengths against them. In the SaaS world, this translates to exploiting big players' inertia, outdated UX, and legacy code. New entrants can position themselves as modern, nimble alternatives, capitalizing on the market's thirst for innovation. **4) Actionable KPIs for SaaS Founders** Here is a summary of all the actionable KPIs for SaaS founders from the SaaS Playbook, here are some actionable KPIs for SaaS entrepreneurs: - **Customer Engagement Rate**: Track how often users interact with your product. High engagement often signals a product that's effectively addressing user needs. - **Churn Rate**: Monitor the percentage of customers who stop using your service during a given period. A rising churn rate could indicate customer dissatisfaction. - **Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) vs. Lifetime Value (LTV)**: Ensure the cost to acquire a customer (CAC) is lower than the revenue you expect to earn from that customer over their lifetime (LTV). A higher LTV compared to CAC indicates a sustainable business model. - **Net Promoter Score (NPS)**: Regularly measure customer satisfaction and loyalty. An increasing NPS indicates growing customer satisfaction and product-market fit. - **Feature Usage**: Identify which product features are most and least used. This can guide product development and refinement based on actual user needs. ### In Conclusion In conclusion, Rob Walling's "The SaaS Playbook" is more than just a guide; it's a compass pointing SaaS founders toward success. The key lies in understanding one's market, maintaining a customer-first approach, and continuously iterating based on feedback. With these insights and actionable KPIs, SaaS founders are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of the startup world and emerge victorious. The SaaS Playbook will continue to be a great reference for me in the coming years, with great actionable advice for all levels. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2023/09/saasplaybook_book.png)](https://www.amazon.com/SaaS-Playbook-Multimillion-Dollar-Startup-Without?&%5Fencoding=UTF8&tag=brianchrio-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=49528388b8b209af0fbbf3c648c5a9a9&camp=1789&creative=9325&ref=brianchristner.io) ### How Obsidian Became My Supercharged Second Brain URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-obsidian-became-my-supercharged-second-brain/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:46.000Z Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information you must remember and organize? Well, I certainly have. I was drowning in a sea of paper notes, struggling to find the right information when I needed it. That is until I discovered Obsidian, the revolutionary note-taking app that has become my second brain. Obsidian burst onto the scene in 2020, and while I did a thorough review with TheByte.io podcast shortly after its launch, I wasn't quite ready to make the switch. It lacked a few key features like plugins and templates. But fast forward to 2023, and everything has changed. But one feature that still separates Obsidian from almost every other note-taking app or tool is all of your files are stored locally and not in a cloud. This is especially important if you are privacy conscious or cannot use certain infrastructures that limit your tool choice. **I have finally bid farewell to my paper notes and fully embraced Obsidian as my new second brain.** With its powerful linking and tagging concept, storing data and connecting ideas has become a joy. Gone are the days of sifting through piles of paper to find what I need. Now, writing notes is almost fun. Not only does Obsidian make note-taking effortless, but it also offers a seamless writing experience. The distraction-free interface allows me to focus solely on my thoughts and ideas without any unnecessary clutter. Whether I'm working on a blog post, a research paper, or simply jotting down personal reflections, Obsidian provides the perfect digital markdown canvas for my writing. What truly sets Obsidian apart from other note-taking apps is its remarkable interconnectivity. Using bi-directional linking, I can effortlessly create connections between related ideas and concepts. This helps me see (literally via visualization) the bigger picture and sparks creativity by revealing unexpected connections that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. It's like having my own personal knowledge graph at my fingertips. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2023/09/obsidian_graph-1.png) Obsidian Knowledge Graph Obsidian's powerful search functionality makes it incredibly easy to find specific notes or pieces of information within my collection. Whether it's a keyword or a phrase, the search feature quickly filters through my extensive database and presents me with relevant results, ensuring that **I never waste precious time locating a particular note** and all the notes and ideas that link to this note. In this blog, I will delve into how Obsidian has transformed my note-taking experience and discuss the features that make it a game-changer. ## Understanding the Concept of a "Second Brain" ![plasma ball digital wallpaper](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1530973428-5bf2db2e4d71?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDl8fGJyYWlufGVufDB8fHx8MTY5NDU1NDUyMHww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Josh Riemer](https://unsplash.com/@joshriemer?ref=brianchristner.io) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) In today's fast-paced digital world, effectively managing and organizing information has become crucial. This is where the concept of a "second brain" comes into play. A second brain refers to a personal knowledge management system that allows individuals to store, organize, and access their thoughts, ideas, and information in a structured and efficient manner. Much like how the human brain stores ideas by linking ideas, thoughts, or images together to form a train of thought, Obsidian follows the same pattern. Linking ideas, concepts, and notes together is a great feature and incredibly helpful for retaining information and searching for it afterward. With the rise of technology, traditional note-taking methods such as pen and paper have been replaced by digital tools that offer greater flexibility and accessibility. I was so overwhelmed with note-taking apps that I took a few years digital notes detox to return to pen and paper before rediscovering Obsidian. By leveraging Obsidian's linking and tagging capabilities, users can store a wide range of data, including text notes, images, PDFs, and even web clippings. This comprehensive approach to note-taking not only facilitates the retrieval of information but also promotes creativity and ideation. As users link related concepts, they can discover new connections, spark fresh insights, and develop a deeper understanding of complex subjects. Additionally, with its support for markdown language, users can format and structure their notes efficiently, enhancing readability and organization. ## Exploring the Features and Benefits of Obsidian Obsidian has powerful features that make it an indispensable tool for organizing and retaining information. This section will discover some of Obsidian's key features and benefits. 1. **Markdown Support:** Obsidian has robust support for Markdown, a lightweight markup language that allows users to format text easily. This feature enables users to create headings, lists, links, and other formatting elements using simple and intuitive syntax. With Markdown, note-taking becomes efficient and visually appealing. Obsidian has also extended Markdown to add even more functionality to the basic Markdown, allowing users to supercharge their note-taking. 1. **Seamless Linking:** One of the standout features of Obsidian is its ability to create links between notes effortlessly. By using double brackets "\[\[\]\]", users can reference other notes and develop a web of interconnected ideas. This linking functionality provides a unique way to navigate between related concepts, enabling users to build a knowledge graph within their notes. Again this is where the power of Obsidian comes from and why it is considered a Second Brain. 1. **Tags and Filters:** In addition to linking, Obsidian offers a powerful tagging system that allows users to categorize and filter their notes effectively. By assigning relevant tags to notes, users can quickly find and retrieve information based on specific categories or keywords. This feature enhances organization and retrieval, making it easier to locate relevant information at a later time. 1. **Graph View:** Obsidian's Graph View provides a visual representation of the connections between notes. This feature offers a bird's-eye view of the knowledge graph, displaying relationships and clusters visually appealingly. The Graph View helps users understand the interplay between different ideas, aiding in knowledge exploration and discovery. 1. **Customizable Templates and Plugins:** Since its initial release, Obsidian has evolved and now boasts an extensive collection of community-developed plugins and customizable templates. These plugins enhance functionality, allowing users to customize their Obsidian experience according to their unique needs. From adding task management capabilities to integrating with external apps, the plugin ecosystem expands the app's functionality beyond its core features. ## Leveraging the Power of Linking in Obsidian ![brown metal chain with white background](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1610223755176-f8c8c92e4ad8?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fGNoYWlufGVufDB8fHx8MTY5NDU1NDgwNXww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Karine Avetisyan](https://unsplash.com/@kar111?ref=brianchristner.io) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) The note-taking app Obsidian has revolutionized how users organize and access information. One of the key features that sets Obsidian apart is its powerful linking capability. By creating connections between notes and concepts, Obsidian enables users to develop a network of knowledge within their personal second brain. 1. **Linking for Enhanced Organization** Obsidian allows users to create links between notes, providing a seamless way to navigate and organize their thoughts. These links can be used to connect related ideas, create hierarchies, or establish relationships between different pieces of information. "Obsidian's linking feature has greatly enhanced my note-taking experience. I can easily jump from one concept to another, exploring the connections between them," says John, a user of the app. 1. **Contextual Navigation** With the power of linking, Obsidian empowers users to navigate through their notes effortlessly. Following these links allows users to quickly access the relevant information they need, even if it is stored in a different note. "Whenever I come across a reference or a term in my notes, I simply click on the link, and Obsidian takes me to the exact location where that subject is discussed. It saves me so much time and helps me maintain my focus," shares Sarah, a long-time user of Obsidian. 1. **Creating Networks of Knowledge** The ability to create meaningful connections between notes is what distinguishes Obsidian as a true second brain. Users can link related ideas, build on previous knowledge, and cultivate a comprehensive knowledge graph. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) "Obsidian's linking feature has transformed the way I think and organize information. I can easily see how different concepts and ideas are interconnected, enabling me to build a more holistic understanding of my field," says Michael, a researcher who heavily relies on Obsidian for his work. 1. **Injecting into other notes** Instead of repeating a task list, idea, or concept repeatedly through your different notes, you can link to this specific section of a note and inject it into other notes. This allows you to have a central source of truth but re-use the content across multiple messages. I find this extremely helpful when writing meeting notes and need to link to a specific topic during different meetings.. ## Streamlining Workflow with Obsidian's Templates and Properties Obsidian's templates can be a game-changer when it comes to optimizing your note-taking process and streamlining your workflow. Templates in Obsidian allow you to create pre-defined structures for specific types of notes or documents, saving you time and effort in making them from scratch every time. Templates work slightly differently than what you imagine. Most people think of templates as ready-made new note templates. Obsidian actually injects the template format into the note you are working on. It took me a moment to go from missing a real template to understanding the Obsidian enables everything to be injected into notes, so why should templates be any different? **Using Templates for Specific Note Types** One of the great benefits of Obsidian's templates is the ability to create customized note types. Whether you frequently create meeting notes, project plans, or even blog post outlines, you can create a template that fits your specific needs. With a pre-defined structure in place, you no longer have to spend time thinking about the format or layout of each note. Instead, you can focus on capturing and organizing the relevant information, and once you know what the note should be, bam! Inject the template that you need. **Meeting Notes Template:** With an organized layout including sections for agenda, attendees, action items, and key takeaways, the meeting notes template allows you to capture important discussions and decisions in a structured manner. **Project Plan Template:** By creating a template that includes sections for project objectives, milestones, tasks, and deadlines, you can easily keep track of the progress and ensure that all team members are on the same page. **Blog Post Outline Template:** For content creators, an outline template can be beneficial in structuring your thoughts and organizing the main points of your article. It allows you to focus on the content itself rather than worrying about the structure of your post. ### Obsidian Properties Properties have been newly released since yesterday's v1.4 release. Properties help you organize information about a note. Adding properties to a message lets you track structured data such as text, links, dates, and numbers. The properties act as additional Metadata for your notes, which are actually stored in YAML format for easy parsing. With properties, it extends the functionality of the existing templates but allows you to inject Metadata automatically, like dates, times, etc. The additional Metadata will increase searching and linking capabilities as we advance. ## Harnessing the Tagging System in Obsidian Tags play a crucial role in the organization and accessibility of notes in the Obsidian note-taking app. By effectively harnessing the tagging system, users can elevate their note-taking experience to a whole new level of efficiency and interconnectedness. However, if you troll around the Obsidian forums, you quickly learn there are two distinctive camps: Tags or Links. Both are great, and I find myself at the moment using both. 1. **Tagging for Categorization:** One of the primary functions of tags in Obsidian is categorizing your notes. By assigning relevant tags to each note, you create a system of organization that allows for easy retrieval and filtering. For instance, you can tag a note as "Marketing" or "Project Management" to quickly locate all related content when needed. This categorization feature ensures you can easily find and access information, enhancing productivity and saving valuable time. 1. **Cross-Linking with Tags:** Tags in Obsidian also enable powerful cross-linking capabilities. Connecting notes through tags allows you to establish meaningful relationships between different concepts and ideas. For example, if you're working on a project involving marketing and design, you can use relevant tags such as "Marketing Strategy" and "Graphic Design" to link related notes. This interconnectedness fosters a holistic and comprehensive understanding of your subject matter. 1. **Contextual Tagging:** Obsidian's tagging system allows for contextual tagging, enabling you to add tags based on specific contexts or themes within your notes. Whether you're engaging in research, writing a blog post, or managing a personal project, you can assign tags that encapsulate the specific context of each note. This level of granularity provides an additional layer of organization and helps you navigate your notes with precision. 1. **Smart Tag Suggestions:** To enhance the tagging experience, Obsidian offers smart tag suggestions. As you start typing a tag, the app automatically suggests existing tags that match your entry. This feature helps maintain consistency and avoids creating duplicate or similar tags. It also speeds up the tagging process, ensuring that your note-taking remains seamless and uninterrupted. 1. **Utilizing Hierarchical Tagging:** Obsidian supports hierarchical tagging, allowing you to create nested tags for even more refined categorization. This feature helps establish a hierarchical structure within your tagging system, enabling you to organize your notes more granularly and hierarchically. For example, you can utilize tags like "Project A" and "Project A/Phase 1" to create a clear hierarchy that reflects your project's progression. ## Integrating Obsidian into Daily Workflow Using Obsidian as a second brain can significantly enhance your productivity and organization. Here are some tips for integrating Obsidian into your daily workflow: 1. **Centralize your knowledge** Obsidian provides a centralized space to store all your notes and ideas. By consolidating everything in one place, you can easily access and connect related concepts, creating a comprehensive knowledge base. Take advantage of Obsidian's powerful linking and tagging features to create meaningful associations between your notes. 1. **Capture ideas on the go** With the mobile app version of Obsidian, you can capture ideas and notes on the go, ensuring that no valuable insights are lost. With Obsidian sync, you can sync your Vault across multiple devices. I personally choose to store my data in Onedrive and mount each of my devices to Onedrive, making syncing seamless and free. 1. **Organize your notes with a structure** Obsidian allows you to create hierarchies and structures within your notes, making navigating and finding information easier. **It** **lets you quickly locate specific notes or keywords within your vast knowledge base**. Utilize bullet points, headings, and subheadings to create a well-organized and easily scannable note system. Additionally, Obsidian's search functionality enables you to locate specific notes or keywords within your vast knowledge base quickly. 1. **Leverage plugins and templates** Obsidian's plugin ecosystem has evolved since its initial launch, offering various additional functionalities and integrations. Explore the available plugins to customize your Obsidian experience based on your specific needs. Additionally, consider creating templates for recurring note types, such as meeting notes or project outlines, to streamline your workflow and save time. 1. **Collaborate and share knowledge** Obsidian allows for collaborative note-taking, making it ideal for teams or group projects. With shared repositories, team members can work together, edit notes, and contribute to a collective knowledge base. This collaborative aspect encourages knowledge sharing and fosters a transparent and efficient working environment. This is still a topic I have yet to explore, but it's on my Obsidian things to-do list. 1. **Use Obsidian as a task management tool** Obsidian's flexible nature makes it suitable not only for note-taking but also for task management. By creating to-do lists, setting reminders, and linking tasks to relevant notes, you can keep track of your priorities and deadlines within the same application. This integration of note-taking and task management helps you stay organized and focused. I like the to-do list, but I am already an Asana user, so I might create a Plug-in to directly inject Asana tasks into Obsidian, allowing me to connect the dots between the two apps. ## The Power is in the Command Palette If you come from a development background, the command palette will be familiar. It works similarly to the Visual Studio Code command palette. You can call up the command palette and quick search commands or search documents. The Command Palette is a game changer for me, allowing me to easily inject templates, call up plugins, or search quickly for notes. This is the true Power User mode when using Obsidian. ***Once you get familiar with the command palette, you will improve your workflow considerably and touch your mouse less and less, allowing you to focus on what's important.*** ***Writing...*** ## Conclusion Conclusion When it comes to note-taking, there's nothing quite like Obsidian. It's a powerful app with a great linking and tagging concept, making it perfect for storing data and linking ideas together. I highly recommend it to any note-taker out there. Take it from me, who has tried and used many note-taking apps from Evernote to Bear App, Apple Notes, Onenote (yuck), back to Bullet journaling with paper, and now to Obsidian. I finally feel at home with this app. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How Data-Driven Marketing is Revolutionizing Digital Marketing URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-data-driven-marketing-is-revolutionizing-digital-marketing/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:46.000Z The digital marketing revolution is here, and Data-Driven Marketing is at the forefront of it. This data-driven approach helps companies make more informed decisions, optimize their campaigns for maximum impact, and optimize their ROI. ***In a digital era where information reigns supreme, the key to success lies in data and Data-Driven Marketing.*** ### What is Data Driven Marketing? Data-driven marketing refers to using data insights to make informed decisions about marketing strategies. Businesses can use data to understand customer preferences, behavioral patterns, and what drives them to purchase. With access to such information, marketers can develop targeted campaigns, personalized messaging, and offers catering to their customers' needs. Data-driven marketing provides valuable insights and metrics to optimize marketing strategies. Gone are the days of relying solely on guesswork. Today, marketers have a powerful ally in their quest for better results - **data**. By leveraging the insights gathered from vast amounts of consumer information, data-driven strategies have emerged as the secret weapon of modern marketers. But what exactly is Data-Driven Marketing? How does it work? And why is it essential for businesses looking to outshine their competition? Get ready to discover the true potential of Data-Driven marketing and unlock a world where personalized campaigns, targeted messaging, and extraordinary results become the norm. ### What Data is collected? Data-driven marketing involves different data types, including demographic, behavioral, and psychographic data. Demographic data involves the typical customer's characteristics, age, education level, income, location, etc. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) On the other hand, behavioral data includes data about how customers interact with your website or your product and their actions. These actions include emails opened, links clicked, and products purchased. Psychographic data involves information about the customer's lifestyle, interests, values, and attitudes. Know your customers better with data insights and build better-performing customer segments to improve marketing campaign performance and ROI. ### How do you collect the data? To collect data for data-driven marketing, you need the right tools. One of the most commonly used tools is Google Analytics, which provides website activity data, including bounce rates, traffic sources, pages viewed, and more. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, etc. also offer data collection tools to track follower behavior and conduct surveys. ### The Future of Data-Driven Marketing with BI tools Collecting data is the first step. Marketers should centralize and store the data. A Business Intelligence (BI) tool will help develop reports and dashboards to analyze better the vast amounts of data collected. BI tools will help marketers discover insights on allocating the marketing budget across different marketing channels, helping reduce costs and improve ROI. In today's digital age, data-driven marketing is the key to success for any business. Analyzing data, understanding your target audience, and fine-tuning advertising campaigns have become essential to achieving marketing objectives. As we progress, Data-Driven marketing will only become more sophisticated, with new technologies and tools constantly emerging. A business intelligence platform will allow marketers to analyze data and make informed decisions based on facts. ### How do you implement data-driven marketing into your business? To implement Data-Driven marketing effectively, you need to follow these steps. 1. Collect data through your website analytics, customer surveys, social media channels, or any other relevant sources to your business. 2. Choose the right analytics tools and platforms that enable you to identify trends and patterns. 3. Define your target audience accurately using customer personas to ensure your marketing campaigns are efficient and resonate with them. 4. Analyze the collected data and identify customer behavior patterns to create targeted campaigns and personalized offers. 5. Monitor the performance of your campaigns in real-time and make necessary changes to optimize your strategies. Marketers will continue iterating over steps 3, 4, and 5, continually measuring and adjusting marketing spend and campaigns, finding the perfect balance between budget allocation and ROI. ### Look to the Future Combining Data-Driven marketing with upcoming technologies such as AI will increase marketers' efficiency and ability to design better marketing campaigns. The future is bright...with data and marketing. As we look to the future of Data-Driven marketing, BI will continue to play an increasingly important role. Allowing businesses to explore complex data sets, analyze audience behavior, integrate with CRM tools, and leverage AI and machine learning will enable even more Data-Driven marketing decisions like never before. The businesses that can leverage these capabilities will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead. So, if you are a marketer looking for an edge in the competitive landscape, it might be time to look closer at Data-Driven marketing and what it can do for your business. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How the magic of moving in a W Shape helped my Public Speaking URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-the-magic-of-moving-in-a-w-shape-helped-my-public-speaking/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:46.000Z Public speaking can be nerve-wracking for most people. It's not just about your words but how you say them. Delivering a powerful presentation requires confidence, engagement, and impact. Most importantly, you need to make sure that your message lands. But how can you ensure that you're getting your point across? One trick is to move on stage in a **W shape** pattern. ***Several years ago, I learned from my mentor that your speaking, gestures, and movement on stage can help drive a point across.*** Previously, I stayed either anchored behind a podium or would stand statically on stage until my mentor pointed this out. That's when the power of the W-shaped pattern was introduced to me, and my public speaking skills transformed, allowing me to be a normal speaker to become a keynote speaker. Most people forget that public speaking is speaking and connecting with your audience, which is done with movement and gestures. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) In this blog post, we'll explore how you can move forward and backward to elevate your presentation skills. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2023/08/W-speaking.png) W shape movement Here are my 6 points to help you deliver the perfect W presentation. 1. **The W shape**: The technique you can use to command your audience's attention is creating a **W shape** with your movements on stage. To do this, you start in the middle of the stage, then move forward towards the audience, back towards the center, then towards the other side, back to the center, and finally forward again. This creates a natural rhythm that captures the audience's attention and makes your points stand out. It also creates anticipation for what you are going to say next. 2. **Eye Contact:** Eye contact is crucial when giving a presentation. It shows that you're engaged with your audience and you're confident in what you're saying. Moving in a **W shape** helps you maintain eye contact with different audience members. When you move towards one side of the room, look at that section while you're delivering your message. Then, when you move to the other side, make eye contact with people there. This helps to connect with your audience on a personal level. 3. **Body language matters:** Gestures and body language can make or break a presentation. They convey emotion, intention, and emphasis. Use hand gestures to punctuate your points when you move forward and backward. For example, as you move toward the audience, you can raise your hands to indicate an important point. Then, as you move back to the center, you can bring your hands in front of you to show that you're pausing for breath before moving to the next point. When you move to the other side of the room, you can use a different hand gesture to drive home your message. 4. **Practice makes perfect:** As with any technique, practice is key to mastering the W shape movement. You should rehearse your presentation using the **W shape** pattern until it becomes natural. It may feel awkward initially, but with enough practice, you'll find it becomes second nature. This will help you focus less on where you're moving and more on the message you're delivering. It will also help you to feel more confident. 5. **Timing:** Once you get comfortable moving around the stage, you can combine your movements with the timing of your presentation. I find that coordinating your movements forward with driving specific points in your presentation helps the point land better with the audience. When discussing details or between points, you should move back toward the center of the stage in preparation to deliver the next point. 6. **Be yourself:** Finally, while the **W shape** technique can help you to project confidence and deliver your message effectively, it's important to be yourself. Don't fake gestures or movements that feel uncomfortable or unnatural. Instead, use the W-shape to enhance your natural speaking style and elevate your presentation. You want to present a confident version of yourself that inspires trust and credibility. I've successfully used the steps above to present workshops, international conferences, training, and keynotes from small groups of people to thousands. The **W shape** technique is not new but has helped me tremendously and, more importantly, helped my different audiences connect with me and my topics during the presentation. **W is for Win for your next presentation!** ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How one Book changed my view about Writing Online URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-one-book-changed-my-view-about-writing-online/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:46.000Z I absolutely love writing. Writing online allows me to empty all my thoughts about tech, sports, casinos, or whatever topic is rattling inside my head. Writing is an essential skill that I have developed over time. However, I've been silent about my writing for several reasons for the last couple of years. After the break and catching up on everything that needed to be done, I wanted to get back to writing. This time I wanted more structure in my writing. Luckily, one day I was doom-scrolling Twitter or X as we call it now, which is still weird to me. I was fortunate to come across the book list of someone I enjoy following. Ali Abdaal as he is a doctor-turner entrepreneur with an excellent knack for productivity. Recently, Ali created the [ultimate reading list for 2023](https://twitter.com/AliAbdaal/status/1683432410648649728?s=20&ref=brianchristner.io). One of the books Ali recommended is [The Art and Business of Online Writing](https://www.amazon.com/Art-Business-Online-Writing-Capturing-ebook/dp/B08GZK274F?&%5Fencoding=UTF8&tag=brianchrio-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=a0cf2091280c9f3845c90d9e14ed92ba&camp=1789&creative=9325&ref=brianchristner.io). ***Ali's Tweet changed my writing trajectory!*** ### About the Author Nicolas Cole It's intriguing to learn how [Nicolas Cole ](https://twitter.com/Nicolascole77?ref=brianchristner.io)got started. Not your typical path, that's for sure. Nicolas began as one of the world's best World of Warcraft players. He mused online and wrote about all things World of Warcraft, which became one of the top gamer blogs before blogs were even cool. Nicolas kept propelling forward after attending university. During his first internship***, he started writing one question daily on Quora.*** His venture into writing Quora answers led to him being one of the most successful authors on Quora, which opened all sorts of new doors. The journey didn't stop there. Instead, Nicolas started writing for Inc Magazine, Huffington Post, Fortune, Business Insider, and many more. Finally, after learning all the ins and outs of writing online, he built his own Ghostwriter agency, which provides content for Fortune 500 CEOs, Grammy winners, sports stars, and so much more. Learning that Nicolas is not just writing a book about something he doesn't know or selling a concept he has never done. Instead, he speaks from experience of having over 500+ Million views of his content, founded three companies, and wrote six books. ***So, does Nicolas pass the vibe check? Absolutely!*** ## How I started with online writing I've been blogging online since about 2003-2004\. I was first introduced to blogging by a friend who was crafty with her words and was able to write such inspiring articles. She told me that she was blogging and making money from her blog. People (mostly men) would send her gifts via Amazon, which inspired me to think that online writing can connect with a larger audience than I could ever imagine. I've written about 400-500 blog articles through various platforms, from Blogger, WordPress, GitHub, co-authored books, and more. The majority of my writing was on my motorcycle magazine 2WheelTuesdy.com. Unfortunately, I sold the website, and the new owner completely destroyed the website and lost all the data. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) I repurchased the domain from him for next to nothing. I have kept the domain 2WheelTuesday.com ever since as a souvenir as I transitioned from writing about motorcycles to tech using this blog and GitHub for writing documentation. Over the years, my writing style improved, but I needed to understand copywriting or proper writing styling. ## How the Art and Business of Online Writing book changed me With the recommendation of the Art and Business of Online Writing book, I took a step toward improving my writing for the first time since I started. The book was a breath of fresh air learning about the journey of becoming an online writer with ample examples, idea generation, and structure ideas. Nicolas covers the basics of creative writing and transcends the topics with creativity that inspires you to read on. Based on the guidelines covered in the book, I plan on learning more about copywriting and working on my styling. Additionally, Nicolas spends most of the time going through Headline ideation which I never considered before and now included in my blogging process. I always wrote a quick headline and never put much thought or process into it. Below is the Headline cheatsheet by Nicolas Cole. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2023/08/headlines.jpeg) Headline idea generation by [Nicolas Cole](https://twitter.com/Nicolascole77?ref=brianchristner.io) The book was and still is an eye-opener for me. I will need to re-read the reader to grasp all the concepts and structure ideas he proposes fully. The book The Art and Business of Online Writing is an absolute must-read to improve your writing and add more creative processes to your online writing. I've changed since reading this book. The book has rekindled my desire and motivation to write online with a new outlook. **Stop reading and start online writing today!** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2023/08/The_art_and_business_of_online_writing_book_review-2.jpeg) #### The Art and Business of Online Writing [Buy now](https://www.amazon.com/Art-Business-Online-Writing-Capturing-ebook/dp/B08GZK274F?&%5Fencoding=UTF8&tag=brianchrio-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=a0cf2091280c9f3845c90d9e14ed92ba&camp=1789&creative=9325&ref=brianchristner.io) ## **FAQ Section: How One Book Changed My View About Writing Online** ### What book changed your view about writing online? The book that changed my view about writing online is "Show Your Work!" by Austin Kleon. It provides practical advice and insights on sharing your creative process and building an audience through transparency and authenticity. ### How did "Show Your Work!" influence your writing approach? "Show Your Work!" influenced my writing approach by encouraging me to share more about my creative process and the steps involved in my projects. It emphasized the importance of being open and honest, which helped me connect more deeply with my audience and build a loyal following. ### What are the key takeaways from "Show Your Work!"? Key takeaways from "Show Your Work!" include: - Share something small every day to keep your audience engaged. - Focus on the process, not just the finished product. - Embrace your creativity and don't be afraid to show your imperfections. - Build a network by engaging with others and sharing their work too. - Stay consistent and persistent in sharing your journey. ### How can sharing your creative process benefit your online presence? Sharing your creative process can benefit your online presence by building trust and transparency with your audience. It allows people to see the effort and thought behind your work, making them more likely to engage with and support you. Additionally, it can attract like-minded individuals and potential collaborators, expanding your network and influence. ### What practical steps can I take to apply the lessons from "Show Your Work!" to my writing? To apply the lessons from "Show Your Work!" to your writing, you can: 1. Share daily updates or insights related to your projects. 2. Document and post about your creative process, including challenges and successes. 3. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and encouraging feedback. 4. Highlight the work of others in your field and collaborate when possible. 5. Maintain consistency in your posting schedule to keep your audience interested. ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### 3 Tips to Own your KPIs like a boss URL: https://brianchristner.io/3-tips-to-own-your-kpis-like-a-boss/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:47.000Z Do you struggle to understand your KPIs? Are you unsure of how the data contained in your KPIs are calculated? You are not alone. As many teams and organizations, both small and large, struggle with the basics of KPIs. KPIs are becoming harder to validate as we incorporate more BI and reporting tools, and the KPIs are automatically packaged and delivered to us. Furthermore, KPIs should be the signal we use to steer our business, and we should have an in-depth understanding of how the KPIs work. Before we get started, let's define what a proper KPI is. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are metrics used to quantify and evaluate the success of an organization in achieving its objectives for a specific activity. Effective KPIs provide actionable insights and help steer strategic decisions. When creating KPIs, it's crucial to ensure they are relevant, accurate, and actionable. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) KPIs help the business understand the effectiveness of their business objectives. A great source I use for my KPIs is the [PWC KPI Guide](https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/audit-services/corporate-reporting/assets/pdfs/uk%5Fkpi%5Fguide.pdf?ref=brianchristner.io). It provides great examples from the board level down to the business units. But my tips are not about creating KPIs but how we can make your KPIs work for you. **Here are my five tips on owning your KPIs like a boss!** 1. **Track your KPIs manually**. Yes, your read that correctly. You should start manually to understand where the data comes from for your KPIs and how they are calculated. What does this mean exactly? I recommend first pulling data directly from the data sources and compiling your KPI in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. Run the manual process of collecting and analyzing your KPIs manually for at least one month until you grasp how the KPI functions and what factors influence the KPI's movements. Following this process has helped our teams find patterns in data that were previously missed and also fixed data quality issues to have a true KPI value. 2. **Actionability.** The KPIs you define should enable you to make decisions based on the information the KPI provides. For example, an action should be performed when X happens, Mike Tyson says it best ā€œ**Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth**." The same goes for our KPIs. Are you prepared when the KPI goes up or down 20%? Do you have an action prepared if a big swing happens? Have you tested the action in case the threshold is met? What you don't want is to knee-jerk react to a significant movement of your KPI without having a tested plan in place. The worst thing that could happen is a rash decision that propels the KPI further in the wrong direction. Have a plan, test it, and be prepared! 3. **Less is More.** It's easy to get carried away tracking all sorts of KPIs and vanity metrics. At the end of the day, anything over about 10 KPIs is just not relevant to steer a business objective. The sweet spot for the number of KPIs your business unit should have is five to ten. Limiting the number of KPIs also helps your business unit create a laser focus on monitoring the five to ten KPIs and being able to catch trends, both positive and negative, before it catches the business off guard. KPIs are not a set-and-forget exercise but require continuous feedback and learning. These three tips have helped me get big and small organizations back on track with their KPIs and objectives. Get started by taking control of your KPIs today! ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Hereā€™s what you need to know about traveling Europe without running into tourists URL: https://brianchristner.io/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-traveling-europe-without-running-into-tourists/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:47.000Z Europe is bursting at the seams with tourists during the peak summer months. Visiting any major European city without being swarmed by tourists is hard. Let me show you a travel hack to holiday with the locals, as Iā€™ve been doing for several years. ### Camping is the solution Before you throw your hands up in disbelief, hear me out. Camping in Europe is different. Come on, really? Yes, itā€™s different; let me tell you how. ### Camping in Europe is not what you think First, let me set the stage by comparing the camping I was used to in the US growing up. We wouldn't visit campgrounds; we would just go into the woods or desert of Arizona and California and pitch a tent. It was required to bring all food, drinks, and a camping toilet which only came later and was a luxury. Most times, we wouldnā€™t see another person the entire weekend. You were literally in the middle of nowhere with no services for miles in any direction. Now, the first time I visited a European campground, I was blown away. Each camping pitch has water, electricity, and, most times, WiFi accessible from your camping pitch. Ok, a lot of campgrounds have that, you say. Well, how about a market, restaurant, and swimming pool as mostly standard? **In Italy, they even have pizzerias in the campground, which deliver to your camping spot. Below is a picture of a campground near Rimini, Italy, where we recently camped, which had exactly this service.** ![CAMPING VILLAGGIO RUBICONE - Prices & Campground Reviews (Savignano a Mare, Italy)](https://dynamic-media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-o/27/18/e2/58/camping-villaggio-rubicone.jpg?w=700&h=-1&s=1) Camping in Rimini, Italy ### **Camping wellness** Glamping is yesterday, and now you can have Camping Wellness. You read that correctly. The new trend in camping is to also have wellness facilities in the campground. For example, we stayed at [Alpen Camping](https://www.alpencamping.at/?ref=brianchristner.io) in Nenzing, Austria, which had Wellness, saunas, massages, essentially the works. Another campground we visited, [Camping Sexten Caravan Park](https://www.caravanparksexten.it/?ref=brianchristner.io) in the Dolomites in Italy, also had wellness. Both campgrounds are situated at the base of the Alps with stunning views and wellness offers that don't break the bank compared to hotel equivalents. **You can have your cake and wellness too.** ![](https://www.caravanparksexten.it/media/63bc65b1-276d-4a55-aea5-b1d4a374ac11/1400_x_750/view-of-the-dolomites-in-summer.jpg) Camping Sexten Caravan Park ### Camping is not just Tents and Campers but Bungalows too Each of the campgrounds we visited offered not only camping but Bugalow offerings which range from small little huts with private jacuzzis to alpine chalets and everything in between. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ### What about kids? Europeans love kids and kid's programs. Ranging from complete childcare facilities, sports programs, games, art, culture, and more. Of course, it doesn't stop during the day as usual; each evening is a kid's disco in which all the kids get to show off some dance moves they learned during the day. Not only kids programs but typically nice pools and facilities for the entire family. My family loves all the activities and of course the kid's disco. ### Bring your own stuff I enjoy mountain biking and cycling, so we pack our bikes, a Stand-Up paddle, and various games to bring along. One of my favorite things is having a refrigerator traveling with you. Food, cold beer, some snacks, and wine and already at your disposal anytime you want to set up camp. Of course, stopping at local supermarkets and stocking up the fridge full of local cuisines and wine that we find along the way is also a nice treat. We are not limited in what we want to bring or buy. If we want to camp for a weekend or a month, we can cater to both scenarios. ### Location, location, location We've camped on the beach where we stepped out of our camper directly on the sand to high up in the Alps. It's amazing to be situated right where you enjoy the most. For beach holidays you can camp a stone's throw from the beach. How about an alpine weekend where the trails are right at your campsite? Recently, I had the opportunity to ride the Dolomites in Italy with my mountain bike, and the head of the trail started at our campsite. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2023/08/IMG_5758.jpeg) Mountain Biking around the Dolomites ### City camping You don't have to stay in the middle of nowhere. We have camped in Bern, the capital of Switzerland, and Venice, Italy. The great thing about city camping is that the campground is connected easily with public transportation to the city you want to visit. It is Europe, after all, and public transportation is various. Even though you are in the city, it doesn't feel like it. ### You don't feel like a tourist The great thing about camping is whichever country you visit in Europe, many times, many locals are also camping at the same campground. So you are not only surrounded by tourists but locals as well. What separates camping from hotels or Airbnb is that you have your stuff, your space, and privacy. Additionally, you can go out in nature or into the city, all with a bit of an insider advantage of camping/living nearby. Camping through Europe opens an entirely different perspective on traveling through Europe, allowing you to explore nature and cities easily. You meet people interested in camping and always strike up conversations to hear about where you are from, where you've been, and where you are going. Campers don't consider themselves tourists as many are regulars to the campground or friends with other campers. It feels more like a community than a bunch of tourists. Interested in traveling through Europe without the massive crowds? Be sure to check out camping as an alternative. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How to Win Strava KOM Segments URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-win-strava-kom-segments/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:47.000Z Strava has built the best gamification element of all fitness apps available. The KOM/QOM award, or King/Queen of the Mountain, is awarded to riders who can complete a segment the fastest of all time. It seems quite easy, but it is, in fact, quite challenging as the years keep going by, and riders and bikes keep getting faster. I've been using Strava since 2017\. At the beginning of Strava, I was helping to create most of the segments in my area of Switzerland. Now, most segments are like highways seeing a huge volume of riders per week attempting segments. > In 2020, Stava had 50 Million users and 3 Billion activities uploaded. [Source Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strava?ref=brianchristner.io#cite%5Fnote-10) I'm so passionate about data & Strava I even presented the topic at DockerCon 2018 during my [Monitoring & Logging workshop](https://www.slideshare.net/BrianChristner/dockercon-europe-2018-monitoring-logging-workshop?ref=brianchristner.io). ## How to win Strava KOM's These tips are aimed at gravel or mountain bikers. as these segments are the easiest to obtain a top 10 position on the leaderboard. I break down how to conquer a KOM into three sections. 1. Analyze 2. Compare 3. Fast in the slow sections ### Analyze current Strava segment KOM/QOM I always start by looking at some of my favorite segments and start analyzing my leaderboard results with the community. Typically, if I hit a decent position on a segment without 100% effort, I favor this segment and investigate further. I also look at my last couple of rides through the section to see if there are development possibilities. Next, take a look at the segment itself. Is the segment technical, up or down, or just a straight powerhouse grind in a straight line? I suggest avoiding the straight-line races unless your thighs are the size of tree trunks, as these segments are pure strength and watt races. Narrow down the segments until you have a list of about five segments which you feel just effort alone can propel you further up the leaderboard. Favorite these segments for the next step. ### Compare your Strava segment with the current KOM Now comes the fun part. We can start looking at the data of the segment. The important data of the segment are: 1. Length of the segment 2. Grade % incline/decline 3. Elevation changes You can access the segment leaderboard by either opening your ride which contains the segment**,** and clicking on the segment or opening **Dashboard -> My Segments** which will open up your favorite segments from the previous section. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2023/08/Strava_KOM_compare-1.png) Stava Segment leaderboard Once the segment is open, you should see the leaderboard for this segment. Click on the date of the KOM highlighted above. This will open up more details about the segment but more importantly the **"Compare"** button. Click on **Compare** now. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2023/08/strava_compare_button.png) Compare button Now, we're cooking! With this view, we compare our segment results with the KOM results. This is extremely helpful when trying to gain speed in the segment. Right from the start it is important to compare your speed at the start of the segment compared to the KOM. The speed at the start of a segment can already be a big advantage as you can focus on carrying more speed into the start giving you a head start. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2023/08/strava_segment_start.png) Strava Segment Start As you can see at the start of the Fast and Loose section, I am coming in hot. I already have an 11.8 km/h (7 mph) advantage over the KOM. A strong start has already put me in the lead over the KOM. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ### Fast in the slow sections Straight-line speed is great, but the real battles happen in the corners. My dad would always tell me when racing motorcycles: > "It's easy to go fast in the fast sections but hard to go fast in the slow sections" - my dad This is something that has always stuck with me. Everyone can go fast in the fast sections, but it takes a lot of practice and repetitions to go fast in the slow sections. Now, Dani the current KOM holder, and I enter the first corner, and Dani pulls a 1s gap on me. We enter the second corner, and again I lost another second. These small gains add speed and essentially distance which wins the KOM. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2023/08/image.png) Racing the corners The great thing about Mountain Biking or Gravel Biking compared to road bikes is that the line in which you enter a corner or in fact ride a complete segment changes everything. For example, the main worn-out rut which everyone uses to enter a corner may not be the fastest. Try running wider or cutting the corner sharper to see if it improves your speed. I've also run different air pressures in my tires to see if I could get more traction through the corners which some previous segments it helped gain an advantage. Next, is late braking wins races? When I was racing motorcycles, I was known for being a very late braker and could pass people in the corners, even when my motorcycle was sometimes slower, as I would catch them in the corners. Again, going fast in the slow sections! Try setting a visual marker before the corner and see each time if you can move the marker closer and closer to the corner before hitting the brakes. Finally, something you see professional downhill mountain bikers or cross-country riders is walking the segment. You can learn a lot about a segment by getting off your bike and looking at the different lines available. All of the above tips have helped me gain significant positions on the leaderboards and sometimes even grab a KOM occasionally. ### Final Strava KOM words I encourage everyone first and foremost to have fun and stay safe. Since most of us are not getting paid to race Strave segments make sure you keep this in mind. Respect everyone on the trail and don't put others in danger to shave a few seconds off. Many times I've had to ease up on segments due to hikers or others and forgo the segment for another day. Take these days as a chance to learn different lines and work on your braking. I wish you all luck and send me feedback on how you get on with your Strava KOM/QOMs! ### FAQ Section: How to Win Strava KOM Segments **What is a Strava KOM segment, and how is it earned?** A Strava KOM (King of the Mountain) segment is a specific stretch of road or trail where cyclists or runners compete to achieve the fastest time. The person with the fastest time on a segment holds the KOM title. To earn a KOM, you need to complete the segment faster than anyone else on Strava, which often requires strategic planning, optimal conditions, and peak physical performance. **What are the best strategies for winning a Strava KOM segment?** To win a Strava KOM segment, consider these strategies: 1. **Study the Segment**: Analyze the segment's terrain, elevation, and previous top times. Understand where the crucial points are, such as steep climbs or sharp turns. 2. **Pick the Right Conditions**: Attempt the segment during favorable weather conditions, such as a tailwind, cool temperatures, and dry roads or trails. 3. **Optimize Your Gear**: Use a lightweight bike, reduce unnecessary gear, and ensure your equipment is in top condition to maximize speed. 4. **Plan Your Effort**: Pace yourself according to the segmentā€™s profile. Save energy for challenging sections and push hardest where you can gain the most time. 5. **Use Drafting**: If allowed, ride with a group and take advantage of drafting to conserve energy and increase speed on flat or slightly uphill sections. These strategies can help you optimize your performance and increase your chances of winning a KOM. **How does weather affect your chances of winning a KOM?** Weather conditions can significantly impact your chances of winning a KOM. A strong tailwind can give you a speed boost, especially on flat segments, while cool temperatures help maintain optimal body performance. Conversely, headwinds, extreme heat, or rain can slow you down. Checking the weather forecast and planning your KOM attempts during favorable conditions can greatly improve your odds. **What role does technology play in achieving a KOM?** Technology plays a crucial role in achieving a KOM. Devices like GPS-enabled cycling computers or smartphones running the Strava app are essential for recording your attempt accurately. Additionally, using power meters and heart rate monitors can help you manage your effort and pace effectively. Analyzing data post-ride with tools like Stravaā€™s segment analysis or third-party apps can also provide insights into how to improve future attempts. **How can you maintain a KOM once youā€™ve earned it?** Maintaining a KOM can be challenging as other athletes may target the segment. To keep your title: 1. **Stay Fit**: Regularly train and improve your fitness to ensure you can defend your KOM if necessary. 2. **Monitor the Segment**: Keep an eye on the segment to see if anyone beats your time. If they do, analyze their effort and plan your strategy to retake the KOM. 3. **Adjust Your Strategy**: If the segment conditions change over time (e.g., due to roadwork or weather patterns), you might need to adjust your approach to retain the KOM. Regularly updating your equipment and staying informed about segment activities can help you maintain your hard-earned KOM. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### 4'000 Stars and counting, a trip down memory lane URL: https://brianchristner.io/4000-stars-and-counting-a-trip-down-memory-lane/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:48.000Z I was lucky enough to be one of the first people to embark on the Docker journey to try and [containerize ](https://brianchristner.io/containerize-everything/)a monitoring stack in 2014\. I became aware of Docker in early 2014 and spent months figuring out how it worked and in engineers' DM's fixing bugs and asking tons of questions. There were just a handful of people in a chat at this time, and the community was so small we knew everyone. As a bit of a monitoring and data geek, I was tasked with building a more adaptable monitoring solution for our new Cloud venture in 2014\. Initially, I was trying to rebuild current monitoring solutions in a Docker container like Nagios before it was container-friendly, Centreon, Piwik analytics, and many other tools that were not solving my problem. I stumbled onto InfluxDB with Grafana but quickly realized it didn't meet our use case. After much trial and error with different tools, I stumbled upon the Soundcloud infrastructure blog and how they built a time-series monitoring tool written in Go using a microservice architecture. At the time, this seemed so advanced and far-fetched that it didn't even seem real. Here's the blog post, if I'm not mistaken, that kicked off Prometheus to the public - [https://developers.soundcloud.com/blog/prometheus-monitoring-at-soundcloud](https://developers.soundcloud.com/blog/prometheus-monitoring-at-soundcloud?ref=brianchristner.io) ### First was containerizing all things. Believe it or not, back in 2014, this was pre-orchestrator times. Most people were stringing together a bunch of single Docker run commands with bash scripts and trying to "orchestrate" containers with bash. Luckily in 2015, a company named Orchard was busy building the first Docker container orchestrator called "*fig".* Fig was an absolutely amazing tool. You can write some weird code called YAML, which I have never seen before this point in time, and basically, string together all your Docker run commands into a single file, allowing you to build microservices into a single file... ![](https://media.tenor.com/OGVAmTtvE70AAAAC/wow-amazed.gif) A single file for Docker run commands == Mind Blown Shortly after I started using Fig and getting up to speed, Docker announced they had [acquired the parent company, Orchard](https://www.informationweek.com/infrastructure-as-a-service/docker-acquires-devops-flavor-with-fig?ref=brianchristner.io). You can also see a nice snapshot of history in the Docker Compose version history when [Fig joined Docker](https://www.informationweek.com/infrastructure-as-a-service/docker-acquires-devops-flavor-with-fig?ref=brianchristner.io) in October 2014\. A few months later, [Docker renamed Fig to Docker Compose in February 2015](https://docs.docker.com/compose/release-notes/?ref=brianchristner.io#110), a milestone I will never forget in container history. Afterward, I figured out how to put all my favorite monitoring tools into a single compose file. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) I started using Prometheus, Grafana, Node Exporters, and Google cAdvisor. It took me a few weeks to figure out networking inside of compose as, again, this was early days, and many things we take for granted today were not available yet. Getting the containers to talk to each other, configurations, mounting storage, etc., with multiple services was a mission, but it worked. Below you can see the first dashboard I created with Prometheus and Grafana. It wasn't pretty, but hey, it was working together in Docker Compose, and it was also monitoring containers and infrastructure. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2023/07/Dashboard_Prometheus.png) First version of Prometheus & Grafana Dashboard After it was up and running, I blogged about it a few times, and it gained a ton of attention from Docker, Google, and the entire community. Google reached out and asked me to present at their headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, to explain what I was building. I don't know if I was the first person to create a complete monitoring stack using Docker and Compose. Still, I was the first one to create a detailed manual, easy one-click deploy guides, Docker monitoring workshops, and hit the conference circuit, training 100's of people how to get started with Docker and Monitoring. Which quickly expanded to becoming one of the first Docker Captains, writing books, taking part in interviews, and being an integral part of the Docker community early on. It was always important for me that the goal of the[ Docker Prometheus](https://brianchristner.io/updated-docker-monitoring-prometheus-grafana/) project was to enable others and give back to the community based on the original article which kicked it all off "[How to setup Docker Monitoring](https://brianchristner.io/how-to-setup-docker-monitoring/)". Open Source is so important not only for writing code but also to enable, teach, and mentor others. I believe this project helped kickstart some other projects and organizations to go on to build amazing things. The next thing I knew, the [Docker Prometheus](https://brianchristner.io/how-to-setup-prometheus-docker-monitoring/), GitHub project had 1k stars, then 2k, and now 4k. GitHub stars used to mean something earlier; some companies even used the number of GitHub stars as a pitching metric to VCs. It is just a vanity metric, but I still like to check in and reflect occasionally. It has been a fantastic journey that is not close to being done. I encourage everyone to help give back to Open Source however they can, from writing code to fixing documentation. Every single contribution helps. Thanks to Solomon Hykes, Scott Johnston, Bret Fisher, Laura Tacho, Julien Bisconti, all the Docker Captains, everyone at Docker, and the entire Docker community. ### FAQ: 4000 Stars and Counting ā€“ A Trip Down Memory Lane #### 1\. What is the significance of reaching 4000 stars on GitHub? Reaching 4000 stars on GitHub is a significant milestone that signifies the popularity and usefulness of a project. It indicates a high level of interest and engagement from the developer community, reflecting the project's impact and success. #### 2\. How did you achieve 4000 stars on your GitHub project? Achieving 4000 stars involved consistent updates, active community engagement, and ensuring the project addressed real-world problems. Regularly adding new features, fixing bugs, and maintaining clear documentation also played a crucial role. #### 3\. What lessons have you learned from maintaining a popular GitHub project? Maintaining a popular GitHub project has taught me the importance of community feedback, the need for clear documentation, and the value of regular updates. It's also crucial to balance new features with stability and performance improvements. #### 4\. How can others grow their GitHub projects to reach more stars? To grow a GitHub project, focus on solving real problems, engaging with the community, and maintaining high-quality code. Promoting your project through blogs, social media, and collaborations with other developers can also help increase visibility and stars. #### 5\. What tools and resources have been essential in managing your GitHub project? Essential tools and resources include continuous integration tools, issue trackers, and automated testing frameworks. Platforms like GitHub Actions, Travis CI, and community forums have been invaluable in managing contributions and maintaining code quality. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### 2022 Retrospective 2022 and Goals/Predictions for 2023 URL: https://brianchristner.io/2022-retrospective-2022-and-goals-predictions-for-2023/ Last updated: 2022-12-31T16:40:14.000Z There is no beating around the bush about 2022; it was damn hard! 2022 challenged me professionally, physically, and organizationally. But, at the same time, we had some great highlights to celebrate the small wins. 2022 will go down in history as unique that we finally came out of the Corona Lockdowns middle of February here in Switzerland, but at the same time, the Ukraine war started. Fast forward to December 2022, inflation started to skyrocket, interest was the highest in a long time, stock and crypto markets performed worse since 2008, and unfortunately, the war is still ongoing. ### 2022 Highlights - I picked up two new hobbies; gravel biking and camping with a motorhome. - I ended the year quite fit through intermittent fasting and riding a ton of kilometers on my gravel bike this year. - Professionally, it was a challenge to reapply for our Casino License, which happens every 20 years, to launch a brand new design for our website with over 1000+ pages in 4 languages. Finally, we built our very own dedicated studio based in Madrid. Phew, it was a ton of work and many late nights, but I feel very proud of what we achieved. - My son started to read this year. Such a fantastic gift to watch a child begin from zero to sounding out words to reading. It's incredible how quickly kids can pick things up. - Finally, back on stage presenting again this year. Thanks to Corona, it has been a few years to be on stage presenting, but I picked up right where I left off. - I started down the rabbit hole of AI & VR. AI & VR is something I love! ### 2022 Lowlights - Crypto & Web3 was an absolute lowlight. Not only did the markets crash, but I only realized the tax implications of all the NFT flipping this year...Yikes. - Hello Inflation! - Ukraine War was unexpected, and living in Switzerland and seeing all the Ukrainian refugees arrive in the country is heartbreaking. - I was riding my Gravel Bike less than I would like. - I was drinking way too much coffee during the crunch times. - I wanted to read more books and not just on holiday...didn't happen this year. Overall, I wouldn't mark 2022 as my worst year on record, but I took away a lot of learning. On the other hand, I enjoyed discovering my new hobbies, gravel biking, and camping. Somehow after the crunch time of writing a ton of documents for work, the writing bug is back again for blogging. ### 2023 Predictions AI, OpenAI, ChatGPT, generative art, and the 100 other AI programs sprung out of nowhere last year are here to stay. Therefore, I will dedicate a significant amount of time in 2023 to learning more about some of these AI tools and start building projects based on them. ![Illustrator logo in 3D](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1633311905139-7b6088a69e33?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=MnwxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDU3fHxhaXxlbnwwfHx8fDE2NzI1MDQ3MDI&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Jackson Sophat](https://unsplash.com/@jacksonsophat?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) **What I predict for 2023 is the following:** - Crypto to make a small step up and be relatively flat for 2023 - NFTs will become more utility-based, and fewer JPEGs - US Housing Crash & Recession (Unfortunately) - AI will lead the way for new tech and startups for 2023 - Metaverse & VR will continue incrementing forward, and we will continue seeing more adoption from businesses in 2023 ### Conclusion If I treat 2022 as a software release, we deployed with many bugs and had to make a lot of emergency patches along the way. However, 2022 is an excellent basis for 2023 and beyond! For many reasons, I am confident that 2023 will be better than 2022\. **Let's Go!!** ### Apple Freeform vs Miro URL: https://brianchristner.io/apple-freeform-vs-miro/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:48.000Z During the last couple of years, Corona and lockdowns have changed how we collaborate online and with others with video calling and collaboration tools. I worked remotely for a couple of years before Corona struck, so I was already well-versed in remote work and how to collaborate asynchronously. However, businesses still lag in how to properly work async and remotely, quickly falling back into their hamster wheel of bad habits. ## Miro ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2022/12/miro.png) Miro Canvas Tools play a large part in working remotely, ranging from collaboration suites like Office 365 or Google Workspace. These tools enable organizations to collaborate primarily at the communication layer. However, during Corona, what needed to be improved was an excellent way to brainstorm ideas remotely compared to using whiteboards in a meeting room. During one of the many online meetings during Corona, someone introduced Miro to me, an online brainstorming tool. I am not easily impressed by tools, but Miro is impressive. Miro enables online workshops for idea generation, brainstorming sessions, OKRs, etc. Miro does a great job organizing thoughts visually. Using post-it notes to structure meetings and cluster ideas together is a game changer. In addition, Miro supports voting on ideas, countdown timers, and visually building a workflow for the workshop. With an expansive library of built-in templates from idea generation to OKRs covers most of the standard workshops. Additionally, community-contributed templates are available, allowing you to find interesting workshop workflows. Miro checks many boxes for me regarding being able to host an online workshop. However, since Miro allows you to create vast work canvases, it is sometimes easy to get lost on the canvas. Don't worry; Miro also has a "come together" feature that brings all the participants back to the workshop's presenter in such instances. Miro also has extensive integrations library integrations to tools like JIRA, Google, and Microsoft Teams and design tools like FIGMA. ## Apple Freeform When the Apple iOS version 16 finished installing on my phone this week, I quickly glanced over the released notes to discover a new App, Apple Freeform. To my surprise, when I opened the App, it had a very familiar look and feel to the App. It looks very similar to Miro. Apple Freeform is fresh out of the block, and the first impression is the design is a solid design and native Apple features such as gestures, integration in iMessage & FaceTime, and being able to use the Apple pencil to sketch designs. Considering the App just launched this week, it is already quite feature-rich but still needs to catch up to the mature Miro. I started doodling around on a blank canvas dragging pictures directly from the finder and my photos to the canvas. I noticed right away that image and object alignment is much easier than Miro. Also, connecting lines between shapes is a masterpiece on its own. However, I quickly hit limitations with Freeflow. For example, rotating images and objects is not available, and creating transparent objects took some poking around to figure out, but I got it working, and no templates are available. Templates will come in the future and help users get started, as starting from a blank canvas takes a lot of effort to set up. What Apple Freeform lacks in maturity makes up with the integration into the Apple ecosystem. Adding users to the canvas directly via Message is quite an excellent feature; all updates then show in your Messages. Next, users can initiate a FaceTime call now from Freeform. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) These features are great but limit their use to other Apple users, which is anti-collaboration in many ways restricting collaboration to only Apple devices. Next, Freeform doesn't cost anything! It is free and can instantly collaborate with 100 other users (Apple users, that is). It's hard to argue with the price, which aims at the personal/start-up space, as Enterprises always like paying for products. ## Summary Apple Freeform vs Miro ### Product Miro has a significant headstart regarding the product, integrations, and templates. Miro is also aimed at businesses, whereas Apple, at least for the moment, is aiming for the personal/start-up space. Freeflow is fresh on the market with its first version. It lags behind Miro. Apple has a track record of not being first to market but taking existing ideas and making them better than everyone else. Let's see if this will be the case also for Freeflow. My wish list for Freeflow is to have templates and more design control over images and objects. ### Pricing Miro is priced very reasonably for all the tiers available. So it won't break the bank for an organization to start using Miro. Freeform is free, and it's hard to argue against that price; it is always hard to say if it will always stay free. ### Final thoughts I will wait to cancel my Miro subscription, as it is a solid product. Miro will stay in my tool pouch for the foreseeable future. However, I am a huge Apple fan(maybe a fanboy), and I always appreciate the integration of Apple apps across all devices. Also, on the Apple iPad, sketching and drawing using the Pencil enable a different way to brainstorm with a canvas. I expect the experience and feature set to improve continually with future versions. I have to throw a final curve ball on my last thought. In-person is super valuable, and being able to brainstorm, discuss, and have lunch with your colleagues is extremely valuable and fosters ideas, innovations, and collaborative culture. There is a place for both online and offline workshops, and combining both makes it attractive for the participants and keeps the content and formats fresh. ### FAQ Section: Apple Freeform vs. Miro **What are the main differences between Apple Freeform and Miro?** Apple Freeform and Miro are both digital collaboration tools, but they differ in features and target audiences. Apple Freeform is designed for seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. Miro, on the other hand, offers more advanced features, including templates, integrations with various third-party tools, and robust collaboration options suitable for larger teams and complex projects. **Which platform is better for real-time collaboration?** Miro is generally considered better for real-time collaboration due to its extensive features designed for teamwork, such as voting, commenting, and simultaneous editing. While Apple Freeform also supports real-time collaboration, it is more basic and may be better suited for smaller teams or individual use within the Apple ecosystem. **Can I use Apple Freeform on non-Apple devices?** No, Apple Freeform is exclusive to Apple's ecosystem, meaning it is only available on devices such as iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Miro, however, is platform-agnostic and can be accessed on any device with an internet connection, making it more versatile for teams using different operating systems. **How do the pricing models of Apple Freeform and Miro compare?** Apple Freeform is free for users within the Apple ecosystem, with no additional costs. Miro offers a freemium model with a basic free tier and multiple paid plans that unlock advanced features, integrations, and expanded team capabilities. This makes Miro scalable for both small teams and large organizations. **Which tool is more suitable for project management?** Miro is generally more suitable for project management due to its wide range of templates, project management tools, and integrations with popular project management software like Jira and Asana. Apple Freeform, while useful for brainstorming and simple collaboration, lacks the depth and features needed for comprehensive project management. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Could a DAO Model Be the Key to Rescuing Open Source Funding? URL: https://brianchristner.io/could-a-dao-model-be-the-key-to-rescuing-open-source-funding/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:48.000Z Open source software is the backbone of the internet and is essential to the future of technology. However, it needs help to secure funding and resources to support long-term projects. The lack of funding and resources can be a huge issue, as project maintainers are constantly under pressure to deliver new features and fix bugs. Unfortunately, people are not always willing to pay for this effort, which can put a lot of stress on maintainers. In this blog post, I suggest that a DAO model could rescue Open Source funding and resource issues by enabling people to contribute financially or with time in return for votes on the roadmap. It would ensure that projects receive proper funding and maintainers have the necessary resources to continue developing high-quality software. DAOs could also provide a way for people to show their support for open source projects, which can be very motivating. Ultimately, DAOs have the potential to transform the way we fund and manage open source projects, and I am very excited to see how they develop in the future. ## What are the challenges of Open Source Funding There are many challenges when it comes to open source funding. One of the biggest problems is that people must be willing to pay for software development or contribute to the projects. Additionally, many users only consume open source projects without ever giving back in some way. It can be a huge issue, as project maintainers are burning out, losing interest in maintaining projects, or not receiving funding for most of their costs and time invested. In addition, a significant number of people that use open source are companies and not individuals. Finally, people need to realize large open source projects take a considerable amount of time, effort, and planning to keep up to date. Another challenge is securing long-term funding for open source projects can take time and effort. In addition, most people are often more interested in investing in new projects rather than supporting existing ones. As a result, it can make it hard to keep open source projects going in the long run. Finally, getting people to contribute to open source projects can take time and effort. People view open source software as a free good they can use without contributing back. It can be hard to sustain a community of contributors around an open source project. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ## What is a DAO A DAO is a decentralized autonomous organization. It is an organization that is run by software, not by people. DAOs are transparent and efficient, and they have the potential to disrupt many industries. One of the most promising aspects of DAOs is their ability to fund and manage open source projects. DAOs could provide a way for people to contribute financially or with their time in return for votes on the roadmap. DAOs would help ensure that projects receive funding and maintainers have the resources to continue developing high-quality software. DAOs could also provide a way for people to show their support for open source projects, which can be very motivating. Here is the best resource to learn more about DAOs - [https://ethereum.org/en/dao/](https://ethereum.org/en/dao/?ref=brianchristner.io) ## How can DAOs help Open Source? DAOs can help Open Source in a few key ways: - DAOs provide a way for people to contribute financially or with their time in return for votes on the roadmap. - DAOs could also offer a way for people to show their support for open source projects, which can be very motivating. - DAOs give a structure to funding open source projects financially and with resources. - DAOs contain a transparent mechanism of how money and resources are utilized which is visible to both members and non-members of the DAO. Ultimately, DAOs have the potential to transform the way we fund and manage open source projects openly and transparently, aligning with open source traditions. ## Next steps for DAOs in Open Source A few things need to happen for DAOs to take off in the world of open source: 1. We need to see more projects using DAOs to fund and manage their development as examples in the community. 2. We need tooling and infrastructure to make it easy for people to create and participate in DAOs. 3. We must continue building awareness of DAOs and their potential to transform our work. I am excited to see what the future holds for DAOs in open source! ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### DevOps vs GitOps which one should you use? URL: https://brianchristner.io/devops-vs-gitops-which-one-should-you-use/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:48.000Z If you're like most people, you've probably heard of both DevOps and GitOps. But what do they mean, and where do they overlap? In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between DevOps and GitOps and where they intersect. I'll also discuss the benefits of each approach and help you decide which is right for your business. > DevOps vs GitOps let's go!! ## What is DevOps DevOps is a set of practices that combines software development (Dev) and information technology operations (Ops) to shorten the time it takes to deliver features from idea to market. DevOps aims to increase efficiency and effectiveness by automating and improving communication and collaboration between developers and operations teams. ### Some of the key practices of DevOps include: - Continuous integration (CI): A practice in which developers regularly merge their code changes into a shared code repository. - Continuous delivery (CD): A practice in which code changes are automatically built, tested, and deployed to a production environment. - Infrastructure as code: The practice of managing infrastructure (servers, networking, storage, etc.) using code rather than manually configuring it. - Monitoring and logging (Observability): Monitoring system performance and collecting log data for troubleshooting and performance analysis. ## What is GitOps GitOps is a new approach to DevOps that uses a Git repository as the source of truth for the system state, and changes to the system are made by pushing code changes to the repository. Everything in the system, from code to infrastructure to the configuration, is stored in Git. With GitOps, changes are made through pull requests and then deployed automatically using continuous delivery (CD) pipelines. The goal of GitOps is to make it easier for developers to collaborate on code and deploy changes quickly and safely. GitOps has many of the same practices as DevOps, such as continuous integration and delivery, infrastructure as code, and monitoring and logging. ## Where do DevOps and GitOps overlap? The approaches overlap in several key areas: automation, continuous delivery (CD), and Infrastructure as Code. In addition, both DevOps and GitOps emphasize the importance of collaboration between developers and operations teams. However, there are some key differences between the two approaches. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) DevOps emphasizes efficiency and effectiveness by automating and improving communication and collaboration between developers and operations teams. At the same time, GitOps uses a Git repository as the source of truth for everything in the system. ## What are the differences between DevOps and GitOps? However, there are some key differences between the two approaches. First, GitOps uses a Git repository as the source of truth, while DevOps does not. Second, changes in GitOps are made through pull requests, while changes in DevOps are typically made through direct commits. Finally, GitOps emphasizes continuous delivery (CD) pipelines, while DevOps does not. ## So, which approach is right for you? If you're looking for a more collaboration-focused approach that uses a Git repository as the source of truth, GitOps may be the right choice. However, DevOps may be a better fit if you're more interested in increasing efficiency and effectiveness by automating and improving communication and collaboration between developers and operations teams. ### FAQ Section: DevOps vs. GitOpsā€”Which One Should You Use? **What is the difference between DevOps and GitOps?** DevOps is a broad set of practices that aim to improve the collaboration between development and operations teams, focusing on automating processes, continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD), and infrastructure as code (IaC). GitOps is a specific approach within the DevOps framework that uses Git as the single source of truth for infrastructure and application deployment. GitOps automates deployments and management through pull requests and Git workflows, making the process more declarative and version-controlled. **When should you use GitOps over traditional DevOps practices?** You should consider using GitOps over traditional DevOps practices when you want to standardize and simplify your deployment processes using Git-based workflows. GitOps is particularly beneficial in Kubernetes environments where declarative infrastructure and continuous deployment are essential. It provides a more structured and automated approach to managing infrastructure, making it easier to roll back changes, track history, and ensure consistency across environments. If your team is already familiar with Git and you need tighter control over your deployment processes, GitOps could be a natural fit. **What are the benefits of using GitOps in a DevOps pipeline?** Using GitOps in a DevOps pipeline offers several benefits, including: 1. **Consistency and Repeatability**: By storing infrastructure and application configurations in Git, you ensure that deployments are consistent across environments and can be easily replicated. 2. **Enhanced Collaboration**: GitOps leverages familiar Git workflows like pull requests and code reviews, making it easier for teams to collaborate on infrastructure changes. 3. **Improved Security**: GitOps centralizes configuration management in Git, providing an auditable history of changes and reducing the risk of unauthorized modifications. 4. **Faster Rollbacks**: In the event of an issue, GitOps allows for quick rollbacks to previous configurations by simply reverting to a previous commit in Git. These benefits make GitOps an effective strategy for managing infrastructure in a DevOps pipeline, particularly in cloud-native environments. **Can DevOps and GitOps be used together?** Yes, DevOps and GitOps can be used together. In fact, GitOps can be seen as an evolution or extension of DevOps practices. While DevOps encompasses the broader set of practices for automating and improving software delivery and infrastructure management, GitOps focuses specifically on using Git for managing infrastructure and deployments. Integrating GitOps into a DevOps pipeline can enhance automation, consistency, and control, making the overall process more efficient and reliable. **What are the challenges of adopting GitOps?** Challenges of adopting GitOps include: 1. **Learning Curve**: Teams need to become proficient in Git and the GitOps workflow, which might require additional training. 2. **Tooling Integration**: Integrating GitOps with existing tools and systems may require significant changes to workflows and infrastructure. 3. **Complexity in Non-Kubernetes Environments**: While GitOps is highly effective in Kubernetes, implementing it in non-Kubernetes environments can be more complex and may require custom solutions. 4. **Cultural Shift**: Adopting GitOps may require a cultural shift towards greater collaboration and code review practices, which can take time to fully implement. Overcoming these challenges involves proper planning, training, and gradually introducing GitOps practices into the existing DevOps pipeline. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How to Make Your Marketing Team More Agile URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-make-your-marketing-t-eam-more-agile/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:49.000Z Do you feel like your marketing efforts are falling behind the competition? Are you having a hard time keeping up with the latest trends? If so, you may need to start using agile marketing techniques. Agile marketing is a way of working that is fast, flexible, and responsive. It allows you to quickly adapt to changes in the market and make decisions on the fly. In this blog post, we will discuss what agile marketing is and how you can start using it today! Agile marketing is a methodology that focuses on speed, flexibility, and responsiveness. It is based on the principles of agile software development, which emphasize iteration and constant feedback. Agile marketing teams work in short cycles, or sprints, and make decisions quickly based on data and feedback. This approach allows them to rapidly test, implement new ideas, and gather feedback quicker The biggest benefit of agile marketing is that it allows you to be more flexible and responsive to change. With traditional marketing methods, it can take weeks or even months to implement a new campaign. But with agile marketing, you can often make changes on the fly and see results almost immediately. This is crucial in todayā€™s ever-changing markets and answering to competitors new movements. Another benefit of agile marketing is that it encourages teamwork and collaboration. Traditional marketing efforts can often be siloed, with different teams working on separate projects with little communication. But agile marketing relies on close collaboration between all members of the team even across departments. This ensures that everyone is working towards the same goal and that ideas are quickly shared and implemented. ### How to make your Marketing Team more Agile ![](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1627850604058-52e40de1b847?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=MnwxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDMwfHxhZ2lsZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE2NjYyOTUyMjQ&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Eden Constantino](https://unsplash.com/@edenconstantin0?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) If youā€™re looking to make your marketing more agile, there are a few things you can do. First, start working in [sprints](https://www.atlassian.com/agile/scrum/sprints?ref=brianchristner.io). This means setting aside a specific period of time, such as two weeks, to work on a project or campaign. During this time, the team should focus on one specific goal and nothing else. This helps to ensure that everyone is focused and that tasks are completed quickly. It's important to check-in regularly on the status of the sprint to ensure everything is on-track and if changes need to be implemented. Additionally, making [standups](https://www.atlassian.com/agile/scrum/standups?ref=brianchristner.io) part of your team meeting culture will foster collaboration. Standups enable teams to communicate openly what was done last week, whats being worked on this week, and what is blocking progress. Standups help your team communicate between the different departments and address challenges earlier. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) Next, make sure youā€™re constantly collecting data and feedback. This will help you to make informed decisions about your marketing efforts. Use tools like Google Analytics to track your progress and see whatā€™s working and what isnā€™t. And finally, encourage collaboration among your team members. Make sure everyone is aware of the agile marketing approach and that they understand how to work together effectively. If youā€™re looking to make your marketing more agile, these tips should help you get started. Remember, the key is to focus on speed, flexibility, and responsiveness. By following these principles, youā€™ll be able to adapt to change quickly and make your marketing more effective. ![](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1627850631366-08eb5d7b0ada?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=MnwxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDIzfHxhZ2lsZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE2NjYyOTUyMjQ&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Eden Constantino](https://unsplash.com/@edenconstantin0?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### External Dependencies It is not always easy in marketing to be in control of your Agile destiny when a majority of the campaign deliverables are sometimes produced by external partners. How do we handle external agencies or partners? Well we have to pull these partners into your planning. Depending on the role of the partner and how much they are delivering determines the how integrated they should be with the planning. If it is a long running campaign that will take months, absolutely they need to be aligned to the same planning. If it is a small task which should be delivered with a sprint then you can consider leaving planning the deliverable to be included in the sprint. Agile planning will take patience and harmony with you partners to understand who can and will deliver on-time or according to plan. ### Can you plan with creatives? A question which is often surfaced is can you really time box creativity? Difficult to answer however business requirements cannot let creativity run forever. Setting guard rails or parameters for a project before it starts helps set the collaboration groundwork. Next, early on setting the end goal and deadline of the project before even signing with a creative to highlight when you plan to launch the said campaign. Finally, checkins is a must to align on the direction and progress of projects. With these tips it will help you keep the creativity and at the same time setting project guard rails. ### Summary ![](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1627850650793-3f8d5231ee19?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=MnwxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDQxfHxhZ2lsZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE2NjYyOTUyNDI&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Eden Constantino](https://unsplash.com/@edenconstantin0?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) Agile is a buzzword which is thrown around a bit too freely in most meetings and companies. However, Agile takes quite some effort, repetition, and continuous learning to become efficient at Agile. When I was consulting for DevOps we would inform customers that it would take 4-5 Sprints to become comfortable using Agile within a team. There is no one size fits all Agile framework which works for every company and/or team. Many times you have to adapt the sprint cadence from 2 weeks to something which matches better with your team, same for standups, and finally plan, communicate and gather early feedback are keys to success. I've had the pleasure working with rockstar agencies to amateurs and everything in between. One of my favorite Benjamin Franklin quotes is "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." which exactly why Agile is just as important for marketing as it is for software development. Adding some order to your marketing chaos will not only make you more efficient but also Agile! ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Top 5 DevOps skills to boost your job profile URL: https://brianchristner.io/top-5-devops-skills-to-boost-your-job-profile/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:49.000Z I am a firm believer in continuous learning. I'm often asked how to get started in tech by people curious to start in tech, new engineers, and aspiring DevOps engineers. It's our job as practitioners to develop up-and-coming talent by sharing information. We work in Open Source, so we should also share what people should learn to be able to do the same. When I was getting started, it was challenging to find information, expensive for courses, and the barrier of entry for new tech was extremely high. It mustn't persist in the future, thus why I care so much about sharing as much as possible. **I've highlighted the 5 Top DevOps Jobs skills in a specific order.** ### Soft Skills Here's a list of just some of the soft skills required in a DevOps role: communication, critical thinking, self-motivation, time management, problem-solving, listening, and organizational are just some of the Soft Skills needed to survive in today's business world. But, of course, it doesn't start or stop with this list but will continue further. Soft Skills are probably the most difficult to learn as this is often part of your personality. However, what we can do is practice the Soft Skills which we can improve on, such as listening, organization, and time management are just some of the areas in which you can learn or excel. I encourage people to try and be on time, prepare for meetings ahead of time, and work on their time management which will automatically improve your organization. All of these skills will help you in the long run. However, what has helped me the most over the years is listening more than talking. It helps you learn about the entire situation and the topic and gives you time to frame your thoughts as a response. Finally, being able to say "NO" is probably the hardest thing to learn. Eventually, you have to be able to push back against a topic or challenge the issue. It's not about being confrontational but being realistic and being able to set boundaries. Unfortunately, I've been around many people unable to say "NO" over the years, and they bury themselves in work or tasks, which is unrealistic. ### Cloud: AWS, Google, Microsoft Engineers should gain in-depth knowledge of at least one big three public clouds. Then, play around with the services, as most services contain a free tier to experiment with how it works. Finally, deploy them a couple of times, read best practices, and take some courses. I highly encourage learning Amazon AWS as this is the current leader in the Public Cloud arena. Don't worry. If you learn one Public Cloud, the second and third will be much easier as the plumbing works the same. What's important to understand is how the services interact together, the best practices, and how to build on top of the clouds with your use case. The Public Cloud moves very quickly, so I recommend taking some courses to understand the basics from companies like acloud.guru or Udemy. Next, do a deep dive into a specialty like DevOps, Big Data, or Security. These skills will transfer across Public Clouds. ### Observability "Measure - Change - Measure" should be your mantra. Get familiar with being able to monitor and deploy critical dashboards for performance, and remember that a CPU running at 80% doesn't compare in the slightest to a customer not being able to log in to your software. Only measure what matters to the organization and users, then dive deeper. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) I hosted a complete logging and monitoring course at DockerCon for a few years exactly on this which is now all Open Source [Docker Logging & Monitioring workshop Open Source](https://github.com/56kcloud/Training/blob/main/DockerCon/readme.md?ref=brianchristner.io) ### CI/CD the bread and butter of DevOps is CI/CD. However, most organizations want to understand how you perform DevOps or CI/CD. I recommend creating a pet project and automate end-to-end. That means picking a Git Cloud service, either GitHub or GitLab. Next, develop runners, deploy your Code to your runners, and continually iterate until you can merge Code and automatically deploy it to your server. It may sound easy, but it takes a lot of effort and combining Cloud and Observability skills to continue improving your pipeline. Start with building your application automatically, then deploying to a target server, and finally improving this process over and over until it is seamless. I cannot emphasize enough to learn by doing in this area as it will take time to understand what a runner is, how to build your containers, and finally, how to deploy. Each step sounds miniscule, but it takes a lot of effort and learning based on your environment and application. ### Infrastructure as Code I tack on IaC last, as this should be an excellent skill to have in your toolbox. It enables you to automate your entire infra from zero to log in to your application. When discussing Infrastructure as Code, Hashicorp, or Terraform, it jumps to most people's minds, with Pulumi running a distant second. I added IaC last, as DevOps should focus on the core concepts of application integration and deployment before tackling infrastructure. Why, do you ask? Many of the concepts you learn in application deployments also apply to infrastructure. However, infrastructure adds even more complications as you typically deploy infrastructure and applications. ### Conculusion If you can tackle the above DevOps skills, you will be well on your way to a solid foundation in DevOps. However many people want to learn everything today, but it takes time, trial and error, and lots of troubleshooting failed DevOps pipelines to understanxqd the core concepts fully. My advice is to learn continually, push your boundaries, and keep adding more complexity to "your stack" to learn, iterate, and learn some more. I always tell people the goal of DevOps is to automate yourself out of a job, but until now, this has never happened. We have a long way to go but we keep pushing towards more automation, learning, and trying new things. I was recently interviewed by the one and only [Bret Fisher](https://twitter.com/BretFisher?ref=brianchristner.io) on his podcast for 1.5 hours dicsussing exactly these skills. **AQ Section: Top 5 DevOps Skills to Boost Your Job Profile** **What are the top skills needed for a successful DevOps career?** To succeed in DevOps, mastering key skills such as cloud computing, containerization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes), automation tools, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), and version control (e.g., Git) is essential. These skills streamline workflows and improve collaboration between development and operations teams. **How important is automation in DevOps?** Automation is crucial in DevOps as it reduces manual tasks, minimizes errors, and speeds up software delivery. Automation tools like Jenkins, Ansible, and Puppet help teams implement continuous testing, integration, and deployment, enhancing efficiency and reliability. **Why is cloud computing important for DevOps professionals?** Cloud computing is integral to DevOps as it provides scalable infrastructure, enabling teams to deploy applications quickly. Familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud enhances a DevOps professionalā€™s ability to manage resources effectively and support rapid deployment. **What role does containerization play in DevOps?** Containerization, using tools like Docker and Kubernetes, plays a key role in DevOps by packaging applications and their dependencies into lightweight, portable containers. This allows for consistent and efficient deployment across multiple environments, making it easier to manage complex applications. **How can version control systems benefit a DevOps team?** Version control systems like Git help DevOps teams track changes in code, collaborate effectively, and maintain a history of project modifications. This ensures that all team members work on the latest code version, reducing conflicts and streamlining the development process. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How to Monitor Third-Party SaaS applications URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-monitor-third-party-saas-or-websites/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:49.000Z The rise of SaaS applications has made running a business more efficient and easier than ever. SaaS applications come in all shapes and sizes ranging from Accounting, Analytics, BI, Blogs, CRM, Marketing, Project Management, Office Suite, Websites, and so much more. Startups on average start using 29 SaaS applications in the first two years of business and spike to over 100+ SaaS apps after 3 years of business according to the [Better Cloud State of SaaS report](http://pages.bettercloud.com/rs/719-KZY-706/images/2020%5FStateofSaaSOpsReport.pdf?mkt%5Ftok=NzE5LUtaWS03MDYAAAF8LQdmoC7u54xbqxNwp0au4Zk7SiYaaqq2vupXFxCvaP5vY8gSQtlGFsUsRI8oj5Fl2m5PwIZUUAlzVZL%5F-hUEQ2RdNqgEzDAmZA5bZtowS%5Fv-zMs&ref=brianchristner.io). The question is how many of these SaaS applications which you have zero control over the infrastructure are critical to your daily business? Do you have a SaaS application that would cause a financial impact to your business if it were to go offline and impact your customers? If you answered yes then you should absolutely be monitoring your SaaS applications for availability, performance, SLA adherence, and usability. ## Types of Monitoring I am very passionate about monitoring so much so I used to present at several DockerCons the Monitoring and Logging workshops. You can find the slides [here](https://www.slideshare.net/BrianChristner/dockercon-europe-2018-monitoring-logging-workshop?ref=brianchristner.io) from DockerCon 2018 in Barcelona. One of the basic elements of monitoring is understanding the workload in which you want to monitor. ![Monitroing of applications from outside and inside](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2022/06/black_box_vs_white_box_monitoring.png) Black Box vs White Box Monitoring ### Black Box Monitoring Black Box monitoring is exactly what it sounds like. As seen in the image above we don't know what is inside the box similar to our SaaS applications. We can only monitor the box from outside using such tools as ping, HTTP, and some scripting. We won't have the same depth of monitoring as White Box Monitoring but it is still possible to monitor our SaaS application. ### White Box Monitoring White Box Monitoring is typically servers or infrastructure to which we have full control or access. White Box Monitoring allows full-stack or end-to-end monitoring which enables developers to build monitoring directly into the application and measure performance between applications. ## What to Monitor on your SaaS application Most people only measure the uptime or availability of a website or SaaS application. This is OK but doesn't tell us if the actual application is functioning as expected. Here's a list of what to monitor on your SaaS application: #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) - **Uptime/Availability** \- Is the SaaS application up and responding via Ping, DNS, and HTTP. Uptime is the most basic of monitoring and your users will usually inform you before you are alerted by monitoring if the entire application is offline. We can also use this metric to measure the SLA of the application in comparison to what the vendor reports. - **Performance -** Another key metric as this indicates the load time of the SaaS application and if noticeable spikes occur during certain times of the day. This is something where monitoring is far better than users as we can see trends and actual metrics compared to users complaining it is slow. Additionally, if using the SaaS application in different geographic locations it is a best practice also to monitor per geographic location to capture any inconsistencies in a region due to cloud service. - **UX -** User Experience is probably one of the most critical items to monitor. For example, can users log in or can a user perform x, y, z? - **API Endpoints -** Most SaaS applications that provide an API also provide an API endpoint which you can query to see if it is online and available, This is separate from the SaaS availability as the API could be offline but the SaaS itself is still operating. ## How to Monitor your SaaS application? There are tons of SaaS applications that actually perform all of the above. However, I am not in the business of referring SaaS solutions but rather offering the Open Source equivalent. I recommend using Open Source as this helps you to better understand how to monitor, what is required, and ultimately if you really need to dish out money to monitor your SaaS or not. I'm a huge fan of Grafana and Prometheus but this requires a bit more technical know-how to get started. If you are interested here is my complete tutorial on [how to get up and running with a Grafana and Prometheus stack](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/prometheus?ref=brianchristner.io). Once up and running you can then configure Grafana to start monitoring your website availability, performance, and more. I then recommend using the[ Grafana Plugin library](https://grafana.com/grafana/plugins/?ref=brianchristner.io) to find a plugin that best matches your use case. The other option is to use either [Nagios](https://www.nagios.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) or [Zabbix](https://www.zabbix.com/?ref=brianchristner.io). Both have been around longer than anything else on the market and have huge communities. The benefit of using either of these tools is most likely they have a native integration with your SaaS application already making it much easier to get started. I've use both solutions and can recommend them both. They don't look new and shiny in comparison to high price solutions but they get the job done. ## Don't wait and start monitoring today The first step is always the hardest and that is choosing which monitoring solution to get started with. Once you made the choice, get started. Remember, don't go overboard, start small, and don't overalert yourself. It's important to focus on the key indicators which are important to you, your business, and your customers. ### FAQ Section: How to Monitor Third-Party SaaS or Websites **Why is it important to monitor third-party SaaS or websites?** Monitoring third-party SaaS or websites is essential to ensure their reliability and performance. It helps detect downtime, performance issues, and security breaches, ensuring that these services, which your business may rely on, remain operational and meet service level agreements (SLAs). **What tools can I use to monitor third-party SaaS or websites?** Several tools can be used to monitor third-party SaaS or websites, including: - Pingdom: Offers uptime and performance monitoring. - New Relic: Provides comprehensive application performance monitoring. - UptimeRobot: Simple uptime monitoring with status alerts. - Datadog: Integrates infrastructure monitoring with real-time analytics. - StatusCake: Monitors uptime and load times, offering detailed reports. **How can I set up alerts for third-party service outages?** To set up alerts for third-party service outages, use monitoring tools that support alerting features. Configure these tools to send notifications via email, SMS, or integrations with communication platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams. Ensure thresholds for downtime and performance degradation are set to trigger alerts promptly. **What metrics should I track when monitoring third-party websites?** Key metrics to track when monitoring third-party websites include: - Uptime: The percentage of time the service is operational. - Response Time: The time taken for the server to respond to requests. - Load Time: The time taken for the website to load completely. - Error Rates: The frequency of errors encountered. - Performance Metrics: Page speed, transaction times, and resource usage. **Can monitoring third-party SaaS help improve my own service delivery?** Yes, monitoring third-party SaaS can help improve your own service delivery by providing insights into potential issues before they affect your users. By being proactive about detecting and addressing problems, you can maintain higher levels of service availability and performance, ensuring a better user experience. ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### You, Me, and Utility NFT's URL: https://brianchristner.io/you-me-and-utility-nfts/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:49.000Z It's incredible to think that we are only at the beginning of the NFT revolution. I got my feet wet with NFT's March 2021\. We experimented with creating our NFT collection, leading me down the NFT rabbit hole. Fast forward to the end of 2021, and the entire NFT landscape has grown, adapted, and evolved since I first purchased my first NFT. Incredible to think just a short amount of time; so much can change. We witnessed a tool ecosystem built to report on NFT rarity, monitor wallets for sales activity, podcasts, and so much more. What sparked my attention was the move of NFT's from pure collectibles to utility. The first collection I followed that made such a move was [CyberKongz](https://opensea.io/collection/cyberkongz.?ref=brianchristner.io). CyberKongz launched their Genesis or first NFT collection, which allowed collectors to breed new NFT's and start earning a banana token that exploded in popularity and value. [https://opensea.io/assets/0x57a204aa1042f6e66dd7730813f4024114d74f37/46](https://opensea.io/assets/0x57a204aa1042f6e66dd7730813f4024114d74f37/46?ref=brianchristner.io) Creators instantly started copying CyberKongz and other projects, adapting the utility to their projects. I believe this particular feature is one of the pivotal points in NFT history which sped up NFT adoption. ## Bridging online to offline with NFT's I've spent a large portion of my professional career trying to bring something from the offline world online. However, NFT's was the first time I noticed a significant value in connecting online to offline. Next, the adaptation of the NFT utility use-case was a game-changer for me and NFT's and where the bridge start connecting the two worlds. More than just a picture on the internet now we have utility! What do I mean by utility, you ask? #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ### NFT Tickets ![Space Needle Tickets](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1578575436955-ef29da568c6c?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=MnwxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fHRpY2tldHxlbnwwfHx8fDE2NDI2MzE2NTQ&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Andy Li](https://unsplash.com/@andylid0?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) Have you ever purchased a ticket for a concert, sports, or other major events through a secondary sale like a scalper? How do you know the tickets you are buying are indeed legitimate tickets from such a second party? You don't because you have no way to verify the ticket's origin or its authenticity. Enter NFT tickets. Fans can now buy tickets to a major event, verify the authenticity and prove ownership as the physical ticket links to a digital NFT on the blockchain. Scan the QR code, and bam, and you can instantly verify the ticket's ownership. If you want to sell this ticket to someone on the secondary market, the event can still earn a commission on the secondary sale. Ticket prices can even increase past the original purchase price, and the commissions automatically adjust according to the sale price. The secondary market can be an entirely new revenue stream for ticket sales, which is impossible with paper tickets. Typically, you lose the touchpoint to the fans once the event is over. With NFT's events can continue dropping benefits to all the NFT owners. It can be in invites to future events, access to artists, and much more. This ability adds considerably more value to tickets than what we have today. ### NFT Goods Purchases Imagine any physical product delivered with an NFT. The NFT, just like in the ticket example, can verify ownership and authenticity. The NFT is the ownership contract for the product backed up to the blockchain. The blockchain also enables an entire product sales audit history. One example is a cask of Whiskey which verifies ownership. The [Metacask](https://www.forbes.com/sites/ginapace/2021/10/31/a-macallan-cask-nft-sold-for-23-million-what-does-this-mean-for-whisky-collectors/?sh=647f4a027877&ref=brianchristner.io) sold a Cask of Whiskey as an NFT for 2.3 Million Dollars. ### Memberships [https://opensea.io/assets/0x08d7c0242953446436f34b4c78fe9da38c73668d/551](https://opensea.io/assets/0x08d7c0242953446436f34b4c78fe9da38c73668d/551?ref=brianchristner.io) Enter memberships the new entrant. NFT holders can gain access to clubs, restaurants, or memberships. By holding membership, NFTs can unlock continuously new value over the lifetime of membership. Unlike traditional memberships, they are typically non-transferrable. With NFT's, the membership can increase in value, allowing members to sell their NFT memberships for a profit. Second, like the previous use cases, the secondary market can create an entirely new revenue stream from the membership creators. The example membership above is the [Proof Collective](https://collective.proof.xyz/?ref=brianchristner.io). This membership entitles the members to NFT drops, meetups, and more. This is just one example of what is possible with NFT memberships which verify your membership by checking your ownership of the NFT against the blockchain. ### What's next for Utility NFT's? We are only in the infancy of Utility NFT's. Technology and new industries are experimenting with what is possible, and we will start seeing more video game-related Utility, Metaverse, and soon Enterprise utility. Don't be surprised if your next Gym membership is an NFT or you are collecting NFT's at the grocery store. The sky is the limit, and I will definitely be participating every step of the way. ### 2021 in Review URL: https://brianchristner.io/2021-in-review/ Last updated: 2022-01-08T11:56:17.000Z OK, this has been the longest I have gone without blogging since forever. My last article was November 2020\. Yeah, well a lot has happend in the past year which I am extremely grateful for. It has been challenging and rewarding to be able to finish up the year on a positive note. January this year I returned to my roots of casinos and joined the [Jackpots.ch](https://jackpots.ch/?ref=brianchristner.io) team as Chief Online Gaming. I absolutely enjoy every minute of being back in the casino industry and am lucky to be surrounded by an amazing team. This year was the first year since COVID struck that I was finally able to fly back to the US and visit my family and friends. It was difficult being so far away and the distance felt even further when we weren't able to fly. Thankful for FaceTime to help keep the family involved. ### What worked - [Bullet Journal](https://bulletjournal.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) \- I've tried almost every note taking app or ToDo list on the market. Unfortunately, nothing was really working until I switched back to paper. I had a couple people recommend a Bullet Journal to me. I was skeptical at first but once you understand the concept it is great and easy to use. They have some great videos explaining what is a Bullet Journal and how to do it. Of course their is a huge community showing off all the different styles. The journal has made my productivity increase substantially. - Mountain Biking - yeah, my favorite activity away from the keyboard. I didn't get in as much time this year due to horrible weather over the summer but still enjoyed every ride. Bring on Spring! - NFT, Crypto, & DeFI oh My! - I went from dabbling in Crypto the last few years to going all in. I took some online courses and really enjoyed the DeFi course by [Blue Alpine Research](https://www.bluealpineresearch.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) (In German). After taking the DeFi course I started learning more about the mechanics of DeFi and never looked back. Next, we launched our own NFT with Jackpots back in March which started a huge deep-dive into NFT's as well. Needless to say this will continue going into 2022! I played with NFT's on Ethereum, Tezos, and Phantom learning about all the possibilities. To the moon šŸš€ [ ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/s-0um57hZXQRRF-Dti3pp95P1buBBbhdYYsnwSonhA8LEMfzvARSyJp70sibxMdeWbQhsSe4a6PyGC-81R76NSOvD0EJbVtpAHABNA) the return of the conquerer ![](https://static.ghost.org/v4.0.0/images/opensea-logo.png) Created by DALEKā€¢ SPACEMONKEY WORLD spacemonkey has arrived in new worlds in search of destruction ](https://opensea.io/assets/0x495f947276749ce646f68ac8c248420045cb7b5e/27924270281123581347558680145632188646237271278990638796002432331066728513556?ref=brianchristner.io) One of my favorite NFT's in my collection - Father:Son Projects - This year was the first year that my son really can be involved in projects such as learning to solder, wood working, building robots, driving hot rods in the US, and flying drones. These are some of my favorite moments for sure. More to come. ### What can be improved - I am sure most can agree but virtual conferences have kinda of stalled in terms of excitement. I for one see the Metaverse as a game changer in terms of making meeting online fun again. - This Spring/Summer/Autumn I want to spend as many weekends as possible camping and biking with the family. Unfortunately, our Van arrived late this year so we didn't get much camping in but we are all geared up for 2022\. #vanlife ### Wish list for 2022 - Read more - I read quite some books in 2021 but want to continue reading more as I enjoy it so much. - Create a Utility NFT project - Deep Dive into Metaverse & AR/VR - Take lots of RV trips with our camper van. My son and I plan to document our trips with the drone and videos. Stay tuned. - Take new courses and learn something completely new - Finally, I want to return to the blog and blogging! I wish everyone a healthy and successful 2022! ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Book Review - The Practice: Shipping Creative Work URL: https://brianchristner.io/book-review-the-practice-shipping-creative-work/ Last updated: 2022-01-08T11:55:48.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2020/11/The_Practice_Review.jpg) The Practice book review I have been following Seth Godin for quite some time. My friend mentioned he was recently on the Tim Ferris podcast, and he said it was an amazing podcast. Well, my friend was absolutely right. The [Tim Ferris interview of Seth Godin in October 2020](https://tim.blog/2020/10/29/seth-godin-the-practice-transcript/?ref=brianchristner.io) is one of my favorite podcast episodes of all-time. Not just for Tim Ferris episodes but Podcasts in general. Seth Godin has a unique way of painting pictures with his conversation. Seth is super interesting to listen to and provides so much useful information at the same time. The episode is something you will probably need to hear two or three times to capture all the advice from Seth fully. Additionally, Tim and Seth appear to have a close relationship, and you can listen to that based on questions in advice Seth gives directly to Tim. During the episode, Seth mentioned that he is releasing his latest book, [The Practice: Shipping Creative Work](https://amzn.to/33aw9wi?ref=brianchristner.io). When I started reading the book, I felt like most of the content was already covered in the interview with Tim Ferris. Although it was good to digest the content a bit more by reading it, I felt a little let down as some of the chapters were almost verbatim to the show. The book is in an engaging format as it is 271 pages long with a little more than 200 chapters. The chapters felt like short blog articles plucked from Sethā€™s blog. However, Seth did manage to make the book flow really well. Also, I highlighted some real gems which are worth sharing here ## My favorite excerpts from The Practice > Shipping, because it doesnā€™t count if you donā€™t share it. > ā€œDo what you loveā€ is for amateurs. ā€œLove what you doā€ is the mantra for professionals. > ā€œDo what you loveā€ is for amateurs. ā€œLove what you doā€ is the mantra for professionals. > True learning (as opposed to education) is a voluntary experience that requires tension and discomfort (the persistent feeling of incompetence as we get better at a skill). > Talent is something weā€™re born with: itā€™s in our DNA, a magical alignment of gifts. But skill? Skill is earned. Itā€™s learned and practiced and hard-won. > Chop wood, carry water. Anchor up. ā€œYes, and.ā€ Ignore the parts you canā€™t control. > Show up. Do your best. Learn from it. And then we get to do it again. > Your work is never going to be good enough (for everyone). But itā€™s already good enough (for someone). ## Who do I recommend to read The Practice? I would recommend ā€œThe Practiceā€œ for anyone looking for inspiration in their creative process. Whether you are building a startup, a manager, or trying to create something, this book will have a chapter that sticks with you. Remember, there are 200+ chapters, so Iā€™m sure you will find a couple that resonates. It is indeed an excellent easy read, and as I highlighted above, a ton of quotable content. **However!!** I recommend first read the book before listening to the Tim Ferris podcast. Reading in this order will ensure you get the most enjoyment from reading The Practice. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Book Review - Tell to Win: Connect, Persuade, and Triumph with the Hidden Power of Story URL: https://brianchristner.io/book-review-tell-to-win-peter-gruber/ Last updated: 2022-01-08T11:56:36.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2020/11/tell-to-win.jpg) I recently finished the [Tell to Win book by Peter Guber](https://www.peterguber.com/leadership/telltowin/?ref=brianchristner.io) (Non-affiliate link). In a previous post, I mentioned how I am [working to make re-reading a habit](https://brianchristner.io/making-reading-books-a-habit/). I am working with a sales consultant that recommended this book to me as a brilliant book about creating a story. For those who don't know, Peter Gruber is the CEO of Mandalay Entertainment and former CEO of Sony Pictures. A person with high connections and exciting stories. What Peter highlighted in this book is not to pitch someone an idea or sell a product. Instead, we should focus on creating a story to make a connection and persuade people. Peter walks you through what makes a story stick with the audience and a great story's mechanics. I had to re-read chapters several times as there is so much great content to absorb the message. Stories range from A-list celebrities, world leaders, and creating stories to convince people to invest in his movies. I enjoyed the various stories about how Peter showed what worked and didn't work. A lot of motivation or business books focus on positive outcomes. Peter does a great job reflecting on both sides of the coin for different scenarios. It's easy to read the book and come away with yeah, I need to craft my message into a story. At least for me, this is not just a switch in my head from off to on. I have been working hard on crafting my message and story. So far, it has served quite well for something I recently presented with a promising outcome. Storytelling is something that has been around for centuries. Pay attention to your surroundings and start listening to people presenting, talking, or convincing to see how other people are storytelling. When I think of brilliant storytellers Steve Jobs for me, jump to the front of the line. For example, when he presented the iPhone back in 2007, everyone was eating his every word, and he kept painting a big picture till finally, he revealed the iPhone. ## Who do I recommend to read Tell-to-Win? I would recommend this book to anyone interested in convincing people towards an outcome or change their minds. I initially thought this book is geared more towards business, but the more I thought about it, the book is for everyone. Steve Jobs introduces first iPhone in 2007 ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Why I created online courses URL: https://brianchristner.io/why-i-created-online-courses/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:50.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2020/11/vscode_docker_course-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2020/11/traefik_training-copy-1.png) Online courses I enjoy teaching. It must be in my DNA, as my father was an automotive instructor, and my brother is a high school teacher. But we are not ordinary teachers. We all have a knack for explaining technical topics to broad audiences. My first experience teaching was in the casino industry. I wrote documentation about how a Casino Management System operated sometime in 2001\. After I completed the documentation, my superior asked me to present the material to a class. It was a trial by fire scenario as I was not adequately prepared nor experienced for what came next. My content didn't flow properly. I jumped around topics, focused on questions that sidetracked the course, etc. In other words, it was a dumpster fire. ![](https://media.tenor.com/GElyvue_13cAAAAC/april-fools-joke.gif) What I learned from this failure is what helped transform how I teach and present even today. The content should flow, each topic builds on the previous, and teach to the middle of the class. > It doesn't matter if you are presenting to five people or 5000\. The content and your delivery are what is essential. I have been training people about Docker and Cloud-Native since about 2015\. Slowly I expanded topics to include IoT, Monitoring & Logging, and VS Code. The audience has been ranging from private customer sessions, university lectures, workshops, community events, and even online events. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) A couple of years ago, people slowly started asking for my content online to share with their colleagues. I never really gave it the time since we were so busy jumping from conference to conference, project to project. The rise of COVID-19 forced me to reprioritize my thinking about online training. It also provided some breathing room and a break from the conference circuit. Converting my existing content for online courses was relatively straightforward. What took time was figuring out how to record video, screen, voice, etc., while delivering a pleasant experience. It took me a few hours to record how I wanted people to experience the content. Now, I have recorded two courses and am already improving how to improve it. What you learn about creating courses is by the time you record your first course you realize how it should be done and most likely feel like starting over. ## [The Complete Traefik Training Course](https://www.thebyte.io/traefik-training?ref=brianchristner.io) Want to learn how Cloud Native Edge routers work? Need to deploy a Reverse Proxy? The Complete Traefik Training course helps you get from 0 to production with [Traefik ](https://brianchristner.io/deploy-configure-monitor-traefik-prometheus-grafana/)the Cloud Native Edge Router with hands-on labs and valuable lessons built on real-world deployments. The course is built based on real-world customer deployments and using this experience to build a quality course with actual scenarios. ## [Become a Docker Power User with Visual Studio Code](https://www.thebyte.io/become-docker-power-user-with-vs-code?ref=brianchristner.io) This course will teach you the skills to use VS Code and the Docker extension. It is based upon direct **collaboration between Microsoft and Docker** to provide excellent knowledge about VS Code and Docker alike. According to a recent Stack Overflow survey, VS Code is the world's most popular development tool. Combing VS Code with Docker **unleashes new workflows, reduces context switching, and** **enables you to become a Docker Power User** simultaneously. I plan two more courses before wrapping up 2020 so stay tuned. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How to use Docker Security Scan Locally URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-use-docker-scan/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:50.000Z Docker and Snyk recently entered into a partnership to provide container vulnerability scanning. What does this mean for you? Snyk is now integrated with Docker Hub to scan official images. Additionally, Docker has integrated the Snyk scanning directly into Docker Desktop clients. Before the Snyk partnership, we could not scan container vulnerabilities locally. Instead, we had to build our application and push it to our Git repository for the vulnerability scanning to occur. The best practice is to push Security as far left as possible. What do I mean by "Push Left"? I first heard this term during a[ presentation at DevOpsDay Zurich](https://vimeo.com/271450144?ref=brianchristner.io) by Tanja Janca, aka [SheHacksPurple](https://twitter.com/shehackspurple?ref=brianchristner.io). The idea of pushing left is integrating Security as early in the development process. The earlier we can start security checks, the cheaper and more efficient it is for the organization. Docker Scan pushes left to the point of our local development environment. From a DevSecOps perspective, this is an outstanding achievement. We can catch Security vulnerabilities locally before pushing any code. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2020/11/push_left.jpeg) Tanja Janca Push Left <-- # How does Docker Scan work? Docker included a new command in 2.3.6.0 or later versions called `docker scan`. When running the \`docker scan\` command, it scans local images against the Snyk security engine, providing you with security visibility into your local Dockerfiles and local images. The Snyk engine scans the images or Dockerfiles for Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) and recommends CVE remediations. ## How to initiate a Docker Scan From the Docker CLI, we can initiate a vulnerability scan. 1. Ensure you have Docker version 2.3.6.0 or later installed 2. Pull a the Mongo Database image for testing `docker pull mongo:latest` 3. Run a scan against the Mongo image `docker scan mongo:latest` 4. Review the results of the scan ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2020/11/docker-scan-results.png) docker scan mongo:latest ## How to initiate a Docker Scan on an Image and reference a Dockerfile What is the difference between scanning an image and scanning an image and referencing a Dockerfile? When including the Dockerfile associated with the image provides even more detailed results. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) 1. Clone the linux\_tweet\_app demo application `git clone https://github.com/vegasbrianc/linux_tweet_app.git` 2. Build and tag the image: `docker build -t linux_tweet_app:1.0 .` 3. Scan the image: `docker scan linux_twee_app:1.0` ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2020/11/docker-scan-no-reference.png) docker scan no Dockerfile reference Now, rerun the scan, referencing the Dockerfile we built with the image. 1. Scan the image and reference the Dockerfile: `docker scan -f Dockerfile linux_tweet_app:1.0` ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2020/11/docker-scan-dockefile-reference-1.png) docker scan with Dockerfile reference Notice that the results now indicate which layer in the Dockerfile is responsible for which vulnerabilities. ## Docker scan output options We have a few different options for viewing the docker scan output. You can view the results in JSON format or as a dependency tree. I must admit the dependency tree is beneficial in figuring out the structure of your image. ## Docker scan summary Pushing left will help your organization spot CVE's before they ever hit your Development or Test environments. As mentioned previously, the more we can push Security left, the more time and money we save our organization. The graph below provided by the [National Institute of Standards and Technology](https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/director/planning/report02-3.pdf?ref=brianchristner.io) says bugs (which also applies to vulnerabilities) found in development cost $80 to fix. In contrast, vulnerabilities that make it to production cost $7600 to fix. Docker scan helps us push left, find, and squash vulnerabilities sooner, saving us time and money. Happy days! Now celebrate all the time and money we will be saving! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2020/11/cost-to-fix-bugs.jpg) The Economic Impacts of Inadequate Infrastructure for Software Testing report May 2002 NIST ### FAQ: How to Use Docker Scan #### 1\. What is Docker Scan and why should I use it? Docker Scan is a tool integrated with Docker to help identify security vulnerabilities in your Docker images. Using Docker Scan helps ensure your applications are secure by detecting potential risks early in the development process. #### 2\. How do I install Docker Scan? Docker Scan is included with Docker Desktop starting from version 20.10\. Simply update to the latest version of Docker Desktop to get Docker Scan. For CLI users, ensure you have the latest Docker CLI version to access Docker Scan. #### 3\. How do I use Docker Scan to analyze an image? To analyze a Docker image, use the command `docker scan `. This will initiate a scan and provide a detailed report on any vulnerabilities found in the image, along with recommendations for remediation. #### 4\. What types of vulnerabilities can Docker Scan detect? Docker Scan can detect various types of vulnerabilities, including those related to outdated software packages, insecure configurations, and potential exploit paths. It leverages the Snyk vulnerability database to provide up-to-date and comprehensive security information. #### 5\. How can I improve my Docker image security based on scan results? To improve Docker image security, follow the recommendations provided in the Docker Scan report. This may include updating software packages, removing unnecessary components, and following best practices for Docker image creation and maintenance. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Maintaining Open Source Projects is Hard URL: https://brianchristner.io/maintaining-open-source-projects-is-hard/ Last updated: 2022-01-08T11:57:26.000Z When you read the word Open Source somehow, it just appears easy. It doesn't matter if you are an Open Source consumer or a maintainer. Open Source is hard! I've been an active participant in Open Source for quite some time. It disappoints me to see the number of companies large and small consuming Open Source and not contributing anything back. I'm not asking for every single person to write code, but please help. I maintain about 20 different projects and assist with ten other projects. Honestly, it is a lot of work keeping everything up to date, triaging issues, and fielding new Pull Requests. Mind you; I do this in my limited spare time. I'm not complaining. Instead, I want to shine some light on what happens behind the scenes of most of the projects found on GitHub. Typically, a lot of projects start with a single contributor then grow into larger projects. These contributors do everything from writing code, documentation, and issue management. It is a ton of work and sometimes unrewarding when you get nasty comments or pushy requests. How can we encourage more organizations to participate in Open Source? This is a question many maintainers ask. The barrier of entry to use Open Source is incredibly low. However, the same low bar is also in place for people to contribute, but we don't see the same commitment level. As a community, we should find new ways to encourage Open Source consumers to give back either with time or financially as a thank you. We don't ask for much but maybe a cup of coffee or a small tip just to help keep us going. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Making Reading Books a Habit URL: https://brianchristner.io/making-reading-books-a-habit/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:50.000Z I have a queue of books to read as long as my arm, and it is not getting shorter. In combination with my goal to blog more, the beginning of November is also to read more. Actually, I set this as one of my 2020 goals but kind of fell flat over the summer. Now, I set up a reading time every evening. I don't watch much TV, but my screentime after work was relatively high and unproductive. Reading the news (depressing), checking the socials (time sink), and reading interesting material (OK, this was useful but less than the first 2). I made a plan for myself an hour before I go to bed to start reading. By setting time aside to read has motivated me to get things accomplished before this time. I've read numerous studies indicating it takes between 21 days to 66 days to form a new habit(Depends on which research to believe). I have proven this during my experiment with Intermittent Fasting that after one month, it became automatic. A full schedule at work and an active family makes it challenging to carve out this time. The time is now to set the habit and keep at it. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) This week I completed the book from [Peter Gruber, Tell to Win](https://www.peterguber.com/leadership/telltowin/?ref=brianchristner.io) (Non-affiliate link). CEO of Mandalay Entertainment and former CEO of Sony Pictures. My Sales coach recommends this book to help with telling your story versus pitching or trying to convince someone to do something. [Tell to Win](https://brianchristner.io/book-review-tell-to-win-peter-gruber/) highlights a lot of situations with A-listers and World Leaders where the story prevailed. I would recommend reading this if you want to sharpen your messaging when speaking. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2020/11/TellToWin-Book.jpg) Currently, I am reading the new book [The Practice](https://seths.blog/ThePractice/?ref=brianchristner.io) (non-affiliate link) just launched this week by [Seth Godin](https://www.sethgodin.com/?ref=brianchristner.io). If you don't know Seth Godin, he runs one of the most successful blogs on the internet, published 20 top-selling books, had run dot coms before they were cool, and is an interesting speaker. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2020/11/the_practice.jpg) I'm just getting into the book, but it is a 200+ page book with about 200+ chapters. Interesting concept. It is a collection of short creativity stories based on [The Creative Workshop](https://thecreativesworkshop.com/?ref=brianchristner.io). Just 20% into the book, I have by far the most highlights in this book in a long time. Stay tuned for the full review. Now that I am reading the practice, it highlights my goal of getting into a habit of reading, blogging, and doing things better. I am definitely motivated and inspired. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Third Time on the Front Page of Hacker News URL: https://brianchristner.io/thrird-time-on-front-page-of-hacker-news/ Last updated: 2022-01-08T11:58:03.000Z [Hacker News ](https://news.ycombinator.com/?ref=brianchristner.io)is a website I visit a few times a day for years. It is a reliable news source for me where usually tech news breaks first. Everything from new products, features, security hacks, and everything in between. According to my Hacker News profile [vegasbrianc](https://news.ycombinator.com/user?id=vegasbrianc&ref=brianchristner.io), I first created my profile back in 2008\. I have submitted a few articles here and there but nothing consistently. Also, my upvoting tends to be something I know or tried and like. Additionally, I am usually too busy to troll the comments and typically keep skimming the headlines. I started this week with a mission of writing an article a day for two weeks. I've neglected my blog for a few months, and I want to get back into the writing rhythm. Now, I don't want to produce boring content, but articles people would be interested in and interests me. Just so happens, my third article this week went viral while getting back into writing. Wow! Making it to the front page of Hacker News has a similar effect as the [Slashdot effect](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slashdot%5Feffect?ref=brianchristner.io) where a big rush of unexpected web traffic appears overwhelming your infrastructure, typically taking the website offline. Luckily in today's world, this happens less frequently. ### My 3 Front Page Articles - [How to Monitor Airplane Traffic with a Raspberry Pi ](https://brianchristner.io/monitor-airplane-traffic-with-a-raspberry-pi/)(614 words) - [How a single Raspberry Pi made my Home Network Faster](https://brianchristner.io/how-a-single-raspberry-pi-made-my-home-network-faster/) (831 words) - [Docker Official Images are Moving to Alpine Linux](https://brianchristner.io/docker-is-moving-to-alpine-linux/) (400 words) So what is so special about these particular articles that they made it to the front page of Hacker News? I honestly don't see a real reason why one article would make it and others not. ### Observations - I submitted the two How-to articles, and an HN member-submitted the other one - "How to" and Raspberry articles seem to be a hot topic - Average of 615 words per article Here's a link to my open analytics for you to have a look for yourself - [SimpleAnalytics](https://simpleanalytics.com/brianchristner.io?start=2020-11-01&end=2020-11-05&ref=brianchristner.io) ## Recommendations The only thing I can suggest is getting in a writing habit, writing about topics you are passionate about, and not being afraid to promote your work. I wrote an article, the [5 Tips to Blog Smarter](https://brianchristner.io/5-tips-to-blog-smarter-not-harder/), on some of the practices I use when writing blog posts. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### How to Monitor Airplane Traffic with a Raspberry Pi URL: https://brianchristner.io/monitor-airplane-traffic-with-a-raspberry-pi/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:50.000Z Let me start by saying I love airplanes. Since I was a little boy, I have stared at the sky in amazement and spent every waking minute researching everything about airplanes. Fast-forward to 1996, when I joined the US Air Force as an electrician on, you guessed it, airplanes (F-15s, to be exact). My passion for airplanes oozes from my pores, so much so that my young son is now just as enthused as I am and can now call out planes by sound. Recently, we witnessed the giant Russian Antonov land at a small airfield by our house in Switzerland. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/Antonov-an-124-100.jpg) Antonov AN-124 ## Background about FlightAware Projects It's not my first time starting a FlightAware Raspberry Pi project. According to FlightAware, I first created my first deployment back in 2017\. [Alex Ellis piqued my interest](https://blog.alexellis.io/track-flights-with-rpi/?ref=brianchristner.io) when he began making his FlightAware project in 2017. What has changed from 2017 to now? It is light years easier to get up and running today. Previously, I was building Docker images and trying to make everything work with the USB Tuner and the container, loading data, etc. It was fascinating but very time-consuming. FlightAware has streamlined the onboarding process considerably and simplified the PiAware software. Start by downloading a pre-made Raspberry Pi image with all the drivers and configuration and getting you up and running in the time it takes to burn the PiAware image on an SD Card. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/RaspberryPi2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/FlightAware_Groundstation.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/DVB-T-FM-DAB-and-antenna.jpg) PiAware Components ### How does PiAware Work? Aircraft determine their position using satellite (GNSS) and then broadcast this signal outwards as an open/un-encrypted radio signal called [ADS-B ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic%5Fdependent%5Fsurveillance%5F%E2%80%93%5Fbroadcast?ref=brianchristner.io) (Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast). Other aircraft and ground radar stations use this signal to determine where each plane is positioned and help avoid navigation and collision avoidance. FlightAware is the most extensive flight tracking and data platform. FlightAware collects flight information and metrics and visualizes them with its powerful live flight tracking map. FlightAware collects data from air traffic control systems and crowdsources the information. Here is where our Raspberry Pi comes into the picture. By creating a Raspberry Pi FlightAware ground station, we collect the ADS-B metrics and send them to FlightAware for visualization. The Raspberry Pi runs the FlightAware software, which provides the interfaces to a USB TV tuner responsible for recording the ADS-B signals. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ### What you need to get started The PiAware team provides a [bill of materials](https://flightaware.com/adsb/piaware/build?ref=brianchristner.io) list to help you get started. You can use your Raspberry Pi or purchase a DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial) USB tuner with a small antenna. Building the kit yourself will set you back about $45\. [expensive USB tuner and antenna](https://flightaware.com/adsb/prostick/?ref=brianchristner.io) will add $20-40 but significantly increase the range. ### The process of getting started is simple: 1. Download the PiAware Raspberry Pi image 2. Copy the image to the SD Card 3. Add your configs so it can connect to your WiFi (Headless setup) 4. Start up the Raspberry PI and connect to the IP 5. Connect to FlightAware account 6. Start recording plane traffic ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2020/11/Screenshot-2020-11-04-at-11.11.28.png) PiAware Status Page ### Benefits of being a FlightAware Feeder ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/PiAware-map-1.jpg) PiAware Dashboard Tracking flights It is a cool project for the family to start tracking airplanes flying overhead, but you also contribute to the overall FlightAware project. Additionally, you receive a [free Enterprise Subscription worth $89](https://flightaware.com/commercial/premium/?ref=brianchristner.io) per month to the FlightAware platform just for providing your data to FlightAware. Every kid and sometimes parents in our neighborhood have learned about my Ground station and want to come see. Fun for all! You can view my Ground Station statistics here - [https://flightaware.com/adsb/stats/user/vegasbrianc](https://flightaware.com/adsb/stats/user/vegasbrianc?ref=brianchristner.io) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2020/11/ground-station-stats.png) PiAware Dashboard ## FAQ Section: Monitor Airplane Traffic with a Raspberry Pi ### What equipment do I need to monitor airplane traffic with a Raspberry Pi? To monitor airplane traffic, you'll need a Raspberry Pi, an ADS-B USB dongle, an antenna, and software like PiAware or FlightAware. ### How does a Raspberry Pi monitor airplane traffic? A Raspberry Pi, combined with an ADS-B USB dongle and antenna, receives signals from aircraft transponders, allowing you to track their real-time flight data. ### What software is required to set up airplane traffic monitoring on a Raspberry Pi? You can use software like PiAware or FlightAware, which are specifically designed to decode ADS-B signals and display airplane traffic data. ### Can I use any Raspberry Pi model for monitoring airplane traffic? Yes, you can use any Raspberry Pi model, but a more recent model like the Raspberry Pi 3 or 4 will provide better performance for processing and displaying data. ### What are the benefits of monitoring airplane traffic with a Raspberry Pi? Monitoring airplane traffic with a Raspberry Pi is cost-effective and educational. It provides real-time flight information and enhances understanding of aviation and radio signals. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### The Why Quality URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-why-quality/ Last updated: 2022-12-30T09:26:47.000Z If you have young children, you know their favorite word is **Why**. I probably hear **Why** at least 20-50 times per day. Depending on the activity, I never get annoyed as my son investigates something that interests him. The topics range from Egyptians, Romans, Knights, Airplanes, Rockets, and anything else that pops up during his learning. Actually, Why is a compelling word. If appropriately used can uncover so many useful insights into what you are discussing. However, **Why** can be quickly overused, which can annoy people, so a delicate balance is needed. # Investigating with Why It is valuable to get everyone speaking about the subject by asking questions to spark information sharing. The goal is to open up a discussion and keep names or use the word you out of the Why questions. Instead, focus on the subject at hand. I have used **Why** to investigate customer projects. For example: - Why was XX technology chosen? - Why are the applications installed on-prem versus cloud? - Why does X take longer than Y? Using names or "you" in **Why** questions applies additional pressure to the person answering. I've experienced people becoming defensive rather quickly when questioning decisions or thought processes. Therefore, keep the **Why** focused on the subject matter rather than the person helps unlock insights. ### Why is used for learning It doesn't matter if you are asking someone **Why** speaking out loud or internally. The goal is to learn, uncover a thought process, and understand. We are not trying to change something but rather gather the information to either learn or make a decision. ### Start with Why Before we go further, start practicing using **Why**. If you have children mimic their Why questions to further understand how something works, is built a certain way, or the outcome of an event. **Start with Why** next time you want to learn and open up a discussion. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Hacking the McDonalds API URL: https://brianchristner.io/hacking-the-mcdonalds-api/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:50.000Z What if I told you McDonald's doesn't have a public API? Better yet, what if someone spent the time going through the McDonald's online order process to figure out how to interact with the online ordering system to see if the McSundae machine is online? The Verge actually [interviewed Rashiq ](https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/22/21529477/mcdonalds-mcbroken-bot-ice-cream-machines-app-engineering?ref=brianchristner.io)figuring out how he stumbled across the API and why he created [McBroken](https://mcbroken.com/?ref=brianchristner.io)was out of service. The brains behind the project [Rashiq](https://twitter.com/rashiq?ref=brianchristner.io). The brains behind the project, Rashiq reverse, engineered McDonald's internal API. Rashiq places an order worth $18,752 every minute at every McDonald's in the United States to determine which locations have a broken ice cream machine (Very Important machine, BTW). The Mc Sundae DDOS order attack is processed at over 14,000 locations every minute for an order worth $18,752\. That's a lot of ice cream, folks. I feel challenged. Rashiq only places an order, which then triggers the notification if the machine is online or not, but he doesn't make a purchase. The data is then visualized on a map of the US, showing the status of the ice cream machine at every McDonald's location. Brilliant! This is probably one of the best use cases for companies to open their APIs. The Director of McDonald's analytics even said, "I'm Lovin' It."...Do do dee dee . Also, Mcdonald's head of communications tweeted: > Only a true [@McDonalds](https://twitter.com/McDonalds?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=brianchristner.io) fan would go to these lengths to help customers get our delicious ice cream! So, thanks! We know we have some opportunities to consistently satisfy even more customers with sweet treats and we will. > > ā€” David Tovar (@dwtovar) [October 23, 2020](https://twitter.com/dwtovar/status/1319436160268226560?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=brianchristner.io) One of my favorite tweets from this project is when Rashiq slams Kubernetes in the process. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) > it's incredible to me that a $5 digital ocean box can serve traffic for 200k unique visitors and yet there's startups out there who deploy their landing pages with kubectl > > ā€” rashiq (@rashiq) [October 23, 2020](https://twitter.com/rashiq/status/1319462542163496960?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=brianchristner.io) ### Are we overcomplicating our Projects? The project validates that we are overcomplicating most of our technology decisions by a huge margin. If you consider that Rashiq is powering his McBroken application to scrape the McDonald's API every minute and handle 200k daily visitors to the website with a $5 Digital Ocean server, then we should seriously evaluate what we are building for our projects. For most projects, I don't see the need for Kubernetes, let alone some of the tools we throw at some projects. Yes, the buzzword army will rain terror down on me for frowning on deploying the latest Javascript language or using the latest feature from a Cloud Service. I always reference [Pieter Levels](https://twitter.com/levelsio?ref=brianchristner.io) the serial Startup entrepreneur who powers most of his successful startups using PHP and a single cloud instance. Pieter has mentioned several times it is better to keep it simple with tools you know than overcomplicate projects. ### McBroken Project Statistics - Approximately 16 million interactions with the McBroken map - 1.5 million unique users - one major outage, lasting about 1h. Rashiq, the creator was offline...sleeping ## Check out the McBroken Application [mcbrokenis the mcdonaldā€™s ice cream machine broken?![](https://mcbroken.com/logo192.png)![](https://mcbroken.com/mcbroken.png)](https://mcbroken.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) ### FAQ Section: Hacking the McDonald's API **What is the McDonald's API and why would you want to hack it?** The McDonald's API is a set of programming tools provided by McDonald's for developers to interact with their data and services. Hacking it refers to exploring its features, finding vulnerabilities, or utilizing it in ways beyond its intended use, often to access exclusive offers or automate orders. **Is it legal to hack the McDonald's API?** Hacking the McDonald's API, especially for malicious purposes or without permission, is illegal and against McDonald's terms of service. Ethical hacking, or testing the API for security flaws with the intention of reporting them, is often permissible with prior authorization. **What tools do I need to start exploring the McDonald's API?** To explore the McDonald's API, you need basic programming knowledge, a tool for making HTTP requests (like Postman or curl), and access to the API documentation. Understanding JSON and RESTful API concepts is also beneficial. **What are some common uses for the McDonald's API?** Common uses for the McDonald's API include checking menu items and prices, locating nearby restaurants, placing orders, and accessing promotions or discounts. Developers might also use the API to build custom applications or integrations with other services. **How can I ensure my interactions with the McDonald's API are secure?** To ensure secure interactions with the McDonald's API, always use HTTPS for encrypted communication, avoid hardcoding sensitive information like API keys, and regularly update your software to patch any security vulnerabilities. Additionally, follow best practices for API security, such as using authentication and authorization mechanisms. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Similarities Between Software Development and Skunk Works Projects URL: https://brianchristner.io/similarities-between-software-development-and-skunk-works-projects/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:51.000Z The holidays have offered more time to catch up on my reading. Recently, I finished a book,[ Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years at Lockheed](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316743003/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316743003&linkCode=as2&tag=2wheel-20&linkId=bea158c3ac5d1de30826eb84ad2ad551&ref=brianchristner.io) about the US Air Force Skunk Works projects. In my previous life, I was an Electrician on US Air Force fighter jets, specifically the F-15, so this book was fascinating about the challenges around building and fixing airplanes. The book is impressive as is told from the engineers' perspective Ben Rich, who started as an engineer and later was responsible for the projects and eventually took over the Lockheed Skunk Works division. He was in charge of the teams building the famous [F-117 Stealth Fighter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed%5FF-117%5FNighthawk?ref=brianchristner.io), the [U2 high altitude spy plane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed%5FU-2?ref=brianchristner.io), and the [SR-71](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed%5FSR-71%5FBlackbird?ref=brianchristner.io) the fastest airplane still to date. Ben's management style was way ahead of the generation. He told his staff the following after taking over the Skunk Works division: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2020/01/F-117_Nighthawk.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2020/01/u-2-in-flight.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2020/01/sr-71.jpg) From Left to Right, F-117 Stealth Fighter, U2 Spy Plane, SR-71 > "Iā€™ll be decisive in telling you what I want, then Iā€™ll step out of your way and let you do it. Iā€™ll take the crap from the big wheels, but if you screw up I want to hear it first." - Ben Rich As I was reading the book, I couldn't help but notice the similarities between building concept airplanes and Minimum Viable Product (MVP) software development. The book covers a time of the 1950s to 1980s, which was before the computer designed and tested planes, but the project management and management style is still in practice today. ## MVP Airplanes Interestingly enough, building concept airplanes is all about being quick. The engineering mandate was to be fast, efficient (more budget-wise), and reuse as many components off the shelf as possible from engines, avionics, and cockpits. Additionally, all engineers had to sit next to the airplane in the hangar where the development was taking place. I believe having the entire team sit next to the product; in this case, the aircraft helped inspire collaboration and new thinking. The goal of the concept aircraft was to prove the new design works and not all the functionality. The development of the first stealth airplane, the F-117 was absolutely crazy! First, a Lockheed engineer read a published paper from a Russian Mathematician, which detailed the secret ingredients of stealth technology "The aircraft shape is more important than the size." Next, they worked out a new design concept, which reduces the radar size of the F-117 down from a flying bus to the size of a marble. Finally, they built two concept planes using existing technologies coupled with their new findings of Stealth design under budget and in record time beating out all their competitors and winning the contract to build the first Stealth airplane. When we compare this to MVP software development, we take the same approach. Encourage the use of Open Source Software or existing software, allowing us to focus on the value-generating component of our software project, proving if the MVP is viable as quickly and efficiently as possible. By reusing "off the shelf" software, we decrease the amount of time required to bring an MVP to reality. Finally, we focus on being quick and testing our concept as soon as possible. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ### Development Iterations Now that the Stealth concept proved successful, it was time to build a real production-ready aircraft. The engineering team would now pick proper components for each area of the aircraft, including specialized designed engines reducing radar signatures, radar-absorbent paint, special cockpit, which blocked the pilot from radar view and custom tools to build the aircraft. What came as a surprise is that each aircraft starts it's life at its lightest weight. Each iteration of the aircraft typically adds more weight, thus affecting the design with each iteration. It's critical in aircraft design to keep the first design as light as technically possible. Just like software development is, we are usually adding more features and code, possibly adding technical debt to the "weight" of our initial MVP. It is essential to start as light as possible, as we will continue adding to the core of the product with each iteration. ### Developing new Features The feedback cycle is slightly different and more crucial to the pilots' lives. Several test pilots lost their lives, testing new features. The early test pilots ejected several times during their careers. After each flight, pilot debrief, and data analysis of the data collected determine what development was required. These new features for the planes continually kept the airplanes ahead of their competitors and from being shot down. For example, the SR-71 engine inlets took one year of engineering before they were ready. After the first flights of the SR-71, the pilots reported the engines stalled and required several engineering iterations to rectify the issue. I don't know about you, but having an engine stall in an airplane doesn't sound too fun. Luckily for most software development, we don't have people's lives depending upon our work. The software feedback cycle in product development is essential for new features or fixing bugs similar to aircraft development. Getting user feedback, collecting data, and making informed decisions is what drives the MVP product forward. ### Recap the similarities between MVP Airplanes and Software Development Our software development should now be speeding through the development process, 3x the speed of sound similar to the SR-71, and in Stealth mode to surprise our competitors. But to achieve the pace of development and time to market, we should adhere to the following: - Use off the shelf tooling/software - Be Efficient - Be Fast, but don't break things (These are airplanes after all) - Get all team members close to the product and working collaboratively The book [Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years at Lockheed](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316743003/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316743003&linkCode=as2&tag=2wheel-20&linkId=bea158c3ac5d1de30826eb84ad2ad551&ref=brianchristner.io) was a fun read full of technical details, insider stories, and told from an interesting on the ground perspective. We don't often get to glimpse into the world of Skunk Works, but this was a treat. However, knowing that Stealth technology developed 40+ years ago has to have you wondering what is going on at Skunk Works today. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2020/01/Skunk_Works.jpg) ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Looking forward to 2020 URL: https://brianchristner.io/looking-forward-to-2020/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:51.000Z Hi, fellow 2020'ers! I hope you had a great chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy the holidays. 2019 has been amazing, and I was able to accomplish both personal and professional objectives. I'm just getting back from holidays as I was living up every last bit of 2019 skiing and a spontaneous road trip. I try to write a year in review every year. These are not goals; instead, they are achievements. I encourage everyone to do it as it helps frame what you have done and boosts motivation for the upcoming year in our case 2020\. Even if you don't blog about it, write it down on a piece of paper. Pat yourself on the back as you, like most people, have had a busy year. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) # Just a few achievements from 2019 - Delivered five from 0 to Production Docker Trainings - Presented a keynote - Presented 3x[ Docker Monitoring](https://brianchristner.io/how-to-setup-docker-monitoring/) and Logging Workshop - Was awarded [Traefik Ambassador](https://containo.us/press/containous-unveils-new-ambassador-program-to-reward-and-support-traefik-community-members/?ref=brianchristner.io) - Revived my stack of Raspberry PI's and deployed new projects like [Pi Hole](https://brianchristner.io/how-a-single-raspberry-pi-made-my-home-network-faster/) and[ recently tracking airplanes](https://flightaware.com/adsb/piaware/build?ref=brianchristner.io) - Recorded 1500 Kilometers(930 miles) on my mountain bike. Almost entirely on dirt trails - Still maintained a good work/life-balance being able to spend every Friday at home with my son doing fun things from swimming, skiing, hiking, camping, or various adventures - We have limited TV time in our house to the point when we moved we didn't even hook up cable. We only have Netflix now, and my son is limited to only a couple of episodes a week, and my wife and I will watch a couple on Friday or Saturday evening. - My co-founding duties with 56K was fun and eventful but also quite stressful. I hope more success here in 2020. As I reflect on 2019, I am delighted with how the year turned out. Now, I stopped setting goals some time ago. Instead, I focus on how I want to spend my time and things I want to learn and try. It is more a ToDo list rather than goals. If I don't achieve something, it is no biggie and doesn't leave you feeling like you failed, just like standard ToDo list items get done and other slip. So here we go. # 2020 ToDo list - Do one last big vacation before my son starts Kindergarten - Teach my son to be able to do an entire blue slope/piste by the end of the ski season - Build more projects with the Raspberry PI - Build some electronics projects and get back to soldering things. (It's been too long) - Learn and Build Computer Vision(CV) projects with Nvidia Nano - Get my AWS certificates renewed. This one is no choice!! - Give[ Intermittent Fasting(IF)](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/intermittent-fasting-guide?ref=brianchristner.io) a try. Already one week in... - Give the [Workout HIIT](https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a25424850/best-hiit-exercises-workout/?ref=brianchristner.io) a try. Already doing it since November and quite good. - Complete setup of home office - Read more books - Attend more local events both tech and non-tech related - Take a Presentation course - Take a photography course - Take an overnight trip with my mountain bike - Take 56K.Cloud to the next level by presenting more Workshops and Training - Build a product - Start The Byte podcast again. Work on a publishing schedule which is easier to maintain - Blog more! I wish you a great start to 2020, and I look forward to connecting to more people this year both in-person and virtually. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### What is Docker BuildKit and What can I use it for? URL: https://brianchristner.io/what-is-docker-buildkit/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:51.000Z BuildKit has been lingering in the background of Docker builds for some time now as an experimental feature. Since 19.03, with an environment variable BuildKit can be enabled and unleash some massive performance features. The standard Docker build command performs builds on Dockerfiles serially, which means it reads and builds each line or layer of the Dockerfile one layer at a time. When BuildKit is enabled, parallel build processing is allowed, resulting in better performance and faster build times. > BuildKit is a new project under the Moby umbrella for building and packaging software using containers. Itā€™s a new codebase meant to replace the internals of the current build features in the Moby Engine. Key BuildKit Features according to the [Moby BuildKit Project](https://github.com/moby/buildkit?ref=brianchristner.io) - Automatic garbage collection - Extendable frontend formats - Concurrent dependency resolution - Efficient instruction caching - Build cache import/export - Nested build job invocations - Distributed workers - Multiple output formats - Pluggable architecture - Execution without root privilege To summarize, BuildKit has better performance and uses the same `docker build` interface, which we are already familiar with. Additionally, BuildKit enables the use of cache and storing cache in remote container repositories like DockerHub for better build performance, as we don't have to rebuild every layer of an image. --- ### BuildKit for Development Since BuildKit is so easy to enable, I recommend enabling it everywhere to take advantage of the powerful features. The best place to start is with your Development environment to better understand the benefits. BuildKit will be a pleasant upgrade, unlocking more use cases for building images. Start early and start in development. Enable BuildKit now to understand how it will work best with your projects. It is an easy way to start, and then you can keep moving BuildKit forward in your Development environment to CI/CD as a next step. --- ### Using BuildKit in your CI/CD Pipeline Now that we understand the background of BuildKit, let's take a look at why we should enable It inside a CI/CD pipeline. Since most of the available CI/CD tools, such as CircleCI, GitLab, TravisCI, etc., use or can use Docker to manage jobs, this is the perfect use case for enabling BuildKit. Time is money and BuildKit will help reduce build time. Do I need to go further? Honestly, I enabled BuildKit on several projects and I keep rolling it out to more projects and have seen vast improvements in build times using GitLab CI. Timings will vary based on how your Dockerfile is written and configuration of your CI/CD servers. Even if you use the SaaS version of your CI/CD tools, you can still enable BuildKit for your jobs. Cool, right? --- ### Enable BuildKit BuildKit can be enabled in two different ways. Enable BuildKit simply by setting an environment variable or configure Docker daemon to use BuildKit as default for all builds. *BuildKit is only available for Linux and macOS.* The benefit of enabling BuildKit with a variable is maybe you only want to enable BuildKit for environment or a specific build. Set the environment variable by `export DOCKER_BUILD=1`. To enable BuildKit when running a Build: #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ```bash $ DOCKER_BUILDKIT=1 docker build . ``` Another option is setting `BuidKit` as a global setting for the entire Docker host by adding `BuildKit` to the Docker daemon. You can do this two different ways. 1. Edit the daemon file directly `/etc/docker/daemon.json` and add the below ```json { "experimental" : false, "debug" : true, "features":{ "buildkit" : true} } ``` 2\. If you are using Docker for Mac for development, you can perform this directly via the Docker menu. `Docker for Mac Menu -> Preferences ->Daemon -> Advanced` ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2019/10/docker-for-mac-daemon-buildkit.png) Docker Desktop Daemon settings Copy the settings into the Docker Daemon configuration and click `Apply & Restart`. **Don't wait any longer. Enable BuildKit now!** --- ## What's Next? buildx Now that we understand BuildKit's benefits, we can take our builds even further. What, further? Yes, you read that correctly. BuildX sounds like something from an Elon Musk project. However, [buildx](https://github.com/docker/buildx?ref=brianchristner.io) is an expansion of BuildKit, enabling even further features. buildx is still experimental, but from my initial testing and now using it in production, it works really well, and I am still learning all the possible features. The greatest feature that fits my use cases is using the builders to isolate build enviornments and build mulit-architecutre images. ### buildx Features - Familiar UI from `docker build` - Full BuildKit capabilities with container driver - Multiple builder instance support - Multi-node builds for cross-platform images - Compose build support - WIP: High-level build constructs (`bake`) - TODO: In-container driver support ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2019/10/buildkit_buildtimes.png) Jiang Huan BuildKit timings [Jiang Huan](https://twitter.com/billjiangh/?ref=brianchristner.io) wrote a great article about how they are using BuildKit combined with builds and leveraging build cache to significantly reduce build times. I am still researching all the possibilities and will report the details of using both BuildKit and build and some more use cases. Stay tuned for more findings. Read Jiang's findings below as he explains how to set up each component and details how to leverage build caching. [Docker build cache sharing on multi-hosts with BuildKit and buildxTo share how BuildKit is used along with buildx to speed up our image build jobs on multiple hosts such as shared Gitlab CI runners. Currently in Titansoft, we are on a journey of infrastructureā€¦![](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/fit/c/152/152/1*8I-HPL0bfoIzGied-dzOvA.png)Titansoft Engineering BlogJiang Huan![](https://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0*-AuHcuk01XHznH00)](https://medium.com/titansoft-engineering/docker-build-cache-sharing-on-multi-hosts-with-buildkit-and-buildx-eb8f7005918e?ref=brianchristner.io) ### FAQ Section for "What is Docker BuildKit?" **What is Docker BuildKit?** Docker BuildKit is a feature available in Docker 19.03 and later, designed to enhance build performance and efficiency through parallel processing and advanced caching. **How does Docker BuildKit improve build performance?** BuildKit enables parallel processing of Dockerfile instructions, resulting in faster builds and improved performance compared to traditional serial processing. **How can I enable Docker BuildKit?** You can enable BuildKit by setting the environment variable `DOCKER_BUILDKIT=1` before running your build command, or by configuring the Docker daemon. **What are the key features of Docker BuildKit?** Key features include automatic garbage collection, efficient instruction caching, concurrent dependency resolution, and support for multiple output formats.**Is Docker BuildKit available for all operating systems?** BuildKit is available for Linux and macOS. It can be enabled either through environment variables or Docker daemon configuration. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Analyzing VMWare, Docker, and Kubernetes Trends URL: https://brianchristner.io/analyzing-vmware-docker-kubernetes-trends/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:51.000Z Containers, Microservices, Serverless, Cloud, and DevOps are terms we read and hear about daily. Entire foundations and ecosystems have been built around Cloud Native. Do you remember a time before Cloud Native and containers? > **Pre-2013, we were living in a Monolithic world.** Yes, we had things like Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), a precursor to Microservices, but we still had the same challenges about gluing services and technologies together, which was a very painful experience. Relying only on Google Trends is not an entirely accurate look at our ecosystem but the trend timelines and search queries are quite interesting. Also, what other open-source reliable data can we count since everything else has a blog, sponsor, or Gartner affiliation? Let's take a look at the trends for VMWare, Kubernetes, and Docker. I started with VMWare as the technology launched us toward containers and application isolation while sharing hosts. ### How do we use Google Trends Before we examine the various trends, letā€™s examine how Google Trends computes the data. Google Trends shows how frequently search terms are entered into Google Search. The search trends are then gauged on popularity over the time of the query. Data is available as far back as 2004, normalized, and cleaned to provide as accurate a look as possible into the data. ### VMware Trends VMware honestly was revolutionary. I remember first seeing a demo of VMware in 2001 which blew me away and catapulted me in the direction of running everything in a VM. Fast forward to 2013/2014\. Docker started rising in popularity and VMware was top of their game. VMware helped lay the foundation for many people to easily move from VMā€™s to containers as we already understood the value of isolating operating systems with VMā€™s and now applications using containers. According to Google Trends, five years ago, in 2014, VMware hit peak interest. That means VMware, the term, and supporting terms were the most popular at this time. Interest since 2014, according to Google, has gone down and to the right untilā€¦.VMware acquired PKS, and now the trend line seems to have stabilized. Now, this is reading a lot between the lines, but it does match the timelines quite well, and we see a couple. It's not exactly science, ticks in the trend around the time of the announcements. Not exact science but you get what you pay for. My first reaction looking at this chart was ā€œOh no, VMware must be in troubleā€. Quite the contrary. The Google Trend interest does not correlate with the VMware stock price ([VMW](https://finance.yahoo.com/chart/VMW?ref=brianchristner.io#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))or profit as a company. The company is doing very well, and the stock price is almost opposite of the trend line for the same period. So why would we see VMWare lose interest over time? I believe it is related to their products, which have already saturated the enterprise, medium, and small business markets and have long life cycles. The product is stable, and the real trends will come from new products like PKS or AWS connectors rather than existing workloads. ## Docker Trends Six years ago, Docker was launched as a product. Docker has changed how we work and built an entirely new ecosystem that didnā€™t exist before 2013\. It is incredible to think how far we have come in such a short time. You would think that after 6 years, we would see a similar trend line as VMware. That is absolutely not the case. Google Trends is measuring present as the peak interest of Docker, which means we have yet to see peak Docker popularity. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) New users are still discovering Docker as seen by a recent tweet from Docker Captain [Julie Lerman](https://twitter.com/julielerman?ref=brianchristner.io) and her remote presentation to [Concatenate Conference](https://twitter.com/sarah%5Fedo/status/1183015509798854656?s=21&ref=brianchristner.io) in Africa. If you take a look at the Top Queries people are still Googling the basic Docker commands like container, install, run, and image. One search query that stood out for me in Rising Queries is `Docker TensorFlow` jammed between all the basic Docker commands. ### Top Docker Queries ## Kubernetes Trends It is almost impossible today to mention Docker without following up with Kubernetes. Kubernetes started off in 2014 with a bang being released by Google and gaining instant popularity and traction. Kubernetes has become so popular that it now has one of the most popular conferences in open source, KubeCon, and an incredibly large community. With every vendor scrambling to take part of the Kubernetes gold rush we are seeing new Kubernetes distributions what seems like weekly. However, if anyone remembers these days it was extremely painful to get up and running. Now all major Public Cloud providers offer a Managed Kubernetes and thankfully these hard times are behind us. > Kubernetes is also running at Peak Interest, and we are still in uncharted territories like Docker about pushing peak interest forward. What stands out is the Rising Related queries. A huge increase in popularity for slimmed down versions of Kubernetes like K3S and MicroK8s. Iā€™m also seeing a rising interest from our customers to explore these slimmed down versions of Kubernetes. For small workloads, development, or Internet of Things this a great advancement. Amazon AWS is also the most searched Cloud related to Kubernetes. ### Top Kubernetes Queries ## Comparing Docker and Kubernetes Trends Next, we compare Docker and Kubernetes trends. This may surprise many, but Docker as a search term is still more popular than Kubernetes. OK, OK, down in the back, and let me explain. Not everyone needs to run Kubernetes. I know many people will argue this point but back to the Docker Trend we still see many people learning the basics of Docker and probably running containers locally or with docker-compose. This doesnā€™t mean one is better than the other. What it means is that the ecosystem is still growing. Believe it or not, developers are still discovering Docker only now, which will most likely mean these new users will eventually become Kubernetes users, further pushing the peak interest even further forward. ## Where do we go from here? Now, according to Google Trends, Docker is more popular than Kubernetes. However, as mentioned, this is in no way an indication of what businesses are doing or the industry as a whole. These Trends only highlight what people are searching for. Docker and Kubernetes are still growing. Exploring the trends over time the Trend has moved from different geographies around the world spiking in popularity at different times. We are still in frothing bubble phase and will continue moving forward for the forseeable future. Will Docker and Kubernetes be around in Five years? I belive so yes. If you ask Cloud Economist (What the hell is that?) Corey Quinn, predicts Kubernetes won't be around much longer in his [latest interview](https://www.techrepublic.com/article/aws-billing-is-broken-and-kubernetes-wont-last-says-irreverent-economist-corey-quinn/?utm%5Fsource=DevOps%27ish&utm%5Fcampaign=f05778f03d-DEVOPSISH%5F148&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fterm=0%5Feab566bc9f-f05778f03d-46450835). Time will tell but for now keep learning DevOps and Container technologies until the next technology wave arrives. ### FAQ Section: Analyzing VMware, Docker, and Kubernetes Trends **What are the key differences between VMware, Docker, and Kubernetes?** VMware, Docker, and Kubernetes are all tools used in virtualization and containerization, but they serve different purposes. VMware is primarily focused on virtual machines (VMs), providing a platform to run multiple operating systems on a single physical server. Docker is a containerization platform that packages applications and their dependencies into containers, enabling consistent environments across development and production. Kubernetes is an orchestration platform that manages and scales containerized applications across clusters of servers. While VMware focuses on VMs, Docker and Kubernetes are centered around containerization and orchestration. **How are trends in VMware, Docker, and Kubernetes shaping modern IT infrastructure?** Trends in VMware, Docker, and Kubernetes are significantly shaping modern IT infrastructure by driving a shift towards containerization and microservices. VMware remains essential for traditional VM-based workloads but is increasingly integrating with containers through solutions like VMware Tanzu. Docker has revolutionized how applications are developed and deployed by enabling lightweight, portable containers. Kubernetes has emerged as the de facto standard for container orchestration, providing powerful tools for managing large-scale, distributed applications. Together, these technologies enable more flexible, scalable, and efficient infrastructure management. **Why is Kubernetes often chosen over Docker alone for large-scale applications?** Kubernetes is often chosen over Docker alone for large-scale applications because it provides advanced orchestration features that Docker does not offer by itself. While Docker is excellent for building and running containers, Kubernetes adds capabilities like automated scaling, load balancing, self-healing (restarting failed containers), and rolling updates. These features make Kubernetes better suited for managing complex, distributed systems where high availability, scalability, and automation are critical. **What is the role of VMware in the containerization and Kubernetes ecosystem?** VMware plays a significant role in the containerization and Kubernetes ecosystem by providing integration solutions that bridge the gap between traditional VM-based infrastructures and modern containerized environments. VMware's Tanzu portfolio, for example, allows organizations to run Kubernetes on top of VMware infrastructure, enabling them to leverage their existing VMware investments while adopting containerization and Kubernetes for new applications. This integration helps organizations transition to cloud-native architectures without completely overhauling their current systems. **How are organizations using VMware, Docker, and Kubernetes together?** Organizations use VMware, Docker, and Kubernetes together to create a hybrid infrastructure that supports both legacy and cloud-native applications. For example, VMware can host VMs for traditional applications while also running Kubernetes clusters for containerized workloads. Docker is used to package applications into containers, which are then managed and orchestrated by Kubernetes. This combination allows organizations to optimize resource usage, improve application deployment and management processes, and gradually transition to a more agile, container-based architecture. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Attaching Networks to Docker Build URL: https://brianchristner.io/attaching-networks-to-docker-build/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:52.000Z The `docker build` command is something I never gave much thought to as it just works. Run the command, and your newly built Docker image will be out on the other side. That was easy! But it is not all sunshine and green grass in DevOps land. > If you have been wrangling code for a while, the command you have been using for years will suddenly stop working in a new environment. `docker build` is a command that is part of the core functionality of Docker, and you become very intimate with this command when adding Docker commands to CI/CD pipelines. The `docker build`incredibly is especially vital, so it halts the entire development process when it stops working. ## Docker Build with GitLab runners We use GitLab for all of our projects. Why do you ask? Have a look at the article [Limit your Tech Toolset](https://brianchristner.io/limit-your-tech-tools/) to understand our love for GitLab. GitLab uses runners which execute the steps in the build pipeline on a server located in the development or test environments. The problem appeared in the Windows runner. When I executed a build on the Windows runner `docker build` ran into an issue not being able to resolve DNS. As it turns out, this is a Windows limitation due to the number of default NAT networks allowed. Elton Stoneman identifies the issue as well as workarounds in his [Docker Windows KB](https://github.com/sixeyed/docker-windows-kb/blob/master/1.13/limitations/compose/one-default-nat-net.md?ref=brianchristner.io) Even with Elton's workaround, this was not solving my issue with DNS resolution on newly created Docker Networks. The other networks on the same host worked just fine. The build network was the problem child. I tried adding DNS to the network, populating the /etc/hosts with the DNS name/IP of the servers I was trying to reach, and much more with no luck. It wasn't until I reverted to reading the [docker build documentation](https://docs.docker.com/engine/reference/commandline/build/?ref=brianchristner.io) that I stumbled upon the possibility of attaching `docker build`, to an existing network. It's in the documentation yet somewhat obscure with no examples or clear definition of what it does. *Excerpt from the Docker Build reference:* `--network Set the networking mode for the RUN instructions during build` #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) > Yup, that's all you get. OK, OK. I explain how this works in the Workaround section.ā€Œā€Œ ## Docker Build Workaround The use case I have is I needed to connect `docker build` to a network that could resolve DNS. You may have another requirement, which is that you want to connect to a network during Build to communicate to certain services or resources to help with the Build. After using the `--network` flag, I am finding a lot more use cases. ### Workaround - docker network ls - Choose a known working network - docker build --network= By default, Docker uses the default network for building. Setting the network manually ensures the network can access the internet. The `--network` flag has fixed my Build and has opened up new use cases for builds. ## Docker Build Going Forward Now, the possibility of `docker build` is growing with every release. DockerCon SF 2019 the experimental feature [docker buildx](https://docs.docker.com/buildx/working-with-buildx/?ref=brianchristner.io) was announced. [Buildx](https://docs.docker.com/buildx/working-with-buildx/?ref=brianchristner.io) introduces the concept of build instances similar to the GitLab runner concept, allowing simultaneous builds to be executed in isolated build environments. > Build instances will improve performance and decrease build times for large projects. Win! Another great feature in Buildx is the possibility to Build images for different architectures from the same build machine. Now, it is possible to build ARM, X86, and possibly RISC-V in the future all from the same build instance. We no longer need specialized build servers per CPU architecture, which will save us time and money as well. The Buildx features still contain the experimental flag. Still, I predict these features will slowly start working their way into the production release. \`docker build\` continues to add functionality and will be even more critical going forward. Great! I'll create an FAQ section based on the blog post "Attaching Networks to Docker Build" from brianchristner.io. ## **FAQ Section: Attaching Networks to Docker Build** ### How do I attach a network to a Docker build? To attach a network to a Docker build, use the `--network` flag with the `docker build` command. For example: ``` docker build --network= -t . ``` Replace `` with the name of your Docker network and `` with your desired image name. This allows the build process to access network resources, such as downloading dependencies. ### What are the benefits of attaching a network to a Docker build? Attaching a network to a Docker build can improve the build process by allowing access to network resources. This is useful for downloading dependencies, accessing internal services, and performing build-time operations that require network access. It can also help in achieving more consistent and reproducible builds. ### Can I use multiple networks during a Docker build? No, you can only specify one network when using the `--network` flag with the `docker build` command. However, you can switch between different networks at different stages of the build process by using `RUN` instructions to connect and disconnect from networks as needed. ### How do I troubleshoot network issues during a Docker build? To troubleshoot network issues during a Docker build, you can: 1. Check the network settings and ensure the specified network exists. 2. Verify the network connectivity and DNS resolution within the build container. 3. Use debugging tools like `curl` or `ping` within the build steps to diagnose connectivity issues. 4. Review Docker daemon logs for any error messages related to networking. ### Is it secure to attach networks to Docker builds? Attaching networks to Docker builds can introduce security risks if not managed properly. Ensure that the network used is secure and restricts access to only necessary resources. Avoid exposing sensitive information or services to the build environment. Always follow best practices for Docker security, such as using minimal base images and keeping dependencies up to date. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Deploy, Configure, and Monitor Traefik with Prometheus and Grafana URL: https://brianchristner.io/deploy-configure-monitor-traefik-prometheus-grafana/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:52.000Z [Traefik](https://traefik.io/?ref=brianchristner.io) is just the tool that solves multiple use cases while reducing Dev and Ops efforts for deploying and maintaining applications. We should strive to make our lives easier, not more complicated. I am continually advocating reducing the number of tools in our toolbox and reducing complexity. > We are not all deploying Google or Facebook-sized infrastructures, are we? Traefik is my top drawer tool to solve multiple use cases without adding additional complexity. If you need a Reverse Proxy, a Let's Encrypt integration or a Docker Swarm/Kubernetes integration, then Traefik is just the tool for the job. If you wander across the interwebs any length of time Googling the above topics chances are you will stumble upon Traefik. I have been using Traefik for quite some time across several projects. The first project I used Traefik for was this website, which I was hosting on Digital Ocean at the time, with Ghost, Traefik running the reverse proxy, and Lets Encrypt. The combination worked amazingly well and handled the front page of [Hacker News](https://brianchristner.io/docker-ghost-hacker-news/). Recently, I had the amazing opportunity to share how I use Traefik with my [Docker Monitoring project](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/docker-traefik-prometheus?ref=brianchristner.io) which is also covered in the previous [how to setup docke monitoring](https://brianchristner.io/how-to-setup-prometheus-docker-monitoring/) article. This project helps you start monitoring Traefik and deploying a monitoring stack all in one go. Along with Traefik, the Repo provisions Prometheus for Time Series Data collection and Grafana for Visualizations. Traefik acts as a proxy in front of Prometheus and Grafana, while Prometheus monitors Traefik the other way. Cool, huh? The deployment includes some auto-provisioning magic that deploys some starter Data sources and Dashboards for Grafana. If you navigate [Grafana Provisioning folder ](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/docker-traefik-prometheus/tree/master/grafana/provisioning?ref=brianchristner.io)the Data sources and Dashboards configurations. ### Enable Metrics in Traefik To activate metrics inside of Traefik, we need to pass the metrics flag inside the as seen in the docker-compose.yml gist below. To enable metrics as seen in the line, add the `--metrics`. Next, we need to tell Traefik what kind of metrics should be enabled. In our case, we want to enable Prometheus metrics and tell Traefik to store the metrics in time series buckets `--metrics.prometheus.buckets=0.1,0.3,1.2,5.0` #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) The bucket numbers indicate time slices of 0.1 seconds, 0.3, etc. So if a metric falls into a specific time range, it falls into that specific bucket. The bucket setting is the default setting. ## Wrap up and Deploy It The Repo is a skeleton for configuring metrics and enabling and monitoring Traefik. It is also the source for instructions on how to deploy and configure in more detail and an additional Cats Gif web app example for adding more workloads to Traefik to see how the visualizations update. Enjoy the project, and be sure to open an issue if you have problems or questions. I try to keep the Repo the source of comments so others can learn as well. Below are the slides from the Webinar with Traefik and the recorded YouTube session. **[Monitor Traefik with Prometheus](https://www.slideshare.net/BrianChristner/monitor-traefik-with-prometheus?ref=brianchristner.io "Monitor Traefik with Prometheus")** from **[Brian Christner](https://www.slideshare.net/BrianChristner?ref=brianchristner.io)** ### FAQ Section: Deploy, Configure, and Monitor Traefik with Prometheus and Grafana **What is Traefik, and why should I use it with Prometheus and Grafana?** Traefik is a dynamic reverse proxy and load balancer designed for microservices and containerized applications. When used with Prometheus and Grafana, you can effectively monitor Traefikā€™s performance and health. Prometheus collects metrics from Traefik, and Grafana visualizes these metrics, providing real-time insights into traffic patterns, response times, and potential issues, which is crucial for maintaining the reliability and efficiency of your infrastructure. **How do I deploy Traefik with Prometheus and Grafana?** To deploy Traefik with Prometheus and Grafana: 1. **Deploy Traefik**: Set up Traefik as your reverse proxy by configuring the `traefik.toml` or `traefik.yml` file, specifying your entry points, backends, and routing rules. 2. **Enable Prometheus Metrics**: In your Traefik configuration file, enable Prometheus by adding the metrics configuration section, which typically includes `metrics.prometheus.entryPoint` to expose metrics on a specific port. 3. **Deploy Prometheus**: Install Prometheus, configure it to scrape metrics from Traefik by adding a scrape job in `prometheus.yml`, pointing it to the [Traefik metrics](https://brianchristner.io/how-to-monitor-traefik-reverse-proxy-with-prometheus/) endpoint. 4. **Deploy Grafana**: Install Grafana and connect it to Prometheus by adding Prometheus as a data source. Import or create dashboards to visualize the metrics collected from Traefik. This setup enables you to monitor and manage Traefik's performance through detailed, real-time dashboards. **What key metrics should I monitor in Traefik using Prometheus and Grafana?** Key metrics to monitor in Traefik using Prometheus and Grafana include: - **`traefik_entrypoint_requests_total`**: Total number of requests received by each entry point. - **`traefik_backend_requests_total`**: Total number of requests forwarded to each backend service. - **`traefik_backend_request_duration_seconds`**: Duration of requests processed by backends, indicating response times. - **`traefik_backend_errors_total`**: Number of errors encountered by each backend service, helping to identify issues. Monitoring these metrics helps you understand traffic patterns, identify bottlenecks, and ensure that your services are running smoothly. **How do I configure alerts for Traefik using Prometheus and Grafana?** To configure alerts for Traefik using Prometheus and Grafana: 1. **Set Up Alertmanager**: Install Prometheus Alertmanager and configure it in `prometheus.yml` to handle alerts. 2. **Define Alerting Rules**: In Prometheus, create alerting rules based on Traefik metrics, such as high response times (`traefik_backend_request_duration_seconds`) or excessive errors (`traefik_backend_errors_total`). 3. **Configure Notifications**: In Alertmanager, set up notification channels (e.g., email, Slack) to receive alerts when conditions in your rules are met. 4. **Visualize Alerts in Grafana**: Use Grafanaā€™s alerting feature to create visual alerts on your dashboards, making it easy to see when a metric crosses a critical threshold. This setup ensures that you are promptly notified of any issues, allowing you to take action before they impact your services. **What are the benefits of monitoring Traefik with Prometheus and Grafana?** Monitoring Traefik with Prometheus and Grafana offers several benefits, including: - **Real-time insights**: Get immediate visibility into Traefikā€™s performance and health, enabling quick responses to issues. - **Customizable dashboards**: Grafana allows you to create tailored dashboards that focus on the metrics most important to your infrastructure. - **Proactive alerting**: Set up alerts to be notified of potential problems before they escalate, helping to maintain service reliability. - **Scalability**: Prometheus and Grafana can scale with your environment, handling large volumes of metrics efficiently. These benefits help you maintain a robust, high-performance infrastructure by keeping your reverse proxy and services well-monitored. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### SƤntis Systems Summit Recap URL: https://brianchristner.io/saentis-systems-summit-recap/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:52.000Z What an amazing event. I'm not just saying this because our company [56K.Cloud ](https://56k.cloud/?ref=brianchristner.io)organized the event, but it was indeed an inspiring event enabling creativity in a unique setting. 56K.Cloud co-founder [Darragh Grealish](https://twitter.com/grealish?ref=brianchristner.io) and [Justin Cormack](https://twitter.com/justincormack?ref=brianchristner.io) from Docker ran point on organizing the event and boy did they deliver. Most conferences/summits are held in venues with little to no windows, atmosphere, or setting which encourages creativity. The idea of the SƤntis Systems Summit is encourage attendees to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities which they live. The summit accomplished this by traveling to the Swiss Alps to allow people to detach from daily activities while immersing into the topics of the Summit. The week of the SƤntis Systems Summit was also a RISC-V Workshop hosted in Zurich, Switzerland. RISC V (Pronounced RISC Five) is an [Open Source Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RISC-V?ref=brianchristner.io#Predecessors). In layman's terms, it is an Open Source processor initiative removing the secrecy and expense related to new hardware development. Believe it or not, I was developing on RISC Unix systems already back in 2000\. Since a lot of interesting Systems people were already in Zurich for the event, we proposed to extend the event for 2 more days in the Swiss Alps. We had attendees traveling from China, California, New York, UK, Switzerland, Germany, representing companies from local Startups to Google, Red Hat, and Huawei. It was a great mix of people to speak with and making new connections. ### Getting There Not often do attendees of conferences or summits travel using Public Transportation. Since we live in Switzerland with one of the best Public Transport, it was an easy option for attendees. Booking your ticket for the Summit included the option for the transfer from Zurich to Appenzell. We met early Friday morning at the central train station in Zurich. From Zurich, we boarded a train towards Appenzell where we transferred to a bus that took us up to the summit (literally). The entire journey, we had some fantastic conversations with people attending. We were already kicking off the networking/un-conference in the train. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2019/06/fullsizeoutput_4186.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2019/06/fullsizeoutput_412a.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2019/06/fullsizeoutput_413c.jpeg) Location of the Summit ### The Venue The Summit took place at [SƤntis The Hotel ](https://saentisbahn.ch/en/saentis-the-hotel/?ref=brianchristner.io)(Yup, that's the name). This beautiful and modern hotel was our home base for the next two days. The hotel connects directly to the gondola, which transports us to the top of the mountain. Across the street was the traditional cheese maker where you can taste all the local cheese (yummy). The hotel terrace was full of cyclists, hikers, and day-trippers visiting the area. The summit took place in a beautiful room with all glass viewing the forest behind the hotel. We propped all the doors open for the fresh breeze and sound of nature just outside. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2019/06/fullsizeoutput_4104.jpeg) ## **Agenda** The Summit is an Unconference event. An Unconference is quite popular and has been around a long time and is a popular format for Open Source events. The concept is that the topics are participant driven. If people have an interesting topic, they want to discuss they propose it and add it to the scheduling board. Attendees can then attend to decide where they want to attend and participate in discussions. We had some topics by [Halvar Flake](https://twitter.com/halvarflake?ref=brianchristner.io) where he discussed Weird machines, exploitability, and provable unexploitability. Also, video from where he presented this in full - [https://vimeo.com/252868605](https://vimeo.com/252868605?ref=brianchristner.io). Open Computing Frameworks, [Mirage OS](https://mirage.io/?ref=brianchristner.io), and running RISC V in Docker containers using [RISC V Bring Up](https://github.com/carlosedp/riscv-bringup?ref=brianchristner.io) by Red Hat's [Carlos Eduardo](https://twitter.com/carlosedp?ref=brianchristner.io). These were just some of the discussions I was able to attend and gain new knowledge. It was amazing to learn about totally different topics and technologies which I usually don't get exposure. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2019/06/IMG_4587.png) Planning board After the various discussions, we took a break, check-in to the hotel, and all took the gondola to the top of the SƤntis mountain. At the top of the mountain, we took in the spectacular panorama of the Swiss Alps. Darragh then informed us that he organized an exclusive tour of the Swisscom Network infrastructure and giant antenna at the top of SƤntis. It was quite impressive the infrastructure that is required to keep the tech running despite the harsh elements of wind, snow, and cold. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2019/06/fullsizeoutput_4175.jpeg) The Systems summit returning from top of the mountain in the Gondola ### Reactions to the event > SƤntis, 2502 meters above sea. What a beautiful backdrop for the [@systemssummit](https://twitter.com/systemssummit?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=brianchristner.io). [pic.twitter.com/TMMHDipzwy](https://t.co/TMMHDipzwy?ref=brianchristner.io) > > ā€” Martin DěckĆ½ (@mdecky) [June 14, 2019](https://twitter.com/mdecky/status/1139439898614779904?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=brianchristner.io) > The inaugural [@systemssummit](https://twitter.com/systemssummit?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=brianchristner.io) was super dope. It had everything: great food, lots of \[nerd\] fun, drama \[in the cable car\] and goats šŸ and cows šŸ® 10 ā­ļø out of 10 šŸ’Æ Thanks for organising this [@justincormack](https://twitter.com/justincormack?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=brianchristner.io) [@grealish](https://twitter.com/grealish?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=brianchristner.io) et co. See you next year! [pic.twitter.com/Vv009eGBmt](https://t.co/Vv009eGBmt?ref=brianchristner.io) > > ā€” Milos Gajdos (@milosgajdos) [June 16, 2019](https://twitter.com/milosgajdos/status/1140249921133645824?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=brianchristner.io) > Weā€™re climbing the Santis space needle!! [#SystemsSummit](https://twitter.com/hashtag/SystemsSummit?src=hash&ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=brianchristner.io) [pic.twitter.com/HR4luP3ziZ](https://t.co/HR4luP3ziZ?ref=brianchristner.io) > > ā€” Anil Madhavapeddy (@avsm) [June 14, 2019](https://twitter.com/avsm/status/1139545213670699008?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=brianchristner.io) > All the cool kids are hanging out outside, discussing one time pads [#SystemsSummit](https://twitter.com/hashtag/SystemsSummit?src=hash&ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=brianchristner.io) [pic.twitter.com/QDnm00Km7q](https://t.co/QDnm00Km7q?ref=brianchristner.io) > > ā€” cloud native open source devops (@bentsukun) [June 14, 2019](https://twitter.com/bentsukun/status/1139510140523167744?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=brianchristner.io) ## What's Next Now that Systems Summit was a success, attendees were already asking for the next event. Well, the plan is to host a winter unconference event but this time with a snow setting, skiing, and some fondue. Stay tuned as we start preparing for Systems Summit Winter Edition. I'm looking forward to attending, contribute, learn, and hopefully ski at the next event. Be sure to follow [Systems Summit ](https://twitter.com/systemssummit?lang=en&ref=brianchristner.io)for news and updates. As I was waiting for the bus back down the mountain, the traditional farmer tradition of walking the cows up the mountain to greener pastures unfolded right in front of us. What better way to wrap up the first and definitely not the last SƤntis Systems Summit. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2019/06/475E8F59-999F-4D02-B184-C24BC8A6800B.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2019/06/BB50239D-9B94-4F96-A08B-4F95C61F6928.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2019/06/568DAC3B-F2A6-4BA4-931D-99312F33D7A6.jpg) ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Limit your Tech Toolset URL: https://brianchristner.io/limit-your-tech-tools/ Last updated: 2022-01-09T19:59:33.000Z The increase in the number of tools available for our organizations continues to increase exponentially. The positive side is that this provides limitless features and solutions to our existing future challenges. The downside is the number of tools which we have to manage and integrate inside our organizations. In today's world we have less time and more things to manage. Less is More! Trying to cut down the number of tools will be difficult but rewarding. The increasing number of tools puts a strain on our IT organizations trying to maintain order in the chaos of tools. It is easy to buy another tool rather than fix the current tool or implementation. It is common to see existing tools completely capable of solving the challenge. Internal tools are quickly overlooked or not considered when looking at new use cases. It is all too common in organizations to quickly look externally for a solution rather than evaluating if the internal tools could also solve the issue. Create and maintain a toolset matrix. This matrix should highlight the current tools, which users use these tools and the use cases for why people use the tools. Next, list which features are in use in each tool. This matrix provides a baseline as well as a delta to what use cases need to be solved. ## Evaluate Current Tools When evaluating the current tools ensure you take into account what is available today in the current version or configuration. Next, research what is available in newer releases or planned on the roadmap. This determines if waiting enables the feature or solve the use case in the future. Another point that is often not considered is the integration of existing tools to other tools. Integrating tools allows for even more functionality with existing tools. Many times just integrating tools provides the possibility to automate a workflow. Additionally, you can use services like [IFTTT](https://ifttt.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) (If This Then That) or [Zapier](https://zapier.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) to automate the integration between tools. I use Zapier on this Ghost Blog to automate newsletter signups and import them automatically in Mailchimp. This workflow has saved me a ton of time and is incredibly easy to configure. ## Pick Tools Which can Solve Multiple Use Cases It is often in larger organizations that you have the same use case across departments or divisions. I have seen in some organizations 10 different monitoring tools in use when 1 or 2 could have easily used. ## The GitLab Use Case When speaking with clients, I often use GitLab as a great use case for one tool which solves many use cases and can replace a ton of tools. GitLab is an incredibly powerful tool that checks a ton of boxes for organizations and developers. It offers Issue tracking, Kanban boards, Wiki, Git repository, CI/CD, Security Scanning, Monitoring integration, container registry, and and and. You see this single tool GitLab could eliminate 3 or more existing tools. If you opt for the SaaS solution, you don't even need to manage the server. ## Tool Prognosis It is so easy to pick the new shiny tool instead of enabling existing tools. I recommend to start with information gathering and with this data it makes it easier to make decisions. 1. Build a tool matrix 2. Limit the number of tools (Less is More) 3. Look internally first 4. Reduce the number of tools by combing use cases across your organization 5. Pick tools which can solve multiple use cases ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Become a Docker Power User with Microsoft VS Code URL: https://brianchristner.io/docker-and-microsoft-vs-code/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:52.000Z Docker in itself is a powerful tool. The Docker ecosystem has considerably matured since Docker launched six years ago. We now have tools for CI/CD, Security, Monitoring, Logging, and so much more. > However, one area that was still not as mature as the rest of the Docker ecosystem was the integrated development environments (IDE). For the longest time, I was using plain VIM and Bash to handle all my Docker tasks, from writing Docker and Compose files to building, running, and testing images. VIM and Bash did a great job, but I didn't realize what I was missing and that a more natural workflow was available. ## Enter Microsoft VS Code [Microsoft Visual Studio Code (VS Code)](https://code.visualstudio.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) hit the development world by storm. The General availability release launched on April 14, 2016\. Less than two short years later the [2018 Stack Overflow survey](https://insights.stackoverflow.com/survey/2018/?ref=brianchristner.io#development-environments-and-tools) listed VS Code as the most popular Developer environment tool at 34.9% usage. That is incredible! Availability across OS platforms Windows, Mac, and Linux has helped the adoption and the ecosystem. I first switched to Microsoft VS Code about one year ago. A random stranger on my train journey home told me I should give it a try as he was watching me code. I installed the VS Code base configuration and added extensions for Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, and quite some others to get started. Like myself, I found that most users I speak with are using VS Code only for code editing and Git management. VS Code does this well, but we missed the power of VS Code. > "With Great power comes great responsibility." Ben Parker, Spiderman Like typical techies, we install applications and never bother to read the documentation for each extension because: A) It works B) It solves my immediate problem But VS Code is so much more. I discovered the real potential of VS Code with Docker when I ran into a weird bug. The research of GitHub issues led me down the VS Code rabbit hole of features, which shocked and embarrassed me because I hadn't used these features. After asking several colleagues if they use the Docker Extension as intended, it resulted in ZERO people using it this way. On the one hand, I am happy I was not alone, but why are so many people not using the full features of the extensions as intended? ## VS Code and Docker To use the Docker extension, you should install Docker for Desktop on Linux, Mac, or Windows. Next, install the Docker VS Code extension. - On the left side of VS Code, click the Extension icon. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2019/03/docker-extension.png) - Next, search for the official Docker extension containing the Green star and click install. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2019/03/vs-code-docker-extension.png) We can adjust the Docker Extension default settings by navigating to Settings (The gear icon in the lower left corner) - > Extensions - > Docker configuration. In this menu, we can set the defaults for the default registry, what interface to use when connecting to containers, defaults for the build and run commands, and Docker Host if you want to connect to a docker daemon other than what is running locally. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) ### New Docker Projects One of the most brilliant features is the creation of new Docker projects. VS Code automatically creates Dockerfiles and copies in files from your project directory. Depending on the language Dockerfile you select it will even create Multi-stage builds as well. It saves a considerable amount of time bootstrapping your new projects with Docker. - Open Command Palette Mac (ā‡§āŒ˜P) or Windows (CTRL + Shift + P) - Select the language your application requires (GO, .Net Core, Java, etc.) - Select which port your application will listen on (defaults to 3000) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2019/03/new-docker-project.gif) New Docker projects in VS Code ### Writing Dockerfiles with Code Completion The Dockerfile command snippet also makes writing Dockerfiles easier. It allows a quick search of Dockerfile commands and includes the example syntax and a link to the exact section in the Docker documentation for further details. The Dockerfile code completion really decreases the amount of time it takes to write a Dockerfile, and the documentation is built right in. - Create a file name Dockerfile - Open Dockerfile Command snippets Mac (^ + Space) or Windows (Windows key + Space) - Search for the Dockerfile command to insert - Click the `i` button next to the command for documentation and link to the Docker documentation - Hit `Enter` to insert the command and `Tab` to toggle between the fields of the command ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2019/03/docker-code-completion.gif) VS Code Dockerfile code completion ### Build Docker Once we have docker-compose or Dockerfiles in place, we can start interacting with them. This is where the fun begins. - Open the command palette Mac (ā‡§āŒ˜P) or Windows (CTRL + Shift + P) - Type `Docker Build image` - Provide the Docker image tag. `iis:latest` - Enter will then start the Docker image build ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2019/03/docker-build.gif) VS Code build Docker images ### Run Docker & docker-compose Now that we have images built, we can also run them. This works for standalone Dockerfiles or a docker-compose stack. What is quite nifty, and something I also learned, is that when running a docker-compose stack, it actually combines the run statement with a build to ensure it gets the latest versions. Slick. `docker-compose -f "docker-compose.yml" up -d --build` - Type `Docker Run` or `Docker Compose Up` - Provide the Docker image tag. `iis:latest` or compose file `docker-compose.yml` - `Enter` will then run your Dockerfile or docker-compose. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2019/03/docker-run.gif) VS Code run Docker images ### Interact with Docker images & containers Once we have running containers, we can interact with them directly with VS Code. Click on the Docker Plugin logo on the left taskbar. Additional options now: Images, Containers, and Registries. Expanding Images shows all images available locally, containers show all running and stopped containers, and registries indicate which are available. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2019/03/interacting.gif) VS Code interact with Docker images, containers, and registries ## VS Code summary VS Code is a fantastic tool in itself. When we expand and utilize some of the plugins, like Docker, we can take our projects and Docker skills to the next level. What brings me the most value is less context switching between different interfaces. I can now stay on one screen and write Dockerfiles, build, ship, and run them all from VS Code. ## The Docker Power User Course I created the [How to Become a Docker Power user with VS Code Course](https://www.thebyte.io/become-docker-power-user-with-vs-code?ref=brianchristner.io). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2020/10/docker-power-user.png) Docker Power User Course Some of the benefits you will take away from the course: - ***Unlock*** VS Code Shortcuts - ***Improve*** your Docker & VS Code workflows - ***Reduce*** context switching when developing with Docker & VS Code - ***Bootstrap*** new Docker projects without writing a single line of code - ***Learn to Debug*** your Docker projects - Enable ***Remote Development*** to initialize VS Code inside containers - ***Become a Docker Power User!!*** ### FAQ Section: Docker and Microsoft VS Code **How does Docker integrate with Microsoft Visual Studio Code (VS Code)?** Docker integrates with Microsoft Visual Studio Code (VS Code) through the Docker extension, which provides a seamless development experience for containerized applications. This extension allows you to manage Docker containers, images, and volumes directly from within VS Code. You can also build, run, and debug Dockerized applications, making it easier to develop and maintain containerized projects. **What are the benefits of using Docker with VS Code for development?** Using Docker with VS Code offers several benefits, including streamlined workflows, improved environment consistency, and easier management of containerized applications. The integration allows developers to quickly spin up containers, test code in isolated environments, and ensure that applications work the same way across different machines. Additionally, it simplifies collaboration by allowing teams to share Docker configurations and environments easily. **How do I set up Docker in VS Code?** To set up Docker in VS Code, follow these steps: 1. Install Docker on your machine and ensure it's running. 2. Open VS Code and navigate to the Extensions view by clicking the Extensions icon or pressing `Ctrl+Shift+X`. 3. Search for "Docker" and install the official Docker extension by Microsoft. 4. Once installed, you'll see a Docker icon in the Activity Bar on the left. Click it to access Docker features like managing containers, images, and volumes directly from VS Code. This setup enables you to work with Docker in a more integrated and efficient manner within VS Code. **Can I use VS Code to debug Dockerized applications?** Yes, you can use VS Code to debug Dockerized applications. The Docker extension in VS Code supports debugging Node.js, Python, .NET, and other languages inside containers. You can configure your `launch.json` file to attach to a running container or launch a new one with debugging enabled. This allows you to set breakpoints, inspect variables, and step through your code, making it easier to diagnose and fix issues in a containerized environment. **What are some best practices for using Docker with VS Code?** Best practices for using Docker with VS Code include: 1. **Use Docker Compose:** If your application consists of multiple services, use Docker Compose to manage them. VS Codeā€™s Docker extension supports Docker Compose, making it easier to handle multi-container setups. 2. **Leverage Dev Containers:** Use VS Codeā€™s Dev Containers feature to define a consistent development environment for your project. This ensures that all team members work in the same environment, reducing "it works on my machine" issues. 3. **Automate with Tasks:** Create VS Code tasks to automate common Docker commands, such as building images or starting containers, to streamline your workflow. 4. **Use Version Control:** Store your Docker configurations and VS Code settings in version control to ensure consistency and ease of collaboration. Following these practices will help you get the most out of Docker and VS Code, improving your development process and productivity. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How a Single Raspberry Pi made my Home Network Faster URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-a-single-raspberry-pi-made-my-home-network-faster/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:53.000Z Our household has a few Raspberry Pis doing various tasks such as tracking airplanes flying overhead, measuring temperature humidity in our house, Docker projects, and several more hidden away for a rainy day. > The rainy day finally arrived when I stumbled across a new project. This time, it is entirely different (I always say this). However, it's true. This Raspberry [Pi project Pi-hole ](https://pi-hole.net/?ref=brianchristner.io)is the gatekeeper to our home network. Traditional Ad Blockers are usually Browser Plugins or software utilities on every computer on your network. Managing all your devices is cumbersome and hard to maintain. It leaves a gaping hole for network-connected devices like TVs, Printers, Alexa, Sonos, or any other smart devices connected to your network. The Pi-hole blocks Ads, Malware, and overreaching metrics collection network-wide. Since I [switched to SimpleAnalytics ](https://www.brianchristner.io/transforming-into-an-open-business/?ref=brianchristner.io)to stop tracking people on our websites, I thought I would apply the same principle to our home network. Now, I also get to decide how to serve metrics and ads. How does the Pi-hole work, though? The Pi-hole answers your computerā€™s DNS queries, and if it is a domain on the blacklist, it sends the request to the Pi Web server. This Web server serves up a blank page. So, instead of loading the ad from the actual domain, the blank page from the Pi is downloaded, thus ā€œblockingā€ the ad or metric. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2019/03/pihole-traditional-dns-1024x630.png) Pi-Hole Network Flow Diagram ## Installing Pi-hole Installing Pi-hole should simultaneously increase performance and security for our home network. The risk of the project is that a single Raspberry Pi is now the single point of failure for my network, so reliability becomes a concern. I am entirely confident that I can rely on my entire home infrastructure on a $35 Raspberry Pi running an Open-Source project. Like any other project, I run everything in a Docker container, and this project should be no different. The Pi-hole project already has an excellent Docker project utilizing compose. The [Pi-hole Docker install](https://github.com/pi-hole/docker-pi-hole?ref=brianchristner.io) is well-documented and quite nicely done. After installing Docker on the Raspberry Pi, it was an easy git clone, a couple of modifications to select my timezone and preferred DNS servers [CloudFlare 1.1.1.1](https://one.one.one.one/?ref=brianchristner.io), then docker-compose up, and we were in business. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) Once Pi-hole is running, I will switch over my network to Pi-hole. I configured my router to use the Pi-hole IP address as the new DNS server for my network. That's it! Now, every device that connects to my router is taking advantage of Pi-hole. ## Pi-hole in Operation Now that my network is funneling through the newly configured Pi-hole, it's time to look at the Dashboard. The dashboard is a friendly interface that greets you with fantastic statistics and visualizations immediately. - Total Queries - Queries Blocked - Percent Blocked - Domains Blocked - Queries last 24 hours ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2019/03/Screen-Shot-2019-02-27-at-23.10.46.png) Pi-Hole Dashboard The menu bar on the left side of the Dashboard offers even more functionality. We can whitelist or blacklist URLs, query log files, update the URL block list, and all sorts of reporting options. The level of detail and functionality is impressive and adds confidence. Considering all the functionality and that my entire network is now routing through my Raspberry Pi 2, the performance is phenomenal, running an average of 8% memory utilization. ## Review after one month in operation The Pi-hole has been running for one month now on my home network. I had to whitelist 1 or 2 URLs, which was blocking a reset of an Alexa, which had an issue, and a video conferencing system with all sorts of tracking and metrics built in, which caused havoc until I whitelisted them. Otherwise, the Pi has been chugging along at 8% memory utilization, and the network is considerably faster when surfing the web, and the difference is incredible. Statistically, our household is averaging 15% of queries blocked and a spike over a lousy weather weekend of 30% blocked. It is scary and incredible to think the number of ads and metrics forced upon us, and this number continues to increase. I am delighted with the Pi-hole project and recommend it to everyone. ## FAQ Section: Optimizing Home Network with a Raspberry Pi ### What is a Raspberry Pi and how can it improve my home network? A Raspberry Pi is a small, affordable computer that can be used for various projects. In home networking, it can act as a DNS server, reducing latency and speeding up your internet connection by caching DNS queries and blocking ads. ### How does setting up a Raspberry Pi as a DNS server speed up my network? By setting up a Raspberry Pi as a DNS server, it handles all DNS requests locally, reducing the time it takes to resolve domain names. This means quicker access to websites and faster overall internet speeds. ### What are the steps to configure a Raspberry Pi as a DNS server for my home network? To configure a Raspberry Pi as a DNS server, you need to install DNS software like Pi-hole, configure your router to use the Raspberry Pi as the primary DNS server, and set up the Raspberry Pi with a static IP address. Detailed instructions can be found in the blog post. ### Can a Raspberry Pi handle the internet traffic of a typical household? Yes, a Raspberry Pi is powerful enough to handle the DNS queries of a typical household. It efficiently manages multiple devices, ensuring a smoother and faster network experience. ### Are there any additional benefits of using a Raspberry Pi in my home network? Besides speeding up your internet, a Raspberry Pi can block ads and trackers, enhancing privacy and security. It also provides insights into your network traffic, helping you monitor and manage your internet usage more effectively. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Transforming into an Open Business URL: https://brianchristner.io/transforming-into-an-open-business/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:53.000Z I'm a firm believer in Open Source and transparency. We spend a lot of time contributing to various open source projects and promoting open source or open business. When we mention Open, we always assume that this means source code, but in fact, it is so much more. This concept should also be applied to other practices, including businesses. Our goal is to peel back the layers of our business, exposing more metrics along the way, much like peeling an onion. Slowly, we will start exposing metrics for everyone to see as we strive to be an open startup. I started looking at the various services that we use for 56K.Cloud and this blog and was quickly shocked at the amount of data that is blindly shared with third parties. We want to achieve openness with our business and eliminate unnecessary information sharing with third parties. Slowly, I will convert more and more services to the Open page. ## Removing Google Analytics A first step in becoming even more open is to expose what we are collecting. Google Analytics is a service identified which we use that collects metrics and shares the information with 3rd parties by using cookies. Pulling the curtain back on Google Analytics is quite a scary experience. It is a service which I have used for years without thinking much about it and the information it provides. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) The cool dashboards and reports available from age, demographics, interests, and so much more that Google uses to profile users then applies this profile to the various reports and dashboards. GDPR helped alleviate some of the issues around information collection and sharing. GDRP is the annoying pop-up that is on almost every website asking for permission to collect and share your information. Even though the pop-up is annoying the principle behind GDPR is good in practice about protecting consumer data. It is our job as people, website owners, and companies to review what we are collecting from visitors, how we are handling this data, and what we do with this data on an ongoing basis. As companies and tools change, we need to stay in line with the services which we utilize. ## Simple Analytics OK, so we removed Google Analytics and started looking for other tools. As we investigated our Open project, we stumbled upon a blog Coding with Hugo - [codewithhugo.com/open/](https://codewithhugo.com/open/?ref=brianchristner.io) which is about Javascript and has implemented the same Openness we are trying to achieve not only with the website but also with the business side as well. When I started reviewing his Open metrics is when I stumbled upon [simpleanalytics.io](https://simpleanalytics.io/?ref=brianchristner.io). This amazing website analytics tool is simple, clean, and not evil. What struck me right away is the elegant and understandable UX. My favorite feature from SimpleAnalytics is: > "When a service is free you are the product. We won't ever sell your data. As a result, we need to charge." I have been saying this to friends and family for a long time but somehow was not living it. Now, I happily purchased the service and greatly support what Adriaan is trying to accomplish. We are still way below the 100k page view threshold for the business account but are on our way. Below is this blog's open analytics. What you see is exactly what I see as an Adminā€”no more, no less. We also experienced a significant performance gain after switching away from Google Analytics. I am pleased to see page load times decrease and feel better about not storing visitor information. Don't be evil! This website converted away from Google Analytics on 6 February 2019. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Configure Windows Server for Docker Development URL: https://brianchristner.io/configure-windows-server-for-docker-development/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:53.000Z 2019 has so far kicked off with a couple of exciting Microsoft Docker projects. I started to focus on containerizing Microsoft applications running IIS, ASPNet, or other Windows workloads. One thing that quickly became apparent was the lack of information surrounding transforming native Microsoft applications to Docker. This Windows series covers building the Windows Docker Server, building a Windows Stack of containers, and transforming native Windows applications into containers. Information on migrating an application from a native Windows installation to a Docker container is a bit sparse. > This guide aims to assist you with your transformation and avoid common pitfalls. Now you may ask why we are using Windows Server instead of a Windows 10 VM. It is essential that we match the Operating System used in Development with the Production OS. The Microsoft Docker images are built and matched to the host Windows OS. If we were to run different OS's we could potentially pull completely different images from Docker. To avoid this pitfall run the same OS in Dev as what we run in Prod. ### Prepare a Docker Windows Server Host It is essential that we prepare a Windows Server to host Docker for the task at hand. Docker Enterprise Edition is required when installing Docker on a Windows server. The Docker EE installation is slightly different from Docker for Windows as we install the Docker service, which doesn't contain the Docker icon in the taskbar. Even though the version is named EE, it is still free for use in this configuration. ### Install Docker on the Windows Server For this example, we use docker-compose to orchestrate multiple Docker containers. If you prefer to transition to Docker Swarm at a later stage, using docker-compose makes it quite easy. - Select a Windows Server OS: Server 2016 (Core and GUI), 1709 and 1803, Windows 2019 (just recently) - Configure at least 100GB for Disk Space as this fills up quickly - Run Windows update to get all the latest patches - [Install Docker for Windows servers](https://docs.docker.com/install/windows/docker-ee/?ref=brianchristner.io) - [Install docker-compose](https://docs.docker.com/compose/install/?ref=brianchristner.io) ### Configure the Windows Server Development Environment Run Microsoft Visual Studio Code (VS Code) directly on the Windows Server. Since we plan to experiment during the transformation, it is a quicker process to work directly on the server to fine-tune all the Power Shell commands. VS Code has all the tools we need to run Docker commands and write code all from one screen. It reduces context switching between windows and, in my opinion, increases productivity. - [Install Microsoft Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/Download?ref=brianchristner.io) - [Install Docker plugin for VS Code](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=PeterJausovec.vscode-docker&ref=brianchristner.io) - Right Click on VS Code and launch as Administrator so we can interact with Docker ### Interacting with Docker using VS Code Open a PowerShell terminal inside VS Code and interact with Docker. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) Next, write Dockerfiles and build them directly from VS Code. Finally, assemble everything and Build, Ship, and Run your newly created containers inside VS Code. - Inside VS Code navigate to `View -> Terminal` It opens a PowerShell terminal at the bottom of the VS Code application. - In the Powershell terminal: `docker run hello-world` This command will both pull and run the nano server hello-world Windows image and display the output. We are not able to interact with Docker and containers within VS Code. The next step is to write a Microsoft IIS Dockerfile and build and run the newly created container. - Clone the example Docker Windows Server Repo: `git clone https://github.com/56kcloud/docker-windows-server.git` - In VS Code, open the cloned Repo folder `File -> Open -> docker-windows-server` - Open a Terminal inside of VS Code `Terminal -> New Terminal` - Build the image: `docker build -t docker4windows .` - Run the container: `docker run -d -p 8080:80 --name iis docker4windows` The IIS container is now running on the Windows server. Windows has trouble to handle htttp://localhost correctly due to some NAT issues, so we have to grab the IP address directly from the IIS container. `docker inspect -f "{{ .NetworkSettings.Networks.nat.IPAddress }}" my-running-site` The output is similar to this: `172.29.10.58` You can connect to the running container using the IP address from the inspect command and the configured port, `http://172.29.10.58:8080`. ## Recap We successfully set up a Windows Server and installed Docker EE for Docker development. Next, we installed Microsoft VS Code with the Docker plugin to interact with Docker. Finally, we built and ran the docker4windows image containing IIS and our sample website. The following article in the Windows series builds on this lesson to build how a Windows stack. The stack contains multiple IIS containers connecting to a Microsoft SQL server. ### FAQ Section: Configure Windows Server for Docker Development **Can you run Docker on Windows Server, and why would you want to?** Yes, you can run Docker on Windows Server, and it's especially useful for organizations that need to develop, test, and deploy Windows-based applications in a containerized environment. Running Docker on Windows Server allows you to leverage the benefits of containers, such as portability, resource efficiency, and consistent environments, while using familiar Windows tools and applications. **How do you install Docker on Windows Server?** To install Docker on Windows Server, first ensure that your server is running Windows Server 2016 or later, as Docker is natively supported on these versions. Then, use the following PowerShell commands to install Docker: 1. Install the Docker provider: `Install-Module -Name DockerMsftProvider -Repository PSGallery -Force`. 2. Install Docker: `Install-Package -Name docker -ProviderName DockerMsftProvider`. 3. Start the Docker service: `Start-Service Docker`. 4. Verify the installation by running `docker --version`. After installation, Docker is ready to be used for container development on Windows Server. **What configurations are needed for Docker development on Windows Server?** For Docker development on Windows Server, configure the following: 1. **Networking:** Ensure that the Windows Server network settings are properly configured to allow Docker containers to communicate with each other and external services. 2. **Storage:** Set up Docker volumes to manage persistent storage for containers, ensuring data is retained between container restarts. 3. **Resource Limits:** Adjust CPU, memory, and storage limits for Docker to optimize performance and prevent resource contention. 4. **Windows Containers:** Choose between Windows Server Containers and Hyper-V isolation depending on your security and isolation needs. These configurations help ensure that Docker runs efficiently and securely on Windows Server. **Can you run Linux containers on Windows Server?** Yes, you can run Linux containers on Windows Server by using the Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL 2) in conjunction with Docker Desktop. WSL 2 provides a lightweight Linux kernel that allows Docker to run Linux containers natively on Windows. This setup is ideal for developers who need to work with both Linux and Windows containers on the same machine. **What are some best practices for developing with Docker on Windows Server?** Best practices for developing with Docker on Windows Server include: 1. **Regular Updates:** Keep Docker and Windows Server updated to the latest versions to ensure security and performance improvements. 2. **Container Security:** Use Windows Defender or other security solutions to scan containers for vulnerabilities. 3. **Backup and Recovery:** Implement backup strategies for Docker volumes and containers to prevent data loss. 4. **CI/CD Integration:** Integrate Docker with continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to automate testing and deployment processes. Following these best practices helps maintain a stable and secure Docker development environment on Windows Server. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### I Broke It URL: https://brianchristner.io/i-broke-it/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:53.000Z Sometimes you have a brilliant idea, and it needs to get out of your head as quickly as possible. At any given time I have three to four ideas which are dying to get out of my head through my fingers via a keyboard. These ideas range from building an Internet of Things project to Monitoring Tools and everything in between. This blog has sat idle for almost one year and this is completely unacceptable considering a large number of daily visitors looking for inspiration, technology tips, and weirdly enough many visitors seem they need help to [Resize an Ubuntu Root partitio](https://brianchristner.io/how-to-resize-ubuntu-root-partition/)n which I wrote just by chance. It's time to start putting more thoughts on ~~paper~~ uh I mean in my [Ghost CMS](https://ghost.org/?ref=brianchristner.io) and exploring more interesting topics. Personally, I find when I write it helps me to better understand a subject. To be honest a majority of my conference talks started out as a blog post. Writing is my conduit to better understand a topic. When I write something it forces me to investigate, test, demo, and then capture it in writing so that everyone can understand. #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) I am a firm believer in sharing and Open Source. Going forward to prepare yourselves for updates on projects both successes and failures. Too much of Hack News and Technology is about how everything works all the time like a Swiss watch until it doesn't. The recent story I discovered last week [Kubernetes Failure Stories](https://srcco.de/posts/kubernetes-failure-stories.html?ref=brianchristner.io) is a brilliant collection of Kubernetes outages and the post mortem learning the companies learned from the experience. This article was the jump start I needed to write again. I want more of this and the best way to have more of it is to do it myself. So I will share the thought process, launch, and result of all things going forward. I look forward to learning and I would appreciate any [feedback](https://brianchristner.io/about/) along the way. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Journey to Docker Certified Associate URL: https://brianchristner.io/journey-to-docker-certified-associate/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T11:44:54.000Z This week is Docker's fifth birthday. It is incredible to think about what has transpired in the last five years. Solomon Hykes presented Linux containers to the world at a Python conference. This short five-minute presentation changed my career path and the entire IT market, introducing the industry to a new way to develop and operate applications. It is incredible to think about what has transpired in the last five years. Solomon Hykes presented Linux containers to the world at a Python conference. This short five-minute presentation changed my career path and the entire IT market Five years ago, I was deploying VMs with VMWare. It worked for the moment, but it was far from being automated, reproducible, etc. It was very much a Pet and not Cattle approach. I discovered Docker around April/May 2014\. For those keeping track at home, this is around [version 0.6](https://docs.docker.com/engine/release-notes/prior-releases/?ref=brianchristner.io#060-2013-08-22). The first versions of Docker were installed using the command: `curl get.docker.com |sh `This alone blew us away when we installed software from a bash script hosted on a website. Very clever! It took me only a couple of days to fully embrace the Docker concept. I instantly started dockerizing all my monitoring tools, from Nagios to several bash scripts. At this point, you could not have a rational conversation with me anymore. Everything had to be Dockerized, and I visited everyone who would listen to tell them about this extraordinary new way of working. Sometime at the end of 2014 or the beginning of 2015, I discovered Grafana, InfluxDB, cAdvisor, and Prometheus. I started right away on containerizing the different components but, most importantly used `docker-compose` to orchestrate an entire monitoring stack. Sure, people were running the separate containers, but #### **Stay Updated** Get actionable AI & tech insights delivered every Friday. No fluff, just value. [Subscribe to The Weekly Byte ā†’](#/portal/signup) I was one of the first ones to throw everything into a compose file and document the entire process. I created InfluxDB, cAdvisor, and Grafana and Prometheus, cAdvisor, and Grafana stacks. After creating these stacks, I had to tell the world how cool and straightforward it is to orchestrate entire application stacks. First, I was invited to Google ZĆ¼rich to present monitoring to a tech event. Next, I was invited to several other meetups to present. Somewhere along the line, Docker asked if I wanted to join the first batch of the Docker Captains program. Finally, Docker asked if I wanted to [present at DockerCon EU Barcelone 2015](https://youtu.be/sxE1vDtkYps?ref=brianchristner.io). Let me think for a moment, heck yeah! This time seems like all a blur as so much happened from the first day of learning Docker to presenting to a Docker conference. I continued presenting Docker, giving Docker training, and being an advocate for Docker throughout the community. ## Docker Certified Associate ![docker-certified-associate-1](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2018/03/docker-certified-associate-1.jpg) Docker announced the Docker Certified Associate (DCA) certification exam at DockerCon EU 2017\. I somehow missed the chance to take the beta exam, and it has fallen on the back burner till now. The exam covers the following Docker domains and how each section is weighted: Orchestration 25% Image Creation, Management, and Registry 20% Installation and Configuration 15% Networking 15% Security 15% Storage and Volumes 10% ### DCA Preparation I for one have colossal test anxiety and am horrible to be around a couple of days before any test. It doesn't matter if it is Trivia night or a driving test. I still get worked up until I second/triple guess everything I am doing. This is regardless that I have maintained production Docker workloads for years now. Ugghh! I used the following material to prepare for the test: - Docker Study Guide - DCA Prep Guide - Lots of hands-on time using Docker, Docker Swarm, and Docker EE I must say that the DCA Prep guide by the DevOps Academy was excellent. It breaks down each section from the Docker Study guide and references them to the exact part of Docker documentation. It was certainly helpful. It was also nice to see that a couple of my previous blog posts referenced in the study guide. Oh great, just some more pressure for my test anxiety! ### Test Day I signed up for the test and didn't think much about it. However, this is the first test that I will be taking, which is proctored 100% online from the comfort of home. I must say it was a pleasant experience. For the test to begin, the proctor asks that you turn your webcam on and share the desktop. I then give them a virtual tour of my office showing that my desk is clear and I even had to remove my coffee which I promptly chugged, all four walls of the office, under the monitor, keyboard, and ensure no one is in the room with me. Once, the test proctor was satisfied the test began. 55 questions, and 1 hour later, I received a passing score. Hurray! ## Summary I encourage everyone to get Docker certified. The Docker Certified Associate certification will not only provide "Docker Street cred" in the Docker community but is also a great way to level up your career. I am happy to join the DCA-certified club with fellow Docker Captains and Docker community members. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Docker Prometheus Project Road to 1,000 Stars URL: https://brianchristner.io/1000-stars-and-counting/ Last updated: 2025-09-29T11:27:47.000Z Recently, the Docker [Prometheus GitHub](https://brianchristner.io/monitor-your-github-repos-with-docker/) repo crossed the 1,000-star threshold. Seeing the project grow from a personal playground to become a reference point for [monitoring with Prometheus.](https://brianchristner.io/how-to-setup-prometheus-docker-monitoring/) > Not only is it fun to maintain but it also encourages me to stay updated with the latest Prometheus and Grafana features consistently How did we get here? The [first commit](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/prometheus/commit/4b9b5b70e3960a6a68b46efd97a30a8231f525c4?ref=brianchristner.io), on August 18, 2015, marked the beginning of Docker Prometheus. It has gone through several transformations since and has added an awesome contributor [Paul aka llitfkitfk](https://github.com/llitfkitfk?ref=brianchristner.io). We continue to fix bugs, add features, and adapt to new versions of Prometheus, Grafana, and other related tools. ## Road to 1,000 Stars The growth of the project has been steady from the beginning. What I find incredible is the usage of the project rather than the stars. A star, in my opinion, is much like a bookmark where you want to track and follow something. Clones, on the other hand, refer to instances where people are using or trying out the project. The project is averaging about 20 clones Monday to Friday, and weekend traffic drops significantly, which also matches the brianchristner.io website traffic trends as well. ![prometheus_project_clones](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2018/01/prometheus_project_clones.png) ## Most common questions/issues The issues that I receive via GitHub, email, or other channels seem to revolve around visualizing the data in Grafana. It is not necessarily something broken, but rather questions on how to extract specific data and visualize it properly. However, since Grafana 2.0, I have seen a reduction in such queries, which I attribute to Grafana making everything easier. We have encountered issues with specific components not working across all platforms. Still, generally, we have stabilized and have been focusing more on features like the *Try in PWD* button, which we added. It seems to be quite popular to test drive the stack quickly. ## Who's using the stack? Unfortunately, I am not getting much feedback here, but I do know it is in use in companies such as [Siemens](https://www.siemens.com/global/en/home.html?ref=brianchristner.io), [Swisscom](https://www.siemens.com/global/en/home.html?ref=brianchristner.io), Blockchain startups, and my newly founded startup, which is offering this stack as a service to our customers. Some of the different projects I have created based on the stack include - [Docker Pulls](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/docker-pulls?ref=brianchristner.io) \- Visualize Docker-Hub pull statistics with Prometheus - [GitHub Monitoring](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/github-monitoring?ref=brianchristner.io) \- Monitor your GitHub projects with Prometheus - [Traefik Reverse Proxy/Load Balancer Monitoring](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/docker-traefik-prometheus?ref=brianchristner.io) \- Monitor the popular Reverse Proxy/Load Balancer Traefik with Prometheus Are you using the [Docker Prometheus](https://brianchristner.io/updated-docker-monitoring-prometheus-grafana/) stack for your project? Please get in touch and tell us your use case. ## What's Next? We have been asked several times if we would turn this into a service. I don't believe making this stack a SaaS solution would add much benefit. The stack is incredibly easy to use and deploy, and Prometheus and Grafana have matured significantly since their inception. However, we do see a lot of interest in integrating the stack with various use cases, from Blockchain to IoT. We look to expand the stack into more customized solutions, which we hope to share with you in the next couple of months. In the short term, expect some new and improved dashboards to emerge that leverage the new Grafana 2.0 features, including annotations, alerting, and templating. Expect more great things! ## Thank you to all of you! This project would have never gotten this far without me alone. The community, the issues, PRs, emails, and tweets have driven me to push this project forward. Building this project has been an absolute joy, and I look forward to adding even more features. ![thankyou](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2018/01/thankyou.gif) ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Enough is Enough, Time for SaaS URL: https://brianchristner.io/enough-is-enough-time-for-saas/ Last updated: 2024-09-10T07:05:48.000Z I have been installing, developing, and maintaining my websites for the past 18 years. I am a hands-on person who wants to know how everything ticks. The amount of time required continues to grow, but the amount of time I can allocate decreases. My dilemma for the past couple of years has been when to hand over the reins to someone else like a SaaS provider. The main website is [brianchristner.io](https://brianchristner.io/). I have several more which also consume a considerable amount of time. The time maintaining these sites is distancing me further away from the projects on which I want to focus. It is a hard proposition to consider no longer having full control over my websites. I'm not sure if it related to my advancing years or trying to be more resourceful with my time (I hope the latter). As more of my projects and new technology investigations were continually put on the back burner, it became increasingly apparent that something needed to change. ### Final Straw ![soccer_fail](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2017/10/soccer_fail.gif) Last week, my decision-making process kicked into high gear. I had the unfortunate experience of this website going offline for approximately 48 hours. It was a painful experience unwinding the SSL issues that knocked me offline. Once everything was stable, I reviewed all my options for preventing such an episode. I considered trying to solve this technically. What's interesting is that I made myself take a step back and analyze my situation without emotions or interest and with pure pros and cons. ### The Review This review led me to weigh in on several factors, such as the time spent with maintenance, the price per month for hosting, and the focus of each site. It turns out that the time I spent reviewing and deploying new patches and upgrades for each website was almost the same as the time I spent writing articles. It also became clear that I was moving away from my focus with each passing day. This site, along with several others of my sites, runs [Ghost](https://ghost.org/?ref=brianchristner.io) for the CMS. When I started using Ghost, the new versions were made available at a regular cadence but manageable. However, this year, I have noticed the velocity with which Ghost releases new updates and features. This pace became almost unmanageable for me and my websites. It is great for Ghost users, but maintaining, testing, and deploying at this same pace is challenging. Finally, I cut my losses with a few sites and did some spring cleaning(In October). I decided to cut websites that I just didn't have time to manage or update and were not bringing any value. They are gone, but I still keep their databases if I ever get back around to them. > I had a couple of sites utilizing WordPress, which is a security nightmare as I was getting bombarded every day with notifications of security issues or hacking attempts. Gone! ### The SaaS Solution Software as a Service (SaaS) is becoming more commonplace than most people realize. SaaS solutions now make up the largest percentage of consumer applications. SaaS consumption is surprising for some, and most people don't even know they are using SaaS. Ghost and WordPress both offer SaaS solutions. They will take care of the infrastructure, security, hosting, and updates. The Ghost SaaS solution is almost the same price as hosting myself, so switching to SaaS seems like a no-brainer. The pros of going SaaS outweigh the pros of self-hosting, in my case, by a landslide. I can now focus on delivering more content and worry less about maintenance, configuration, or the platform as a whole. Now, I can sit back and relax. Oh,, wait. Now I have more time to write ā€”no more relaxing! ![happy-unicorn](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2017/10/happy-unicorn.gif) ### Follow me If you liked this article, be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Creating Cloud Agnostic Container Workloads URL: https://brianchristner.io/creating-cloud-agnostic-container-workloads/ Last updated: 2024-08-13T20:12:35.000Z The Cloud race continues down the path of least resistance. Least resistance you may ask. Yes, every day, the three major Cloud providers, Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google GCP, make it easier to move workloads from your data center to the Cloud. However, without proper research and preparation, your migration could land you right back where you started, in vendor lock-in jail and massive cloud costs. The [Cloud Native Computing Foundation](https://www.cncf.io/?ref=brianchristner.io) (CNCF) is responsible for managing projects such as [Kubernetes](https://kubernetes.io/?ref=brianchristner.io), [Prometheus](https://prometheus.io/?ref=brianchristner.io) and [ContainerD](http://containerd.io/?ref=brianchristner.io) just to name a few of the growing list of Open Source projects that they manage. However, CNCF doesn't stop with just being the Open Source projects steward. They are also forming a community that is developing common technical standards defining Cloud Native Architecture and Applications to ensure we protect ourselves from vendor lockin-in jail. ### Cloud Native Mission Statement OK, so how do containers play a role in Container Native Applications and Architecture? I'm glad you asked. Let's take a look at [Mission Statement of the CNCF](https://www.cncf.io/about/charter/?ref=brianchristner.io) to get a better understanding: ### Cloud Native systems will have the following properties: of Cloud Native. Packaging applications into containers provides versatility, seamless migrations between Clouds, and, more importantly, portability. More portability permits more flexibility and moves further away from the vendor lock-in jail, (a) **Container packaged -** Running applications and processes in software containers as an isolated unit of application deployment and as a mechanism to achieve high levels of resource isolation. Improves overall developer experience, fosters code and component reuse and simplify operations for Cloud Native applications. (b) **Dynamically managed -** Actively scheduled and actively managed by a central orchestrating process. Radically improve machine efficiency and resource utilization while reducing the cost associated with maintenance and operations. (c) **Micro-services oriented -** Loosely coupled with dependencies explicitly described (e.g. through service endpoints). Significantly increase the overall agility and maintainability of applications. The foundation will shape the evolution of the technology to advance the state of the art for application management, and to make the technology ubiquitous and easily available through reliable interfaces. Containers are the key component of Cloud Native. Packaging applications into containers provides versatility, seamless migrations between Clouds, and, more importantly, portability. More portability permits more flexibility and moves further away from the vendor lock-in jail, which we are desperately trying to avoid. Let's cover the next property in the CNCF missions statement, Dynamically Managed. In other words, the containers require an Orchestrator such as Docker Swarm or Kubernetes to manage, schedule, and provision containers across multiple hosts. Orchestrators allow us to create an easily reproducible environment across multiple cloud providers. Finally, Cloud-Native Applications should be microservice-oriented. Since our applications are container-based, the next logical step is to break apart monolithic applications into microservice architectures. Microservices give us even greater flexibility and less dependence on the underlying infrastructure, thus moving us further in the direction of Cloud Native. ## Why is Container Portability Important? Recently, Cloudify released the results of a recent survey about the state of Enterprises using multiple clouds. What is interesting about the results is that 49% of the 600+ respondents utilize a single cloud, while 51% have two or more clouds. In the recent Enterprise projects that I worked on, ![How Many Clouds](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2017/09/how-many-clouds.png) Ensuring that our applications/architectures adhere to the CNCF mission statement, such as containerized applications, dynamically orchestrated, and micro-service, gives us portability. With portable container workloads, we can quickly move our workload to other Cloud providers to take advantage of price reductions, increased capacity, new features, or disaster recovery. > **Portable = Flexibile** ## What is typical between Clouds? As more companies transition to Cloud, the need for the adoption of CNCF standards will increase. Since each Cloud provider uniquely exposes services, it is important to draw a line in the infrastructure indicating where we can differentiate Cloud provider-specific services versus standard services across all providers. The graphic below displays where the divide could be between the Cloud provider specific components and cloud application shared components. ![Cloud_Application_Architecture](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2017/09/Cloud_Application_Architecture.png) ## Conclusion It has become overwhelmingly clear that conforming to the CNCF standards will not only increase flexibility and portability but also give us a way forward to properly adopting Multi-Cloud. At the time of this writing, Amazon AWS and Oracle have just become members of the CNCF. This shows that the industry understands the need, and businesses and users like you and me are driving the standards. ### FAQ Section: Creating Cloud-Agnostic Container Workloads **What does it mean to create cloud-agnostic container workloads?** Creating cloud-agnostic container workloads means designing and deploying containerized applications that can run seamlessly across different cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, without modification. This approach allows you to avoid vendor lock-in, enabling greater flexibility and portability of your workloads across multiple cloud environments. **Why is cloud agnosticism important in containerized environments?** Cloud agnosticism is important in containerized environments because it provides the freedom to move workloads between different cloud providers, optimize costs, and leverage the best features of each platform. It also enhances resilience by allowing workloads to be distributed across multiple clouds, reducing dependency on a single provider and mitigating risks associated with outages or price changes. **How can I make my container workloads cloud-agnostic?** To make your container workloads cloud-agnostic, focus on using open standards and technologies that are supported across multiple cloud platforms, such as Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform. Avoid relying on proprietary cloud services that tie your application to a specific provider. Additionally, use multi-cloud management tools, abstract your infrastructure configuration, and implement CI/CD pipelines that can deploy to different cloud environments without requiring changes to the application code. **What tools and technologies support cloud-agnostic container workloads?** Tools and technologies that support cloud-agnostic container workloads include Docker for containerization, Kubernetes for orchestration, Terraform for infrastructure as code, and Prometheus and Grafana for monitoring. Multi-cloud management platforms like HashiCorp Consul and Kubernetes-based solutions like Rancher also help manage and deploy cloud-agnostic workloads across different cloud environments. **What are the challenges of creating cloud-agnostic container workloads, and how can they be overcome?** Challenges of creating cloud-agnostic container workloads include managing differences in cloud provider services, ensuring consistent performance across platforms, and handling complex multi-cloud networking. These challenges can be overcome by using abstraction layers that hide provider-specific details, implementing thorough testing in multiple cloud environments, and using cloud-agnostic networking solutions like Calico or Cilium. Additionally, automating deployment and management tasks with tools like Kubernetes Operators can help streamline operations across different clouds. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Introduction to Container Monitoring URL: https://brianchristner.io/introduction-to-container-monitoring/ Last updated: 2024-08-13T19:41:35.000Z Containers make our lives easier in countless ways, from development to production to making the world a better place. How do containers make the world a better place? > Happy Developers = Happy Life However, containers introduce entirely different considerations compared to pre-container modes of operation. Monitoring containers is an entirely different beast. Let's take a look at why monitoring containers are different. ## What's Different about Monitoring Containers? You have now created and deployed a couple of containers. Now what? Should I install a monitoring agent inside my container to see what's going on? **NO!** One of the many benefits of containers is the [size of the deployed container](https://brianchristner.io/docker-image-base-os-size-comparison/). We only install what we need inside the container to allow our applications to run. Nothing more, nothing less. Containers live a much shorter life than a VM. According to the latest [DataDog Container survey](https://www.datadoghq.com/docker-adoption/?ref=brianchristner.io), the average lifespan of a container is 2.5 days. With such a high rate of change, it is important that our monitoring software doesn't stand in the way of the speed at which we change our applications. Additionally, containers have made it very easy to scale applications from 1 to the moon and back blazingly fast. We want to view our application as it changes state and where exactly all the instances of the application are running. Monitoring should be able to cope with these changes and track our application as it scales up and back down. ## Monitoring Containers The monitoring of containers is agentless. That is, we don't install monitoring agents inside of containers. Typically, [we monitor containers](https://brianchristner.io/how-to-setup-docker-monitoring/) by running monitoring software in an additional container beside the container workload on every host. These monitoring containers now report on both the host machine and the containers. At this point, many people scratch their heads in confusion and ask, "How can another container monitor the host and containers running on the host?" Most monitoring containers mount the root filesystem from the host into the container. By mounting the root filesystem into the container, the monitoring application updates when a new process changes states from start to stop or vice versa. Why are we watching processes and not containers? Containers are processes, which is the magic element of monitoring containers. Monitoring container applications transforms into statistics by knowing when a process starts and the association between the process and the application. ## Which Monitoring Solution is Best for Me? Choosing the right monitoring solution is more than choosing open source vs. commercial offerings. Some things to consider when selecting a solution are whether the solution integrates with your Container Orchestrator, is cloud-based, runs on-premise, application integrations, client tools, and how the community and support are for the solution. Each of these topics can be the decisive factor in choosing a solution or not. I authored each of these points for The New Stack's Free e-book [Monitoring & Management with Docker Containers](https://thenewstack.io/ebooks/docker-and-containers/monitoring-management-docker-containers?ref=brianchristner.io). To better assist your decision process I have created a [Monitoring Solution Spider Graph](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Fakf2dtEyHnM62cAFW9aZ3zjidbs8I93ztx%5FhdEKnQk/edit?ref=brianchristner.io#gid=0) Google Spreadsheet to help visualize your goal versus the different offerings. **Monitoring Solution Spider Graph Instructions:** Values range from 1 (least important) to 5 (most important) 1. The Monitoring Goal row is the baseline for each category 2. Fill in the names in Column A with the monitoring solutions to compare 3. Asses the features of the different solutions with the Spider Graph 4. Compare Goal baseline values with the different solutions Once the chart is complete, you can visualize the Monitoring Solution Spider Graph comparison. ![Monitoring_Solution_Spider_Graph](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2017/08/Monitoring_Solution_Spider_Graph.png) ### FAQ Section: Introduction to Container Monitoring **What is container monitoring, and why is it important?** Container monitoring involves tracking the performance and health of containerized applications and their underlying infrastructure. It is crucial because it helps you ensure that your containers are running efficiently, detect and resolve issues quickly, and maintain the reliability and performance of your applications. Monitoring provides visibility into resource usage, application behavior, and system health, which is essential for managing complex, dynamic container environments. **What are the key metrics to monitor in containerized environments?** In containerized environments, key metrics to monitor include CPU and memory usage, disk I/O, network traffic, container uptime, and resource limits. Additionally, monitoring application-specific metrics like response times, error rates, and throughput can provide deeper insights into the performance of your services. These metrics help you understand how well your containers are performing and where optimizations may be needed. **What tools can be used for container monitoring?** Several tools are available for container monitoring, including Prometheus, Grafana, Datadog, and cAdvisor. Prometheus is a popular open-source tool for collecting and querying metrics, while Grafana is used for visualizing these metrics on customizable dashboards. Datadog offers a comprehensive monitoring solution with built-in support for containers, and cAdvisor provides detailed insights into container resource usage. These tools can be integrated to create a robust monitoring setup. **How do I set up basic container monitoring?** To set up basic container monitoring, you can start by deploying a monitoring tool like Prometheus and configuring it to scrape metrics from your containers. Youā€™ll need to expose metrics from your containers using an exporter or by enabling a metrics endpoint. Once Prometheus is collecting data, you can visualize it using Grafana by connecting it to your Prometheus instance and creating dashboards to monitor the key metrics of your containerized environment. **What challenges might arise with container monitoring, and how can they be addressed?** Challenges in container monitoring include managing the dynamic and ephemeral nature of containers, handling large volumes of data, and ensuring that monitoring setups scale with your infrastructure. These can be addressed by using scalable monitoring tools like Prometheus, implementing proper metric aggregation and filtering, and utilizing orchestration tools like Kubernetes to help manage the dynamic aspects of containerized environments. Automating monitoring configurations and continuously refining alerting rules are also crucial for effective container monitoring. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How to Monitor a Traefik Reverse Proxy with Prometheus URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-monitor-traefik-reverse-proxy-with-prometheus/ Last updated: 2025-02-14T12:04:26.000Z Recently, I started using the reverse proxy [Traefik](https://traefik.io/?ref=brianchristner.io) as a default for my projects. Traefik supports Docker Swarm, Kubernetes, and many other orchestrators, but the power is how easy it is to configure and set up. What's unique about [Traefik ](https://brianchristner.io/deploy-configure-monitor-traefik-prometheus-grafana/)compared to NGINX or Apache is that it dynamically listens to your Orchestrator like Docker, knows each time a container is added, removed, killed, or upgraded, and can generate its configuration automagically. Really? **Tell me more.** I'm running Docker as an Orchestrator (obviously). Traefik listens to the Docker API for containers starting or stopping on Docker and it dynamically registers this information with Traefik. How cool is that? Traefik comes out of the box with nice dashboards for your services and the health of these services. ![Traefik Architecture](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2017/08/traefik_architecture.png) The Traefik dashboards are nice, but I want this information in a central location with the rest of my monitoring information. After quite some digging through Traefik configurations, GitHub issues, and tons of side discussions, I finally found that Traefik exports metrics in a Prometheus-friendly format. > Wow, this is great news. ### Deploy Traefik The time has come to start playing with Docker, my favorite past time. We will launch two separate Docker stacks. ***Stack 1*** will contain our Prometheus stack for monitoring Traefik. ***Stack 2*** will be the Traefik stack. This might be new for some as we will join the Traefik container to the Prometheus network. This allows us to have two different docker-compose files yet all containers can interact with each other via Docker networking. **Cool, right?** First, we need to clone the Traefik repo. ``` $ git clone https://github.com/vegasbrianc/docker-traefik-prometheus ``` Let's quickly look at the `docker-compose.yml` file to understand how Traefik will communicate with Prometheus. The `docker-compose.yml` file is very simple in terms of compose files go. The `command` key is where both the Docker endpoint and Prometheus metrics are enabled. At the bottom of the docker-compose file is the `networks`The section is at the bottom of the docker-compose file. Here, we connect to the network of the Prometheus stack. If desired, this connects the Traefik container to the Prometheus network or additional networks. ``` version: '3' services: traefik: image: traefik command: --web --web.metrics.prometheus --web.metrics.prometheus.buckets="0.1,0.3,1.2,5.0" --docker --docker.domain=docker.localhost --logLevel=DEBUG networks: - prometheus ports: - "80:80" - "8080:8080" volumes: - /var/run/docker.sock:/var/run/docker.sock networks: prometheus: external: name: dockerprometheus_back-tier ``` **Time to start Traefik** From the Traefik directory, let's start the Traefik stack. ``` $ docker-compose up -d ``` Once Traefik is up and running, open a browser tab and open the Trafik Dashboard with `http://0.0.0.0:8080`Since nothing is running, the dashboard should be blank. Click on the `health` tab at the top of the page, which will display some basic health statistics about Traefik. ### Deploy Prometheus Next, we need to deploy a Prometheus stack. Lucky for you I have a Docker stack containing Docker, Prometheus, and Grafana ready for such a task. Clone the below repository to your Docker host. This repository contains instructions if you have never set this up Prometheus. ``` $ git clone https://github.com/vegasbrianc/prometheus ``` Before we can launch the stack we need to adjust the targets which Prometheus will scrape. A target is an endpoint which Prometheus listens to for metrics. In the Prometheus project directory, edit the following file. `prometheus/prometheus.yml`. Navigate to the end of the file and replace localhost with Traefik's metric endpoint `traefik:8080` ``` static_configs: - targets ['traefik:8080','cadvisor:8080','node-exporter:9100'] ``` Once we have made this change, we can start the Prometheus stack. From the Prometheus project directory run: ``` $ docker-compose up -d ``` ### Traefiking Magic Now that both Traefik and Prometheus have been deployed, let's look at what Traefik is doing. Open up the Traefik dashboard again and have a look `http://0.0.0.0:8080`. We should now see that Traefik has automatically populated the Providers tab of the dashboard with all the running containers. Traefik even assigned a local domain name to all of our services šŸ¤Æ. ![Traefik Providers](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2017/08/Traefik_Providers_Prometheus.png) We can now choose a hostname from one of our services and access it directly via the hostname. For demo purposes, let's use Grafana, as we know this service is exposed. In your browser, open `http://grafana.dockerprometheus.docker.localhost`. This should now open the Grafana login page. If you have never setup Grafana be sure to check the [setup instructions](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/prometheus?ref=brianchristner.io#post-configuration) in the Prometheus Repo. ### Setup the Traefik Grafana Dashboard We covered a lot of ground. The following steps will start to show how this all comes together inside Grafana. In the previous section, you configured Grafana and Prometheus as a Data Source. Several starter dashboards are available via [Grafana](https://grafana.com/dashboards?ref=brianchristner.io). I took the liberty of combining a couple of dashboards into a new one to offer a little more functionality. Open the Grafana menu -> Dashboards -> Import. You will now be prompted with an import screen. Enter `2870` for the Dashboard ID to import. This will import the Dashboard directly from Grafana. Next, select the Data Source for Prometheus, which we created earlier, and click Import. ![Grafana Dashboard for Traefik Metrics](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2017/08/Grafana_Dashboard_Import.png) Great! Now you should see the Traefik dashboard inside Grafana. Have a look around, and don't forget to ping me if you have any questions. ![Grafana Dashboard Traefik Metrics](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2017/08/Grafana_Dashboard_Traefik_Metrics.png) ### FAQ Section: How to Monitor Traefik Reverse Proxy with Prometheus **What is Traefik, and why should I monitor it with Prometheus?** Traefik is a popular reverse proxy and load balancer designed to manage microservices in a dynamic and automated way. Monitoring Traefik with Prometheus is important because it provides real-time insights into Traefik's performance, including metrics like request rates, response times, and error rates. This helps you ensure that your services are running smoothly and allows you to quickly identify and resolve issues. **How do I set up Prometheus to monitor Traefik?** To set up Prometheus for monitoring Traefik, start by enabling Traefik's metrics endpoint in the Traefik configuration file. You'll need to specify Prometheus as the metrics provider. Next, configure Prometheus by adding a scrape job in the `prometheus.yml` file that points to the Traefik metrics endpoint. Once both are configured, Prometheus will begin collecting and storing Traefik's metrics for analysis and visualization. **What key metrics should I monitor in Traefik using Prometheus?** Key metrics to monitor in Traefik using Prometheus include `traefik_entrypoint_requests_total` (total number of requests received by entry points), `traefik_backend_request_duration_seconds` (response time of backend services), and `traefik_backend_requests_total` (total number of requests forwarded to backend services). Monitoring these metrics helps you assess the performance and reliability of your reverse proxy setup. **How can I visualize Traefik metrics collected by Prometheus?** You can visualize Traefik metrics collected by Prometheus using Grafana, a popular open-source visualization tool. By connecting Grafana to your Prometheus instance, you can create custom dashboards that display Traefik's metrics in real-time. Pre-built Grafana dashboards for Traefik are also available, allowing you to quickly set up comprehensive monitoring views without needing to build them from scratch. **What are the benefits of monitoring Traefik with Prometheus?** Monitoring Traefik with Prometheus offers several benefits, including real-time visibility into the performance of your reverse proxy, early detection of potential issues, and the ability to optimize traffic routing and load balancing. This monitoring setup also helps in ensuring high availability and reliability of your microservices, making it easier to maintain a stable and performant infrastructure. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How to monitor Docker for Mac/Windows URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-monitor-docker-for-mac-windows/ Last updated: 2024-08-13T19:22:12.000Z Monitoring is now baked into Docker for Mac/Windows by default. How cool is that? > We no longer need to guess about the performance of our development machines or test environments. Some may ask the million-dollar question of why we would want to monitor our local installation. Well, for starters, I am sort of monitoring mad and [monitoring everything](https://brianchristner.io/how-to-setup-prometheus-docker-monitoring/). Second, in order to truly understand your environment, we need to dissect what is running and how it's running. Finally, it is good practice to understand your environment and whether it is impacting the performance of your workload. ### Monitoring the Docker for Mac/Windows Daemon Let's get started by configuring your installation. The following screenshots are from a Mac, but the steps should work the same for Windows. We will now enable [Daemon metrics](https://docs.docker.com/engine/reference/commandline/dockerd/?ref=brianchristner.io#daemon-metrics) on our Docker for Mac/Windows formatted for [Prometheus](https://prometheus.io/?ref=brianchristner.io) 1. Open Docker for Mac/Windows Preferences menu ![Docker Preferences](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2017/07/docker-preferences.png) 2\. Navigate to the `Daemon` menu and click `Advanced`code box ![Docker Daemon](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2017/07/docker-daemon.png) 3\. Inside the code box, we will add a line to enable the metrics. Add the following line of code below the \`debug\` statement: `metrics-addr" : "0.0.0.0:9323",` Click `Apply & Restart` and wait for Docker to come back online. 5\. Test it out. Open a browser tab with the following URL: `http://127.0.0.1:9323/metrics`a ### Monitor with Prometheus Our local Docker for Mac/Windows installation is now creating Prometheus formatted metrics. Next, let's start up a Prometheus stack and consume these newly created metrics. 1. Clone the Prometheus stack locally: `git clone https://github.com/vegasbrianc/prometheus.git .` 2. Edit the `prometheus/prometheus.yml` file. Navigate to the end of the file and find the section name. `static_configs` 3. Edit the target string with the hostname or IP of the machine running Docker for Mac/Windows: `- targets: ['hostname-here:9323']` 4. Save the file and exit 5. Start the Prometheus stack: `docker-compose up -d` ### Configure Grafana 1. In a new browser tab, Open Grafana: `http://0.0.0.0:3000` 2. Login to Grafana: username - `admin` password - `foobar` 3. After logging in,`to add a data source with a green button` you will be prompted with a green button to add a data source. Click `Add Data Source` 4. Input the following information into the Data Source: Name: `Prometheus` Type: `Prometheus` URL: `http://prometheus:9090` Access: Leave the `User`default HTTP Auth: Click `Basic Auth` User: `admin` Password: `foobar` 5. Click on the Grafana Logo in the upper right-hand corner, hover over Dashboards, and select `import` 6. Type the number `1229` in the Grafana.com Dashboard input area, click `Load` Everything should now be populated except for the last field that requires the data source. Click the drop-down and select `prometheus` and click `Import` ![Import Grafana Dashboard](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2017/07/import_dashboard.png) Click `Save & Test` ![Configure Grafana Data Source](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2017/07/grafana_data_source.png) ### Conclusion We have set up the Docker Daemon to log its metrics, configured and launched a Prometheus stack to consume these metrics, and finally imported a [Grafana dashboard](https://grafana.com/dashboards/1229?ref=brianchristner.io) as a starting point. Based on this installation you should now be able to create some interesting graphs and dashboards. Happy monitoring! ### FAQ Section: How to Monitor Docker for Mac and Windows **Why is it important to monitor Docker on Mac and Windows?** Monitoring Docker on Mac and Windows is crucial for ensuring that your containers run efficiently and that system resources are used optimally. By keeping an eye on performance metrics like CPU, memory, and disk usage, you can identify potential issues before they impact your applications. Monitoring helps you maintain the health of your Docker environment and troubleshoot problems more effectively. **What tools can I use to monitor Docker on Mac and Windows?** You can use several tools to monitor Docker on Mac and Windows, including built-in Docker features like Docker Dashboard, which provides a graphical overview of container status and resource usage. Third-party tools like Datadog, Prometheus, and cAdvisor offer more advanced monitoring capabilities, including real-time alerts, detailed metrics, and historical data analysis. These tools help you gain deeper insights into your Docker environment. **How do I set up Docker Dashboard for monitoring on Mac and Windows?** Docker Dashboard is automatically included with Docker Desktop on both Mac and Windows. To access it, simply open Docker Desktop and click on the Dashboard icon. The Dashboard provides an overview of running containers, their resource usage, and any logs or events. Itā€™s a straightforward tool for basic monitoring and managing your containers directly from your desktop. **Can I monitor Docker performance metrics using command-line tools?** Yes, you can monitor Docker performance metrics using command-line tools like `docker stats` and `docker inspect`. The `docker stats` command provides real-time metrics for CPU, memory, network, and disk usage for running containers. `docker inspect` gives detailed information about a specific container, including its configuration and state. These tools are useful for quick checks and integrating with scripts or automation workflows. **What should I do if I notice high resource usage in Docker on Mac or Windows?** If you notice high resource usage in Docker on Mac or Windows, start by identifying the containers consuming the most resources using tools like Docker Dashboard or `docker stats`. You can then optimize your containers by adjusting resource limits, optimizing your Dockerfile, or scaling down unnecessary services. In some cases, upgrading your systemā€™s hardware or adjusting Docker Desktopā€™s resource allocation settings can also help improve performance. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Test Driving Docker Function as a Service (FaaS) URL: https://brianchristner.io/test-driving-docker-function-as-a-service-faas/ Last updated: 2024-09-10T07:08:25.000Z Serverless is no longer just a buzzword for Docker; it is now a reality. Recently, I had the opportunity to test drive the Docker Serverless project, better known as [Docker FaaS](https://github.com/alexellis/faas?ref=brianchristner.io) (Functions as a Service). Fellow Docker Captain [Alex Ellis](https://twitter.com/alexellisuk?ref=brianchristner.io) is the mastermind behind the project. Docker FaaS started back in December '16 and I started following the project with excitement shortly after. Since then it has made its way into the popular tech news site of [Infoworld ](https://www.infoworld.com/article/2257753/open-source-project-uses-docker-for-serverless-computing.html?ref=brianchristner.io)and gathered impressive feedback from [Hacker News](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13920588&ref=brianchristner.io). The Docker FaaS project has reached and then surpassed 1,000 GitHub stars while I was writing this article. Impressive! # What is Serverless / FaaS I detailed the Serverless space back in November '16 in [The Insiders Guide to Docker Serverless](https://brianchristner.io/the-insiders-guide-to-docker-serverless/). Since then the FaaS space has grown substantially from tooling to additional projects. But for a quick definition, [Wikipedia describes FaaS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Function%5Fas%5Fa%5Fservice?ref=brianchristner.io) as: > "FaaS is a category of cloud computing services that provides a platform allowing customers to develop, run, and manage application functionalities without the complexity of building and maintaining the infrastructure typically associated with developing and launching an app" In other words, FaaS makes it dead simple to deploy a highly scalable and cost-efficient application. With just a few lines of code no need to worry about infrastructure or development boilerplates. Making a FaaS simple to use with good integrations is where the magic is. ## Tell me about Docker FaaS So you might ask yourself why I chose Docker FaaS over the other available frameworks. I'm glad you asked. The features that persuaded me were: 1. Integrates directly with Docker Swarm 2. Built-in Prometheus metrics 3. Any container can become a function 4. Autoscaling 5. Ease of use, a one-line script starts everything 6. Can launch new functions directly from UI 7. Integrate with other services via WebHooks like GitHub Docker FaaS has two main components: the API Gateway and Function Watchdog. The API Gateway is responsible for routing external traffic to the functions, collecting metrics for Prometheus, and autoscaling functions via Docker Swarm replicas. FaaS includes a clean UI that allows you to invoke functions and create new functions as needed. The Function Watchdog runs inside each container. The Watchdog marshalls HTTP requests between the public HTTP URL the target function. What's unique about Docker FaaS is that it runs one replica of your function all the time. This enables Docker FaaS to have lightning-fast response times when a function is triggered. Other projects require the trigger of the function to provision a new replica for each trigger. This action consumes precious start time before the function can be executed. When the time to execution matters, ***Docker FaaS is the clear leader.*** ## Docker FaaS Review My first impression of the Docker FaaS is how dead simple it is to launch the entire FaaS stack. Once the stack is up and running, the clean and simple UI will reveal about 10 sample functions installed by default. These functions range from simple word counting to querying the Docker Hub for Repos. ![Docker FaaS UI](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2017/04/Docker-FaaS-UI.png) When you click on a function, the UI opens the function and provides the ability to invoke it directly. It's possible to pass either Text or JSON to the function and click the `Invoke` button, which triggers the function and responds with an output. Creating new functions is available at the click of a button. Once you click `Create New Function`. It is easy to define a new function. Alex made an excellent boilerplate image `functions/alpine` , a great starting point for new functions. This image makes it easy to turn any UNIX process into a function. I chose to use `sha256sum` it for my demo. ![Create FaaS Function](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2017/04/Create_FaaS_Function.png) Next, I called the newly created function via the curl command. ``` curl :8080/function/hash -d "hi"; done ``` This passed "hi" to the function, which then returned the hash value as the output. If desired, it is also possible to pass "hi" directly via the UI. It works exactly the same. ### Autoscaling Testing the autoscaling capability was very straightforward. Engaging autoscaling was as easy as passing a loop to the newly created `hash` function. ``` while [ true ] ; do sleep 0.3 && curl :8080/function/hash -d "hi"; done ``` After the loop runs for a minute or two, you will notice the Invocation Count increase in the UI. Eventually, the number of replicas will scale in increments of 5 and then 10\. See the screenshots below of the FaaS UI, the Prometheus graph, and Grafana of how the replicas are scaling with the load. ## Docker FaaS Conclusion From the moment I began testing till now, Alex has improved Autoscaling, UI improvements, and countless other features. I was so impressed with the initial tests that I presented Docker FaaS at two different meetups: Operationalizing Containers and ETH Polymese. Here are the slides from the presentations for [Docker Serverless.](https://www.slideshare.net/BrianChristner/docker-serverless?ref=brianchristner.io) Now, I'm working on how we can integrate this into some development projects and assist Alex with some testing and documentation. A lot of momentum is building around Docker FaaS. I would encourage everyone to head over to the project page [https://github.com/alexellis/faas](https://github.com/alexellis/faas?ref=brianchristner.io) and try it out, contribute, and provide feedback to the FaaS. ### FAQ Section: Test Driving Docker Function as a Service (FaaS) **What is Docker Function as a Service (FaaS), and how does it work?** Docker Function as a Service (FaaS) is a serverless computing model that allows you to run functions in response to events without managing the underlying infrastructure. In Docker FaaS, functions are packaged in containers, which are executed on demand. This model combines the flexibility of Docker with the scalability of serverless architecture, enabling you to deploy and manage functions efficiently. **How does Docker FaaS differ from traditional serverless platforms?** Docker FaaS differs from traditional serverless platforms by offering more control over the environment in which functions run. While traditional platforms like AWS Lambda use predefined runtimes, Docker FaaS allows you to define your runtime environment within a Docker container. This flexibility lets you use any programming language, libraries, or dependencies that you can package in a container, making it easier to port functions across different environments. **What are the benefits of using Docker for FaaS?** Using Docker for FaaS offers several benefits, including greater control over the runtime environment, portability across different cloud providers or on-premises systems, and the ability to easily test and debug functions locally. Docker also allows you to maintain consistency between development and production environments, reducing the risk of deployment issues. Additionally, Docker FaaS can be more cost-effective by only running functions when needed. **How can I get started with Docker FaaS?** To get started with Docker FaaS, you can use frameworks like OpenFaaS or Fn Project, which enable you to deploy serverless functions in Docker containers. First, install the chosen framework on your system, then create a function and package it in a Docker container. Deploy the function using the frameworkā€™s tools, and trigger it using HTTP requests, events, or schedules. Testing locally with Docker Compose before deploying to production helps ensure everything works as expected. **What are some use cases for Docker FaaS?** Docker FaaS can be used in a variety of scenarios, including building microservices, processing data streams, automating tasks, and running event-driven applications. Itā€™s particularly useful for workloads that require flexibility in the runtime environment or need to be portable across different platforms. Docker FaaS also suits environments where you want to minimize infrastructure management while still maintaining control over how functions are packaged and executed. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Monitor your GitHub Repos with Docker and Prometheus URL: https://brianchristner.io/monitor-your-github-repos-with-docker/ Last updated: 2024-08-13T19:03:05.000Z GitHub is full of great code, information, and interesting statistics. GitHub repositories are full of statistics that make perfect candidates to graph with Grafana. > , which produces Prometheus contains an impressive list of [Exporters](https://prometheus.io/docs/instrumenting/exporters/?ref=brianchristner.io). These Exporters range from APIs to IoT. They can also integrate with Prometheus and Grafana, which produce beautiful graphs. # Docker, Prometheus, and Grafana My base setup for anything monitoring-related is the Docker, Prometheus, and Grafana stack. This is the baseline I work from and add components like Exporters. I have created the [GitHub-Monitoring Repo](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/github-monitoring?ref=brianchristner.io) from the previous [Docker Monitoring article](https://brianchristner.io/how-to-setup-docker-monitoring/). This contains a Docker compose file which makes this stack simplified and easy to start. ## Getting Started **Prerequisite*: ensure you have a Docker host running the latest versions of the Docker engine and compose.*** If you are running Docker for Mac/Windows, you are already set. Next, clone the [GitHub-Monitoring](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/github-monitoring?ref=brianchristner.io) project to your Docker machine. We can start configuring the project based on your requirements. If you need to track additional Exporters or targets, then edit the [Prometheus Targets](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/github-monitoring/blob/master/prometheus/prometheus.yml?ref=brianchristner.io) section located in the static configs section at the end of the file. The Exporter uses the name metrics with port 9171. ``` static_configs: - targets: ['node exporter:9100','localhost:9090', 'metrics:9171'] ``` ## Configuration Create a GitHub token for this project. This will prevent us from hitting GitHub's API limits for non-authenticated traffic. Navigate to [Create GitHub Token](https://github.com/settings/personal-access-tokens/new?ref=brianchristner.io) where we will create a token for this project. - Provide the token with a description. - Select scopes: our project only requires the `repo` permissions. - Click the generate token button. - Copy the token ID and store it in a safe place. This is the equivalent of a password, so don't store it in a public place. ![GitHub Token](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2017/02/github_token.png) Edit the [docker-compose.yml](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/github-monitoring/blob/master/docker-compose.yml?ref=brianchristner.io) file with your favorite editor. Scroll to the end of the file where you will find the `metrics`service section. First, replace `GITHUB_TOKEN= `with the token you generated earlier. Next, replace it with the REPOS `, I REPOS`you want to track. In my example, I selected the Docker and freeCodeCamp REPOS as they offer lots of movement and stats. ``` metrics: tty: true stdin_open: true expose: - 9171 image: infinityworks/github-exporter:latest environment: - REPOS=freeCodeCamp/freeCodeCamp,docker/docker - GITHUB_TOKEN= networks: - back-tier ``` Once configurations are complete let's start it up. From the `/github-monitoring `project directory, run the following command: ``` $ docker-compose up ``` That's it. docker-compose builds the entire Grafna and Prometheus stack automagically. The compose file also connects the new GitHub Exporter to our baseline stack. I initially elected to run docker-compose without the `-d` flag flag. This makes it easier to troubleshoot and see logs printed to the terminal. The Grafana Dashboard is now accessible via: `http://:3000` for example [http://localhost:3000](http://localhost:3000/?ref=brianchristner.io) username - admin password - foobar (The password is in the `config.monitoring` env file) ## Post Configuration Now we need to create the Prometheus Datasource to connect Grafana to Prometheus - Click the `Grafana` The menu at the top left corner (looks like a fireball) - Click `Data Sources` - Click the green button `Add Data Source`. !\[Add Grafana Data Source\](/content/images/2017/02/Grafana\_Add\_Data\_Source-1.png) ## Install Dashboard I created a dashboard template that is available on the [GitHub Stats Dashboard](https://grafana.net/dashboards/1559?ref=brianchristner.io). Download the dashboard and select from the Grafana menu -> Dashboards -> Import. This dashboard is a starting point for graphing your GitHub Repos. If you have any changes you would like to see in the Dashboard, let me know so I can update the Grafana site as well. ![GitHub Grafana Dashboard](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2017/02/GitHub_Grafana_Dashboard.png) ## Conclusion Prometheus in combination with Docker is a powerful yet simple to manage. The GitHub Exporter is one of the many amazing Exporters available to Prometheus. The next few articles I will select several more Exporters to show how easy they are to connect and graph data. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Containerize Everything URL: https://brianchristner.io/containerize-everything/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T21:03:10.000Z I discover new software daily via several channels like [Hacker News](https://news.ycombinator.com/?ref=brianchristner.io), [Product Hunt](https://www.producthunt.com/?ref=brianchristner.io), and conversations with experts are some avenues of discovery. My curiosity is to install and test everything. However, this is neither feasible nor manageable for my sleep or time efficiency. Would you install 10 new software packages on your primary computer every week? Likely not. Installing so much software will cause conflicts, complete organizational chaos, and performance issues. Needless to say, your Network Administrator will be jumping through the roof. What if I told you that **you** could accomplish this without headaches? > I propose everyone to start **Containerizing everything**. Software installed into containers provides so much upside. The scales will actually tip in favor of containerizing everything. Former Docker engineer [Jess Frazelle](https://twitter.com/jessfraz?ref=brianchristner.io) compiled a list of applications she containerized. The [Dockerfiles list](https://github.com/jessfraz/dockerfiles?ref=brianchristner.io) was the first of its kind. Jess containerized every application running on her laptop. Applications Chrome, Skype, and Spotify run inside containers. Several lists have popped up since then, but the trend continues to grow. ## Why should we Containerize Everything? Most software today is easy to install and configure. Well...Take that back. Could you ask your parents to install Google's machine learning software [Tensorflow](https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow?ref=brianchristner.io)? Likely not. I know there are exceptions, but not my parents. That is why we should make it easier to run all software regardless of its complexity. Containers remove the burden of installation and configuration, making the software easier to adopt for the masses. #### 5 Benefits of Containerizing Everything - Easier to Run `docker run` - Installation & Configuration is already done - Run Applications only when needed - Isolate Applications - Make software even easier ## If you Build it, They will come ![Build It](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2017/01/Build-it.gif) The next time you install software, check [Docker Hub](http://hub.docker.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) to see if it already exists as a container. > If the software is not available as a container, **Build It**! Recently, I discovered the HTML presentation framework [Webslides](https://www.webslides.tv/?ref=brianchristner.io). Not only am I a fan of anything other than PowerPoint, but this is cool software. Since Webslides is brand new, a container did not exist. I spent 5 minutes creating a container for Webslides. Now it is available for all with a simple docker command: ``` docker run -d -p 8080:80 vegasbrianc/webslides ``` ## Wrap up We have covered the benefits and why everything should be containerized. Now, is time to act. The next time you discover new software that is not available in a container **Build It**. Creating a container will take a few minutes but will pay dividends to potential users of the container. Give and Grow. This is a sustainable way to continue making software easier and accessible for everyone. ### FAQ Section: Containerize Everything **What does "containerize everything" mean, and why is it important?** "Containerize everything" refers to the practice of packaging all applications, services, and dependencies into Docker containers. This approach is important because it standardizes the environment across development, testing, and production, ensuring consistency and reliability. Containerization also simplifies deployment, scaling, and management of applications, making it easier to maintain and update software across different environments. **What are the benefits of containerizing all applications and services?** Containerizing all applications and services offers several benefits, including improved consistency across environments, easier scalability, better resource utilization, and simplified deployment processes. Containers isolate applications from the host system, reducing conflicts between different applications and their dependencies. This leads to more stable and predictable deployments, as well as faster development cycles. **How do I start containerizing existing applications?** To start containerizing existing applications, begin by creating a Dockerfile for each application. This file defines the environment, dependencies, and instructions for building the container image. Once the Dockerfile is ready, you can build the Docker image using the `docker build` command and run it with `docker run`. Testing the container locally before deploying it to production ensures that everything works as expected. **What challenges might I face when containerizing everything, and how can I overcome them?** When containerizing everything, challenges might include handling stateful applications, managing complex dependencies, and dealing with performance overhead. To overcome these challenges, use Docker volumes for persistent storage, implement best practices for multi-stage builds to optimize images, and consider container orchestration tools like Kubernetes to manage and scale complex environments. Proper planning and testing are essential to successfully containerizing all components. **Can every type of application be containerized?** While most applications can be containerized, some legacy or highly specialized applications may require significant modification before they can be effectively containerized. Applications that rely heavily on specific hardware or complex system-level dependencies might pose challenges. However, with the right tools and strategies, even these applications can often be adapted for containerization, allowing for broader adoption of a containerized approach. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### 5 Tips to Blog Smarter, not Harder URL: https://brianchristner.io/5-tips-to-blog-smarter-not-harder/ Last updated: 2024-08-15T14:58:46.000Z I started blogging seriously back in 2007\. My first successful blog was a motorcycle blog that I intended to write primarily about my motorcycle rides and projects. The blog 2WheelTuesday which was recently deleted morphed into something much greater. It actually morphed into a small business. I learned a lot along the way. I managed writers, worked with advertisers, social media, and most importantly wrote almost daily. I celebrated some really big wins and attracted a large following. The amount of content created and being the "first to publish" became more critical than the content itself. That is when I decided to pivot away from motorcycle news and back to one of my passions. By nature, I am far from a gifted writer. But, after writing consistently for the last 10 years I found a few tricks along the way. ## 1\. Use Ghost ![Ghost](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/12/Ghost-Logo.png) One of the most important decisions I made was moving away from WordPress. WordPress is a great platform but has become unfriendly to people wishing to just write. This is why I switched to [Ghost](https://ghost.org/?ref=brianchristner.io). Ghost is an amazing platform for writing. It has an excellent split-screen editor which helps with formatting in real-time. It is not a beast with unnecessary plugins for every little task. It is light, easy and is able to handle lots of concurrent visitors with ease. If you want a hassle-free blogging platform then look no further. Ghost's project founder [John O'Nolan](https://twitter.com/JohnONolan?ref=brianchristner.io) actually was the lead designer for WordPress. John became frustrated with the complexity of WordPress and its turn from Blog to Content Management System. He created a Kickstarter campaign in 2012 for Ghost and a beautiful platform dedicated to writers was born. ## 2\. Create Blog Titles Often we find it hard to stare at a white screen expecting to find inspiration. We sometimes hope inspiration jumps off the screen and grabs a hold of us. Instead, we need to simplify the process of inspiration. The best way to get started is to break down the white screen into smaller tasks. Create 4 Blog titles about different topics and save these blog titles as articles. Once a title is onscreen it becomes easier to build a supporting thought process. Take this opportunity to research and build a thought process for each blog title for at least a day. Set a reminder for 24 hours after you created the titles. This gives you time to research the different titles and form a thought process for each title. Finally, decide which articles resonate with you the most. Narrow down the articles to 1 or 2 finalists. Focus on these last titles and choose which title you can write the best content for. ##### 3 tools to help you create Blog Titles - [Title Maker / Idea Generator](https://www.portent.com/tools/title-maker?ref=brianchristner.io) \- This is an interesting tool that gives some context of why to choose each title. - [Blog Title Generator](https://www.impactbnd.com/blog-title-generator/blogabout?ref=brianchristner.io) \- Also provides some inspiration for titles as well as the possibility to save your creations. - [Title Generator](http://tweakyourbiz.com/tools/title-generator/index.php?ref=brianchristner.io) \- This tool gives by far the most results but doesn't contain much randomness ## 3\. Time to Write It is now time to put your creativity to work. Again we break the writing process down into smaller more manageable tasks. Build the framework of the article by creating several topic headings. The headings help psychologically with reading and writing and with Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Next, focus on creating content and don't stop. Get your thoughts typed out. Aim for at least 2 paragraphs per heading. Don't worry about grammar or spelling as we will handle that later on. ## 4\. Use Images ![Brick in a Washing Machine on a Trampoline](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/12/Washing_Machine_Trampoline_Brick.gif) A large percentage of your website visitors will bounce in less than 15 seconds after they arrive. That is not a lot of time to keep the attention of your visitor. It is important to not only have engaging written content but supporting images as well. Use images that support the surrounding content. It is important to ensure that the images don't interfere with reading the article. For example, squeezing text and bad image positioning can produce difficult to read text. ##### 3 Image Tips - Give the images meaningful names - Create unique images with [Pablo](https://pablo.buffer.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) - Use free High-Resolution pictures from [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) Try to limit the number of pictures to no more than 3 images per blog post. The reason being too many images will slow down the website load time. Page load time can also influence how Google ranks articles in search results. GIF's are also great additions to articles but be sure to test them as load times can sometimes be slow. ## 5\. Editing ![Get Creative](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2018/12/kaitlyn-baker-422999-unsplash-1.jpg) Once you have finished your masterpiece it is time to edit. Postpone editing until you are really finished writing. I rely heavily on two tools to help with making my articles more grammar friendly and readable. ##### 2 Must have Editing Tools - [Grammarly](https://www.grammarly.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) \- This is an amazing free Google Chrome plugin. It checks your grammar, spelling, and general rules as you go - [Hemingway App](http://www.hemingwayapp.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) \- This app helps make your writing more readable. Run through all the editing once with Grammarly. Once you are satisfied with the results copy the content to the Hemingway App and make final adjustments. After completing both Grammarly and Hemingway re-read to ensure everything still flows correctly. ## Wrap Up To properly execute these tips every week setup reoccurring tasks. I use [ToDoist](https://todoist.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) but use what you are comfortable with. Setup the following tasks: ##### Tasks - Monday - Create Blog Topics - Tuesday - Research & article ideas - Wednesday - Publish 1 to 2 articles This is my writing process and it works exceptionally well for me. There is no single solution that works for everyone but adapting some of these tips to your routine can definitely help. *No substitute for actually writing so start writing and don't forget to enjoy.* ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### The Insiders Guide to Docker Serverless URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-insiders-guide-to-docker-serverless/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T20:50:52.000Z The word *Serverless* plants a seed in our minds without us knowing what it actually is. Are you visualizing empty data centers? Does Serverless mean we are abstracting servers from our infrastructure? Of course not. So, what is Serverless, and what benefit does it provide? Before answering the Serverless question, we need to understand what started the Serverless trend. Amazon announced its Lambda service back in November 2014, which ignited the Serverless buzz. [AWS's Lambda](https://aws.amazon.com/lambda/?ref=brianchristner.io)that Serverless has started gaining momentum within the last six months is a Functions as a Service (FaaS) or snippets of code designed to run a specific task. Serverless/FaaS stands out from other solutions because it uses functions. These functions are triggered by a defined event. Once the Function has run, it terminates, waiting for the next event to arrive and start again. Serverless applications run only when requested, unlike traditional VMs/Containers, which always run. Wow! Serverless has enormous potential to reduce cloud computing costs. The Google Trend graph indicates that Serverless has started gaining momentum within the last six months. The Serverless trend is still new and on the upswing of the growth curve. The big players such as Microsoft announced [Azure Functions](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/services/functions/?ref=brianchristner.io) in the summer of 2016\. [GCE Functions](https://cloud.google.com/functions/?ref=brianchristner.io) was recently released in Alpha. The already mature AWS Lambda has jumped ahead in the Serverless race. Open Source alternatives like [IronFunctions](https://github.com/iron-io/functions?ref=brianchristner.io) and [Funker](https://github.com/bfirsh/funker?ref=brianchristner.io) are making incredible advancements. The Open Source projects are trying to abstract the AWS Lambda idea away from vendor lock-in. This will allow us to run FaaS on Docker and any infrastructure we desire. More choices, flexibility, and control. Win/Win. ###### Serverless Google Trend ![Serverless Trend](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/11/serverless_trend.png) ## Docker and Serverless I discovered Serverless through Docker's Ben Firshman. He presented a Serverless Demo at DockerCon 2016\. Ben's demo blew me away, and I scrambled to understand the Serverless concept with a sense of urgency. I tried his demo and started researching Serverless and its concepts. Combining Serverless with Docker is equivalent to discovering fire for the first time. This combination unearths massive potential. Ben Firshman pointed out > "some people suggest that Serverless will replace Docker. That's not entirely accurate as Docker is the perfect platform to build Serverless applications." Now is the time for the fine print disclaimer. Docker and Serverless don't run right out of the box. It requires a bit of elbow grease, coffee, and a framework. The Serverless Resource section contains some frameworks available for Docker and additional documentation. The foundation of these frameworks is Docker and Docker Swarm. *Docker == Serverless,* and that is plain Awesome Sauce! ![Awesome Sauce](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/11/awesome-sause.jpg) ## It Doesn't Fix Everything (Yet) Docker and Serverless are sailing into uncharted waters. Some functionality is just not yet available or mature. For example, the speed at which containers and Functions execute could be a bottleneck. Deploying stacks of containers and Functions is also another consideration. Finally, the operational side, such as logging and monitoring, needs to ramp up to support the Serverless approach and understand this new operating model. None of these points mentioned should be a showstopper. With proper planning and preparation, nothing should catch you off guard. Your particular use case will drive what is feasible and not. ## Serverless Resources I recommend the best Serverless reference on the internet: [Serverless Architectures](https://martinfowler.com/articles/serverless.html?ref=brianchristner.io). The article authors, Martin Fowler and Mike Roberts covered all the aspects of Serverless. This is the best Serverless information on the internet and should be a guide for everyone. Here are some of the Docker Serverless projects and resources currently available. Please note that most of these projects are less than 6 months old. Ensure your coffee machine is operating at 100% as we will need a constant caffeine flow for the next few weeks. **Serverless Resources** - [Serverless Architectures (Martin Fowler & Mike Roberts)](http://martinfowler.com/articles/serverless.html?ref=brianchristner.io) \- The complete Guide to Serverless What, How and everything in between - [Awesome Serverless](https://github.com/JustServerless/awesome-serverless?ref=brianchristner.io) \- Curated list of resources related to the Serverless project **Serverless Projects** - [IronFunctions](https://github.com/iron-io/functions?ref=brianchristner.io) \- The serverless microservices platform powered by Docker - [Docker Lambda](https://github.com/lambci/docker-lambda?ref=brianchristner.io) \- Docker images and test runners that replicate the live AWS Lambda environment - [Docker faas](https://github.com/alexellis/faas?ref=brianchristner.io) \- Docker Functions as a Service provisioned with one command onto a Docker Swarm - [Serverless Docker Voting App](https://github.com/bfirsh/serverless-docker-voting-app?ref=brianchristner.io) \- This is the famous real-time voting app that Bret Fisher demoed in the above video. - [Funker](https://github.com/bfirsh/funker?ref=brianchristner.io) \- Functions as Docker containers by Docker's Bret Fisher - [go-dexec](https://github.com/ahmetalpbalkan/go-dexec?ref=brianchristner.io) \- Go Library to run processes inside Docker containers as if you are running them locally ### FAQ Section: The Insider's Guide to Docker Serverless **What does "Docker serverless" mean, and how does it differ from traditional serverless computing?** "Docker serverless" refers to using Docker containers in a serverless architecture, where the infrastructure automatically scales based on demand without the need for manual management of servers. Unlike traditional serverless computing, which often relies on managed services like AWS Lambda, Docker serverless allows you to package and deploy your serverless functions within Docker containers, giving you more control over the environment and dependencies. **How can Docker and serverless architecture work together?** Docker and serverless architecture can work together by using containers to package and deploy serverless functions. This combination allows you to standardize your environment across different serverless platforms or on-premises infrastructure. Docker enables consistent deployment, version control, and isolation of serverless functions, making it easier to manage complex applications across multiple environments. **What are the benefits of using Docker in a serverless architecture?** Using Docker in a serverless architecture offers several benefits, including greater control over the runtime environment, easier management of dependencies, and the ability to run serverless functions across different cloud providers or on-premises systems. Docker also simplifies the process of testing and debugging serverless functions by allowing you to replicate the production environment locally. **What tools and frameworks support Docker serverless deployments?** Several tools and frameworks support Docker serverless deployments, including the Serverless Framework, OpenFaaS, and AWS Lambda with custom runtimes. These tools allow you to package your serverless functions in Docker containers and deploy them to various platforms, enabling you to leverage the benefits of serverless computing while maintaining the flexibility and control offered by Docker. **How do I get started with Docker serverless?** To get started with Docker serverless, first choose a tool or framework that supports Docker-based serverless deployments, such as the Serverless Framework or OpenFaaS. Then, create your serverless function, package it in a Docker container, and deploy it using the chosen tool. You can use Docker Compose for local testing and debugging, and once everything is working correctly, deploy your function to the desired cloud provider or serverless platform. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### It's a Docker Pull Frenzy URL: https://brianchristner.io/its-a-docker-pull-frenzy/ Last updated: 2024-09-10T07:01:30.000Z This is a follow-up article on the metrics gathered after creating the article [Track Docker Hub Metrics](https://brianchristner.io/how-to-track-docker-hub-metrics/) and the attention that this gained. I was completely floored when I witnessed the growth rate and the number of pulls actually occurring on the different repositories per hour/day. Let's take a look at what's going on. What is a Docker Pull? I'm glad you asked. A Docker Pull is essentially a download of an image from the Docker Hub. When a `docker run` command is run for an image for the first time, the `run` command "pulls" the image to your Docker host for you to use. ## Docker Hub Stats ![Docker Hub Stats](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/11/Docker_Pulls-1.png) - Ubuntu has 129.4 Million pulls and 293 pulls per hour - Alpine has 47.4 Million pulls at 210 pulls per hour - cAdvisor has 307 Million pulls at 431 pulls per hour Wait, what are you telling us? OK, my screenshot depicts about three weeks worth of data. Obviously, this is only a snapshot of what is really happening, but you get the idea. I chose three different images so I wouldn't get blacklisted by Docker Hub for tracking too many at once. The pulls per hour for the different images vary quite significantly throughout the day, but it is interesting to track nonetheless. Ubuntu has existed since the beginning. Judging from the graphs, it is no slouch either, with an impressive 129.4 Million Pulls and growing daily. Alpine is the new kid on the block as far as OSs go, so it is understandable that it has fewer pulls than Ubuntu. However, Alpine's growth rate looks to be quite impressive, and over the long term, it should catch Ubuntu. Notice the almost vertical growth after the first few days of monitoring. cAdvisor is a monitoring tool developed by Google, and I've tracked its growth since very early on. So yes, I'm monitoring the monitor, so to say. I was absolutely shocked to see 307 million pulls, which are more than Ubuntu and Alpine combined. *Wow!* ## Why so many cAdvisor Pulls? I reached out to the cAdvisor maintainers, and they were not able to shed some light on these numbers. They did point out that cAdvisor was built directly into Kubernetes about one year ago, which doesn't require pulls. However, the Google team was very happy to hear that cAdvisor was getting so much Docker Pull love. The API metrics available from Docker Hub are very limited at the moment. It only offers Pulls and Stars metrics for each image. So, your guess is as good as mine as to who or what is driving the growth of these various images. ### FAQ Section: Itā€™s a Docker Pull Frenzy **What is a Docker pull, and why does it matter?** A Docker pull is the command used to download a Docker image from a registry like Docker Hub to your local system. This process is crucial because it allows you to access and use pre-built Docker images for your applications, saving time and effort in setting up your environment. The more frequently an image is pulled, the more popular or essential it is considered. **How can I manage Docker pulls efficiently during high demand?** To manage Docker pulls efficiently during high demand, consider setting up a local Docker registry or caching proxy to reduce the load on external Docker registries. This approach helps speed up pulls by storing commonly used images locally. Additionally, you can automate image updates and manage version control to ensure consistency and minimize unnecessary pulls. **What impact does a Docker pull frenzy have on image maintainers?** For image maintainers, a Docker pull frenzy can be both positive and challenging. On the positive side, it indicates high interest and adoption, potentially leading to greater community support and contributions. However, it can also increase the pressure to quickly address any issues, improve documentation, and ensure that the image remains up-to-date and secure to handle the influx of users. **How can I track the popularity of my Docker images?** You can track the popularity of your Docker images by monitoring metrics like the number of pulls, stars, and feedback from users. Docker Hub provides basic analytics, while more detailed tracking can be achieved using third-party tools or custom scripts that leverage the Docker Hub API. This data helps you understand user engagement and make informed decisions about image updates and improvements. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How to Track Docker Hub Metrics URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-track-docker-hub-metrics/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T20:34:22.000Z I'm quite fascinated with the growth we have witnessed with Docker. We have seen in 3 years Docker achieve over 6 Billion Pulls (Yes, Billion with a B) in September. *Amazing!* A pull is essentially a download of a Docker image (Ubuntu, Redis, nginx, etc) from [Docker Hub](https://hub.docker.com/?ref=brianchristner.io). My curiosity started when I started exploring various images on Docker Hub for a project. I clicked on Explore within Docker Hub, and this is where my curiosity jumped up and grabbed hold of me. Within the Docker Hub Explore tab is where all the Official images are located. Most of these images state they have 10+ Million Pulls. This ladies and gentleman is when I started asking myself " > How many pulls does 10M+ really mean?" The journey begins. ![Docker Pulls](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/10/Docker_Pulls.png) Since I'm a monitoring nerd, I thought this might be a perfect opportunity to repurpose my [Prometheus Monitoring project](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/prometheus?ref=brianchristner.io) to track Docker Pulls. The hunt was to find a container that uses the Docker Hub API to gather metrics from certain reports. I stumbled upon the Prometheus Docker Hub exporter by Infinity Works. This container exposes metrics of image pulls and stars on selected images within Docker Hub. *Brilliant!* ## Configuring Prometheus to Track Docker Pulls Now that we have found an exporter, we need to integrate it into our Prometheus stack. I've created a new [docker-compose file](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/docker-pulls/blob/master/docker-compose.yml?ref=brianchristner.io) that adds the Docker-Hub-Exporter service and connects it to Prometheus. The Docker-Hub-Exporter uses environment variables to determine which images to track on Docker Hub. Change this to the images you are interested in tracking. ``` metrics: image: infinityworks/docker-hub-exporter ports: - 9170:9170 environment: - "IMAGES=google/cadvisor, library/alpine, library/ubuntu" networks: - back-tier ``` Now that our Docker-Hub-Exporter is integrated into our Prometheus stack, we now need to inform Prometheus what to do with the metrics from the new Docker-Hub-Exporter. This is performed by updating the [prometheus.yml](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/docker-pulls/blob/master/prometheus.yml?ref=brianchristner.io) file's static\_configs. This configuration tells Prometheus to retrieve the metrics produced by Docker-Hub-Exporter. For our new target, the hostname is metrics, and the port is 9170. ``` static_configs: - targets: ['node-exporter:9100','localhost:9090', 'metrics:9170'] ``` Start your stack, and you should now be retrieving Docker Hub metrics from the images you selected for your Prometheus stack. ## Graphing Docker Pulls This is where it starts getting interesting. We need to start visualizing the data we are retrieving from our monitoring stack. I created a baseline [Grafana Dashboard](https://grafana.net/dashboards/784?ref=brianchristner.io) that tracks three different images from Docker Hub; Alpine, cAdvisor, and Ubuntu, which I declared in the prometheus.yml. This is a good starting point for tracking your images. I didn't include Repository Stars as it was irrelevant for my testing. ![Docker Hub Stats](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/10/Docker_Hub_Stats-1.png) ## Conclusion I started this project out of interest to see how quickly images were being pulled and to understand the integration of 3rd party Prometheus Exporters. I learned a lot, and hopefully, you can use it to watch your Docker image pulls skyrocket. The information I gathered during this experiment shocked me so much that I will write a follow-up blog to explain it further. ### FAQ Section: How to Track Docker Hub Metrics **What are Docker Hub metrics, and why should I track them?** Docker Hub metrics provide insights into the usage and performance of your Docker images, including the number of pulls, stars, and automated build statuses. Tracking these metrics is important because it helps you understand the popularity of your images, identify trends in usage, and ensure that your images are functioning correctly and meeting user needs. **How can I track Docker Hub metrics?** You can track Docker Hub metrics by using tools like Docker Hubā€™s built-in analytics, third-party monitoring tools, or custom scripts that access Docker Hubā€™s API. These methods allow you to gather data on image pulls, stars, and other important metrics, which you can then analyze to understand your imageā€™s performance and popularity over time. **What tools are available for monitoring Docker Hub metrics?** Several tools are available for monitoring Docker Hub metrics, including Docker Hubā€™s native analytics dashboard, third-party services like Datadog and Prometheus, and custom scripts that leverage the Docker Hub API. These tools provide different levels of detail and customization, allowing you to choose the best fit for your needs. **Can I automate the tracking of Docker Hub metrics?** Yes, you can automate the tracking of Docker Hub metrics by setting up automated scripts or using monitoring tools that regularly poll the Docker Hub API for metrics data. This automation can help you maintain a continuous understanding of your image's performance without requiring manual checks, enabling timely responses to any issues or changes in usage patterns. **What can I learn from analyzing Docker Hub metrics?** Analyzing Docker Hub metrics can provide valuable insights into the popularity of your Docker images, user engagement, and the effectiveness of updates or changes. By tracking trends in image pulls, stars, and build success rates, you can identify which images are most successful, detect potential issues early, and make data-driven decisions to improve your Docker offerings. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### No More Ugly Upgrades URL: https://brianchristner.io/no-more-ugly-upgrades/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T20:22:14.000Z Gone are the days I used to sit in front of a green screen, sweating with fear as a cursor blinked. The upgrade command seemed to wrap several times around the screen with so many flags, switches, and built-in hacks that we used to play rock-paper-scissors to see who would hit the enter key and be ultimately responsible for the upgrade. Another automation hack is we would place a book on the spacebar to prevent the upgrade from going idle during the upgrade all while sleeping on server room floors. The book was our CI/CD and monitoring tool! Today, working with Docker and containers makes upgrades light years easier with a whole slew of additional options. Upgrading OS versions, Application versions, or everything as a big bang if wanted is easier than ever. Do you want to upgrade with no downtime using Blue/Green deployments, or how about rolling updates to upgrade? This is all possible. The most challenging part of upgrading today is deciding what and how to upgrade. This blog is powered by [Ghost](https://ghost.org/?ref=brianchristner.io) which has an [official image on Docker Hub](https://hub.docker.com/%5F/ghost/?ref=brianchristner.io). The Ghost team seems to be increasing the speed at which new features and releases become available. With the power of Docker Compose, upgrading to the next version is a matter of seconds, not minutes or hours. When a new version of Ghost is released, I quickly devour the release notes and understand everything about the upgrade, features, and bug fixes. Next, I backed up my entire server with the [AWS S3 CLI tool](https://aws.amazon.com/cli/?ref=brianchristner.io). The AWS CLI tool backups my Docker environment, container configs, and data just to ensure everything is current and it works well (This runs daily as a cron as well). Finally, I pulled the latest version of Ghost and restarted my container. Done! Yeah, that's it. My upgrade procedure is to pull, restart, and go get another coffee. ## Ghost Configuration Before we can run off and start upgrading things, it's important to understand what is running in my Ghost environment. This blog setup includes a `docker-compose.yml` file, which makes this entire process a lot easier. The compose file includes pulling the image directly from Docker Hub instead of building it ourselves. Also, I store the data (DB, themes & images) in a data container which allows me to separate Ghost from the Application container. This allows Ghost to be upgraded and still persist data. Important if you want to keep your data. Ghost docker-compose.yml file: ``` ghost: image: ghost environment: - VIRTUAL_HOST=brianchristner.io - NODE_ENV=production - PUBLIC_URL=https://www.brianchristner.io - GHOST_CONTENT=/usr/src/ghost/content - GHOST_SOURCE=/usr/src/ghost volumes_from: - data-store ports: - "80:2368" restart: always ``` ![Ghost Configuration](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/09/Ghost_Config.jpg) ## Upgrading Ghost So, how does a standard Docker update look like in practice? We will use the Ghost compose file from above as our upgrade example. All these commands are run from the Ghost project directory. 1. Run docker-compose ps. This tells us the current scenario and ensures everything looks correct before we begin. `$ docker-compose ps` 2. Pull the latest image from Docker Hub. The pull downloads the latest version and stores it locally on your Docker Host. Don't worry; the old version is still available if you need to roll it back. `$ docker-compose pull` 3. Restart the container. `$ docker-compose restart ghost` 4. Grab a coffee and marvel at your achievement. ![Ghost Upgrade](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/09/Ghost_Upgrade.jpg) ## Conclusion The Ghost upgrade example above is one of the many container upgrade possibilities. My blog is not mission-critical, so downtime is entirely acceptable. The downtime in my upgrade is minimal and offline only for the time it takes to restart the container. However, if you require no downtime deployments, [Blue/Green deployments](http://martinfowler.com/bliki/BlueGreenDeployment.html?ref=brianchristner.io). It creates two separate installations of your Docker stack allowing for rolling upgrades. This enables the upgrade of each instance of your service, allowing multiple versions to run simultaneously until the upgrade is complete. Don't forget that if the upgrade fails, it is just as easy to roll back to previous versions. Whatever upgrade method you choose will have pros and cons for your environment. However, these upgrade options are what make Docker and containers so amazing. The ability to pick and choose our path rather than being forced down a monolithic upgrade path is what helps me sleep at night (I'm no longer on server room floors). ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Updated: Docker Monitoring Prometheus + Grafana URL: https://brianchristner.io/updated-docker-monitoring-prometheus-grafana/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T20:16:22.000Z It's been almost a year since I started the initial [Docker Monitoring project](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/docker-monitoring?ref=brianchristner.io). Shortly after the project spun into a [Docker Prometheus stack](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/prometheus?ref=brianchristner.io) when I discovered the cAdvisor integration. A year is a long time in Open-Source Software projects. I like to think that Open Source projects are measured in dog years, as one year seems like much longer when looking back on all the versions. Reflecting back on my first commitment to the project, a lot has changed and improved with Prometheus, cAdvisor, and Grafana. All of them have added new features and integrations and look better. Updating the Prometheus stack has been on my to-do list for quite some time. I've updated the project a couple of times just to keep it working with the latest docker-compose versions and then migrated to compose version 2 format. And then... I was lucky enough to receive a Pull Request from [Philicious](https://github.com/philicious?ref=brianchristner.io) last week, which kicked off the project update and forced me to complete it. He did an amazing job refactoring the project. ## What's New The new stack comprises [Prometheus](https://prometheus.io/?ref=brianchristner.io), [Grafana](http://grafana.org/?ref=brianchristner.io), [cAdvisor](https://github.com/google/cadvisor?ref=brianchristner.io) and [Node\_Exporter](https://github.com/prometheus/node%5Fexporter?ref=brianchristner.io) - Moved away from the Prometheus PromDash Dashboard and instead integrated the far better Grafana - Added an environment file to set Usernames and Passwords for Grafana. It can also be adapted for further variables for Grafana. - We no longer build images locally and pull everything from Docker Hub - Added Node\_Exporter to gather machine(host) metrics - Created internal and external network connections between containers. ## Grafana Switching to Grafana was a logical move. Grafana has advanced considerably in the last year, and graphing has become much easier, and the integration with Prometheus is seamless. [@Philicious](https://twitter.com/philiciousPhil?ref=brianchristner.io) and I both created Dashboards for the project. I forked my Dashboard from the Grafana Kubernetes project and adjusted the queries to match up with cAdvisor. [Docker Dashboard](https://grafana.net/dashboards/179?ref=brianchristner.io) ![Docker Monitoring Dashboard](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/07/Docker_Monitoring_Dashboard-1.png) @Philicious created a great dashboard for the project, which provides a lot of great metrics and graphs [https://grafana.net/dashboards/193](https://grafana.net/dashboards/193?ref=brianchristner.io) ![Philicious Docker Dashboard](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/07/Philicious_Dashboard.png) Please try both dashboards and provide suggestions or both dashboards are also available on Github. ## Get Started To get started, all that is required is a Docker Host or Docker for Mac/Windows with the latest version of Docker installed along with Docker-Compose. Head over to [https://github.com/vegasbrianc/prometheus](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/prometheus?ref=brianchristner.io) and get started monitoring. Please provide any suggestions or open issues if you spot anything out of place. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Setting up a Mail Forwarder in Docker URL: https://brianchristner.io/setting-up-a-mail-forwarder-in-docker/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T20:10:50.000Z I started my newsletter, Five for Friday, at the request of a couple of readers to keep people updated on hot topics related to Docker and general interesting tech news. I set up my newsletter with Gmail and MailChimp, which worked great for some time. I sent my first few newsletters and was blown away by the engagement analytics of people opening the emails and clicking on the various links. These newsletters are strictly intended to be sent once per week with no spam links or anything to buy. This should have appeased the spam gods, in my mind. But the spam gods became angry around newsletter #8. I slowly noticed a decrease in the number of newsletter openings with no clear indication. I received no complaints, and no one was unsubscribing. Then, a pattern of huge peaks and valleys emerged in my analytics. What was causing these big peaks and sudden drop-offs? ![MailChimp Analytics](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/07/MailChimp_Newsletter.png) ## The Problem I set up test accounts on various providers and found that Gmail was marking my newsletter as spam. I was gutted and unsure how to move forward. I was using my daily Gmail account to send the newsletter, which is by no means a spam account. I could send normal mail, and it would go through just fine, while a Newsletter was flagged as spam to the same recipient. Hmm, it's time to do some research. My research revealed that sending newsletters with Gmail was not recommended, and actually, Mail Chimp sent me a notice shortly after indicating I should send newsletters with a non-Gmail address. What to do? ## Docker Solution It became clear that I needed to set up a mail server to get around this pesky problem. However, the last thing I wanted to do was manage a mail server or pay for a mailbox, so of course, I looked to Docker to save the day. After testing a ton of different mail projects I finally discovered [Simple Mail Forwarder (SMF)](https://hub.docker.com/r/zixia/simple-mail-forwarder/?ref=brianchristner.io) by [Zixia](https://github.com/zixia?ref=brianchristner.io). This image is based on Alpine which is already a positive. It is super tiny and, as the name suggests, easy to use. The SMF is quite straightforward. Simply create email addresses for your domain, provide an address to which you would like the emails forwarded, and pass this information to the container via environment variables. Now, you can send emails with the newly created email addresses, and all replies to these emails will be forwarded to your preferred account. ## Conclusion Rather than spending $5 to $10 per month for a mailbox or mail forwarding service, fire up Docker and create your own forwarder. Docker, in combination with SMF, just saved you about $60 a year. So go have a beer with me. ### FAQ Section: Setting Up a Mail Forwarder in Docker **What is a mail forwarder, and why would I use one in Docker?** A mail forwarder is a service that forwards email from one address to another, often used to consolidate emails from multiple accounts into a single inbox. Using a mail forwarder in Docker allows you to easily manage and deploy the service in a containerized environment, ensuring consistent performance, easy scaling, and simplified management. **How do I set up a mail forwarder in Docker?** To set up a mail forwarder in Docker, you typically start by pulling a Docker image designed for mail forwarding, such as `mailforwarder/mailforwarder`. You then configure the service by setting environment variables for the source and destination email addresses. This configuration can be done in a `docker-compose.yml` file, which makes deployment and management easier. Finally, you run the container to start the mail forwarding service. **What are the key benefits of running a mail forwarder in Docker?** Running a mail forwarder in Docker provides several benefits, including isolated environments that prevent conflicts with other services, ease of deployment and updates, and the ability to quickly scale or replicate the service. Docker also allows you to keep your mail forwarding setup consistent across different servers and development environments. **Can I customize the mail forwarding rules in Docker?** Yes, you can customize mail forwarding rules in Docker by modifying the configuration files or environment variables of the mail forwarder container. Depending on the mail forwarder software you use, you may be able to set specific conditions for forwarding, such as filtering based on the sender, subject, or content of the emails. **How can I monitor and troubleshoot a Docker-based mail forwarder?** Monitoring and troubleshooting a Docker-based mail forwarder can be done using Dockerā€™s built-in tools like `docker logs` to view the containerā€™s output. You can also integrate monitoring tools like Prometheus or Grafana to keep track of performance metrics. If issues arise, reviewing the container logs and checking your configuration settings are the first steps in diagnosing problems. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How to use Docker 1.12 Built-In Orchestration and Service Creation URL: https://brianchristner.io/docker_1-12_builtin_orchestration/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T20:12:19.000Z I'm still quite a bit bummed about not being able to attend DockerCon this year. However, the news coming from DockerCon makes up for it in so many ways. As a member of the Docker Captains programmed I was fortunate enough to preview 1.12 and am pretty amazed of all the new features baked in. ## What's new in Docker 1.12 - Multi-Host and Multi-Container Orchestration built-in - Docker Service and Node added to Docker Engine - Security is built into Swarm by default - New File format: Distributed Application Bundle (DAB), which makes it easy to distribute multi-service application stacks between hosts. ## Built-In Orchestration Orchestration has become an integral component in the container ecosystem. It so much a key component that Docker has taken the lead and built it directly into the Docker Engine! So what does this mean for our applications? ![Docker 1.12](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/06/docker_1_12.png) Starting with Docker 1.12, we now can deploy and manage applications on a [Docker Swarm](https://docs.docker.com/swarm/?ref=brianchristner.io). If you are using [Docker for Mac](https://docs.docker.com/engine/installation/mac/?ref=brianchristner.io) or [Docker for Windows](https://docs.docker.com/engine/installation/windows/?ref=brianchristner.io) you are lucky enough to already have Docker 1.12 installed by the latest update. Let's install a Swarm locally for testing, shall we? Open your CLI and run: ``` $ docker swarm init --listen-addr 0.0.0.0:2377 ``` The `docker swarm init` will activate your current Docker Node (Localhost) and promote it to become the Swarm Manager. ``` $docker swarm init --listen-addr 0.0.0.0:2377 Swarm initialized: current node (278hteadkjbqbbze4svd07wge) is now a manager. ``` Let's check the status of our Swarm. ``` $docker node ls ID NAME MEMBERSHIP STATUS AVAILABILITY MANAGER STATUS 278hteadkjbqbbze4svd07wge * moby Accepted Ready Active Leader ``` We now have a single node Swarm running on our local machine that quickly. Pat yourself on the back as previously this used to be quite some configuration and typing and now we has been achieved faster than you can finish this sentence. ## Docker Service Docker Service is similar to the Docker Run command. With Docker Service we can now build, distribute, load balance and replicate our service across our Docker Swarm. Since we have a fresh Docker Swarm running waiting for something to do let's use the new docker service functionality and create a service and push it to our Swarm. Let's create a service which Ping's our Localhost. We will create the service with only 1 instance (replicas) and afterwords scale our service. First, create the ping service: ``` $ docker service create --replicas 1 --name ping alpine ping 0.0.0.0 ``` This will now download the image and start the process on your Docker Swarm. Check the status of our Ping job: ``` $ docker service ls ID NAME REPLICAS IMAGE COMMAND 9be0y9gn47o3 ping 1/1 alpine ping 0.0.0.0 ``` Our service is now running and pinging our Localhost. If you want to see your container running you can still run a `$ docker ps` to see the container which runs the service. ### Docker Service Scale Now that our service is running and successfully pinging Localhost let's scale the ping service. The next command will scale our service from 1 to 3 instances of our process and orchestrate them onto our Swarm. Scale the ping service: ``` $ docker service update --replicas 3 ping ``` Let's check to see if the scaling worked. ``` $ docker service ls ID NAME REPLICAS IMAGE COMMAND 9be0y9gn47o3 ping 3/3 alpine ping 0.0.0.0 ``` ## Summary We've now successfully built a local Docker Swarm on our Docker for Mac/Windows machine, created a service, and scaled this service. With these new features built into the Docker machine it is even easier to deploy distributed, scalable apps across a hybrid or global infrastructure. Stay tuned as we provide more news from DockerCon. Also, I will take a deep dive of the Docker Service and how we can really use all the benefits combined with Docker Swarm. ``` As a member of the Docker Captains program, I was fortunate enough to preview 1.12 and am pretty amazed at all the new features baked in. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Docker + Backup = Dockup URL: https://brianchristner.io/docker-backup-dockup/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T20:04:39.000Z Yesterday, a colleague called me out after he discovered I was backing up my Docker environments to Amazon S3 with some bash scripts and a crontab entry. This is a working solution, but he asked ever so politely why I was not running this in a Docker container. As I buried my head in shame, I decided to get cracking and move my backups into a container. He informed me that he started his Docker project recently and was using [Tutum's Dockup](https://github.com/tutumcloud/dockup?ref=brianchristner.io) Docker + Backup = Dockup to perform Docker volume backups. I researched Dockup and dug through the code and decided it was a good match for my projects. Dockup backups up your Docker Container volumes and is really easy to configure and get running. Configuring Dockup is straightforward and all the settings are stored in a configuration file `env.txt`. Here we define what volumes from what containers to backup and to which Amazon S3 bucket to store the backup. ***env.txt:*** ``` AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID= AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY= AWS_DEFAULT_REGION=us-east-1 BACKUP_NAME=mysql PATHS_TO_BACKUP=/etc/mysql /var/lib/mysql S3_BUCKET_NAME=docker-backups.example.com RESTORE=false ``` I initially ran Dockup on this blog, and it created a Tar file in my Amazon S3 bucket and exited as the docker run command is set to cleanup. After some investigating, it turns out that Dockup already supports Cron jobs but was not documented, so in true Open-Source spirit, I created a [Pull Request](https://github.com/tutumcloud/dockup/pull/25/files?ref=brianchristner.io) on the Dockerup project and added instructions on how to run and use the CRON\_TIME variable. ## S3 Backup Retention Time If you are running this as a cron job, Dockup will back up your data to S3 until the cows come home or your credit card refuses, whichever comes first. To prevent this, I set up a retention time inside S3 to ensure backups older than N days old will be automatically purged by S3\. Inside your S3 bucket properties, navigate to Lifecycle and create a rule to remove objects after a certain amount of time. I've selected 120 days in my example. ![S3 Backup Retention](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/06/S3_Backup_Retention.png) ## Next Steps I haven't decided whether to keep the cron job running in the container or remove it and create a cronjob on my Docker Host that launches the container at backup time. Either way, it is only a small detail. Next, I will try to incorporate all my docker-compose files into the backup strategy to ensure all my configurations are backed up as well. ### FAQ Section: Docker Backup with Dockup **What is Dockup, and how does it work with Docker for backups?** Dockup is an open-source tool designed to automate the backup and restoration of Docker containers and their data. It works by creating scheduled backups of container volumes and databases, storing them in cloud services like Amazon S3 or Google Cloud Storage. Dockup can be easily integrated into your Docker environment, ensuring that your data is securely backed up and recoverable in case of failure. **How can I set up Dockup to back up my Docker containers?** To set up Dockup, you first need to add Dockup as a service in your `docker-compose.yml` file. Configure the environment variables within the file to specify backup schedules, storage destinations, and the volumes or databases you want to back up. Once set up, Dockup will automatically handle the backup process according to your specified configuration. **What types of data can Dockup back up?** Dockup can back up a variety of data types, including Docker volumes, databases like MySQL and PostgreSQL, and application data stored within containers. By specifying the relevant volumes or databases in the `docker-compose.yml` file, Dockup ensures that all critical data associated with your Docker containers is backed up. **How do I restore data from a Dockup backup?** Restoring data from a Dockup backup is straightforward. You can run Dockup in restore mode by setting the appropriate environment variables in your `docker-compose.yml` file or using command-line options. Dockup will retrieve the specified backup from your cloud storage and restore the data to the target container, allowing you to quickly recover from data loss. **What are the benefits of using Dockup for Docker backups?** Dockup offers several benefits, including automated and scheduled backups, integration with popular cloud storage services, and ease of use with Docker Compose. It simplifies the backup process, ensuring that your Docker environments are protected without requiring extensive manual intervention. Additionally, Dockup's open-source nature allows for customization to meet specific backup needs. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Great Day to Be Alive URL: https://brianchristner.io/great-day-to-be-alive/ Last updated: 2022-01-09T20:10:20.000Z Playing American Football growing up I had a coach which was a bit looney. Actually, all of my coaches were a bit crazy but this one was king of the crazies. Before the start of every practice he would yell at the top of his lungs "It's a Great Day to Be Alive in Phoenix, Arizona". He did this regardless of the near surface of the sun like summer temperatures Arizona produce while the entire team would moan in dismay. He would enthusiastically bounce around practice smacking our helmets like he just injected pure caffeine directly into his veins. Unlike the 20 something teenagers on the team which were dreading the next running exercise or drill. That is until our coach said let's wrap it up for today which gave us instantly a spring in our step. At the end of every practice our coach would bark wisdom at us which at the time went over all of our teenage heads. We would be given homework like learning the definition of adversity or triumphant. The next day if he asked what the definition was and you couldn't answer. Off you went running around the field until you collapsed. The slogan "It's a Great Day to Be Alive" stuck with me for all these years. I would repeat the phrase in my head quite often regardless the situation or where I was. If I was waking up in an exotic destination, a dreary locale or just another day at the office I'm always grateful for to view the world from my perspective. Every morning of every day is more precious than the last. Sometimes taking a second to appreciate where you are standing in this crazy world should remind you It's a Great Day to Be Alive! ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Docker Cleanup Scripts Comparison URL: https://brianchristner.io/docker-cleanup-script-comparison/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T20:06:26.000Z If you've used Docker for any time, you most likely have left a trail of unused (dangling) Docker images and containers in your dust. Abandoned images and containers are not necessarily a bad thing but starts becoming more of a housekeeping/administrative tasks to purge items which are not in use. > **Before we get started, I have to throw a disclaimer as these scripts will delete images and containers and possibly running containers.** Be sure to test these scripts before running in production and that your Docker installation meets their requirements I cherry-picked GitHub for the scripts with the most GitHub Stars. Since we are deleting things, I want a vote of confidence from the community. I selected scripts with a high number of stars. It is also important to point out that I highlighted which scripts contain a dry run option because we want to make sure we have the right flags set before nuking your containers. ## Docker Cleanup Scripts [Spotify Docker Garbage Collection (1,320 GitHub Stars)](https://github.com/spotify/docker-gc?ref=brianchristner.io) \- The Spotify team released this utility a little over 2 years ago. It is a production, tried, and tested script many Docker users use. A unique feature of this script is you can run it either as a container or as a cron job on the Docker Host. *The script*. *has a Dry Run Option.* [Docker-Clean (204 GitHub Stars)](https://github.com/zzrotdesign/docker-clean?ref=brianchristner.io) \- This script actually made it to the front page of HN not so long ago which is quite impressive alone. I sent a feature request to add network cleanup option and it was implemented before I could finish my coffee. This is a great all-rounder script! *The script has a Dry Run Option.* [Tutum Cloud Cleanup (70 GitHub Stars)](https://github.com/tutumcloud/cleanup?ref=brianchristner.io) \- This is a very basic script which only removes images. It has three options: Time between cleans, how long to wait before a image is marked stale, and exclusion list. No Dry Run Flag is available [Docker Cleanup Volumes (817 GitHub Stars)](https://github.com/chadoe/docker-cleanup-volumes?ref=brianchristner.io) \- Does exactly as advertised and handles volumes only. This tool will nuke any orphaned volume still dangling around. *The script*. *has a Dry Run Option* [Docker-Cleanup (160 GitHub Stars)](https://github.com/meltwater/docker-cleanup?ref=brianchristner.io) \- This script combines Tutum Cleanup and Docker Cleanup volumes scripts. The script uses Environment variables instead of flags which is handy to change settings since this runs in a container. *Script has a Dry Run Option* # Conclusion I used the Spotify Garbage collection script for a while before finding the docker-clean script. The Docker-Clean script checks all the boxes for me. The only thing that you may need is something to manage cleaning volumes which Docker Cleanup Volumes handles. > **But before you try anything, be sure to run these scripts in a test environment with non-production data. You've been warned.** Happy container cleaning. ### FAQ Section: Docker Cleanup Script Comparison **What are Docker cleanup scripts, and why are they necessary?** Docker cleanup scripts are tools designed to remove unused Docker resources like containers, images, volumes, and networks that accumulate over time. These scripts are necessary because Docker environments can become cluttered with leftover resources, consuming disk space and potentially impacting system performance. Regular cleanup helps maintain a tidy and efficient Docker environment. **What are the different types of Docker cleanup scripts?** There are various Docker cleanup scripts, including manual scripts written in Bash or Python, and automated tools like `docker system prune` and community-contributed scripts. These scripts vary in complexity and functionality, with some focusing on specific resources like unused images or stopped containers, while others provide a more comprehensive cleanup by targeting all unused resources. **How does `docker system prune` compare to other cleanup scripts?** The `docker system prune` command is a built-in Docker utility that removes all unused containers, images, networks, and volumes in one go. Itā€™s a convenient and efficient option, but it may not offer the fine-grained control that custom scripts do. Custom scripts can be tailored to specific needs, such as preserving certain images or volumes while removing others, offering more flexibility compared to the one-size-fits-all approach of `docker system prune`. **Can Docker cleanup scripts be automated, and if so, how?** Yes, Docker cleanup scripts can be automated using cron jobs on Linux or scheduled tasks on Windows. By setting up a regular schedule for running these scripts, you can ensure that your Docker environment stays clean and efficient without requiring manual intervention. Automation helps prevent the accumulation of unnecessary resources and keeps your system running smoothly. **What should I be cautious about when using Docker cleanup scripts?** When using Docker cleanup scripts, it's important to be cautious about accidentally deleting important resources, such as active containers, necessary images, or persistent volumes. Always review the script's logic and understand what resources will be affected. Using flags or options that require confirmation before deletion, or backing up important data before running cleanup, can help mitigate the risk of data loss. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Time to Make Something URL: https://brianchristner.io/time-to-make-something/ Last updated: 2022-01-09T20:10:39.000Z I'm going through a internal battle of what project I should start next. I've tried all the tricks of making short lists, pro/con comparisons and just about every other trick available. Time to close all my open apps and just Make Something. Don't fall prey to startup media hype. You don't need a Billion Dollar market to launch a product. It's possible to find niche markets everywhere. The only thing holding you back is you. Don't throw money at big markets and if's. Build products that you or your friends would buy. ![Dumb and Dumber](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/05/Dumb_Dumber.gif) I started listening to [Justin Jackson's Mega Maker Podcast](http://megamaker.co/?ref=brianchristner.io) where he has challenged himself to [Make 100 Things](http://megamaker.co/list?ref=brianchristner.io) in one year. Justin is a very inspirational guy that has a full time job, 4 kids and runs several podcasts and still cranks out successful side businesses like its going out of style. So all this non-sense that you don't have time doesn't cut it. Justin has inspire me to launch my own Make Things list. ## Makers List So here it is: [15 Things Brian Should Make List](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tkRRaBz0tr%5FNfjQtyP3l4utpVgAy5gU-BmMYjtl43-g/edit?ref=brianchristner.io). This is a live list which everyone can comment and edit. Please take a moment and read this list, add a project, or collaborate with me on completing one of the projects. Depending how the projects evolve I may increase the amount of projects to complete by years end to 15++. ## Rules *The Rules for the challenge include a) Do to time constraints the projects have to be developed and shipped within a short amount of time. b) partnerships are allowed c) use ideas and feedback from community* ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Mac OSX Background Image Changer Program URL: https://brianchristner.io/mac-osx-background-image-changer-program/ Last updated: 2024-09-10T07:08:51.000Z I've been going through a phase of life hacking. It started with my [morning routine](https://brianchristner.io/resuscitating-my-morning-routine/). I then turned my focus to my Macbook, where I spend the majority of my time during the day. I asked myself. How can I make my Mac a better place to work? I installed all the essential tools [Docker for Mac](https://brianchristner.io/review-docker-for-mac/), ToDoist, Evernote, Day One (Journal), and [f.lux ](https://justgetflux.com/?ref=brianchristner.io)adapts the color of the display to the time of day. This is where I started running into problems. I wanted an app to update my Mac OSX background image to something refreshing/inspiring at set intervals. I tried multiple apps that were just blah.. I'm sure apps exist that do this well, but I just never found them before I lost my patience. My commute to work is a train ride that lasts about 45 minutes. I hacked this together during this morning's commute, so it still has quite some work to do. [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) API grabs a random picture from Unsplash and changes the Mac OSX background. So please give it a try, and I look forward to any feedback -> [Mac OSX Background Image Changer](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/mac-background?ref=brianchristner.io) ### Next Steps - Create options in the script to pull certain categories of pictures (Nature, cityscape, Animals, etc) - Add metadata to the picture (Photographer, location, maybe camera type?) - Automate the script to run n times per day, week, etc - Integrate into a Mac menu bar app ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Review: Docker for Mac URL: https://brianchristner.io/review-docker-for-mac/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T19:50:45.000Z I received my Docker for Mac Beta invite recently. I saw quite some hype on Twitter about its arrival and was looking forward to giving it a go. Needless to say, I'm impressed I've been a long-time promoter and user of [Docker Toolbox + Kitematic](https://www.docker.com/products/docker-toolbox?ref=brianchristner.io). It is not only really helpful for building Docker containers but has also proven a great tool for running demos. I prefer to use the CLI (Command Line Interface); however, running a demo through a GUI can be a deal breaker for some. ## Installing Docker for Mac Running through the installation process is straightforward. If a previous Docker Toolbox installation is detected, you will be prompted to migrate from Toolbox to the new Docker for Mac, which is painless and quick. What's happening behind the scenes? We are throwing Virtualbox out the window, and it is no longer needed. Docker is now running on an Alpine Linux VM being powered by [xhyve](https://github.com/mist64/xhyve?ref=brianchristner.io) which is a lightweight OSX Virtualization. Say what? Lighter, Faster, Stronger, you get the message! Check out [@tiffanyfayj](https://twitter.com/tiffanyfayj?ref=brianchristner.io) writeup on her [testing of the Docker for Mac Alpha](https://medium.com/@tiffanyfayj/say-hello-to-docker-for-mac-dec4a45b03d3?ref=brianchristner.io#.wo426lsav) for more technical details and VPN usage. ## Unboxing Docker for Mac Docker adds a Menu Bar icon that eventually allows you to launch Kitematic (currently not available), check logs, and change settings. Runtime memory is set to 2GB by default and will later be configurable. ![Docker Menu](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/03/docker-menu.png) Open the Mac terminal and run docker commands directly in the terminal. Your mind will be Blown! Docker Engine and Docker-Compose are both available directly from my Mac console. ![docker cli](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/03/docker-cli.png) But wait, there's more! Docker for Mac includes a DNS server for containers that are integrated directly into Docker networking. Test containers can now be resolved at docker.local in your web browser. ## Testing Docker for Mac Of course, I want to test this with a real-world container and not just a Hello World. I decided to use my [Docker Monitoring project](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/docker-monitoring?ref=brianchristner.io) as the guinea pig. I cloned the project into a local folder on my Mac and then used docker-compose to start it up. ![docker-compose for Mac](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/03/docker-compose-1-1.png) Docker-Compose downloaded the necessary images cAdvisor, InfluxDB and Grafana and started them up in no time at all. Everything worked as advertised. As you see in the screenshot below both cAdvisor and Grafana are resolving via docker.local + their respective ports. No additional configuration necessary to make this work. It just works right out of the box. ![docker-monitoring compose test for Mac](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/03/docker-monitoring.png) ## Conclusion The Docker for Mac tool is an excellent utility that has instantly become part of my go-to items from now on. In the past, I was reluctant to rely on the Docker toolbox due to its dependency on Virtualbox. Now that Docker for Mac runs right in the Mac console, this makes my life a hell of a lot easier. I still have quite some exploring with Docker for Mac as it also supports ARM images such as [Hypriot](https://hub.docker.com/u/hypriot/?page=1&ref=brianchristner.io) or any Raspberry PI images. Also, I will do a deep dive into networking and storage with Docker for Mac. I will investigate these in a follow-up. Be sure to sign-up for the [Docker for Mac or Windows Beta](https://beta.docker.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) and stay tuned. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Docker Tips: Save Time with this Quick Typing Hack URL: https://brianchristner.io/docker-tips-save-time-with-this-quick-typing-hack/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T19:47:09.000Z I discovered this typing hack while attending DockerCon last year, where a Docker engineer performed a demo. I'm a big fan of saving time, especially when it comes to typing, and I was instantly shocked to see this time-saver. I have yet to find this documented somewhere, so it's best to share this knowledge, right? Have you ever had to type or copy a bunch of IDs for either a container or an image? In the Hello World example below, you see the Hexadecimal number **690ed74de00f** in the output of $ docker ps. `hello-world latest 690ed74de00f 4 months ago 960 B` Instead of copying or typing the entire ID number, type only the first two characters. In the example above, just typing **69** and "tab" in a docker command will fetch your results. `$ docker inspect 69` In the event you have two containers or images with the same first 2 characters, if you do, it's best to go buy a lottery ticket right away and type one more character. That's it I just saved you from having to type the extra 10 characters or copying and pasting. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How to Create a Docker Business Case URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-create-a-docker-business-case/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T19:45:01.000Z Like many of you, upper management types constantly ask me to describe Docker. The questions they ask range from "What is Docker?" to "How will Docker benefit my business or team?" and "How much does it cost?" It's easy to jump right into the technical benefits of Docker. However, many times with management, you will quickly notice their eyes gloss over or roll back in their heads and give you that deer in the headlight look as you excitedly describe how to push a container or explain your favorite CI/CD workflows. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/image-1.png) Put on your management hat and backup. Describe Docker from a very high level view. What has worked well is presenting a diagram of the comparison between a VM and a Docker container so your audience can visualize Docker. Next, describe the large community behind Docker and demo Docker Hub. Finally, install a WordPress container or any image you like as a quick demo on a server local in your office. At this point your audience is usually hooked into your conversation. Now, we need to start building our Docker business case on why you need Docker for XYZ. Here's where we transition into a sales role. > Put on your sales hat on as we are now going to discuss how Docker will reduce costs, standardize our infrastructure, and consolidate resources all while reducing time to market on delivering your company's product or service. ### Cost Reduction What drives most management decisions when selecting a new product? Reducing costs yet raising profits, all while staying within budget, is the usual suspect. You may ask how Docker can reduce costs. Docker enables businesses to optimize infrastructure resources, standardize environments, and reduce time to market. Flexibility is also a huge cost-saving tool. Docker enables users to run their containers wherever they please, either in a Cloud or on-premise. You ask how I can save money with flexibility. No more vendor or Cloud lock-ins. Move your containers to any Docker host on any infrastructure from Amazon, Google, or Azure to the server under your desk. ### Standardization Whether a container is running in a Cloud or on a laptop, Docker makes it easy to standardize your environments from Development to Production. Package your application and all its dependencies into a single container, which removes common inconsistencies between Development and Production and allows you to run the same container in any environment. Easily reproduce production or test environments and set up and distribute new environments. This allows for standardized environments which can be easily managed and updated. ### Ressource Consolidation No longer is it required to run a separate VM per application. Now, Docker empowers you to run as many containers as your infrastructure can handle. [During my DockerCon presentation](https://brianchristner.io/dockercon-monitoring-presentation-now-available/)could, I presented an actual use case where we had a Database as a Service where every Database was provisioned inside its own VM. At one point, we had upwards of 200 VMs running 200 Databases. This was not only expensive both from a resource and cost perspective, but it was also extremely inefficient. After moving to Docker, we could consolidate the 200 Databases into 200 Docker containers running on just 20 VMs. This instantly reduced costs, and at the same time, our infrastructure became easier to manage. > **Did I mention this saved us money?** ### Time to Market Time is something we can never get back. However, Docker reduces the amount of time it takes to install an application, scale to meet customer demands or simply start new containers. Every precious second that you can save is also money saved. Now you determine when when your product is available on the market and not your infrastructure. Docker also easily integrates into all the popular Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery pipelines, enabling Development and Testing to deliver seamless updates to production much more efficiently. However, in the event of a problem you can now easily roll back to the previous version as quick as as it was installed intially. Even in failure situations it is easy and quick to rollback. ## Conclusion I've pitched Docker many times from large corporations with huge development teams to single developers and everything in between. What is common between the different pitches is everyone is interested in solving their particular problem. These problems I find are always unique to the person, project, or company. For example, I have X application I need to deploy in a standard environment, or I need a test, dev, and production CI/CD, or improve infrastructure efficiency, etc etc. Be sure to adapt your business case to your audience and do your homework. Docker is not just a tool but a tool belt that helps drive down costs, standardize, consolidate resources, and reduce time to market. ### FAQ Section: How to Create a Docker Business Case **What is a Docker business case, and why is it important?** A Docker business case is a detailed proposal that outlines the benefits, costs, and potential ROI of adopting Docker within an organization. Itā€™s important because it helps decision-makers understand the value Docker can bring, such as improved efficiency, scalability, and reduced costs, thereby justifying the investment in containerization technology. **What key elements should be included in a Docker business case?** A comprehensive Docker business case should include the following key elements: an executive summary, a problem statement, potential Docker solutions, benefits (such as cost savings, improved deployment speed, and scalability), implementation costs, risks and mitigation strategies, and a conclusion that supports the decision to adopt Docker. **How can Docker reduce costs for businesses?** Docker can reduce costs by optimizing resource usage, minimizing server requirements, and improving deployment efficiency. Docker containers use less overhead compared to traditional virtual machines, allowing businesses to run more applications on fewer servers. This leads to savings on hardware, maintenance, and energy costs. **What are the potential risks of adopting Docker, and how can they be mitigated?** Potential risks of adopting Docker include security concerns, complexity in managing containers, and the need for skilled personnel. These risks can be mitigated by implementing robust security practices, using Docker orchestration tools (like Kubernetes) to manage containerized applications, and investing in training for staff to ensure they have the necessary skills. **How do you measure the ROI of Docker adoption?** The ROI of Docker adoption can be measured by comparing the initial and ongoing costs of implementation with the financial benefits realized through increased efficiency, reduced downtime, faster deployment times, and lower infrastructure costs. Tracking metrics like time to market, application performance, and resource utilization before and after Docker implementation can provide a clear picture of its impact. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Docker Tips: How to Delete All Docker Containers and Images URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-delete-all-docker-containers-and-images/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T19:37:12.000Z It's time to start sharing some tips I've found while using Docker. You may be required to clean up your Docker installation at some point. If you have used Docker for any length of time, you will start to notice unused containers and images lying around. Sometimes, this can become a burden on your disk space or just an administrative hassle. Either way, it is a quick and easy fix. > **Before proceeding, please be aware that these commands will nuke every non-running container and image not associated with a running container. You've been warned.** ## Delete all Docker containers that are not running `root@Docker01:~# docker rm $(docker ps -a -q)` ## Delete all Docker Images I've provided two different options for deleting images. To correctly understand the difference between Tagged and UnTagged Images, please take a look at the diagram below. ![Docker Image Tag Diagram](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/02/Docker_image_tag.png) *Source Docker.com* **Option 1** \- Delete all untagged Docker Images. , which also works quite well. I tested it, and it*This was updated based on Matthew Torres's comment below as it is much easier to delete with the filtering flag* Check out Docker's [Filtering Docs](https://docs.docker.com/engine/reference/commandline/images/?ref=brianchristner.io#filtering) for more information. `docker rmi $(docker images -f "dangling=true" -q)` **Option 2** \- Delete all Docker Images `docker rmi $(docker images -q)` ### Updated Options Jan responded on Twitter with the following proposal, which also works quite well. I tested it, and it works well. > [@docker](https://twitter.com/docker?ref=brianchristner.io) [@idomyowntricks](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) use formatting instead of trying to remove all incl. running ones (-qa): docker rm $(docker ps -qf status=exited)ā€” Jan (@KekSfabrik\_EU) [February 23, 2016](https://twitter.com/KekSfabrik%5FEU/status/702028979235123200?ref=brianchristner.io) **Option 3** \- Delete all Docker Containers according to formatting `docker rm $(docker ps -qf status=exited)` ### FAQ Section: How to Delete All Docker Containers and Images **How can I delete all Docker containers at once?** To delete all Docker containers at once, you can use the command `docker rm $(docker ps -a -q)`. This command first lists all container IDs (`docker ps -a -q`) and then removes them (`docker rm`). For containers that are currently running, you must stop them first with `docker stop $(docker ps -q)` before running the removal command. **What is the command to delete all Docker images?** To delete all Docker images, you can use `docker rmi $(docker images -q)`. This command works similarly to deleting containers: it lists all image IDs (`docker images -q`) and then removes them (`docker rmi`). If some images are in use by containers, you need to delete those containers first. **Is it safe to delete all Docker containers and images?** Deleting all Docker containers and images is generally safe if you no longer need them. However, this action is irreversible, so be sure to back up any important data or configurations before proceeding. Once deleted, you'll need to rebuild or pull the images again if you want to use them in the future. **Can I automate the process of cleaning up Docker containers and images?** Yes, you can automate the cleanup process by creating a shell script that runs the necessary Docker commands. Additionally, Docker provides the `docker system prune` command, which can be used to clean up unused containers, images, networks, and volumes. Running `docker system prune -a` will remove all unused images and stopped containers, making it a more comprehensive cleanup option. **What is the difference between `docker rm` and `docker rmi`?** `docker rm` is used to delete Docker containers, while `docker rmi` is used to delete Docker images. Containers are instances of images running as applications, and images are the packaged environments and code used to create containers. It's important to understand the distinction to avoid accidentally deleting important images when you only intend to remove containers. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How my Docker-Powered Website Handled Hacker News URL: https://brianchristner.io/docker-ghost-hacker-news/ Last updated: 2025-09-29T11:31:50.000Z Life tends to sit in the corner, waiting to catch you off guard. Much like my infant son, he waits till I'm out of arms reach to try one of his kamikaze moves, ending 9 times out of 10 in a face plant. However, my Docker-powered Ghost Blog was ready for the challenge. Recently, [My Docker Alpine Post](https://brianchristner.io/docker-is-moving-to-alpine-linux/) went quasi-viral in the tech news universe. A random person submitted the article to [Hacker News](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=11044980&ref=brianchristner.io), and then the story proceeded to the Top 4 on Hacker News and the Top Story of Slashdot and was covered by several Linux publications after the submission. All this kicked off while I was counting containers while sleeping. This website's typical traffic usually is between 200 to 300 visitors a day. On February 6th, when my site hit HN, a free hamburger-type mad rush of visitors showed up, peaking at 30,000 visitors in less than 24 hours. This Blog is running a single [Ghost Docker](https://brianchristner.io/upgrading-ghost-to-0-5-3-with-docker/) container on a Digital Ocean droplet that has 2GB of RAM with 2 CPU's. In front of the Blog is the free [CloudFlare CDN ](https://www.cloudflare.com/?ref=brianchristner.io)services which does a great job of not only [providing free SSL](https://brianchristner.io/how-to-convert-your-website-to-ssl-for-free/) and better performance but also threat mitigation. ### Docker Ghost Blog Performance So, how did this small Blog handle such a rush of visitors? Surprisingly, quite well. I was a bit shocked. Not only did it stay up the entire time, but it also continued serving pages at consistent speeds. ![CloudFlare Statistics for Hacker News](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/02/Screen-Shot-2016-02-10-at-05-41-36.png) CloudFlare Statistics It appears CloudFlare took a major load off my server by serving up cached copies. However, I did notice a large discrepancy between the analytics in CloudFlare and Google Analytics of around 10,000 users. So of course I will use the large number until I figure out who is correct. The load on the actual Digital Ocean droplet was running just above idle as seen in the graph below. The CPU reached a whopping 6% utilization at its peak. ![Digital Ocean CPU Performance](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/02/CPU-Performance.png) Digital Ocean CPU Performance The bandwidth logs were the only accurate indicators of the traffic spike. But even in the grand scheme of things, it was barely a blip on the radar. ![Digital Ocean Bandwidth and Disk Performance](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/02/Bandwidth_Disk.png) Bandwidth and Disk performance The amazing simplicity of this setup proves that it can and will handle traffic spikes. Unlike WordPress, where it is recommended to install X number of plugins to do caching, image optimization, SEO, etc., my previous high-level traffic events on WordPress sites made all my hair fall out. My previous WordPress installations chewed through Memory, and the plugins were a pain to configure and keep updated and always ended in tears. Ghost just runs right out of the box combined with Docker enables a truly flexible and durable solution. ## Lessons Learned If I had known ahead of time that I would receive such a burst of traffic, I would have prepared the following: 1. Newsletter - Someone emailed me, complimented me, and complained to me simultaneously. They informed me that they enjoyed my content but found it hard to subscribe or stay updated on new articles. Hence, I added a Newsletter section in the sidebar and footer and created an initial Newsletter pop-up. But this was only changed on the downside of the spike. Doh! 2. About Page - I started digging through my analytics and found a lot visitors click through to the About Page but abandoned shortly after. I shortened my about page considerably, added my DockerCon Video and added social links and contact info. Afterwards, visitors not only stayed on longer but they transitioned on to other pages. 3. Contact Page - Another page on which I noticed traffic without action. This page used to contain a Google Form for my contact page. I have since deleted it and added my social contacts and a direct email link. This appears to work much better, and my blog's number of emails has increased. Not sure if this is a good thing :) ## Next Steps I still have many articles in the queue that I need to research and write, ranging from Docker Image best practices to why air travel continues to decline and not get better with technology. Also on the ToDo list is the building of a monthly newsletter. The newsletter will cover all the interesting projects I stumble across or am working on, books I'm reading, and some general TIL (Today I Learned) information. If you're interested, sign up here in the sidebar or footer. ### FAQ Section: How Docker and Ghost CMS Survived Front Page of Hacker News **What is Ghost and how does it work with Docker?** Ghost is a popular, open-source blogging platform designed for simplicity and performance. When used with Docker, Ghost can be easily containerized, allowing for streamlined deployment and management. Docker provides a consistent environment for running Ghost, making it easier to scale, backup, and manage your blog. **How can I deploy Ghost with Docker?** To deploy Ghost with Docker, you can use the official Ghost Docker image. Simply create a `docker-compose.yml` file with the necessary configurations for your database and Ghost service. Then, use the `docker-compose up -d` command to start your Ghost instance. This approach allows you to deploy Ghost quickly with all dependencies handled by Docker. **What are the benefits of running Ghost in a Docker container?** Running Ghost in a Docker container offers several benefits, including ease of deployment, consistent environments across different machines, simplified updates, and scalability. Docker containers isolate Ghost from the host system, reducing potential conflicts and making it easier to maintain and scale the blog as your traffic grows. **Can I scale my Ghost blog using Docker?** Yes, you can scale your Ghost blog using Docker by utilizing Docker Compose or a Docker orchestration tool like Docker Swarm or Kubernetes. These tools allow you to run multiple instances of Ghost, distribute traffic, and manage resources effectively, ensuring your blog remains fast and responsive even as traffic increases. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Docker Official Images are Moving to Alpine Linux URL: https://brianchristner.io/docker-is-moving-to-alpine-linux/ Last updated: 2024-09-10T07:09:37.000Z [Alpine Linux](http://www.alpinelinux.org/?ref=brianchristner.io) is near and dear to my heart. I started experimenting with Alpine Linux a while back with several of my projects, then drank the Kool-Aid and became a convert shortly after. For those who don't know, "Alpine Linux is a security-oriented, lightweight Linux distribution based on musl libc and busy box." > The latest version of Alpine Linux, v3.3, weighs in at a whopping 5MB. That's not bad for a full-blown Linux OS, considering 5MB is the same size as the Windows Start button. Here is the actual size of the [Alpine Linux OS ](https://registry.hub.docker.com/%5F/alpine/tags?page=&page%5Fsize=&ordering=&name=latest&ref=brianchristner.io)that is available on the Docker Hub: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/image.png) Alpine Linux OS I stumbled across a very interesting [Hacker News thread](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10998667&ref=brianchristner.io) in which Solomon Hykes not only announced that all Official Docker images will move to Alpine Linux but that [@Nathanel Copa](https://twitter.com/n%5Fcopa?ref=brianchristner.io) the creator of Alpine Linux joined the Docker team. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/02/Screen-Shot-2016-02-05-at-10-00-35.png) HackerNews comment from Nathanel Copa Currently, the Docker official images use Ubuntu. As I've indicated in my previous article "[Docker OS Base Image Comparison](https://brianchristner.io/docker-image-base-os-size-comparison/)" the race to the smallest container is underway. It makes perfect sense from both a performance and security perspectives to switch to Alpine. Just downloading the Ubuntu official image from Docker Hub is 188MB, and it has been downloaded over 40 million times, which equates to over 7,520 TB of data transfer between Docker Hub and users around the world just for this single image. Multiply this by all the official images, and the amount of transfer data is mind-boggling. ### How will Alpine Linux benefit Docker Official Images? 1. Speed in which the image is downloaded, installed, and running on your Docker host 2. Security is improved as the image has a smaller footprint, thus making the attack surface smaller. 3. Faster host migration is especially helpful in HA/DR configurations. 4. Your system admin won't complain as much as you will use less disk space ## Interested in Helping? So, how can we help transition the official images from Ubuntu to Alpine Linux? Solomon indicated in his HN comment that Pull Requests on the [Docker Library](https://github.com/docker-library?ref=brianchristner.io) is the best place to start. What are you waiting for? Make the Docker world a better place and start converting these images now. ### Hacker News Update It appears this story was submitted to Hacker News when I was sleeping, and it is now on the front page! Thanks for all the feedback. ### FAQ Section: Docker is Moving to Alpine Linux **What is Alpine Linux and why is Docker moving to it?** Alpine Linux is a lightweight, security-focused Linux distribution known for its small size and simplicity. Docker is moving to Alpine Linux to take advantage of its minimal footprint, which reduces image sizes and improves security. This shift helps make Docker containers more efficient and faster to deploy. **How does Alpine Linux benefit Docker users?** Alpine Linux benefits Docker users by providing smaller, faster, and more secure container images. The smaller size of Alpine-based images leads to quicker downloads, reduced storage usage, and faster container startup times. Alpineā€™s security-focused design also reduces vulnerabilities, making it a safer choice for containerized applications. **Will there be compatibility issues when switching to Alpine Linux?** While most applications should run smoothly on Alpine Linux, some might encounter compatibility issues due to the minimalistic nature of Alpine. Alpine uses musl libc instead of glibc, which can cause compatibility issues with some precompiled binaries. It's essential to test your applications thoroughly when transitioning to Alpine-based Docker images to identify and address any potential issues. **How can I switch my Docker images to Alpine Linux?** To switch your Docker images to Alpine Linux, you need to update your Dockerfile to use an Alpine base image, typically by replacing `FROM ubuntu` or `FROM debian` with `FROM alpine`. After making this change, rebuild your Docker image. You may need to adjust or install additional packages due to Alpineā€™s minimal nature, so be sure to test your updated Docker image thoroughly. **Is Alpine Linux suitable for production environments?** Alpine Linux is suitable for production environments, particularly for lightweight, secure applications. Its small footprint and emphasis on security make it an ideal choice for production containers. However, ensuring that your application is compatible with Alpine and that you have addressed any dependencies or configurations needed for production use is essential. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Stop Getting Distracted and Get Shit Done URL: https://brianchristner.io/stop-getting-distracted-get-shit-done/ Last updated: 2022-01-09T20:12:09.000Z Itā€™s getting harder and harder to dedicate myself to a single project. With the overwhelming amount of information that is thrown at me daily via Facebook, [Twitter](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io), email, [Hacker News](https://news.ycombinator.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) and just about all cool projects on GitHub. How does one have the dedication and determination not to look and work on other projects when so many interesting ideas and projects are presented to you daily? As is with the big red button. It is so tempting to push the red button just to see what it does. The same is for me when I see an interesting project or have an idea. ## Don't hit the Red Button Did you watch the video and get distracted already? I start most of my projects off with good intentions of creating them from zero to completion. I can honestly say 25% actually reach completion as I am so easily distracted. However, my intentions are good I so easily lose focus on my first goal and wander off to another project or idea without completing the first project. ![Idea Overload](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/01/brain_overload.jpeg)Idea Overload I found that if my project is not internet based I didnā€™t have this issue. I set a goal to build x and I set out to do it. The difference is I visually see x every day until it is complete and my wife usually holds me accountable. What if I can create this accountablilty with my other projects? So I created a simple list to help keep me accountable which increased my completion percentage closer to 90%. These simple things can really be the difference between finishing a project and another half started project # How finish your projects list: 1. Find someone to help keep you accountable on your projects. [levels.io](https://levels.io/?ref=brianchristner.io) created a tool to keep you stay accountable ā€” [https://gofuckingdoit.com](https://gofuckingdoit.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) 2. Use a todo list which you can set reminders and milestones for your project. It is good to break up your work into small sprints or milestones 3. If you come across new ideas put them into a list and prioritize them. For example, [Justin Jackson](http://buildandlaunch.net/?ref=brianchristner.io) created a really inspiring Google Docs list for his [100 things to make in 2016](https://docs.google.com/document/d/16gVonXDjdvlj6yBP-hOmbktugZ3-QkLOw%5FnhRN9xlUs/edit?ref=brianchristner.io). 4. Wake up earlier! I started using the principals from [Miracle Morning](http://amzn.to/1Q9j6OZ?ref=brianchristner.io) (Affiliate Link) to kickstart my day and set my priorties right from the start. Since Iā€™ve introduced Miracle Morning to my routine Iā€™ve been much more concentrated on my day and tasks at hand. 5. Celebrate the small wins ā€” I now take the time to reflect on finished projects and evaluate how they went, what I can do better and celebrate the fact you pushed the project. ![Golf Clap Gif](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/01/golf_clap.gif) So what are you waiting for? Write your list down, priortize and get going!! ### Need someone to hold you accountable on your next project? Connect with me and I will keep you on course! ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Battle of the Docker Orchestrators: Rancher vs Tutum URL: https://brianchristner.io/battle-of-the-docker-orchestrators-tutum-vs-rancher/ Last updated: 2024-08-23T15:51:49.000Z The Docker Orchestration race continues to heat up. With a ton of great tools on the market and new tools arriving almost daily makes it difficult to stay up to date with all the developments. [@veggiemonk](https://github.com/veggiemonk?ref=brianchristner.io) and I try to stay on top of the [Awesome Docker List](https://github.com/veggiemonk/awesome-docker?ref=brianchristner.io#remote-container-manager--orchestration) but it seems we get new pulls almost daily on the repo. Before we get started let's define what a Docker Orchestrator is. Docker Orchestrators makes our lives even easier if that's possible. For example, deploying containers via the command line (CLI) is very easy but can be difficult to administer n number of containers across n hosts or for non CLI coherent people. These Orchestrators enable users to manage their images, containers and hosts from a user friendly interface. This interface allows users to administer container networking, configurations, load balancing, service discovery, High Availability, Docker host management and a much more. In order to narrow down the vast amount of Orchestrators 4 main criteria were selected: 1. GUI Based 2. Ease of use 3. Time it takes till first container is deployed 4. Managing multiple nodes, stacks and services The 2 contenders that were left standing after being put through this rigorous filtering stage is Tutum and [Rancher Labs](http://rancher.com/?ref=brianchristner.io). ## Rancher Background ![Rancher Logo](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/01/Rancher-Logo-Final-300x180.png) The Rancher-Labs team has a successful track record in the Cloud. Rancher was started by the same team that developed Cloud.com, maker of the Apache CloudStack software, which was acquired by Citrix in 2011\. Rancher has developed 2 separate products [Rancher](http://rancher.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) which is the platform and interface for deploying and running containers and [RancherOS](http://rancher.com/rancher-os/?ref=brianchristner.io) is a 20MB Linux Operating System optimized for running Docker containers. ## Tutum Background ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/01/20141003_1.png) Tutum was first developed back in 2013 when Docker was still in the infancy stages. Tutum has a large active community with a user base of roughly 24,000\. Recently, Tutum was acquired by Docker. Since the acquisition, Docker has announced that Tutum will be part of the Universal Control Plane I've signed up for the BETA but exact details are still unclear on how this will be integrated. It is safe to say that Tutum will be further integrated with additional Docker services very soon. ### SaaS and On-Premise Tutum initially started with as a Software as a Service solution. At the DockerCon EU conference last year, Tutum announced plans to launch an On-Premise or self-hosted solution in combination with their Docker Universal Control Plane offering. Rancher was designed from the beginning as an on-premise solution and does not offer a SaaS offering. ### Infrastructure Before we can launch our first container we need to prepare our infrastructure and install Docker. Both Rancher and Tutum make this extremely simple by supporting most of the leading Cloud providers. A simple click of a button, you can choose your preferred Cloud provider and both Orchestrators deploy a Virtual Machine on the selected Cloud provider, install/configure Docker and connect this newly created VM to the Docker Orchestrator. Once the host is up and running both services offer real-time monitoring of your newly created Docker Host. Rancher has a few more options in regards to deploying a new host. It offers the ability to select which OS to deploy, whether backups should be enabled, and custom Docker installation URLs. RancherOS is also specifically designed to run in such configurations. ![Rancher add host](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/01/Rancher_add_host.png) Rancher add Host Tutum provides a handy audit trail for your host including versions installed, upgrade information, as well as information on when it was deployed. This actually comes in very handy when you have several nodes running. ![Tutum add node](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/01/Tutum_add_node.png) Tutum Add Node Rancher supports - Amazon EC2, Digital Ocean, Exoscale, Packet, Rackspace, Ubiquity Hosting, Other (Self defined API) and bring your own host Tutum supports - Amazon EC2, Digital Ocean, Microsoft Azure, Soft Layer, Packet, and Bring your own host ### Administration Rancher has a ton of functionality when it comes to Administration. Rancher offers everything from multiple user, multiple environments (Separating Dev from Prod) and a service debugging tool. Tutum uses Docker Hub or a Local User Authentication for User Authentication while Rancher offers Github, LDAP or Local User Authentication methods. Rancher wins the feature comparison when it comes to Administration. However, we are sure Tutum will offer more Administration capabilities once the on-premise solution that is expected to release with the Universal Control Plane is available. ### Command Line Interfaces Both Rancher and Tutum offer Command Line Interfaces (CLI). However, they are both very different. The [Rancher CLI](http://docs.rancher.com/rancher/rancher-compose/commands/?ref=brianchristner.io) actually operates like the docker-compose but offers some additional functionality like scaling and sidekicks with the rancher-compose.yml files. Tutum's CLI is actually the Command Line equivalent of the GUI. Basically all the functionality in the GUI can be run from the Tutum CLI like deploying new nodes, deploying stacks, and managing containers. The CLI's both serve their purpose but offer completely different usability. Rancher does offer a unique proposition with its rancher-compose tool which offers additional features. Tutum edges out Rancher in this category as the amount of functionality that the Tutum CLI offers is far greater where the Rancher CLI is basically an expanded docker-compose. ### Deploying a Service or Stack Deploying a Service for both Rancher and Tutum is very straight forward. Both Orchestrators offer relatively the same features as what's available within Docker. Stacks which are a collection of services is available in Rancher and Tutum as well. Rancher requires that you deploy a Stack first before you can add a service whereas Tutum allows for either deploying a single service or a Stack which allows Tutum services to get up and running quicker. Advanced options for services are available in both Rancher and Tutum. Rancher steps it up a notch in regards to how advanced the advanced functionality actually is. For example, additional networking options, security, user data and health checks are all options available in Rancher. ### Catalogs Rancher and Tutum offer their own catalogs. However, Tutum's catalog offers a ton of catalog items built by the Tutum team like Databases, Cache Servers, and Analytics just to name a few. The Tutum catalog also offers direct access to the Docker Hub which allows you to search and install directly via the Docker Hub or Private Registries. Navigating the interface is very easy, clean and intuitive. ![Tutum Catalog](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/01/Tutum_Catalog.png) Tutum Catalog Example Rancher also offers a Catalog but it is slightly different than Tutum. It's offering is geared more to building upon your Rancher installation with the likes of adding GlusterFS, Convoy Gluster or NFS, and DNS services to name a few. Rancher does up the ante by offering the ability for Admins to create their own Catalog which links to a user defined Git Hub project containing the service items. ![Rancher Catalog](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/01/Rancher_Catalog.png) Rancher Catalog The differentiator is Tutum is very easy to use and the GUI is definitely superior where Rancher allows you to launch full stack services directly from the catalog. Rancherā€™s catalog does have the ability to launch full Stacks with multiple services directly from the Catalog. Tutum requires you copy and paste the docker-compose file to create similar Stacks. ## Conclusion To summarize our little comparison is a bit difficult. It is now apparent that these two Orchestrators are really meant for 2 different types of users. Rancher is for teams wishing to manage an on-premise infrastructure whereas Tutum meets the needs of sole developers looking to quickly get up and running with Docker without having to install or configure anything locally. Tutum excels at the time it takes to deploy the first service which was one of the tests requirements. Since Tutum requires zero initial setup you are off and running once you have signed into the platform and connected your first node whereas Rancher requires the installation of the Rancher server. The installation of the Rancher Server is really easy but may not fit the use case for everyone. Tutum is an excellent tool with an extremely polished UI. Since the GUI is a bit more polished than Rancher it makes also a bit easier to use. However, where Rancher excels is in the fine details and additional functionality. Rancher and Tutum are still in Beta but we are well aware of several customers using both platforms in production. They are both expected to release General Availability very soon. What we don't know is the timeline of Tutum's on-premise solution which would make it more comparable to Rancher and would make Tutum eligible for a rematch. OK OK, so who am I selecting as the winner of the comparison? Winner winner chicken dinner, Rancher is the Winner. I chose Rancher while the advanced features and being able to install it on-premise allow for a lot more control over the Docker infrastructure. However, if we could combine the awesome UI from Tutum, Rancher's advanced features and on-premise capabilities we would have the ultimate winner. ![Rancher vs Tutum comparison](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/01/Rancher_vs_Tutum.jpg) ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How to create your Success Definition URL: https://brianchristner.io/define-success/ Last updated: 2022-01-09T20:15:36.000Z I've been looking in all the wrong places when trying to find and be successful when in fact it is all around me. The first thing that used to come to mind when defining success is financial success, entrepreneurship, or fame i.e. being a movie star or athlete. Below is the short definition from [Merriam-Webster](http://www.merriam-webster.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) dictionary. What stands out is the first definition which quickly correlates success with wealth or fame which maybe why everyone quickly makes this association. But this doesn't mean this is your definition of success. ## Success Definition: > 1. the fact of getting or achieving wealth, respect, or fame > 1. the correct or desired result of an attempt > 1. someone or something that is successful > 1. a person or thing that succeeds ### How CEO's define sucess? Time and experience has changed my perception of what success is. What stood out for me is that success comes in many shapes and forms. Of course people like Richard Branson, Warren Buffet, and Bill Gates are successful. If you were to ask each one of them their definition of success you will receive multiple answers to supposedly an easy definition, right? ![Colbert High Five](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/01/GIF-Colbert-congratulations-gif-good-job-happy-high-five-proud-success-GIF.gif) The Inc Magazine article [How do you define success](http://www.inc.com/laura-garnett/how-do-you-define-success.html?ref=brianchristner.io) and [Business Insider](http://www.businessinsider.com/how-9-incredibly-successful-people-define-success-2014-5?IR=T&ref=brianchristner.io) have some great examples from several CEO's and various people which define their version of success. The answers vary from providing for their family, running their organizations or to impact peoples lives. Which answer is correct? All of them actually. ## How do I define Success? Recently a group of young developers approached me for help. These guys had the idea to turn a mobile game into reality. However, they had no idea where to start. After a lot of discussion and information sharing I was able to point them in the right direction on how to get started. A few months went by without thinking much about it when they returned with a Beta version of their game. Wow, I was over the moon that they were able to bring their idea to life with my support. These guys were beaming with pride with their new product. ![Happy Dance](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/01/601103_dancing-happy-jim-carrey-ace-ventura.gif) After we worked through the Beta version we were able to launch the [Android based Squared App](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.HolzbaumProductions.Squared&ref=brianchristner.io). Not only did this make me feel great helping the Holzbaum team launch their App but I felt successful that I was able to contribute something valuable to them which they can use and continue using down the road. My definition of success is **Leave a positive impact on peoples lives.** ![Golf clap](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/01/comment_yQ09dpyxJHM5rx60khFmhnK5qZMmtelg.gif) ## How you can define Success Here are 10 traits to help you define *YOUR* success. Find one or several traits and create your own success statement. 1. **Helping** - **Financial** - **Contributing** - **Give** - **Achievements** - **Legacy** - **Growth** - **Learning** - **Health** - **Love** Now you have some ideas to create your own success statement. Define your success statement and leave it in the comment section below. ![drew stanton dance](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2016/01/stantondance.gif) ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### 2015 in Review and Goals for 2016 URL: https://brianchristner.io/2015-in-review-and-goals-for-2016/ Last updated: 2024-09-10T07:00:51.000Z As I look back on [2014 year in review/2015 Goals post](https://www.brianchristner.io/2014-in-review-and-goals-for-2015/?ref=brianchristner.io) I'm quite happy with what I've accomplished. However not a goal or accomplishment, the birth of our son Flynn was the biggest blessing I could ever imagine. Everything else pales in comparison when looking back at this year. It is always such a great feeling to see that you followed through on certain goals and what you need to work on for the coming year. ## 2015 in Review - Ride the Zugerberg Classic Mountain Bike race - Not only did I ride the race but I was quite happy with my results - [Strava Overview](https://www.strava.com/activities/297207129?ref=brianchristner.io) - Continue my fitness routine - 2015 was the year I logged the most miles/kilometers ever on a mountain bike. The weather was so good this summer I was rarely in the gym and spent 90% of my summer outside. - Build more projects with Docker - Not only did I build more projects with Docker but I was invited to speak at DockerCon EU about my Docker Monitoring project. - The other goals were not 100% satisfied but I did gain more knowledge on Cloud Foundry and took some online classes. ## 2016 Goals 2016 for me will be the year of change. Starting the first week of 2016 I will work 80% (4 Days a week) so I can spend more time with my son. My wife will also work 4 days a week so we can spend quality time with Flynn. - Find and build a niche within the Docker community - Write 2 Blogs posts per week (Not only technical) - Compete again in the Zugerberg Classic (Hopefully faster than 2015) - Continue my [Miracle Morning routine](https://brianchristner.io/resuscitating-my-morning-routine/) - Challenge myself professionally - Build 1 project every month (Raspberry PI, Docker, etc) - Continue fitness regime gym and mountain biking - Read 1 book a month **Time to get cracking!** ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### DockerCon Monitoring Presentation now available URL: https://brianchristner.io/dockercon-monitoring-presentation-now-available/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T19:20:41.000Z Docker has had their hands full editing hours of amazing video content from DockerCon EU 2015\. I'm also catching up on sessions I wasn't able to attend. It gives me great pleasure to announce that my presentation and video are now live. Enjoy the presentation and video, and I'm more than happy to answer any and all questions about Docker Monitoring. Grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy! ## Docker Monitoring Slides **Here are my Docker Monitoring slides from** [**DockerCon EU 2015: Docker Monitoring**](//www.slideshare.net/Docker/docker-monitoring-55436594) **presentation. Enjoy** ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### 2015 DockerCon EU Debrief URL: https://brianchristner.io/2015-dockercon-eu-debrief/ Last updated: 2024-08-23T15:52:43.000Z Iā€™m on my flight from Barcelona (goodbye sunshine) to Zurich, decompressing from all the announcements, tech talks, and new connections made during the last 2 days. DockerCon EU delivered on everything they promised. I finally talked to people in person Iā€™ve been following on Twitter or slack page for ages. ## Keynotes The demos during the keynotes were awesome, to say the least. They were packed full of "live" demos, which is always good. It was kind of a running joke during the Security demo, as the WIFI was cutting out, and the presenters, without skipping a beat, switched to video and kept flowing as if it was live, joking about the "live demo" the entire time. Well played! The big takeaways for the Keynotes for me were (in no particular order): - [Yubico](https://www.yubico.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) hardware encryption key which is a hardware USB key used for signing images. State of the art stuff and a small Oprah moment by Salomon as everyone had a key taped under their chairs. - **Scaling!** Wow they did a live demo of scaling Docker Swarm to 1,000 hosts running 50,000 containers. When an additional container was launched it took under .3 seconds. Impressive. However in our environment this is way larger than we can ever imagine. - [Docker Universal Control Plane](http://goto.docker.com/try-universal-control-plane.html?ref=brianchristner.io) (UCP) - Image vulnerability scanning and reporting CVE's In other words, every Keynote demo was impressive. ![Docker Scaling demo](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/11/docker_scale.png) ## Networking I think I visited every vendor booth at least twice during my 2 days. I had some really interesting talks with basically all the vendors. It was great talking to Red Hat, as they gave me some incredible container insight. [Ruxit](https://ruxit.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) and [Sysdig](http://www.sysdig.org/?ref=brianchristner.io) in my book, have the best monitoring solutions on the market at the moment. Sysdig informed me of their open source monitoring tool which has now been firmly added to my ToDo list. The Rancher guys were incredibly busy with demos, as their product was hot. I cannot wait to see the GA release next year. The Tutum guys also provided much insight into what's in the pipeline for Docker and to prepare for the [Unikernel](http://unikernel.org/?ref=brianchristner.io). ## Tech Talks The big takeaway from the tech talks is everyone has made containers part of their main strategy from Microsoft to IBM. I was quite impressed with the level of commitment from Microsoft and its container strategy. That's saying a lot coming from me. Having Microsoft developers onboard will only drive the Docker ecosystem further. ## Party The venue for the party was incredible! Docker held the party at the Barcelona Maritime Museum. The traveling exhibit was, of course, containers; it was really cool to see the history of shipping containers. But the museum itself was huge, and the illumination of the old shipbuilding produced an aurora of light around all displays and the giant Spanish ship in the middle, making it spooky and cool simultaneously. Considering all the conferences Iā€™ve attended across various industries and locations, this party venue tops my list. ![DockerCon Party](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/11/DockerCon_party.jpg) I bumped into the Docker Marketing troop and hung with them most of the evening. We discussed a wide range of topics, from skiing to my 4-month-old son. It was a great time and a really interesting group of people. As we were talking, they introduced me to Solomon Hykes as he was randomly passing by. Wow, the founder of Docker was a super nice guy, approachable, and really interested in our feedback about the conference and the product. ## Docker Monitoring Presentation OK OK. I have to plug my Presentation here as well. Considering that it was my first conference presentation, I think it went well. Thankfully, the demo gods were in my favor. From the stage, it appeared to be thousands, but in reality, probably around 150 people. I had many questions and feedback, which I consider to be a good sign. I also believe my Chocolate versus Nobel Prize winners correlation slide was the favorite amongst the audience also the fact I announced I was giving some Swiss chocolate away to the audience. ![Docker Monitoring Presentation](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/11/DockerMonitoring_Presentation.jpg) ## Conclusion Wow, what an amazing conference! This was my first DockerCon, but I will make sure it is not my last. From the tech sessions to the networking, it was all well worth the trip. Oh, and I won a Dell laptop by chance as well. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Traveling to 2015 DockerCon EU URL: https://brianchristner.io/traveling-to-2015-dockercon-eu/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T19:10:23.000Z I'm currently somewhere in Europe, traveling to DockerCon at warp speed or as fast as this Swiss Airlines Airbus A321 will allow us to fly. I've been preparing for DockerCon for quite some time. I actually used my four-month-old son as my audience to practice my presentation. I guess his drooling, cooing, and diaper filling are all positive signs that he likes [Docker Monitoring](https://brianchristner.io/how-to-setup-docker-monitoring/). I've been promoting this event internally at Swisscom as well as to anyone who would listen physically or on social media. What can I say? I'm excited to be not only attending but also selected to present *Docker Monitoring*. ## Agenda for DockerCon I have an action-packed two days of conferencing at DockerCon. Docker announced the party venue for Tuesday evening which is the Barcelona Maritime Museum. The main exhibit currently at the museum *Drum Roll please* is Shipping containers...Tada. I'm looking forward to product news and maybe a product launch that may come from the keynote on Monday morning. It seems to be some noise on Twitter regarding this but let's see. Bring on Monday! Several vendors that I have communicated with via email or Twitter will also be at the conference. This will be a great opportunity to catch up and learn more about their products and roadmaps. It also allows me to meet the people in person behind these really cool companies, like Tulum(now Docker), Rancher, Ruxit, and the Docker crew, to name just a few. ## Goals for DockerCon I've set myself some goals for DockerCon. I want to make this the most productive conference I have ever attended. ### My DockerCon Goals: - Network, Network & Network - Attend as many sessions as possible - Keep my eyes/ears open - Ask questions - Reach out to people who have tweeted to me or commented on my blog - Enjoy a little and have some Tapas!! The captain just turned on the Fasten Seatbelt sign. We are beginning our descent into Barcelona. DockerCon, here I come!! ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Ban PowerPoint before it Kills our Creativity URL: https://brianchristner.io/ban-powerpoint-before-it-kills-creativity/ Last updated: 2022-01-09T20:16:30.000Z Over time PowerPoint has become the de facto application that is used at meetings around the world regardless of which topic or meeting format. However once a PowerPoint presentation is presented at a meeting the meeting turns from bi-directional to a broadcast communication format. PowerPoint is killing discussions and open communication in meetings. Instead we have all turned into Slide zombies that read slides together. ![PowerPoint Fail](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/11/powerpoint_fail.jpg) How did we get here? Well I'm not taking anything away from Powerpoint and actually I'm just as guilty as everyone else for using it during meetings. PowerPoint is a great and easy to use tool which is also the problem. PowerPoint is making collaboration more difficult as PowerPoint is becoming the new moderator of our meetings. Powerpoint has become a shield between your meeting audience and the person presenting. This shield is blocking creativity and collaboration and we need to break down this barrier. ## The US Military & Universities ban PowerPoint Banning PowerPoint seems to be a growing trend not only in business but also at universities and believe it or not the [US Military has banned PowerPoint](http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/27/world/27powerpoint.html?%5Fr=0&ref=brianchristner.io) as well. This trend seems to be gaining momentum as it should. [PowerPoint is banned at Copenhagen Business School ](http://theconversation.com/lets-ban-powerpoint-in-lectures-it-makes-students-more-stupid-and-professors-more-boring-36183?ref=brianchristner.io) lectures to return the focus back to the whiteboards. Remember back in class when a professor unraveled sometimes unbelievable knowledge onto a chalkboard (now whiteboards)? These sessions created great debates and interactions from the students. This however required lots of planning and preparation time from professors. These sessions were also dynamic based on the questions and answers coming from the students and professor responses. With PowerPoint we only get bullet points and images from Google which according to this article's research "Makes students more dumb and professors boring" ![Ban PowerPoint](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/11/Ban_Powerpoint.jpg) ## Apple & Amazon ban Powerpoint Steve Jobs banned Powerpoint in his meetings long ago putting the focus back on human interaction. > Steve Jobs: "People who know what theyā€™re talking about donā€™t need PowerPoint" Jeff Bezos from Amazon mandated a new rule that 4 page memos are to replace PowerPoint presentations because a 20 page PowerPoint is easier to write than a 4 page memo. See his internal email below: > From: Bezos, Jeff > Sent: Wednesday, June 09, 20014 6:02PM > To: \[REDACTED\] > Subject: Re: No powerpoint presentations from now on at steam > A little more to help with the question "why." > Well structured, narrative text is what we're after rather than just text. If someone builds a list of bullet points in word, that would be just as bad as powerpoint. > The reason writing a good 4 page memo is harder than "writing" a 20 page powerpoint is because the narrative structure of a good memo forces better thought and better understanding of what's more important than what, and how things are related. > Powerpoint-styel presentations somehow give permission to gloss over ideas, flatten out any sense of relative importance, and ignore the interconnectedness of ideas. > Jeff ## How can I ban PowerPoint in my Workplace? This is a very difficult question to answer as we are not only changing how we work and collaborate but almost a cultural change that we have to address. From the C-level down this needs to be addressed. - The best way to make a change is lead by example and break away from the status quo - Start by setting ground rules for the meetings in which you moderate - Provide new meeting templates - Focus on collaboration and communication which will turn your meetings into interactive sessions instead of broadcasts - Setup meeting formats that encourages attendee participation. This not only makes the meeting more interactive but participation enables collaboration and spawns creativity I'm starting the PowerPoint cleanse in our meetings and I hope you do the same. Ban PowerPoint in meetings now! ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Road to DockerCon Europe URL: https://brianchristner.io/road-to-dockercon-europe/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T19:06:33.000Z What an exciting journey this has turned out to be. What started out as simple curiosity about learning about Docker has actually led to some amazing opportunities. I first installed Docker during the 0.6.x version, which was about six months after the initial Docker release. > My first thoughts were, Damn! I need to learn more about this! I started experimenting with all the features and slowly started creating my very own Docker images and containers which then led me to publishing my work. I still need to publish more of my work (On my ToDo list). I have become a Docker advocate both at my employer and privately. Everywhere I go, I mention Docker and what I'm working on to anyone and everyone who will listen. I've converted large companies to start using Docker. Which, by the way, they've implemented across their entire Dev Team, people who have no clue about Linux, and everyone in between. What is interesting about this entire journey is that my interest in learning Docker has enabled me to speak at several events in Switzerland as well as getting my presentation accepted at [DockerCon EU 15](http://europe-2015.dockercon.com/?ref=brianchristner.io). > Am I excited about this? Hell yes. Did I set out to do this when I first installed Docker? No! What's next for me and my Docker journey is still unknown. One thing is for sure. I will not stop learning, pushing code, and talking to the incredible Docker community. Will it transform into a new adventure? Maybe. Has it opened my mind, pushed me as an individual, and given me amazing opportunities? Absolutely! I'm super stoked to have been selected to present at DockerCon. I will be presenting Docker monitoring concepts based on articles and code I've published that has had much interest. I hope to meet everyone (in person) I've been chatting with on Twitter and other channels. **Next stop, DockerCon!** ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Resuscitating my Morning Routine URL: https://brianchristner.io/resuscitating-my-morning-routine/ Last updated: 2024-09-10T06:59:51.000Z My morning routine probably sounds like most people. Wake up in the morning, eat breakfast, drink lot's of coffee, consume Twitter and FB feeds until I have to make a mad dash out the door. I really felt my morning routine was just a waste of energy and time and I should just teleport directly to work. I tried a couple things but couldn't break my routine. My previous morning routine can easily be summed up like "Fred the Baker" from the 1980's Dunkin' Donuts commercials. ## Time to make the Donuts That is until this tweet: > Day 2 of no snooze week: Another blog post drafted on the train, which I hope to edit & publish on the way home. Feeling good. > > ā€” Fred Rivett (@FredRivett) [October 13, 2015](https://twitter.com/FredRivett/status/653867922675396608?ref=brianchristner.io) This single Tweet really struck a chord with me. Thanks Fred (make sure to give him a follow)! Something so simple really changed my outlook and the way I should spend my time. I wanted to try it out for myself by being productive during my morning commute in the train. The first couple days blew my socks off. I couldn't believe the time that I was not utilizing on my 45 minute train commute to and from work. I started working on some GitHub and Docker projects. Wow, what a difference. However a couple days later I took my family to Arizona for a vacation. Before the trip I thought I would really like to investigate how to optimize my morning routine further. After asking Mr. Google and a couple friends the consensus directed me to one resource [The Morning Miracle](http://amzn.to/1Q9j6OZ?ref=brianchristner.io) (Affiliate link) I started reading the book on the 15+ hour travel time between Switzerland and Arizona. By the time we landed I was buzzing with excitement and ready to hit the ground running. I slowly adapted the rules I learned in the book the best way I could considering my 4 month old was stuck on Swiss time while visiting Arizona. I was up at 5 everyday on holiday following the steps I learned in the book. My day started off better and better the more I followed the process. I returned back to Switzerland and I'm still going strong with my Miracle Morning routine. Up at 5am and waking up like everyday is Christmas morning. Each morning I start out with S.A.V.E.R.S. Itā€™s an acronym that breaks out to be: S = Silence A = Affirmations V = Visualization E = Exercise R = Reading S = Scribing (or journaling ) The one book I've read this year that has really impacted me [The Morning Miracle](http://amzn.to/1Q9j6OZ?ref=brianchristner.io) (Affiliate link). Life hacking my morning routine has really inspired me to do more. Let's see where this leads.. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### How I broke my website which actually made it better URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-i-broke-my-website-and-made-it-better/ Last updated: 2025-02-28T10:30:33.000Z My tinkering with things can sometimes result in extra parts lying around after the project is finished, and I don't know where they fit. The same was the case recently when updating this website. Well, I broke itā€”bad! A little background. This website is running inside a Docker container which is load balanced behind an NGINX proxy [Dockerized and Load balanced Ghost databases](https://www.brianchristner.io/migrating-from-wordpress-to-dockerized-ghost/?ref=brianchristner.io), and themes. This way, when new versions of Ghost came down the pipe, I would only have to deploy one, connect it to my volumes, and be off and running. Well, that. I've been upgrading both Docker and Ghost as new versions become available. However, I had a problem with my Ghost installation which I ignored until the recent release of Ghost 0.7.1. The Ghost installation had volumes mounted to my host for media, databases, and themes. This way, when new versions of Ghost came down the pipe, I would only have to deploy one, connect it to my volumes, and be off and running. Well, that was the idea. In Prod, I couldn't deploy a new Ghost image without it breaking everything. My ugly workaround was to connect to the Ghost container and manually upgrade Ghost from inside the container. Ewww, Ugly! I found some nice Ghost projects on GitHub; however, they did not meet all my requirements, so I combined several projects into a docker-compose project. Now, I can control my Ghost blog via docker-compose and easily build in more functionality later on like scaling, High Availability, and Continuous Integration/Deployment which I'm using this project as the basis. My blog can now easily be updated when new versions of Ghost come out and is flexible enough to add more features. Check back for the next phase of this project. Check out my [Ghost-Standalone Project](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/Ghost-Standalone?ref=brianchristner.io) ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How to scale Docker Containers with Docker-Compose URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-scale-a-docker-container-with-docker-compose/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T18:59:16.000Z I've been working on a few projects at the moment, and scaling keeps coming up. So, let's take a look at scaling a Docker web services stack with [Docker-Compose](https://docs.docker.com/compose/?ref=brianchristner.io) We are building a web service with three components. Before we get started, we need to lay a bit of groundwork. 1. [HAProxy](https://www.haproxy.org/?ref=brianchristner.io), which provides us with round-robin load balancing 2. Web Application based on Python [Redis Database](https://redis.io/?ref=brianchristner.io)them to the single web service, which prints the hostname of the container that receives the request, where a counter is incremented. This ![Docker Loadbalanced Web Service](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/09/LB_Webapp.gif) The HAProxy receives the web requests and routes them to the single web service, which prints the hostname of the container that receives the request, where a counter is incremented. This value is then stored in the Redis Database. Now, let's scale our stack out to 5 web instances/containers that are load-balanced and still connected to the Redis DB. Docker-compose easily scales our service from 1 to 5 instances. Once the web services scale out to 5, we need to inform the Database and HAProxy of these changes so they can accept and route traffic accordingly. ![Scaling Docker containers with Docker-Compose](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/09/Scaled_Services.gif) As before, the web requests are received by the HAProxy but are now routed round-robin to all 5 of the web service instances. All these instances are also linked to the Redis DB, and thus, our application prints the hostname and increments the number of visits flawlessly while printing the hostname from each container that responds. We can also scale the web service back to 1 container when we are done. # DEMO - How to scale Docker Containers with Docker-Compose You can find the contents of this demo on my [Github/vegasbrianc](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/docker-compose-demo?ref=brianchristner.io) page ### Install The instructions assume that you have already installed [Docker](https://docs.docker.com/installation/?ref=brianchristner.io) and [Docker Compose](https://docs.docker.com/compose/install/?ref=brianchristner.io). In order to get started, create a new directory on your Docker Host and clone [this project](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/docker-compose-demo?ref=brianchristner.io) to the newly created directory. Please note that the web services will inherit the name from the directory you create. If you create a folder named ***test***. Then the services will all be named test-web, test-redis, test-lb. Also, when you scale your services it will then tack on a number to the end of the service you scale. ``` git clone https://github.com/vegasbrianc/docker-compose-demo.git . ``` #### How to get up and running Once you've cloned the project to your host, we can start our demo project. Easy! Navigate to the directory in which you cloned the project. Run the following commands from this directory. ``` docker-compose up -d ``` The docker-compose command will pull the images from Docker Hub and link them together based on the information inside the docker-compose.yml file. This will create ports and links between containers and configure applications as required. After the command completes, we can now view the status of our stack. ``` docker-compose ps ``` Verify our service is running by either curling the IP from the command line or viewing the IP from a web browser. You will notice that each time you run the command, the number of times seen is stored in the Redis Database, which increments. The hostname is also reported. ### Curling from the command line ``` curl 0.0.0.0 Hello World! I have been seen 1 times. My Host name is 29c69c89417c ``` #### Docker Compose Scaling Now comes the fun part of Docker Compose, which is scaling. Using Docker Compose, let's scale our web service from 1 to 5 instances. ``` docker-compose scale web=5 ``` We have now scaled our web service container. We should now run an update on our stack so the load balancer and Redis are informed about the new web service containers. Now run our curl command again on our web services and we will now see the number of visits increase and the hostname change. To get a deeper understanding tail the logs of the stack to watch what happens each time you access your web services with curl. ``` docker-compose logs ``` Here's the output from my docker-compose logs after I curled my application 5 times so it is clear that the round-robin is sent to all 5 web service containers. ``` web_5 | 172.17.1.140 - - [04/Sep/2015 14:11:34] "GET / HTTP/1.1" 200 - web_1 | 172.17.1.140 - - [04/Sep/2015 14:11:43] "GET / HTTP/1.1" 200 - web_2 | 172.17.1.140 - - [04/Sep/2015 14:11:46] "GET / HTTP/1.1" 200 - web_3 | 172.17.1.140 - - [04/Sep/2015 14:11:48] "GET / HTTP/1.1" 200 - web_4 | 172.17.1.140 - - [04/Sep/2015 14:14:19] "GET / HTTP/1.1" 200 - ``` ### FAQ Section: How to Scale a Docker Container with Docker Compose **What is Docker Compose and how does it help in scaling Docker containers?** Docker Compose is a tool that allows you to define and manage multi-container Docker applications. It simplifies the process of scaling containers by enabling you to specify the number of instances (or replicas) of a service in a single configuration file (`docker-compose.yml`). This makes it easy to manage and scale your application across multiple containers with just a few commands. **How do you scale a Docker service using Docker Compose?** To scale a Docker service using Docker Compose, you use the `docker-compose up --scale` command followed by the service name and the desired number of instances. For example, `docker-compose up --scale web=3` will start three instances of the "web" service as defined in your `docker-compose.yml` file. **Can you scale stateful applications with Docker Compose?** While Docker Compose is excellent for scaling stateless applications, scaling stateful applications can be more challenging. Stateful applications often require persistent storage, which isn't automatically managed by Docker Compose. You'll need to configure external storage solutions or use Docker volumes to ensure that state is maintained across scaled instances. **What are the benefits of scaling containers with Docker Compose?** Scaling containers with Docker Compose offers several benefits, including easier management of multi-container applications, efficient use of resources by running multiple instances of a service, and the ability to handle increased traffic or workloads by quickly scaling up services. It also simplifies orchestration in development and production environments. **How do you manage and monitor scaled Docker containers?** After scaling Docker containers with Docker Compose, you can manage and monitor them using various tools like Docker CLI commands (`docker ps`, `docker logs`), or more advanced monitoring tools like Prometheus, Grafana, or Docker Swarm. These tools help you keep track of the performance and health of your containers, ensuring that your application runs smoothly at scale. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How to setup Prometheus Docker Monitoring URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-setup-prometheus-docker-monitoring/ Last updated: 2025-02-28T10:29:04.000Z Continuing with the great response from the [Docker Monitoring ](https://www.brianchristner.io/how-to-setup-docker-monitoring/?ref=brianchristner.io)post. I am following up by investigating the setup of Prometheus. I first discovered Prometheus while making changes to the [cAdvisor](https://github.com/google/cadvisor?ref=brianchristner.io) documentation and noticed that cAdvisor now integrates with Prometheus. So, what is [Prometheus](https://prometheus.io/?ref=brianchristner.io)? Prometheus was a solution created by SoundCloud (Yes, that SoundCloud). As current Docker monitoring solutions were not scratching their itch, they decided to roll out their solution to suit their needs. Thankfully, SoundCloud decided to Open Source Prometheus in January 2015 as it is a great product. Look at the [SoundCloud blog back in January 2015](https://developers.soundcloud.com/blog/prometheus-monitoring-at-soundcloud?ref=brianchristner.io) for more details about the release. > **UPDATE:** Tobi from SoundCloud clarified this paragraph. SoundCloud created Prometheus as a general monitoring solution that recently integrated Docker. Also, Prometheus has been open source since the beginning but was only announced at the beginning of this year. Thanks, Tobi! OK, enough beating around the bush. How the heck can we deploy a [Prometheus Docker Monitoring](https://brianchristner.io/updated-docker-monitoring-prometheus-grafana/) stack? I spent a lot of time fine-tuning the docker-compose file so you can easily stand up a Prometheus stack with all the required components to quickly get up and running. ## Pre-requisites Before installing the Prometheus stack, install [docker-compose](https://docs.docker.com/compose/install/?ref=brianchristner.io) on your Docker host machine. ## Installation & Configuration Clone the [Prometheus Monitoring Project](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/prometheus?ref=brianchristner.io) locally to your Docker host. If you want to change which targets should be monitored or make configuration changes, edit the [prometheus.yml ](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/prometheus/blob/master/prometheus/prometheus.yml?ref=brianchristner.io)file. The targets section. The targets section defines which components (data exporters) Prometheus should monitor. The names defined in this file are sourced from the service name in the docker-compose file. If you wish to change the names of the services, change the "container\_name" parameter in the docker-compose.yml file. Once configurations are done, let's start them up. From the /prometheus project directory, run the following commands: ``` $ docker-compose up $ docker-compose start ``` The Prometheus stack should now be running. To access the different components: Prometheus: `http://:9090>` for example [http://192.168.10.1:9090](http://192.168.10.1:9090/?ref=brianchristner.io) Prometheus Dashboard: `http://:3000` for example [http://192.168.10.1:3000](http://192.168.10.1:3000/?ref=brianchristner.io) ## Post Configuration Now, we need to connect the Prometheus Dashboard to the Prometheus installation. Access the Prom Dash as mentioned above. - Click the "Server" Menu at the top - Click "New Server" - Input the desired name, Prometheus server IP and port (`http://:9090>` ) and select Prometheus for server type. ![New Prometheus Server](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/08/New_server.png) ## Configure Dashboards Let's create our first Dashboard. Go to the Dashboard menu. First, create a new directory. Next, create a new Dashboard. Here's a quick Dashboard I put together as an example. ![Prometheus Dashboard](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/08/Dashboard_example.png) ## Sample Dashboard Queries The queries used in the example dashboard are located in the [Dashboards directory](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/prometheus/tree/master/dashboards?ref=brianchristner.io) ## ToDo - Integrate Alerting with project - Make a separate stack with just cAdvisor as the metric collection ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Docker Base Image OS Size Comparison URL: https://brianchristner.io/docker-image-base-os-size-comparison/ Last updated: 2024-08-15T21:58:17.000Z The race to zero is a theme that is catching on with Docker Images. Developers are racing to create the thinnest, most usable image possible. But why, do you ask? If you've used Docker for any period of time, you will quickly realize that you spend a lot of time downloading or distributing images. This is not necessarily a bad thing for some but for others that scale their infrastructure are required to store a copy of every image that's running on each Docker host. If you are running the Ubuntu base image, you will need to store the 188MB image on each host. However, if you have a scenario that scales your application to a new host, you will not want to wait for the download of 188MB to complete before your container starts. Feel me? > Developers work in much the same way a race car mechanic would. The goal is to strip the race car's unnecessary weight, leaving just the bare essentials. The same goes for our Docker images. Do we need every Linux command, library, etc., inside our container to run a Hello World script? Probably not. Why not install the bare essentials required to run the application inside your container? ## Benefits of Smaller Docker Images What are the benefits of smaller images, you ask? Besides the obvious, pure size, they make your environment small and efficient. Small images also increase security as you reduce your security footprint size by removing libraries and Linux commands. ## Docker Image Size Comparison The team over at CenturyLink Lab continues to crank out some very impressive tools. Below is a screenshot from [ImageLayers](https://imagelayers.io/?ref=brianchristner.io) , a tool to visualize Docker images. But the tool doesn't stop there. You can actually compare the images per layer and visualize what each layer is doing. ![Docker Image Size Comparison](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/07/Docker_Image_Size.png) So, what does our comparison show us? Reading from left to right, the number of layers in each image decreases as you read to the right. We also notice that Ubuntu, for example, has 4 Layers and is 188MB, while Alpine Linux has 1 Layer and is 5MB. However, Busybox is the most miniature image but has 2x 0 byte layers which is impressive. ## Docker Image Size Run Down We compiled a list of some of the most popular Base OS Images based on Docker Hub downloads and File Size. The list is not who is best or worst but an overview of the community's usage and image size. The best image will depend on your environment and application requirements. - [**Ubuntu**](https://registry.hub.docker.com/%5F/ubuntu/?ref=brianchristner.io) **6.5 Million Downloads and 188 MB in size** \- The most downloaded OS image of the bunch. But it is also the fattest cat on the block as well. - [**Debian** ](https://registry.hub.docker.com/%5F/debian?ref=brianchristner.io)**3.3 Million Downloads and 125 MB in size** \- Debian uses the Linux kernel and the basic tools are based on the GNU Project. - [**BusyBox**](https://registry.hub.docker.com/%5F/busybox/?ref=brianchristner.io) **2.5 Million Downloads and 2 MB in size** \- BusyBox website states "Busybox has been written with size-optimization and limited resources in mind. It is also extremely modular so you can easily include or exclude commands (or features) at compile time. This makes it easy to customize your embedded systems. To create a working system, just add some device nodes in /dev, a few configuration files in /etc, and a Linux kernel." - [**CentOS**](https://registry.hub.docker.com/%5F/centos/?ref=brianchristner.io) **1.2 Million Downloads and 172 MB in size** \- Derived from Red Hat Linux Enterprise RHEL, and each version is supported for 10 years. - [**Fedora**](https://registry.hub.docker.com/%5F/fedora/?ref=brianchristner.io) **1.2 Million Downloads and 187 MB in size** \- Sponsored by Red Hat Linux Enterprise and strives to drive new innovation. - [**Alpine**](https://registry.hub.docker.com/%5F/alpine/?ref=brianchristner.io) **40K+ Downloads and 5 MB in size** \- A more complete Busybox image with access to a package repository. My personal favorite at the moment. - [**Cirros**](https://registry.hub.docker.com/%5F/cirros/?ref=brianchristner.io) **23K+ Downloads and 8 MB in size** \- Is a tiny OS that specializes running in the cloud. It is also the image that has the most amount of layers at 5. Here's a thorough [Docker OS image comparison](https://crunchtools.com/comparison-linux-container-images/?ref=brianchristner.io) so you can dive deeper into each Docker image's inner internals. The great work is provided by someone whom I respect very much [Scott McCart](https://x.com/fatherlinux?ref=brianchristner.io) aka Father Linux. ## Conclusion Busybox wins the size war, weighing in at only 2MB. However, Ubuntu has the biggest installation base by far and is also the fattest image. What can we learn from these stats? At first glance, it appears that a lot of Docker users have a lot of room for optimization and to make their infrastructures more efficient. Ubuntu is a good Image and has many use cases. However, if you want to remove all the fluff and only run the necessary components for your application, I recommend Busybox or Alpine. In the next article, I will explore best practices for Docker Images and explain why we should limit the number of OS images we install on our hosts. ## FAQ Section: Docker Image Base OS Size Comparison **Why is the size of a Docker base OS image important?** Smaller images lead to faster downloads, quicker deployments, and reduced storage costs. They also enhance efficiency in CI/CD pipelines and can minimize security vulnerabilities by having a smaller attack surface. **Which base OS images are compared in the article?** The article compares several popular Docker base OS images, including Alpine, Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, and Fedora. Each image is evaluated based on its size and suitability for various use cases. **What is the smallest Docker base OS image?** Alpine Linux is typically the smallest Docker base OS image, often just a few megabytes in size. It is designed for simplicity and minimalism, making it an excellent choice for lightweight applications and containers. **How does the choice of base OS impact container performance?** The choice of base OS can significantly impact container performance. Smaller, lightweight images like Alpine can improve start-up times and reduce resource consumption. However, more feature-rich images like Ubuntu or CentOS may provide the necessary tools and libraries that are beneficial for more complex applications. **Are there any trade-offs when using smaller Docker base OS images?** Yes, there are trade-offs when using smaller Docker base OS images. While they offer benefits in size and speed, they may lack some of the tools and libraries available in larger images. This can require additional configuration and setup, potentially increasing complexity for certain applications. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How to Resize Ubuntu Root Partition URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-resize-ubuntu-root-partition/ Last updated: 2024-08-15T14:43:41.000Z I used to be able to do these tasks with my eyes closed with AIX and other version of Linux and Unix. Today my brain blue screened on me while trying to expand my Ubuntu machine's root volume group, logical volume, and filesystem. Wow it's been awhile. So instead of racking my brain in the future I will jot down the process here for anyone else stuck in the same situation. ## How to expand Ubuntu root filesystem So a quick recap for those that don't remember. We have to expand components of the filesystem in the following order. **Physical Volume -> Volume Group -> Logical Volume -> Filesystem** In my scenario I increased the size of my Virtual Machine disk in VMware from 18GB to 28 GB. - **Step 1** Before we get started run *pvdisplay* in order to see the current state of the physical volume ``` root@Docker01:~# pvdisplay --- Physical volume --- PV Name /dev/sda1 VG Name ubuvg PV Size 16.00 GiB / not usable 2.00 MiB Allocatable yes PE Size 4.00 MiB Total PE 4095 Free PE 678 Allocated PE 3417 PV UUID HiNAY2-sfqz-7fwT-tLvy-XKfT-3QR6-BXash5 ``` - **Step 2** Manipulate the disk partition table with *fdisk* ``` root@Docker01:~# fdisk /dev/sdb n (create new partition, select start and end cylinders, all free space is selected by default) Partition type: p primary (1 primary, 0 extended, 3 free) e extended Select (default p): Using default response p Partition number (1-4, default 2): Using default value 2 First sector (33552384-33554431, default 33552384): Using default value 33552384 Last sector, +sectors or +size{K,M,G} (33552384-33554431, default 33554431): Using default value 33554431 w (save partition table and exit) ``` Accept the default values that are provide that the "n" option returns. - **Step 3** Reboot your Ubuntu machine in order for Ubuntu to recognize the change. `root@Docker01:~# reboot` - **Step 4** Update the partition table tool using *cfdisk*. `root@Docker01:~# cfdisk` Select **\[NEW\]** partition and **\[PRIMARY\]** for partition type. Select how big you want the partition and enter. Once finished select **\[WRITE\]** to save your changes to your partition then **\[QUIT\]**. You've now created a new partition most likely **/dev/sda1** ![CFDisk](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/06/cfdisk.png) - **Step 5** Intialize the newly created partition with *pvcreate* ``` root@Docker01:~# pvcreate /dev/sda3 Physical volume "/dev/sda3" successfully created ``` - **Step 6** Add the newly created partition to the root volume group. First rerun *pvdisplay* to show the new physical volume details. You should now see the new partition ``` "/dev/sda3" is a new physical volume of "9.00 GiB" --- NEW Physical volume --- PV Name /dev/sda3 VG Name PV Size 9.00 GiB Allocatable NO PE Size 0 Total PE 0 Free PE 0 Allocated PE 0 PV UUID OEADew-tamR-EHil-FU4p-kIuW-F5rT-V0CTcY ``` Run the command *vgs* in order to get the name of your volume group ``` root@Docker01:~# vgs VG #PV #LV #SN Attr VSize VFree ubuvg 1 5 0 wz--n- 16.00g 2.65g ``` Expand the volume group with *vgextend* then verify your volume group again once complete with *vgs* ``` root@Docker01:~# vgextend ubuvg /dev/sda3 Volume group "ubuvg" successfully extended root@Docker01:~# vgs VG #PV #LV #SN Attr VSize VFree ubuvg 2 5 0 wz--n- 24.99g 11.64g root@Docker01:~# ``` - **Step 7** Next we need to extend the Logical Volume with *lvextend* ``` root@Docker01:~# df -k Filesystem 1K-blocks Used Available Use% Mounted on /dev/mapper/ubuvg-ubulv 8726456 7739868 520260 94% / root@Docker01:~# lvextend -L +10G /dev/mapper/ubuvg-ubulv Extending logical volume ubulv to 18.58 GiB Logical volume ubulv successfully resized ``` - **Step 8** Extend the Filesystem to fill the logical volume ``` root@Docker01:~# resize2fs /dev/mapper/ubuvg-ubulv resize2fs 1.42.9 (4-Feb-2014) Filesystem at /dev/mapper/ubuvg-ubulv is mounted on /; on-line resizing required old_desc_blocks = 1, new_desc_blocks = 2 The filesystem on /dev/mapper/ubuvg-ubulv is now 4871168 blocks long. root@Docker01:~# df -k Filesystem 1K-blocks Used Available Use% Mounted on /dev/mapper/ubuvg-ubulv 19048316 7744220 10420152 43% / ``` ### Ubuntu Root Resize in Review Hopefully this tutorial will save you time and give you a little more background on the flow of a resize. Important to remember is the path of the resize **Physical Volume -> Volume Group -> Logical Volume -> Filesystem**. We must follow this flow or the resize will either fail or encounter problems. If you use the Ubuntu GUI some tools contain the entire process in a single tool. I'm a CLI junkie so no plans of me finding out how a GUI works anytime soon. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### How to setup Docker Monitoring URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-setup-docker-monitoring/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T18:15:55.000Z Docker monitoring servers and containers is becoming necessary as we provision more Docker hosts and containers. This tutorial will teach you how to combine several components to achieve Docker monitoring. ### Components for Docker Monitoring Before we begin, let's define the Docker installation assumptions. Docker should be installed, configured, and running on your target host. *Please ensure you can connect to your Docker host with a Web Browser locally or over a Public IP*. The rest of the Tutorial we will refer to this as the *DockerIP.* The below components will be used to create our Docker Monitoring solution. [**cAdvisor**](https://registry.hub.docker.com/r/google/cadvisor?ref=brianchristner.io) \- Google has been using containers for quite some time and created cAdvisor to help monitor its infrastructure. This single tool alone is an amazing monitoring tool. It monitors not only your Docker containers but also the Docker host without any configuration by just running the cAdvisor container on your Docker host. Be sure to check out the [cAdvisor GitHub](https://github.com/google/cadvisor?ref=brianchristner.io) for more documentation on the API and different configuration options. [**InfluxDB**](https://registry.hub.docker.com/%5F/influxdb?ref=brianchristner.io) \- InfluxDB is a distributed time series database. cAdvisor only displays realtime information and doesn't store the metrics. We need to store the monitoring information that cAdvisor provides in order to display a time range other than realtime. [**Grafana Metrics Dashboard**](https://registry.hub.docker.com/r/grafana/grafana?ref=brianchristner.io) \- The Grafana Dashboard allows us to pull all the pieces together visually. This powerful Dashboard allows us to run queries against the InfluxDB and chart them accordingly in a very nice layout. ## Installation of Docker Monitoring Now that we have an overview of the different components involved in our Docker Monitoring setup, let's start pulling it all together. We will start with the InfluxDB first and work towards connecting the cAdvisor. 1. Install the InfluxDb. We use the default settings below and name the container *influxsrv* which we will use later on for linking. `sudo docker run -d -p 8083:8083 -p 8086:8086 --expose 8090 --expose 8099 --name influxsrv tutum/influxdb` Let's test quickly that our InfluxDB installed correctly. Navigate to your [http://DockerIP:8083](http://dockerip:8083/?ref=brianchristner.io) Use the credentials below to login to InfluxDB: Username - root Password - root ![InfluxDB Login Screen](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/05/InfluxDB_login.png) 1. Install the cAdvisor container and link it to the InfluxDB container. Create the cadvisor Database After logging into InfluxDB click on the Databases link at the top of the screen. Type the name *cadvisor* for the Database name and click *Create Database.* ![Create Database](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/05/CreateDB.png) `sudo docker run --volume=/:/rootfs:ro --volume=/var/run:/var/run:rw --volume=/sys:/sys:ro --volume=/var/lib/docker/:/var/lib/docker:ro --publish=8080:8080 --detach=true --link influxsrv:influxsrv --name=cadvisor google/cadvisor:latest -storage_driver_db=influxdb -storage_driver_host=influxsrv:8086` Once the cAdvisor container has been installed and running you can now navigate to the [http://DockerIP:8080](http://dockerip:8080/?ref=brianchristner.io) For example, `http://192.168.10.1:8080` You should now see the cAdvisor gathering statistics on your Docker host and containers. ![cAdvisor Dashboard](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/05/cAdvisor_Dashboard.png) 1. Install the Grafana Dashboard and link it to the InfluxDB container: `sudo docker run -d -p 3000:3000 -e INFLUXDB_HOST=localhost -e INFLUXDB_PORT=8086 -e INFLUXDB_NAME=cadvisor -e INFLUXDB_USER=root -e INFLUXDB_PASS=root --link influxsrv:influxsrv --name grafana grafana/grafana` 2. Login to Grafana and configure the Data Sources. Navigate to [http://DockerIP:3000](http://dockerip:3000/?ref=brianchristner.io) Username - admin Password - admin 3. Connect the InfluxDB to the Grafana Dashboard: Once logged in click on the Grafana icon(Fireball) in the upper left hand corner of the GUI. This should pop out a sidebar menu. Click on *Data Sources*. Next, click on *Add New* Data Source at the top of the screen. Fill in the following information in the Data Source screen: **Data Source Settings** Name: influxdb Type: InfluxDB 0.8.x Be sure to check default box. Http settings Url: [http://influxsrv:8086](http://influxsrv:8086/?ref=brianchristner.io) (This is the name we specified when createing the link on the Grafana container) Access: proxy Basic Auth: Enabled User: admin Password: admin InfluxDB Details Database: cadvisor (Or the name you specified when creating the database in step 2) User: root Password: root You should now have an established connection to the InfluxDB which we will test in the next section. ![Grafana Data Source Configuration](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/05/Grafana_Config.png) ## Configuring Grafana for Docker Monitoring Now comes the fun part. Let's setup our first Dashboard with Grafana and visualize the data coming from the cAdvisor. 1. Click on the Grafana icon once again (The Fireball icon upper left corner) 2. Open the Dashboard menu --> Expand the Home Menu drop Down --> Click *+New* 3. We've now created a new Dashboard inside of Grafana. Let's create our first graph inside this Dashboard. Click the green vertical line as seen below in the screenshot circled in Red. This expands the row options for the Dashboard. 4. Click *Add Panel* \--> *Graph* ![Create New Grafana Dashboard](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/05/New_Dashboard.png) 1. It's time to write our first query for our graph. We will create a graph displaying the Filesystem storage limit and usage. **Query 1** \- Fill in the following information inside the Graph screen: series: stats Click on "value" which will present you a drop down list of available series available inside of the InfluxDB. select: mean(fs\_limit) Alias: Limit Click the Title area of the new Graph you created where it says "no title (click here)" and click *Edit* ![Create Grafana Graph](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/05/Create_Graph.jpg) **Query 2** \- At the Bottom of Graph screen is an *+Add Query* button which allows us to add another metric to our graph. series: stats select: mean(fs\_usage) Alias: Usage ![Docker Filesystem Graph](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/05/filesystem_graph.png) 1. Click on the General Menu and Change the Title of your Graph 2. Click on the Axis & Grid Menu Left Y Unit: Bytes Your Chart should now display with the correct units. 3. Once finished like any other project be sure to save your work. Hit the Save icon a the top of the screen. The queries seen in the sample screenshot can be found here - [Docker Monitoring Queries](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/docker-monitoring/tree/master/Queries?ref=brianchristner.io) ## Docker Monitoring Conclusion We have now built a single Grafana Dashboard with a Graph containing our Filesystem statistics. As you can see, it's straightforward to create multiple graphs to monitor our Docker Host and Containers. Be sure to check out the [Grafana Docs](https://grafana.com/docs/?ref=brianchristner.io) to learn more about the queries and functionality of Grafana. Take a look below at the screenshot, which shows the possibilities for creating some really interesting graphs (Bandwidth, CPU Usage per Container, Memory Usage, and Filesystem Limit/Usage). ![Docker Monitoring with cAdvisor, InfluxDB, and Grafana](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/05/Docker_Monitoring.png) Leave a comment below if you have any issues or questions. Good Luck! ## Troubleshooting If you have trouble, this is for you. It took me quite some time to figure out all the settings and where the problems were with the connection from Grafana to InfluxDB. If you have issues with your Graphs, I highly recommend a Development Console in your Browser of choice. With the development console, it's easy to see problems with your queries or connections to the InfluxDB container. For Example: Chrome Development Tools -> More Tools -> Javascript Console Another workaround is using the IP address of the containers to resolve connection issues. However, if you restart the container the IP address changes so this is only a temp fix. `docker inspect ` Search the output for the IP address which is under the Network Settings section as seen below: `"NetworkSettings": { "Bridge": "docker0", "Gateway": "172.17.42.1", "GlobalIPv6Address": "", "GlobalIPv6PrefixLen": 0, "IPAddress": "172.17.0.54",` You can then replace the name that we used in Data Source settings we used above as a workaround. This worked for me until I fixed the links between containers. ### FAQ Section: How to Set Up Docker Monitoring **Why is Docker monitoring important?** Docker monitoring is crucial for ensuring the health and performance of your containerized applications. It helps detect and resolve issues, optimize resource usage, ensure uptime, and maintain the reliability and efficiency of your Docker environment. **What tools are best for monitoring Docker containers?** Several tools are popular for monitoring Docker containers, including: - Prometheus: Open-source monitoring and alerting toolkit. - Grafana: Visualization tool often used with Prometheus for monitoring dashboards. - cAdvisor: Provides insights into container resource usage and performance. - Datadog: Cloud-based monitoring with comprehensive Docker integration. - ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana): A powerful suite for logging and monitoring. **How do I set up Prometheus and Grafana for Docker monitoring?** To set up Prometheus and Grafana for Docker monitoring: 1. **Install Prometheus**: Use the official Docker image and configure the `prometheus.yml` file to scrape metrics from your Docker environment. 2. **Install Grafana**: Use the official Docker image and configure it to use Prometheus as a data source. 3. **Configure Dashboards**: Create and configure Grafana dashboards to visualize metrics collected by Prometheus, such as container CPU, memory usage, and network statistics. **What metrics should I monitor in my Docker environment?** Key metrics to monitor in your Docker environment include: - CPU Usage: Overall and per-container CPU utilization. - Memory Usage: Total memory usage and per-container memory consumption. - Network Traffic: Incoming and outgoing network traffic per container. - Disk I/O: Read and write operations on disk storage. - Container Health: Status of container health checks and restarts. **How can I set up alerts for Docker monitoring?** To set up alerts for Docker monitoring: 1. **Use Prometheus Alertmanager**: Configure Prometheus to send alerts to Alertmanager based on predefined rules. 2. **Define Alert Rules**: Create alert rules in the `prometheus.yml` file for metrics that exceed thresholds (e.g., high CPU usage). 3. **Configure Alertmanager**: Set up Alertmanager to send notifications via email, Slack, or other communication channels. 4. **Integrate with Grafana**: Set up alerting in Grafana for visual and email alerts based on dashboard metrics. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How to Automate Docker Builds and Auto Deploy URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-automate-docker-builds-end-to-end/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T18:14:49.000Z The more time I spend with Docker the more ideas and problems I can solve with Docker Tutum. This article describes how to create an Automated Docker Build that [GitHub](https://github.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) \-> [Docker Hub](https://hub.docker.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) \-> Tutum. I've come across several articles that describe one portion of this process, but I've yet to find something that covers the entire end-to-end Docker deployment. So why not type it out? ## Create a Hello World Fork Let's start by forking my GitHub Repo from [Docker-Hello-World](https://github.com/vegasbrianc/docker-hello-world?ref=brianchristner.io) have forked the repo, from TutumCloud. I cleaned up the Repo a little, so it is easier to navigate and edit. Once you Forked the repo click on the Settings icon on the right side of your newly created Repo. ![Repo Settings](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/04/Repo_Settings.png) On the left side of the settings screen,, click Webhooks & Services. Then click add service and find the Docker service. ![Docker Services](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/04/Services.png) ## Create an Automated Build Docker Repository If you don't have a [Docker Hub Account](https://registry.hub.docker.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) you should sign up for one now. Once logged into the Docker Hub, click the button below your username + Add Repository --> Automated Build ![Docker Hub Automated Build](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/04/Docker_Hub_Automated_Build.png) Select GitHub as the source. ![GitHub Repo](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/04/GitHub_repo.png) Finally, select the new Repository you forked in GitHub. My example below shows my Docker-Hello-World Repo. ![Select Repo](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/04/Select_Repo.png) Keep the default values on the next page and click Create Repository. Your GitHub Repo is now linked to your Docker Hub. Any changes you perform inside your Forked Repo in GitHub will automatically generate a new build inside of Docker Hub. Open your newly created Docker Repository and click on the Build Details tab. Here, you will see your build history. If you want to try a build, click the blue button on the right side. This will build a new docker image based on your fork inside of your GitHub account. Neat, huh? ## Auto Deploy new Containers with Tutum Now that we have GitHub and Docker linked, let's take it one step further. We will link Docker with Tutum. Tutum is an amazing PaaS (Platform as a Service) tool for Docker Containers that allows you to build, deploy, and manage Docker Containers across your cloud. Tutum is the provisioning portal for your Docker infrastructure. Your data and servers are still managed by you. Sign-in to Tutum with your Docker account as we want to link directly to Docker. Once you've signed-in I advise you to follow the getting started guide by Tutum which walks you through setting up a Docker server with Tutum. Connecting to your own server infrastructure or third-party Clouds like Amazon or Digital Ocean is possible. Whatever you choose, Once you built your first node (Virtual Machine that is connected to Tutum), we can now deploy the service we created with our GitHub Repo. Login to the Tutum Dashboard and click the Services Tab. Inside the Services Tab, click the Create Service button. We will now search the Dockerhub for our Repo. In my example below, I typed my username in the search box: *vegasbrianc* which returns my repos available inside of the Dockerhub. Click the Select button on the Repo name you created. Docker-Hello-World is my example below. ![Tutum Create Service](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/04/Tutum_Create_Service.png) - Name your container - Click on the greyed-out Ports section - Click Publish Port and change the port from Dynamic to port 80. Click the Create & Deploy button. ![Tutum Create and Deploy Service](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/04/Tutum_Create_Deploy_Service.png) After your service is up and running, open your service and open the Endpointstab. Here, you will see the Service Endpoints and a hyperlink. Open this hyperlink. You should see your docker-hello-world container up and running. Yeah, it's that easy! Once you've verified that your container works, click on theWebhooks Tab. Follow the Tutum guide on how to set up Webhooks for your service. This will link Tutum to the Docker Hub allowing Tutum to monitor Docker Hub for updates. If Tutum sees a new build it will then redeploy your service with the new verison. ## Conclusion We've now built an Automated Docker build configuration that auto-deploys containers once a new version is found. Amazingly simple, isn't it? Can you think of the possabilites now with such a setup? Make some changes in your Github repo. Change the Hello World text and save the index.php. This will kick off a new build inside the Docker Hub, which then notifies Tutum to redeploy a new version. It's seamless. However, we do have downtime between versions, which we will cover how to fix in future articles. This setup will be the foundation for future articles, in which I'll explore continuous integration (CI), Continuous Deployment (CD), and A/B Testing with Docker and Tutum in greater depth. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How to install and configure CoreOS inside VMware URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-install-and-configure-coreos-inside-vmware/ Last updated: 2024-08-15T22:13:26.000Z I'm working on building a my own Cloud Platform based on Docker and CoreOS. Howerver my underlying infrastrucutre is VMware vCloud which is not exactly straight forward in comparison to Amazon EC2 or Digital Ocean when installing CoreOS. VMWare has a really nice [CoreOS tutorial](http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en%5FUS&cmd=displayKC&externalId=2109161&ref=brianchristner.io) but it is lacking the CoreOS network configurations. So this small tutuorial will help you get get static networking running in no time. But most of the details can be found in the [CoreOS Tutorial](http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en%5FUS&cmd=displayKC&externalId=2109161&ref=brianchristner.io). ## Where to find a CoreOS OVA File So after much searching I finally found a link to the current builds of CoreOS which also include OVF files -[http://stable.release.core-os.net/amd64-usr/current/](http://stable.release.core-os.net/amd64-usr/current/?ref=brianchristner.io) Do a quick search for OVA on this website and it will take you right to the VMware OVA image of CoreOS - *coreos\_production\_vmware\_ova.ova*. Download this OVA file. ## Configure CoreOS Network, Gateway and DNS servers By this point the CoreOS should now be running inside of VMware. So far no black magic has been used. Yet.. Since CoreOS doesn't support VMware tools it uses Open VM Tools. This gives us basic funtionality but the network settings are not automatically configured inside of CoreOS. Once you open the console on your newly created CoreOS VM (Refer to the tutorial if you cannot login). We now need to configure the network settings so we can ssh into the server from outside. - Navigate to the /etc/systemd/network directoy - Create the file static.network - *$sudo vi static.network* Inside the static.network file add the following information in order to setup static networking. ``` [Match] MACAddress=00:55:56:57:58:59 [Network] Address=192.168.10.10/24 Gateway=192.168.10.1 DNS=8.8.8.8``` ``` After configuring your network settings reboot CoreOS. The reason I say reboot as for whatever reason the systemctl restart was not reading the network settings and only a reboot reread the static.network file. After the reboot you should be able to ping Google's DNS 8.8.8.8 and google.com which should enable you to continue either building your CoreOS cluster or using another service. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### The Amazing Advancements in Mountain Bikes URL: https://brianchristner.io/the-amazing-advancements-in-mountain-bikes/ Last updated: 2024-09-10T09:42:35.000Z ![2015 Specialized Stunpjumper FSR Elite](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/04/Specialized_Stumpjumper_FSR_Elite.jpeg) When I moved to Switzerland back in 2010 I purchased a Rocky Mountain Instinct full suspension Mountain Bike. Since moving to Switzerland I've really been riding as much as I can as I really love the sport and the people that I ride with. [My journey with Mountain Biking](https://www.brianchristner.io/mountain-biking-coming-age/?ref=brianchristner.io) started a long time ago. However after a lot of group rides and a couple races it was time to upgrade. The Rock Machine Instinct was a great bike to get me back in the game and really improve my fitness to a Swiss standard took me some time. I started my search by visiting all the bike shops in my area, which surprisingly was a ton. I checked out all major manufactures KTM, Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, Bergamont, Rocky Mountain, Rock Machine and a few more. The advancement in Technology in 5 years is mind blowing. Suspension, Brakes, Drivetrain and Frame Geometry could be components of a [MotoGP](http://www.motogp.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) motorcycle. ## Frame Geometry ![29er Head Downtube](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/04/29er_Head_Downtube.png) When I first bought my Rock Machine the 29" wheels were just starting to catch on. However, many manufacutres opted to just slap 29" wheels on existing frames with slight modifications which resulted in horrible handling and suspension issues. As technology and time advanced so did the frame geometry to better adapt 29" wheels. The first 29" Frames had a straight downtube from the Head Tube to the crank. Now many models of 29er's have a slight bend upwards in the front downtube and offset backwards allowing plenty of clearnce for the front wheel when the suspension is compressed. Also, the entire frame is slightly lower which lowers the rider due to the 3" inch bigger tires. This also helps lower Center of Gravity and overall handling. Another newcomer to the Frame department is dropper posts. Dropper posts are such a simple addition providing a convience factor for riding trails. ## Drivetrain ![Shimano XTR Crank Drivetrain](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/04/Shimano_XTR_Crank_Drivetrain.png) During the last couple of years the amount of front sprockets has been decreasing from 3 to 2 and sometimes only 1 on the race bikes. This limits the amount of cross gearing that can occur and reduces the risk of chains jumping off. Now electric shifting is also available by Shimano. So is the next step Automatic Transmissions? ## Suspension ![Specialized Brain Shock internals](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/04/Specialized_Brain_Shock.jpg) The most amazing advancement in Mountain Biking that I've tested and seen is the Suspension. I tip my hat towards Specialized in regards to the biggest advancement with their [Brain Technology](http://www.specialized.com/us/en/technology/brain?ref=brianchristner.io) and Fox Suspension with their Autosag technology allowing for super easy bike/rider setup. The amount of compression and rebound adjustments reminds me of setting up my race ready motorcycle. Depending on manufacture and bike model rear shocks are in a ton of different positions with some even offering adjustable angle for even further tuning. ## Brakes ![MTB Floating Disc Brake Rotor](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/04/MTB_Floating_Brake_Disc.jpg) Brakes are absolutely amazing now and combined with present day suspension makes braking performance incredible. Some bikes offer floating discs, radial mounted disc calipers and steel brake lines. The brakes now look like something off a MotoGP bike. So my next question is when will ABS be available? ## 2015 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Elite I narrowed my search to a 29er Full Suspension bike that was more geared for Trail Riding. This immediately filtered out quite some models of bikes. I test rode several bikes, read every review I could on the bikes I rode and finally decided on the 2015 Specialized Sumpjumper FSR Elite. The Specialized Brain technology for the rear shock and Specialized engineering won me over. I felt instantly comfortable on the bike and it makes you feel like a pro. After taking delivery of my Stumpjumper today I dropped about 30 seconds on technical climb I normally ride. This is amazing! Downhill is even more fun now that I can drop the seat post on the fly and the suspension and brakes inspire so much confidence that your speed increases naturally. I'm extremly happy with my purchase and look forward to riding the heck out of it and do a couple fun races. ### FAQ Section: The Amazing Advancements in Mountain Bikes **What are the latest technological advancements in mountain bikes?** Recent advancements in mountain bikes include carbon fiber frames for lighter weight, improved suspension systems for better shock absorption, and the integration of electronic components such as wireless shifting and dropper posts. These innovations enhance performance and rider experience. **How do modern suspension systems improve mountain biking?** Modern suspension systems, like full-suspension bikes with advanced damping technologies, improve comfort and control by absorbing shocks from rough terrain. This allows riders to tackle more challenging trails with greater stability and less fatigue. **What are the benefits of carbon fiber frames in mountain bikes?** Carbon fiber frames are lighter and stronger than traditional aluminum frames. This not only reduces the bikeā€™s overall weight, making it easier to climb and handle, but also provides increased durability and better shock absorption for a smoother ride. **How are electronic components changing mountain biking?** Electronic components, such as wireless gear shifting and electronic dropper posts, are making mountain biking more efficient and precise. Wireless shifting ensures smooth transitions between gears, while electronic dropper posts allow for quick seat height adjustments, improving control on technical descents. **What should I consider when upgrading my mountain bike?** When upgrading your mountain bike, consider factors like frame material, suspension type, and electronic components. Investing in lightweight materials and advanced suspension can improve performance, while electronic features offer convenience and precision, especially for serious riders. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### How to convert your website to SSL for Free URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-convert-your-website-to-ssl-for-free/ Last updated: 2024-08-15T14:42:05.000Z I was very doubtful to learn of the new offering by [CloudFlare SSL](https://www.cloudflare.com/ssl?ref=brianchristner.io) and actually procratenated on installing it until yesterday. How the heck can they offer SSL for Free without having to install certificates? Since [Google ranks SSL](http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.ch/2014/08/https-as-ranking-signal.html?ref=brianchristner.io)based sites higher than non https sites it was time to make the switch. The nice thing about this excercise I have several different website configurations: Static Website built on Foundation, Ghost, and Wordpress just to cover all the bases. Cloud Flare offers serveral different levels of SSL protection. The Free level is Flexible SSL. This is the level I installed on all my sites including this one. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/03/Flexible_SSL_CloudFlare.png) **Flexible SSL:** is an encrypted connection between your site visitors and CloudFlare, but not from CloudFlare to your server. First things first. If you are not using CloudFlare now's the time to singup and take advantage of this awesome CDN service. Here's the quick and dirty to get started with [CloudFlare Getting started](https://support.cloudflare.com/hc/en-us/articles/201720164-How-do-I-sign-up-for-CloudFlare-?ref=brianchristner.io) ## How to switch to CloudFlare SSL with a Static Website This is obviously the easiest switch. - Open the CloudFlare dashboard and click on the gear on the left side to access the settings. ![CloudFlare settings](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/03/CloudFlare_Settings.png) - Click on Page rules - Add a new rule and toggle the **Always use HTTPS** flag. Type the domain name format you wish to forward to https. This will be either www.domain.com or domain.com ![Add HTTPS Rule](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/03/Add_HTTPS_Rule_CloudFlare.png) - After about 5 minutes your web traffic will start forwarding to https and you will see the green SSL lock on your address bar. W00T! ## How to switch to CloudFlare SSL with a Ghost Website So the same rules apply for Ghost. We will create the rule just as we have above. Once the rule has been created for your Ghost Website you will need to edit your config.js inside of your Ghost installation directory. Update the URL field in this file to HTTPS. ![Ghost config.js settings for CloudFlare SSL](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/03/Ghost_CloudFlare_SSL.png) ## How to switch to CloudFlare SSL with a Wordpress Website We wouldn't be complete without updating our Wordpress site as well, right? Of course last but not least caused me the biggest grief. Initially everything worked great until I tried to login to the wp-admin section. When I tried to login via wp-admin it went in an indefinite redirect loop and couldn't login. After hours of writing redirect rules and Googling I finally found a solution. That is until I found [TJOSM](https://tjosm.com/3699/setting-cloudflare-free-ssl-wordpress-nginx/?ref=brianchristner.io) which saved the day and my sanity as he created the complete tutorial on making the switch for WordPress with NGINX. ## SSL Everywhere Now that I have SSL installed and running across all my domains I not only feel safer but I'm expecting any moment my Google rankings to jump through the roof. Either way it is a nice to see the green lock in my address bar when I access my websites now. Mission accomplished for a Free SSL installation. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Mac OSX Error connecting with RDP to Windows Server URL: https://brianchristner.io/mac-osx-error-connecting-with-rdp-to-windows-server/ Last updated: 2022-01-09T20:20:42.000Z I was having trouble creating an RDP client for Mac to a Windows Server. When I RDP to tha same Windows machine from another Windows machine everything worked as advertised. When I opened a RDP connection from my Mac to the Windows Server I would ge the following error: *"Remote Desktop Connection cannot verify the identity of the computer that you want to connect to"* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2015/02/Cannot_Verify_Identity_Mac_Rdp.png) Since I was able to connect from a Windows Machine I was under the assumption that the RDP problem layed with my Mac. Wrong! After trolling the internet for ages I finally found the fix. ## How to fix the Mac OSX RDP Error: On the Windows Server you are trying to RDP to perform the following - Ensure that RDP is enabled on the Windows Server and that the Firewall allows RDP. - Open the Management Console (mmc.exe) - Add the 'Local Computer Policy' snap-in Goto: -> Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Remote Desktop Services -> Remote Desktop Session Host -> Security - Change the following two settings from their default (be aware that there might be a reason that MSFT has decided to set them to default. It might be advisable to revise those settings after a new Mac RDP client has been released) - **'Require use of specific for remote desktop (RDP) connections' from 'Default' to 'Enabled', then select 'RDP' in the options pane** - **'Require user authentication for remote connections by using Network Level Authentications' to 'Disabled'** **Restart the 'Remote Desktop Service' or simply restart the computer** I was able to connect to various versions of Windows Server with this fix. Credit -[Microsoft Technet](http://https//social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/0b865c92-5e0b-4518-9092-790aed895f5b/remote-desktop-connection-for-mac-os-x-cannot-connect-to-windows-81?forum=w81previtpro&ref=brianchristner.io) ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### 2014 in Review and Goals for 2015 URL: https://brianchristner.io/2014-in-review-and-goals-for-2015/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T17:49:31.000Z Wow, what a year 2014 was. It had many ups and downs but also a lot of great accomplishments and moments. I'm happy to have completed so many goals this year, but I want to continue my progress in 2015\. My to-Do list for 2015 is big and quite venturesome. ## 2014 in Review - One of my goals for 2014 was moving all of my websites to Digital Ocean. This was probably the start of many other projects I undertook. I am still thrilled with the performance and Digital Oceans support and features. - [NGNIX](https://nginx.org/?ref=brianchristner.io), but I also have it running as a load-balanced proxy in Docker, which was a massive goal for me. Not only did I convert all my websites to NGINX, but I also had it running as a load-balanced proxy in Docker. - At the beginning of last year, Docker was still relatively new. I wanted to learn as much as possible about the technology and build several projects with it. I not only built all my new projects with Docker but also gave a couple of Docker presentations. - I challenged myself to three Startups before Jan 5, 2015\. So far, I have completed two, and the third one is almost complete. I'm very happy with the challenge and will be challenging myself with more for 2015. - I should attend more German classes. My level of German has vastly improved, but I still have a long way to go. - Fitness was a huge goal for me in 2014\. Unfortunately, the summer was rained out, so I was not able to get on my Mountain Bike as much as I would've liked, but I hit the gym frequently, and I'm happy with the results. ## 2015 Goals Since writing the article about building 3 startups, I found it was extremely motivating to publish my goals. So here it goes again for 2015. - Ride the Zugerberg Classic Mountain Bike race. - I will continue my fitness regime and start counting calories, limiting myself to 2750 per day, until I reach my target weight and waist size. - Write 3 blog posts per week. - Learn and Master Cloud Foundry - Take online courses in Finance and Trading - Take online refresher courses in Javascript. - Launch more projects. As I started the 3 Startup challenge, I want to continue launching new products & services. - Build more projects with Docker - Continue improving my German. This seems to be a never-ending goal I'm already looking forward to tackling this list. I hope you make 2015 a memorable one! ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### First Project Launched - InstaGP URL: https://brianchristner.io/first-project-launched-instagp/ Last updated: 2024-08-15T15:01:00.000Z ![](http://) It's been quite a ride to get to this point. After the first [InstaGP Pivot](https://brianchristner.io/instagp-time-to-pivot/) until now it's been a lot of time coding and trial and error. I quite enjoyed the project and learned a ton about the Instagram API and Twiiter Bootstrap. Will it gain traction and become popular during MotoGP season? Only time will tell. I launched the MVP(Minimum Viable Product) for [InstaGP](http://www.instagp.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) on 5 December. I decided to keep the functionality to a minimum of just the rider profiles. I will then analyze the Analytics to see which other componets of InstaGP is interesting for viewers like tracks or teams. If enough interest for either tracks or teams is realized then I will build out these features. Until then I will continue monitoring the sites progress and polish the site for the 2015 MotoGP Season. ## Second Startup MVP So what's next? I will now start the Second Startup MVP for Hashtag Haters. I'm now busy hashing out(no pun intended) the design and functionality of HH. I'm still not sure the direction I will go with HH but I'm certain I will again use Twitter Bootstrap as a basis. Stay tuned for HH updates. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### InstaGP Time to Pivot URL: https://brianchristner.io/instagp-time-to-pivot/ Last updated: 2022-01-09T20:21:19.000Z After my initial post of 3 Startups before the end of the year I already have an update. Like lots of tech companies a pivot was definitely going to occur. Well I certainly didnā€™t expect a pivot so early on. I started working on InstaGP the Instagram + MotoGP (Motorcycle Racing) mashup. Initially I was going to pull pictures from Instagram based on time and location. Based on this information it was planned to take these pictures + locations and overlay them on top of the particular race track. Well that was the plan... So what happened? I created a wireframe of what I wanted to build for InstaGP and the integration between InstaGP and the Instagram API. Before I wrote the first line of code, I decided to test the API to find out exactly what I could retrieve from the API. The results blew my plan for InstaGP right out of the water. When I queried the Instagram API for a particular race track location just for MotoGP related pictures the amount of pictures returned were almost nothing. After doing a few more queries I quickly realized most MotoGP related pictures have no location assigned at all. Searching by the Tag name ā€œMotoGPā€ or riders names like "Valentino Rossi" or "Nicky Hayden" returned all sorts of crazy results with some pictures not even MotoGP or motorcycle racing related. The common term used in the startup world for such occasions is a pivot or change of direction which is exactly what was needed. Iā€™ve pivoted my initial plan to the next phase. Iā€™ve decided to build InstaGP pivot as follows: - Create a website which acts as a portal for gathering all the social media for all MotoGP riders, teams, and tracks. The initial release will contain just Instagram feeds per rider, team, or track. - Release 2 (January 2015) will integrate Twitter and Facebook feeds although Iā€™m not convinced about Facebook. - Release 3 (February 2015) will provided a Most Popular Tweets or Instagram Images category from all rider feeds. Basically displaying the most popular picture or tweets from all the pictures or Tweets. Still lots of work to do but so far Iā€™m very happy with the progress. But the end of the year is quickly approaching. Yikes! ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Countdown to 3 Startup Launches! URL: https://brianchristner.io/countdown-to-3-startup-launches/ Last updated: 2024-08-23T15:55:03.000Z With the upcoming Christmas Holidays, I've already set a sporty goal. I plan on launching 3 different startups before the end of the Christmas breakā€”enough of sitting around dreaming of something to launch. I will pull the trigger, force myself to launch, and set the countdown in motion. My inspiration comes from Pieter Levels from [Levels](https://x.com/levelsio?ref=brianchristner.io) and [Bootstrappers.io](http://www.bootstrappers.io/?ref=brianchristner.io). Pieter kicked off his challenge of launching 12 Startups in 12 Months, and so far, he is doing quite well with it. I've come to like Pieter's clear way of explaining his process and his launch methods. [How I build Minimum Viable Products](https://levels.io/how-i-build-my-minimum-viable-products/?ref=brianchristner.io). ## What I'm Going to Launch So, I am busy preparing minimum viable products (MVP) for each of the three products ahead of time. I've already begun validating with professionals in each segment. Although these are projects and not businesses, who knows, one might gain traction and become famous. I am spreading my launch across three MVPs in 3 different segments. I will send a Tweet once a landing page is placed for the different pages. **InstaGP** \- A mashup of Instagram and Twitter for Sporting events **WebWrench** \- An Analytics Tool for Small Businesses **Hashtag Haters** \- A site tracking funny Hashtags, submitting & voting up/down HashTags ## Why Launch? So why would I launch anything? Well, it forces me to do a couple of things. - Build an MVP - Understand Lean Startup Processes - Increase my exposure to the Instagram & Twitter API's - Experience a product launch ## When is the Launch? The countdown is on. So when is the launch? I set the Launch date for January 2, 2015\. It's a Friday, New Year, and an excellent time to have everything ready before people return to the first week of 2015. ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Upgrading Docker Containers running Ghost CMS URL: https://brianchristner.io/upgrading-ghost-to-0-5-3-with-docker/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T17:47:14.000Z ## The next step with Ghost The [Ghost](https://github.com/TryGhost/Ghost/releases?ref=brianchristner.io) crew released a new version of the Ghost CMS system, 0.5.3\. This release includes some nice features, as seen below. So the next question is, how difficult is it to upgrade Ghost while running on Docker? Well, it is so simple that I had to go back and check twice to make sure I didn't miss anything. ## Upgrading Docker Container to Ghost 0.5.3 Since Ghost is a maintained image in the [Docker Repository ](https://registry.hub.docker.com/%5F/ghost?ref=brianchristner.io)it makes life a lot easier. In my current setup I have 2 containers running behind a NGINX proxy container. Take a look at my [Ghost setup post](https://brianchristner.io/migrating-from-wordpress-to-dockerized-ghost/) for a better understanding. The first step is to download the latest version of the Ghost image. 1. `docker pull dockerfile/ghost` 2. start the new image `docker run -d -p 49150:2368 -v /var/docker/b2:/ghost-override -e VIRTUAL_HOST=www.yourdomain.com,yourdomain.com --name` `container_name dockerfile/ghost:latest bash /ghost-start` 3. Stop the old Ghost instances `docker stop ghost1 ghost2` 4. Start additional containers if you want load balancing. Done! Yes, that is all. Be sure to do some housekeeping and delete all Ghost containers so you won't accidentally start them later. ## Ghost 0.5.3 Release Highlights - **New** Post AutoSave - **New** Structured Data (open graph, Twitter cards) - **New** GMail-style shortcuts - **Fixed** Themes not working correctly with symlinks - **Fixed** User screen limited to 20 users - **Fixed** Next & prev meta links don't get HTTPS ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### vCloud ISO Images Appear with Question Marks URL: https://brianchristner.io/vcloud-iso-images-appear-with-question-marks/ Last updated: 2024-08-15T14:52:35.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2014/Oct/unknown_iso_vcloud.jpg) <--This issue drove me nuts this week. Someone uploaded a bunch of ISO images with vCloud Director 5.5\. The ISO's images uploaded fine but some images appeared as normal and others appeared as icons with a question mark that are unmountable on VM's. WTF? So I tried a couple things. I noticed that the ISO images were missing the .iso file extension. I tried renaming the ISO images through vCloud. No Love! ## How to fix Unknown ISO files in vCloud In order to fix this annoying issue ensure your ISO images have the .iso extension **before uploading**. vCloud 5.1 and lower this was not an issue and vCloud automatically recognized the file type. Now we must tell it before the upload. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Updating your Docker for Shellshock URL: https://brianchristner.io/updating-your-docker-containers-for-shellshock/ Last updated: 2024-09-10T09:45:13.000Z What a week. Starting my workday early Thursday (25 September) morning, I came across a tweet from someone I follow saying that he spent the entire night updating his Linux systems. Hmm, this doesn't look good. After quickly getting up to speed with the [Shellshock Bug](http://www.troyhunt.com/2014/09/everything-you-need-to-know-about.html?ref=brianchristner.io) it was time to make a plan. ## Reviewing the Landscape I quickly evaluated all my web servers spread around the world and made a plan to update them. Updating my web servers was relatively uneventful and fast, but it required quite some time to SSH to each one and run the commands. Since my last article about launching a [Dockerized Blog](https://brianchristner.io/migrating-from-wordpress-to-dockerized-ghost/) solution, this adds a new aspect to updating Docker for this Bash patch as I need to update the base Docker image. I have 3 Docker containers: - 1 x NGINX Proxy - 2 x Nodejs + Ghost CMS ## How to update Docker Images & Containers I deployed a new container for both the NGINX Proxy and Ghost CMS. I started both containers in interactive mode with /bin/bash enabled. I then updated Bash inside the containers, Committed the Container as a new image, and deployed the new image. So let's take a look at the process step-by-step: 1. Deploy a new Docker container for both NGINX and Ghost NGINX -> `docker run -i -p 80:80 -v \ /var/run/docker.sock:/tmp/docker.sock \ --name proxy jwilder/nginx-proxy /bin/bash` Once the container is running and you are attached run: `apt-get update apt-get install --only-upgrade bash` 2. Now repeat the process for the Ghost containers Ghost ->`docker run -i -p 49157:2368 -v \ /var/docker/directory_name:/ghost-override \ -e VIRTUAL_HOST=www.example.com \ dockerfile/ghost /bin/bash apt-get update apt-get install --only-upgrade bash` 3. Next, let's commit the containers as new Docker Images. `docker commit -m"Updated Bash" -a="Brian" \ proxy jwilder/nginx-proxy:v2` 4. Repeat the process for the Ghost image by changing the image and container names in the command. 5. Stop the running containers for proxy and Ghost `docker stop proxy ghost1 ghost2` 6. Deploy the newly created proxy container `docker run -i -p 80:80 -v \ /var/run/docker.sock:/tmp/docker.sock \ --name proxy jwilder/nginx-proxy:v2 forego start -r` 7. Same for the Ghost image `docker run -i -p 49157:2368 -v \ /var/docker/directory_name:/ghost-override \ -e VIRTUAL_HOST=www.example.com \ dockerfile/ghost bash /ghost-start` **Happy Dockering!** **What is the Shellshock vulnerability?** Shellshock is a security vulnerability in the Bash shell, found in Unix-based systems like Linux. It allows attackers to execute malicious code remotely, posing a serious risk to servers and containers running affected versions of Bash. **How does Shellshock affect Docker containers?** Docker containers using vulnerable versions of Bash are at risk of being exploited through the Shellshock vulnerability. If attackers gain access to a container's shell, they can execute arbitrary code, potentially compromising the container and the host system. **How can I check if my Docker containers are vulnerable to Shellshock?** To check for Shellshock vulnerability, run the following command inside your container: bashCopy code`env x='() { :;}; echo vulnerable' bash -c "echo this is a test"` If your system outputs ā€œvulnerable,ā€ you need to update Bash immediately. If itā€™s secure, it will return ā€œthis is a testā€ without the vulnerable message. **How do I update my Docker containers to protect against Shellshock?** To update your Docker containers, start by pulling the latest versions of the base images that include a patched version of Bash. Then, rebuild and redeploy your containers to ensure theyā€™re running with the secure version. You can also update Bash directly within the container using the package manager (e.g., `apt-get update && apt-get install --only-upgrade bash`). **What steps can I take to secure my Docker containers against future vulnerabilities?** Regularly update your Docker images and base containers, apply security patches, and use automated tools like Docker Bench for Security to scan for vulnerabilities. Limiting container privileges and using features like Dockerā€™s built-in security flags can further reduce risks. ### Follow me If you liked this article, be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Migrating Wordpress to a Load Balanced Ghost Docker URL: https://brianchristner.io/migrating-from-wordpress-to-dockerized-ghost/ Last updated: 2025-02-14T12:10:22.000Z I am always striving to be different and play with new technologies. So, what is the next step? Well, since Docker is a hot topic and I am keen to learn more, I decided to dive in head first. This site, BrianChrister.io, is hosted with Digital Ocean on an Ubuntu droplet with NGINX and WordPress on top. There is nothing quite out of the ordinary besides making it a multi-site WordPress with NGINX. ## The Mission Build a [Docker](https://www.docker.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) based system that is load balanced behind an NGINX Proxy. Instead of migrating WordPress into Docker containers, I decided to also switch to [Ghost](https://ghost.org/?ref=brianchristner.io) which utilizes Node.js, and it seemed like a very interesting project. ## Getting from A --> B So, first, we need to lay down the groundwork. The great thing about Docker is the number of pre-configured images available. Simply install them, and BAM! You're running. 1. I'm using Digital Ocean so I spun up a new Droplet with Docker already installed. So easy! If you don't have Digital Ocean which you should then [RTFM](https://docs.docker.com/installation/?ref=brianchristner.io#installation) 2. Install the NGINX proxy by typing `docker pull jwilder/nginx-proxy` The image provided by [Jwilder](https://github.com/jwilder/nginx-proxy?ref=brianchristner.io) is an amazing peice of kit. It is an NGINX reverse proxy that monitors docker containers via the API. Once a docker container starts with the -e VIRTUAL\_HOST=www.example.com variable it assigns it to the proxy automagically. 3. Once the image is installed fire it up. `docker run -d -p 80:80 -v /var/run/docker.sock:/tmp/docker.sock` `jwilder/nginx-proxy` 4. Next I installed the Docker Ghost image `docker pull dockerfile/ghost` 5. Time to start firing up Ghost containers. `docker run -e VIRTUAL_HOST=www.example.com -v /localhost/directory --name container_name -d -p 49154:2368 -v ~/blog:/ghost-override dockerfile/ghost` which will pull the Ghost image from the registry and fire it up 6. I then repeated step 5 and renamed the container and incremented the port number by 1. Check out [Stack Overflow](http://stackoverflow.com/a/20652410?ref=brianchristner.io) for instructions on configuring your Ghost container to store the data locally in a separate Docker container. ### FAQ Section: Migrating from WordPress to Dockerized Ghost **Why migrate from WordPress to Ghost?** [Ghost Docker](https://brianchristner.io/docker-ghost-hacker-news/) offers a simpler, faster platform focused on publishing. Unlike WordPress, which can be heavy with plugins, Ghost is lightweight and designed for speed, making it ideal for content creators who want a minimalist, performance-oriented solution. **What are the benefits of Dockerizing Ghost?** Dockerizing Ghost simplifies deployment and management. It allows you to package Ghost and its dependencies in a container, making it easier to scale, update, and maintain across different environments. Docker also enhances security by isolating the application. **Is migrating content from WordPress to Ghost difficult?** Migrating content can be straightforward with tools like the WordPress export feature and Ghost's import functionality. However, depending on the complexity of your site (e.g., custom plugins or themes), some manual adjustments may be needed post-migration. **How do I set up Dockerized Ghost?** To set up Dockerized Ghost, you need Docker and Docker Compose installed on your server. You can then use the official [Ghost Docker ](https://brianchristner.io/docker-ghost-hacker-news/)image, create a `docker-compose.yml` file, and define the necessary services (Ghost and a database like MySQL). After configuring, you can run the container using `docker-compose up`. **What are common challenges when migrating to Ghost?** Common challenges include theme compatibility and plugin functionality. Ghost is designed with minimalism in mind, so WordPress users who rely heavily on plugins may find some features missing. Customizing Ghost themes also requires knowledge of Handlebars.js. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How to hide your Wordpress Login page URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-hide-your-wordpress-login-page/ Last updated: 2024-05-30T20:51:14.000Z It appears the amount of Brute Force password attacks is increasing exponentially lately. Several of my Wordpress sites have been getting hammered almost daily without fail. Previously, we discussed [how to secure your Wordpress site](https://brianchristner.io/secure-wordpress-site/). But hackers are getting clever and we must stay in front of the ball in order to keep from getting knocked out of the game. After some investigation of what I could do to block would be hackers from attacking my site I went through a list of possibilities. 1. Add another Wordpress Plugin to add more security. *The downside is this could slow down my websites, another plugin to maintain, and it could just not work* 2. Create a Webserver level Password to block hackers. Well this sounds good in principal but the hackers will just run their brute force password cracker on this password next. 3. So just like most spy movies is the term what people can't see they won't find. So number 3 is what I decided on. So by default and practically every Wordpress site on the internet the login page is in the default place (www.yourdomain.com/wp-admin). So why don't we move the "wp-admin" login page to another name? This not only makes your site a non-default installation but it will take a hacker a considerable more amount of time to find the new name of the login page. Kinda brilliant huh? First, I started hacking my webserver and changing things around when a lightbulb went off. Yeah, hello! I asked myself? Stop trying to reinvent the wheel and look to see if someone else has already done the work. Well I found the plugin [rename wp-login.php](https://wordpress.org/plugins/rename-wp-login/?ref=brianchristner.io). It works great. I installed it and almost immediately my webserver logs went back to normal event traffic. Wow what a relief. So since renaming the wp-admin on my sites I have yet to receive an alert of a Brute Force attack. ### FAQ Section: How to Hide Your WordPress Login Page **Why should I hide my WordPress login page?** Hiding your WordPress login page helps protect your site from brute force attacks by making it harder for unauthorized users to find and attempt to access your login area. **What are the best methods to hide my WordPress login page?** The best methods include using security plugins, changing the default login URL, and implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security. **Can I hide my WordPress login page without a plugin?** Yes, you can hide your WordPress login page without a plugin by manually changing the login URL through coding, though using a plugin is generally easier and more secure. **How do security plugins help in hiding the WordPress login page?** Security plugins, such as WPS Hide Login or iThemes Security, allow you to easily change the default login URL and provide additional features like limiting login attempts and enabling two-factor authentication. **Will hiding my WordPress login page affect my site's functionality?** No, hiding your WordPress login page will not affect your site's functionality. It only changes the URL for the login page, making it harder for attackers to find it while ensuring your site's regular operations remain unaffected. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Will WhatsApp Merge into Facebook Messenger? URL: https://brianchristner.io/will-whatsapp-merge-into-facebook-messeneger/ Last updated: 2024-09-10T09:35:16.000Z The entire tech community was up in arms with Facebook moving Facebook Messenger off to its own app recently. What people are failing to see is the future vision of Facebook Messenger. People have forgotten about the recent purchase of WhatsApp and how this is now a direct competitor of the Facebook Messenger. Wait, What!? Yes, you read that correctly. So why would Facebook design and release an application that would directly compete with a company they just purchased unless.... Unless Facebook plans to merge WhatsApp into Facebook Messenger. Before Facebook purchased WhatsApp it was believed that the WhatsApp messages were encrypted between your cell phone and the WhatsApp servers. WhatsApp also claimed to never store messages on their servers thus making it very difficult for Facebook to advertise efficiently on the WhatsApp platform / monetize WhatsApp. It is possible that since the Facebook acquistion that WhatsApp messages are now decoded by Facebook thus debunking this theory completely. But read on as it may still happen. By merging WhatsApp into the Facebook messenger not only will combine the two apps but joining users, additional cell phone data, and most importantly rip open the WhatsApp messages to be crawled by Facebook's Advertising engine. Will we start seeing WhatsApp features slowly but steady move across to Facebook Messenger? It doesn't make sense not to merge these two products and thus eliminating internal competition. However, Facebook has already proven with Instagram that they will keep a product alive and slowly try monetize it. But in WhatsApps case as mentioned above a merger could be the only means to monetize WhatsApp. I hope I am wrong but this seems like the next logical step. ### FAQ Section: Will WhatsApp Merge into Facebook Messenger? **Is WhatsApp merging with Facebook Messenger?** No, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are not merging into one app. While both are owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), they operate as separate platforms with distinct user bases and features. However, Meta has been working on integrating messaging infrastructure across its apps. **What is Meta's plan for WhatsApp and Messenger integration?** Meta's goal is to create a unified messaging backend across WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram. This would allow users to communicate across platforms seamlessly without needing to switch apps, while keeping each appā€™s interface separate. **Will the WhatsApp and Messenger integration affect privacy?** Meta has promised that WhatsAppā€™s end-to-end encryption will remain intact despite any integration efforts. This means that your messages on WhatsApp will continue to be secure and private, even if infrastructure is shared with other Meta apps. **How will cross-platform messaging work between WhatsApp and Messenger?** Cross-platform messaging aims to allow users of WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram to send messages to each other without needing to install multiple apps. However, this feature is still under development, and full details on its functionality are not yet released. **Will I need to download Facebook Messenger to use WhatsApp?** No, you will not need to download Facebook Messenger to continue using WhatsApp. Both apps will remain available as separate downloads, and users can choose to use one or both depending on their preferences. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How to Block Spammers based on keywords in NGINX URL: https://brianchristner.io/how-to-block-spammers-based-on-keywords-in-nginx/ Last updated: 2024-09-10T09:48:36.000Z It seems I spend most of my time moderating comments on my websites just to delete spam. It is still a daily task which sometimes is amazing how much the [Wordpress Askimet](https://wordpress.org/plugins/akismet/?ref=brianchristner.io) plugin catches. It works amazingly well but it still requires time to sort through all the junk mail to ensure nothing was caught by accident. I stumbled across a feature in NGINX that helps you block website visitors based on the keywords they have in their HTTP header. For example, if a spammer posts a comment about Viagra. NGINX catches the keyword Viagra in the HTTP header and redirects the user to another page. **Brilliant right?** ## Steps for blocking Spam with NGINX - Navigate to your NGINX sites-enabled config file. Usually located in: /etc/nginx/sites-enabled/ - Edit the config file with your preferred editor - Copy the below code to your config file: \`# Block HTTP Headers based on keywords and redirect to 403 if ($http\_referer \~\* (viagraĀ¦cialisĀ¦levitraĀ¦mulberryĀ¦laurent) ) { return 403; }\` - Modify the keywords to block specific keywords which are giving you trouble. Be sure to separate the keywords with a pipe Ā¦ - Save your changes - Run the command ***nginx -t*** to test the config file for errors. Only if it passes successfully should you continue to the next step. If not go back to the config and fix the problems first - Reload NGINX by running : ***service nginx reload*** ### FAQ Section: How to Block Spammers Based on Keywords in NGINX **How can I block spammers using keywords in NGINX?** To block spammers in NGINX based on specific keywords, you can create a rule that checks the request's user agent, URL, or headers for unwanted terms. Using the `ngx_http_rewrite_module`, you can define these keywords and deny access to requests that match them. **What is an example of an NGINX configuration to block spammers by keyword?** Hereā€™s a simple example of an NGINX configuration to block requests containing certain keywords: ``` nginxCopy codeif ($http_user_agent ~* "bad-bot|spam-keyword") { return 403; } ``` This rule will block any requests where the user agent includes the specified keywords. **Can I block specific IPs associated with spam in NGINX?** Yes, you can block specific IP addresses by adding them to a `deny` directive in your NGINX configuration. For example: `nginxCopy codedeny 123.123.123.123;` This will block requests from the specified IP address. **How do I block URLs containing spammy keywords?** To block URLs with spammy keywords, you can use a location block with a regular expression to match certain patterns: ``` nginxCopy codelocation ~* "spammy-keyword" { return 403; } ``` This will deny access to any URL containing the defined spam keyword. **Are there tools to automate blocking spammers in NGINX?** Yes, you can use automated tools like Fail2Ban or NGINXā€™s `ngx_http_limit_req_module` to dynamically block spammers based on patterns in their requests. These tools monitor traffic and block IPs or requests that match spammy behavior. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### What I've learned about living in Europe so far... URL: https://brianchristner.io/what-i-learned-living-europe/ Last updated: 2024-09-10T07:19:52.000Z Moving from Las Vegas to a tiny village outside of Amsterdam called Hoofddorp was quite a shock. After spending the last days I mean weeks hitting all my favorite bars and clubs in Las Vegas with my buddies before I flew to the Netherlands. I arrived in Netherlands at my hotel on a Saturday night and got settled in. After taking a shower I thought I would take a stroll around town and see what was happening. Still rocking my American style with a big fat goatee, Airwalks, baggy Jeans, Ray Bans, and a baseball hat turned backwards. I stood out like a sore thumb and received quite some interesting looks. > **The shell shock started settling in that this is nothing like I was prepared for. Welcome to Europe!** ## Living in The Netherlands So after living in this hotel room off and on in Hoofddorp for close to 6 months I finally moved out into the wild. I found a room for rent in Amsterdam by a really cool British girl. She showed me around town and introduced me to some cool places and people. My job kept me on the road so I didn't spend a lot of time in The Netherlands the first year. I was travelling around Europe working in casinos in various amazing locations that I would have never imagined or thought of traveling to. What struck me instantly was the laid back attitude, slower pace of life, and people really just seemed to be taking time to enjoy life. A huge emphasis is put on holidays even though it always felt like The Netherlands has the least amount of public holidays in the world! What I started to learn from living in The Netherlands and travelling Europe/World is to accept new cultures, open my mind to new ideas, and of course try all sorts of new cuisines and beers along the way. The Dutch are nice people and The Netherlands was perfect introduction to European living. I knew once I spent sometime in The Netherlands that this was not a place I would spend the rest of my life. I particularly didn't care for the horrible year round weather, I missed the outdoors, mountains, and was not a big fan of the extremely high taxes. Next stop Switzerland! ![swiss flag](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2014/08/swiss-flag-300x300.jpg) ## Moving & Living in Switzerland So after a ton of discussions with my Swiss wife the decision of our next move came down to either the US or Switzerland. We decided on Switzerland over the US because our reasoning is that it would be easy for us to go to the US at anytime but it would be more difficult to move back to Europe from the US. Switzerland was an excellent move for the both us personally and professionally. However, I quickly realised unlike The Netherlands where everyone's English comprehension was excellent. Switzerland is very different. In ZĆ¼rich and Zug English levels are OK but quickly dissipate once outside these cities. I made it a mission of mine to start learning German right away. I took 3 months off from work just to learn German full time. Once I had a basic grasp on the German language I found a job at an international Finance company in Zug, Switzerland. I continued my German courses until I switched jobs to \[Swisscom\](http://Swisscom.com) where I am now using German the entire day. Wow it shocks me to think that I would ever be living or working in Switzerland let alone working in a totally different language. Now that we have settled into Switzerland we love it. The outdoors are right out of our back door and snow skiing is everywhere. We are also a couple hours from France, Germany, or Italy making for easy weekend getaways. People are easy to meet and we have actually become much more active in the community and surrounding areas. We also love the fact of buying everything directly from the farms around the city we live in. Needless to say we are very happy with our choice to move to Switzerland and oh the weather, food, and taxes are so much better here than The Netherlands. More to come on life in Switzerland ### FAQ Section: What I Learned Living in Europe **What are some cultural differences between living in Europe and other places?** European countries tend to emphasize a slower-paced lifestyle, with a focus on work-life balance, longer vacations, and socializing. Public transportation is more developed, and the emphasis on sustainability and community is stronger compared to other regions like the U.S. **Is the cost of living in Europe higher compared to the U.S.?** The cost of living varies greatly across Europe. Western European countries like Switzerland or the UK tend to have higher costs, while Eastern Europe is more affordable. However, healthcare and public services in Europe are often more accessible and less expensive than in the U.S. **Whatā€™s the biggest adjustment when moving to Europe?** Adapting to the language and cultural norms is often the biggest adjustment. Learning the local language, understanding different work ethics, and adjusting to slower service in restaurants or shops are common experiences for newcomers. **How does healthcare in Europe compare to other regions?** Europe generally offers affordable and high-quality healthcare, with many countries having universal healthcare systems. This contrasts with regions like the U.S., where healthcare is often private and more expensive. European healthcare systems are more accessible and often provide comprehensive coverage. **What are the main benefits of living in Europe?** Living in Europe provides access to rich history, diverse cultures, excellent public transportation, and higher work-life balance. Travel between countries is easy and affordable, and many European countries offer good social services like education and healthcare. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### vCloud Networking Security Best Practices URL: https://brianchristner.io/vcloud-networking-security-best-practices/ Last updated: 2024-08-15T14:52:46.000Z vCloud networking is often overlooked when considering security best practices. However, networking architecture has a lot of aspects to consider. By creating Internal Organization Networks (ION), External Organization Networks (EON), vApp Networks, and Demilitarized Zones (DMZ) this enables the administrator to separate servers based on role or application. By using a mix of both IONā€™s, EONā€™s, vApp networks, and DMZā€™s enables a network design that allows for the most secure and logical network by separating server roles and applications. **Figure 1** illustrates the combination of all three of these networks. Limiting the amount of connections externally to the internet and using the vShield or third party firewall reduces your visible footprint to outside networks. Utilizing DMZā€™s in combination with the vShield Load Balancing allows the Administrator to create secure DMZ networks while removing exposure to other VMā€™s or resources. ![vApp Network Diagramm](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2014/06/vApp_Network.jpg) *Figure1 Source: VMware* ### vApp Networks A vApp network is contained within a vApp and allows virtual machines in the vApp to communicate with each other. You can also connect a vApp network to an organization vDC network to allow the vApp to communicate with other vApps in the organization and outside of the organization, if the organization vDC network is connected to an external network. ### Internal Organization Networks (ION) The ION is sometimes referred to as a Data Center connect network or a Private Network. The role of this network is to connect multiple Data Centers, vApps, and VMā€™s. This network has no external connectivity. IONā€™s are most commonly used for: 1. Virtual Machine to Virtual Machine 2. vApp to vApp 3. Data Center to Data Center ### External Organization Networks (EON) The EON functions exactly like the ION. The difference is the EON network is connected to External Provider Network (EPN) or better known as your internet connection. The EON still allows for connection directly to VMā€™s, vAppā€™s, or Data Centers. ### Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) A DMZ (demilitarized zone) is a generic term for a subnetwork that contains and exposes an organizationā€™s external services to a larger untrusted network, usually the Internet. The purpose of a DMZ is to add an additional layer of security to an organizationā€™s Local Area Network (LAN); an external attacker only has access to equipment in the DMZ, rather than any other part of the network. (Source VMware) **In figure 2** the vShield provides the load balancing functionality and firewall needed to secure the vApp workloads. The DMZ network should be an isolated vApp or ION network, but the public network should be an EON network. The vShield separates the public network or internet from the internal resources behind the vShield Firewall and Load Balancer thus protecting the workloads. The DMZ network should be an isolated vApp or ION, but the public network should be a vApp or EON network that routes to client locations. The DMZ should be isolated from the rest of the organizationā€™s network ![vCloud DMZ Diagramm](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2014/06/vCloud_DMZ.jpg) Figure 2 Source: VMware ## vCloud Firewall Best Practices The Firewall is one of the most critical components of the DCS infrastructure in regards to security. It is recommended to use the vShield Edge firewall included inside of DCS or to use a third-party firewall like Fortigate, Checkpoint, Barracuda, or Juniper are just some of the firewalls that are currently in use. Regardless of the firewall selected it is important that a firewall is installed, activated, and configured correctly. The vShield Edge or 3rd Party Appliance provides network security and gateway services to isolate virtual machines. These Firewalls provide services such as Firewall, DHCP, VPN, NAT, and Load Balancer ### Firewall The Firewall supports rules based on IP address and Port ranges for inspection of TCP, UDP, and ICMP traffic. These firewall rules can be assigned to a specific IP or Port or ranges of IPā€™s and Ports. ### vShield Firewall Best Practices 1. Name rules so that they are clear to understand and quick to navigate to in case of urgent situations. This makes administration and auditing of the rules much easier. 2. Donā€™t create wide ranges or IPā€™s spanning the entire IP pool. Rather it would be better to include a rule just for the VM or VMā€™s that require the port or protocol to be opened. This is both a safer practice and easier to audit. 3. Another important configuration is to ensure that the default action of the Firewall is to block by default traffic that does not match the rules list. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2014/06/vShield_Firewall_Configuration.png) 1. Lock down Protocols to the actual protocol (TCP, UDP, ICMP) and donā€™t use ANY as a protocol as this allows all traffic for this specific rule which is both not best practice or advised.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2014/06/vShield_Firewall_Rules_Configuration.png) 2. Disable rules that are no longer in use ### Network Address Translation (NAT) Network Address Translation (NAT) translates a private internal IP address from the protect subnet into a public IP address on the External Network for outbound traffic. The rules include Source and Destination IP address and TCP/UDP port translation. If Source Network Address Translation (SNAT) or Destination Network Address Translation are configured incorrectly this could cause security and/or connectivity issues. ### SNAT Rules controls traffic originating from within DCS. **DNAT Rules** controls traffic originating from outside of DCS. You should perform DNAT configurations cautiously as poorly configured DNAT rules could allow unsolicited traffic from outside the network to inside. ### vShield NAT Best Practices 1. Name SNAT & DNAT rules so that they are clear to understand and quick to navigate to in case of urgent situations. This makes administration and auditing of the rules much easier. 2. Disable unused SNAT or DNAT rules 3. It is best practice not to set Protocol or ports to ANY. 4. Limit port/IP ranges to the minimum required. The broader the range the less secure the rule becomes. ### Virtual Private Network (VPN) The IPsec VPN service included with the vShield Edge provides a secure VPN tunnel between other vShield Gateways in the same organization, across several organizations, or third party VPN gateways. The vShield Edge Gateway is contains the Site-to-Site Virtual Private Network functionality. This uses standard protocols and settings that interoperate with all major firewall vendors. vShield Edge modules support site-to-site IPSec VPN between a vShield Edge and remote sites. vShield Edge supports pre-shared key mode, AES or 3DES encryption, IP unicast traffic, and no dynamic routing protocol between the vShield Edge and remote VPN routers. Behind each remote VPN router, you can configure multiple subnets to connect to the internal network behind a vShield Edge through IPSec tunnels. These subnets and the internal network behind a vShield Edge must have nonoverlapping address ranges. ![vShield site-to-site vpn](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2014/06/vShield_site-to-site-vpn-300x99.png) ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### How to Recover your Root Ubuntu Password URL: https://brianchristner.io/ubuntu-password-recovery/ Last updated: 2024-08-15T14:43:50.000Z So I changed my Ubuntu password via my Cloud interface and next thing I know my Ubuntu password didn't take and the old one was some randomly generated password from my Ubuntu template. Shit! So how do you recover a root Ubuntu password? Well the trick I learned is only applicable to people who can reboot the Linux machine and view the GRUB menu on start-up. If this is you then by golly you are also in luck. The example below drops into the root shell in order to change the password. Reboot your Ubuntu machine. While Ubuntu is starting starting hit the *SHIFT* until you see the GNU GRUB menu loading. Once the menu displays as shown below hit the *e* in order to edit the boot options. ![gnu_grub](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2014/02/gnu_grub.png) Once the Edit Boot Option menu opens locate the line that starts with: linux /boot/vmlinuz (The second to last line in the screenshot below). At the end of this line add the following: rw\\ init=/bin/bash. Hit F10 or CTRL-X to reboot Ubuntu. Ubuntu will now start with these options taking directly to the shell as the root user. [![grub_menu](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2014/02/grub_menu.png)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2014/02/grub%5Fmenu.png?ref=brianchristner.io) Once the shell has come up type the following commands to reset your Ubuntu root password: At the command prompt type: *passwd* This will trigger the reset password procedure for the root user. Finish the Ubuntu password recovery process by rebooting once more. This will boot the Ubuntu machine back into normal boot mode. Good luck and I hope you recover your Ubuntu Password! ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Wordpress Performance Comparison Shared Hosting vs Digital Ocean URL: https://brianchristner.io/wordpress-performance-comparison/ Last updated: 2024-09-10T07:16:48.000Z So one of my goals for 2014 was to move my website 2WheelTuesday from InMotion Hosting to [Digital Ocean](https://www.digitalocean.com/?refcode=e30c53d3355c&ref=brianchristner.io). Well check. It is off my To Do list. I took the migration one step further. I not only migrated to Digital Ocean but I also converted from Apache webserver to [NGINX](http://nginx.org/?ref=brianchristner.io). I can honestly say I am over the moon with the performance improvement and the sheer control I have over my server now. ## Downside of Shared Hosting The troubling point with Shared Hosting is well it is shared. I had quite some performance issues while using InMotion Hosting. I originally started with a normal hosting account until my website grew to the point it needed more performance. After talking a long time with a Sales Consultant I decided to buy a VPS (Virtual Private Server) account. Since I work every day with Virtual Machines/Server I thought this was a no brainer. Boy was I wrong. Performance was all over the place. Even though it was a VPS server I had limited permissions on the server itself to tune or install software. After sometime I didn't have time to maintain the website so I downgraded the hosting to a Reseller Account since I wanted to keep a few sites parked here.. Since my site was down from 4,000 hits a day to roughly 400 I thought this was sufficient step to park my website while keeping my Google rankings. Almost every time I logged into my site it was down or the load times were off the scale. I couldn't believe how loading the site degraded so badly. I called the support desk and they informed me that my site was using to much resources. When I asked what specifically was wrong with performance they couldn't answer. It was time to take action. Shared Hosting is great for small websites with little traffic. Once your site grows and you have a lot of content and several hundred visitors it is time to consider an upgrade. I checked the performance on my VPS and it was insanely slow. ## Wordpress Performance Comparison between Shared Hosting and Digital Ocean This is not a 1 to 1 comparison just at the hosting level. But the comparison covers both a migration to Digital Ocean and switching to the webserver NGINX. If and when you plan a migration this a the perfect opportunity to tweak performance and do some house keeping. So I installed a new droplet which is what Digital Ocean calls an instance. I chose an image containing Wordpress with Ubuntu. I then migrated this image from the Apache Server to the NGINX. Digital Ocean actually has a great instructions for [Apache to NGINX migrations](https://www.digitalocean.com/community/articles/how-to-install-wordpress-with-nginx-on-ubuntu-12-04?ref=brianchristner.io). OK OK enough of the build up show us the facts. **Right?** Before with brianchristner.io running on InMotion Hosting, Wordpress, on a Reseller account with very few plugins. This site is a very bog standard installation with very few posts and images. I ran the tests using [Load Impact](http://loadimpact.com/?ref=brianchristner.io) in order to get unbiased 3rd party results. Load Impact is a stand alone service which measures website performance from different locations. I use this tool quite frequently for other projects as well. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2014/02/brianchristner.io_.png) *Digital Ocean running 2WheelTuesday.com with NGINX with over 2000 Articles and 3600 pictures.* ![2wheeltuesday with NGINX and Digital Ocean Hosting](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2014/02/2wheeltuesday.png) Conclusion for less money than the Reseller package you get a shit ton better performance. As you see in the charts the Shared Hosting is sitting around 6.5 seconds load time versus the 2 seconds load time from Digital Ocean. It's also worth noting how much more consistent Digital Oceans graph is in comparison to InMotion. Digital Ocean $10 per month - - 1 GB RAM - 1 CPU Core - 30GB SSD Disk - 2 TB Bandwidth vs InMotion Reseller R-1000 $13.99 per month - Unknown CPU/Memory size and support would not confirm sizes to me - 60GB SAS 15,000 RPM Disks on RAID 5 - 600 GB Bandwidth So a few bucks a month cheaper and far better performance with Digital Ocean. One huge advantage is the ability to easily grow or shrink the size of your server with ease. The only advantge with the Shared Hosting is most applications are built to install automatically where as by Digital Ocean you must setup most applications yourself. The advantage with this is you can customise all the settings for your particular use. ## Converting Wordpress from Apache to NGINX Let's talk about the Apache vs NGINX configuration. I have migrated to NGINX from Apache. I do admit it required a lot of configuration in order to get the NGINX running exactly how I wanted it. Once it is up and running I am amazed at the performance improvement and the ability to handle multiple connections. Apache - This is a great web server. I have used it for a very long time without complaints. It works right out of the box and it is easy to configure and use. The disadvantage is that Apache is a bit of a memory hog and tends to use a lot of memory when your website starts receiving a lot of requests. NGINX - The new kid on the block and one the fastest growing webserver on the market. Also, to mention Worpress.org is now using NGINX as their webserver to put things in perspective. The pros are huge with NGINX handling multiple connections with ease all while maintainaing a very small ressource footprint. The con is it requires a lot of configuration to get all your plugins running and tuned the way you want. But once running you will be smiling ear to ear with the performance gains. ### FAQ Section: WordPress Performance Comparison **What factors impact WordPress performance the most?** The primary factors affecting WordPress performance include web hosting, theme quality, plugin use, database size, and caching. Optimizing these elements can significantly improve load times and overall performance. **How does managed WordPress hosting improve site performance?** Managed WordPress hosting offers optimized server environments tailored specifically for WordPress, including automatic updates, built-in caching, and better scalability. These features help reduce server response times and improve site speed compared to shared hosting. **Does using too many plugins slow down WordPress?** Yes, using too many plugins or poorly coded ones can slow down your WordPress site. Plugins increase the amount of code your site needs to load, potentially leading to slower page speeds. Itā€™s best to use only essential and well-coded plugins. **How does caching improve WordPress performance?** Caching saves a static version of your site, reducing the need for the server to generate pages dynamically every time a user visits. This speeds up load times significantly, especially for repeat visitors. Plugins like WP Rocket or server-level caching can help. **What tools can I use to test WordPress performance?** You can use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, and Pingdom to test WordPress performance. These tools provide detailed reports on site speed and suggest improvements, helping you identify areas that need optimization. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### The Broken American Credit Card System URL: https://brianchristner.io/difference-european-american-credit-card-systems/ Last updated: 2024-08-08T11:51:56.000Z As everyone by now has heard about the [Target Credit Card hacking ](https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/at-least-4-other-stores-affected-in-target-data-breach/?ref=brianchristner.io)scandal which netted the thieves upwards of 100 Million Credit Card numbers. My friends and I have discussed the broken and outdated American Credit Card System. How can the American Credit Card system be so far behind the rest of the world we always ask? We also know a handful of people each that have had their Credit Card information stolen one way or another. It is hard to imagine such a data breach the magnitude of Target but I recently read a book about the Credit Card underworld which highlighted all the ways these thieves work the system. The book [Kingpin: How One Hacker Took Over the Billion-Dollar Cybercrime Underground](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004IK8Q2M/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004IK8Q2M&linkCode=as2&tag=2wheel-20&ref=brianchristner.io)![](https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=2wheel-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004IK8Q2M) is actually a very good read and actually reads more like an adventure than an Non-Fiction book. It is scary at the same time at how easy it is to access Credit Card information and systems. The book is a perfect example of one particular crook took it to the next level. My wife and I were victims of Credit Card fraud only last year when we visited Florida. Somewhere along the way our Credit Card was copied and sold along to thieves in New York. My wife and I returned to the US for Christmas and New Years and I payed very close attention to the Credit Card process for each transaction we made from stores to restaurants. What was shocking to me was the latent lack of consistency across all the different Point of Sale locations. Below is a list of the different credit card processes we encountered: **Stores** Scenario 1 - Swipe Card, the cashier prints a receipt, and asks us to sign the receipt Scenario 2 - Swipe Card, cashier asks for ID, processes the transaction, and either sign on a electronic pad or the receipt Scenario 3 - Cashier takes card and Swipes it and you sign nothing and just get a receipt **Restaurants** - Give the server your credit card and they then run into the back room for what seems like an eternity before coming back with your card and the completed transaction receipts **Gas Stations** - Swipe your credit card and input your zip code (The most secure out of all transactions listed) ## How to fix the Broken Credit Card System 1. Start incorporating Smart Cards into Credit Cards. Europe has been using Smart Cards for a very long time. Smart Cards added an additional layer to Credit Cards that only open up access to the chip on the card once the pin has been entered. The pin is always separate from the card and can actually be a dynamically generated number as well. 2. Require Credit Cards to have pins numbers for each transaction 3. Require remote Credit Card processing machines. This would allow you to view your credit card at all times. For example, a restaurant server must bring the device to your table to process your payment. 4. Two-Factor authentication - This is where I believe will make the largest impact on Credit Cards. What if every Credit Card transaction sent you a SMS/Text Message/Automated Phone call with the transactions details and a 6 digit code which you must type in the Credit Card terminal to complete the transaction. Obviously, the list above will not eliminate Credit Card System fraud but it will make it much more difficult to have all the pieces to the puzzle to complete a transactions. In order to complete a transaction with the above mentioned points a Smart Card Credit Card, Pin Number, and a mobile phone linked to this credit card. ### FAQ Section: Difference Between European and American Credit Card Systems **What are the main differences between European and American credit card systems?** European credit card systems often use chip-and-PIN technology, requiring users to enter a PIN for transactions. In contrast, American systems typically use chip-and-signature, where a signature is needed. This affects the security and user experience of card transactions. **Why do European credit cards use chip-and-PIN technology?** Chip-and-PIN technology enhances security by requiring a PIN, which reduces the risk of fraud compared to signatures. This technology is widely adopted in Europe to improve transaction safety and efficiency. **Can American credit cards be used in Europe?** Yes, American credit cards can be used in Europe, but users may face compatibility issues at unattended kiosks, such as train stations or parking meters, which often require chip-and-PIN cards. It's advisable to have a card that supports both chip-and-signature and chip-and-PIN. **What are the benefits of contactless payments in Europe?** Contactless payments are widely accepted in Europe and offer convenience, speed, and enhanced security. They allow users to make quick transactions by simply tapping their card or mobile device at compatible terminals. **How do transaction fees differ between European and American credit cards?** European credit cards often have lower transaction fees, especially for cross-border payments within the EU. In contrast, American credit cards may incur higher foreign transaction fees, which can add up when traveling internationally. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Secure your Wordpress site before it is too late URL: https://brianchristner.io/secure-wordpress-site/ Last updated: 2024-08-15T14:53:18.000Z Well it came as a shock to me to get a hacking notification from my current hosting provider [InMotion Hosting ](http://www.inmotionhosting.com/?ref=brianchristner.io)when I tried to login to my other site [2WheelTuesday.com](http://2wheeltuesday.com/?ref=brianchristner.io). hocked on one hand as this is not a real active site and I only update this site every now and then. Why in the world would someone want to hack this site? Well whatever the reason I quickly realised how vulnerable my site is and someone out in cyberspace was trying to Brute Force my Admin account. Lazy me I used the default Admin user which is a big security no no and didn't have a way to monitor or control my logins. So what can you do to quickly harden your Wordpress site? ## How to Rename the Wordpress Admin User 1. If this is the case then you should create a new User and assign the Editor Role 2. Create a new Admin account user and assign the Admin Role 3. Login as the newly created Admin User and Delete the original Admin user. Don't worry this won't delete your posts because Wordpress is smart enough to ask you if you want to transfer your posts to another user. Choose the user you created in step 1. ## Securing Wordpress Login I highly recommend to use the Wordpress Plugin [Login Security Solution](http://wordpress.org/plugins/login-security-solution/?ref=brianchristner.io). Not only is this plugin absolutely necessary to slow down Brute Force attacks and make the attackers go after other easier more vulnerable sites. The plugin allows you to Track IP addresses, enforce password complexity, and most importantly sends you an email when someone is trying to brute force a Wordpress account. Another nice feature with Login Security Solution Wordpress Plugin is if a login failure uses data matching a past failure, the plugin slows down response times. The more failures, the longer the delay. This limits attackers ability to effectively probe your site, so they'll give up and go find an easier target. Another feature that lets you sleep better night is if an account seems breached, the "user" is immediately logged out and forced to use WordPress'password reset utility. This prevents any damage from being done and verifies the user's identity. But if the user is coming in from an IP address they have used in the past, an email is sent to the user making sure it was them logging in. All without intervention by an administrator. One day after installing the plugin I received the below email giving me an overview of what was currently occurring with my site. This Plugin is priceless considering it just thwarted a bad guy from trying to get in. Example Login Security Solution Threat Email: Your website, 2WheelTuesday, is undergoing a brute force attack. There have been at least 50 failed attempts to log in during the past 120 minutes that used one or more of the following components: Component Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā Count Ā  Ā  Value from Current Attempt ------------------------ Ā  Ā  ----- Ā  Ā  -------------------------------- Network IP Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā 47 Ā  Ā  ###.###.###.### Username Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā 50 Ā  Ā  admin Password MD5 Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  1 Ā  Ā  12345678901010101010 The Login Security Solution plugin (0.42.0) for WordPress is repelling the attack by making their login failures take a very long time. Ā This attacker will also be denied access in the event they stumble upon valid credentials. Further notifications about this attacker will only be sent if the attack stops for at least 120 minutes and then resumes. ### Follow me If you liked this article be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ### Fine tuning your Fresh Nagios Installation URL: https://brianchristner.io/fine-tuning-fresh-nagios-installation/ Last updated: 2024-08-23T16:01:13.000Z Now that you have installed Nagios, you are not done. To get rid of all those pesky errors that pop up once you install Nagios, you need to be patient and work through them one by one. ## Fixing the error: check\_all\_disks .gvfs is not accessible. Permission denied Let's first address the most annoying problem of the /root/.gvfs filesystem is "not accessible: Permission denied" You can either unmount the filesystem as a temporary workaround but once you reboot or mount the filesystem again the problem returns. Secondly, you can change permissions of the .gvfs filesystem or my personal favorite is to just ignore the filesystem since I don't use it and we are already monitoring the /root filesystem anyway. Navigate to `/etc/nagios-plugins/config` and open the `disk.cfg` file with your favorite editor. Change the command\_line to: ``` /usr/lib/nagios/plugins/check_disk -w $ARG1$ -c $ARG2$ -e -R $ARG3$ -A -i .gvfs ``` The new flags: ``` Ā -A, --all Ā Ā Ā  Explicitly select all paths. This is equivalent to -R '.*'Ā -i, --ignore-ereg-path=PATH, --ignore-ereg-partition=PARTITION ``` Regular expression to ignore selected path or partition (may be repeated) In the `/etc/nagios3/conf.d` directory edit the `localhost_nagios2.cfg` Find the service check\_all\_disks and change the check\_command to: `check_disk!20%!10%!/root.gvfs` Once you complete the files make sure to check the config before continuing `nagios3 -v /etc/nagios3/nagios.cfg` Once you pass the pre-flight check restart Nagios `sudo service nagios3 restart` ## Fixing the unknown missing -l parameter and no service/process defined errors Ok something is clearly wrong if you get these errors for your windows hostā€¦ **UNKNOWN** ā€“ missing -l parameters **UNKNOWN** ā€“ no service/process specified **unknown** ā€“ Socet timeout after 10 seconds This indicates that thereā€™s something wrong in my Nagios configuration files. Check the nt plugin: `cat /etc/nagios-plugins/nt.cfg`Nagios Looks ok, but it isnā€™t. There are problems with the command. Letā€™s make some fixes: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2024/08/image-4.png) Source: [awaseroot](https://awaseroot.wordpress.com/2012/11/23/monitoring-windows-with-nagios/?ref=brianchristner.io) Text version for your copypaste needs: ``` define command { Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  command_nameĀ Ā Ā  check_nt Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  command_lineĀ Ā Ā  /usr/lib/nagios/plugins/check_nt -H $HOSTADDRESS$ -v $ARG1$ $ARG2$ } ``` Check your config again and restart the service: `sudo nagios3 -v /etc/nagios3/nagios.cfg` After the pre-flight checks, restart the Nagios service: `sudo service nagios3 restart` Depending how impatient you are for the results you can either wait several minutes for the service to recheck each process or you can go inside each service and under the Service Commands click Re-schedule the next check for this service. After completing hit the Services button on the right side of the screen a few times and you should be golden. Thanks to [awaseroot](https://awaseroot.wordpress.com/2012/11/23/monitoring-windows-with-nagios/?ref=brianchristner.io)After completing, hit the Services button on the right side of the screen a few times, and you should be golden. For the great article which was the best resource to fix this issue. ## Are external Commands not working on your Nagios system? Have no fear. Follow the self-explanatory instructions here: [http://askubuntu.com/questions/145518/how-do-i-install-nagios](http://askubuntu.com/questions/145518/how-do-i-install-nagios?ref=brianchristner.io) If it still doesn't work, check your permissions of the `/var/lib/nagios3` directory and the `/var/lib/nagios3/rw` directory. If in doubt, change the permissions to 775 on both directories just to see if it works, and set it back to the requested permissions in the instructions once you get it working. Happy Nagios Monitoring! ### Follow me If you liked this article, [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io Get the Latest Insights from Brian Delivered to Your Inbox! Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Samsung I'm tired of waiting... URL: https://brianchristner.io/im-tired-waiting-samsung/ Last updated: 2024-09-10T07:14:20.000Z Dear Samsung, You first caught my eye with your technical prowess. I was a long-time Apple fanboy until I first laid eyes on my first Android phone, the HTC, which was an OK phone, but I really enjoyed Android. Android wet my appetite for more power and more features in comparison to iPhones at the time. So, on to my next phone and first encounter with Samsung, I chose the Samsung Google Nexus. I loved this phone, period(actually, I still do). Like all Nexus devices, you get Android updates within days. This was so great to continually get new features and a faster OS every few months. The Android interface is not cluttered with nonsense bloatware, and the performance is OK. The downside is that the performance is just OK, and the screen is small in comparison to other Samsung models. So I started my new job in April and had the option to choose any phone as my company phone (unfortunately not another Nexus). With so many choices and a great experience with the Samsung Google Nexus. I selected the Samsung S3 4G. Fresh on the market at the time, great reviews, big screen, good camera, 4G, yada yada yada.... So what am I waiting for you ask? I am waiting for a bloody Android update for gods sake! When I received my S3, it was still running Android 4.1.2, which was released July 9, 2012\. I received my phone in April 2013, and to this date, I have yet to receive an Android update. Since the time I have owned this device Google has released two more Android versions 4.3 and 4.4\. I am trolling all the Android update sites impatiently, reading all the articles where they loosely predict (never correctly, I might add) when the Samsung S3 Android release will be available. The answer seems always to be next month. This is a reoccurring problem with another Samsung device I own as well the Tab 2 we purchased in 2012\. Since the day we bought this device we have yet to receive an Android or Samsung update. Over 2 years and no updates!! ## What's wrong with Samsung? Samsung has created so many different models of phones, tablets, and electronics that the sheer number of devices produced per year is mind-blowing. Well, try to release 100 unique devices a year and still maintain updates on these devices. Sounds like a nearly impossible mission. Samsung is gravitating towards caring less and less about the software that runs on top of its hardware and only focusing on current models. Google has become so frustrated with the Android update situation that it has taken matters in its own hands by allowing updates to the new Android 4.4 OS in layers which addresses the [Android Fragmentation problem](http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023%5F3-57584973-93/google-engineers-were-trying-to-fix-android-fragmentation/?ref=brianchristner.io). ## Where am I going after Samsung? Just like how PC's operate in conjunction with Operating Systems. Regardless of the hardware running underneath, the OS continues to move forward until the hardware cannot cope. Once my contract is up, I will return to a manufacturer like Apple or a Google Nexus device that can continue supporting their device and doesn't leave me out in the dark. ### FAQ Section: Tired of Waiting for Samsung: What's Next? **Why is Samsung delaying software updates on my device?** Samsung often delays software updates due to the testing and customization process for each region and carrier. This ensures that updates are compatible with various device models and network environments. However, these delays can be frustrating for users waiting for the latest features and security patches. **How can I check for the latest Samsung software updates?** You can manually check for software updates on your Samsung device by going to *Settings > Software Update > Download and Install*. This will prompt your device to search for available updates, ensuring you have the latest version of Android or Samsungā€™s One UI. **What can I do if my Samsung device isnā€™t getting updates?** If your device isn't receiving updates, ensure it's supported for updates by Samsung. You can also try restarting the phone or clearing the cache in the *Software Update* section. If the issue persists, contacting Samsung support or your carrier may help identify the problem. **Why do other Android brands receive updates faster than Samsung?** Brands like Google or OnePlus may release updates faster because they use fewer device-specific customizations. Samsung, on the other hand, heavily customizes its software with One UI, and this requires additional testing, especially across different regions and carriers, leading to longer delays. **Should I consider switching to a different brand for faster updates?** If timely updates are a priority, switching to brands like Google Pixel, which receive updates immediately after release, might be a better fit. However, Samsungā€™s ecosystem, camera quality, and unique features are worth considering before making a switch. ### Follow me If you liked this article, be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### My Mom's World Famous Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe URL: https://brianchristner.io/chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe/ Last updated: 2024-09-10T09:32:38.000Z So it has come to be somewhat of a tradition that my mom started. It started off as a kid I would love Chocolate Chip Cookies from Double Tree Hotel next to where she worked. Well, my Mom found the famous Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe, which she has been using since. When I went away to the Military at 18, she would send me care packages with the World Famous Chocolate Chip cookies. I kept requesting these care packages whenever she visited or sent a package. When I started working in Europe, I would start bringing them into the office to share with my co-workers, who all fell in love with them. To this day, I think my old co-workers miss my Moms Cookies more than me :) ## Mom's World Famous Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe **INGREDIENTS:** - *1/2 cup quick cooking oats* - *2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour* - *1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda* - *1 teaspoon salt* - *1/4 teaspoon cinnamon* - *1cup unsalted butter* - *3/4 cup brown sugar* - *3/4 cup white granulated sugar* - *11/2 teaspoons vanilla extract* - *1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice* - *2 eggs* - *3 cups semisweet premium chocolate chips* *(Ghirardelli or Guittard or equivalent preferred)* - 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts **DIRECTIONS:** Preheat oven to 350 degrees Combine the oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, cream together The butter, both sugars, vanilla, and lemon. Add eggs and mix until smooth. Stir in dry ingredients. Mix in chocolate Chips and nuts. Spoon rounded balls (about 1/4 cup each) onto a parchment Or foil-lined cookie sheet about two Inches apart. Bake 10-12 minutes or until Light golden brown on the outside edges but still soft in the middle. Makes 40 large cookies. Chill the dough for easier handling. The cookies freeze well. ### FAQ Section: Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe **What are the key ingredients for perfect chocolate chip cookies?** The key ingredients for chocolate chip cookies are all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips. Using high-quality chocolate chips and real butter can enhance the flavor and texture. **How can I make my cookies chewier?** For chewier cookies, use more brown sugar than white sugar, as brown sugar adds moisture. You can also slightly underbake the cookies, allowing them to stay soft and chewy in the center. **Why do my cookies spread too much in the oven?** Cookies often spread too much when the dough is too warm or the butter is overly melted. To prevent this, chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Also, ensure the butter is softened but not melted when mixing the ingredients. **Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?** Yes, cookie dough freezes well. Shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls into a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen by adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. **What type of chocolate chips should I use for the best results?** Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the classic choice for chocolate chip cookies, but you can experiment with dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference. Using a mix of chocolate types can add depth to the flavor. ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### My life journey with Mountain Biking URL: https://brianchristner.io/mountain-biking-coming-age/ Last updated: 2024-08-08T22:25:20.000Z I started with BMX bikes and tried to perform every jump or trick I could think of. At the ripe ol age of 10 I received my first Mountain Bike and never looked back. Growing up in Arizona, I would mountain bike in the desert surrounding our house, which had rocky hills and river washes, and go up north to the high country on the weekends to ride in the forest. I loved the ability to ride where you wanted and go off the beaten path at an early age. I would ride my mountain bike everywhere, from school to racing my friends through canals or desert paths. 1996 I joined the Air Force and my first duty station was Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. It was not exactly what I was aiming for since I grew up in the desert. I was hoping to move somewhere with trees and snow. Instead, I moved 5 hours from my house to Las Vegas. ![Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1627776353501-3370031896ed?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDEwfHxyZWQlMjByb2NrJTIwbGFzJTIwdmVnYXN8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzIzMTU0MjI5fDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000) **Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas* Photo by [Kitera Dent](https://unsplash.com/@kitera?ref=brianchristner.io) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) While stationed at Nellis I met up with a group of guys that also enjoyed Mountain Biking. On the weekends we would drive out to [Red Rock Canyon](http://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/?ref=brianchristner.io) where we would ride until we couldn't go anymore. We would ride upwards of 30 to 50 miles depending how lost we became (This was before GPS's). I then moved from Las Vegas to Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The most bicycle-friendly country in the world but more for city bikes. When you stand on top of your car anywhere in The Netherlands in any direction, there is not a hill or mountain in sight. This was the longest period of my life without a Mountain Bike. I gained a ton of weight, and my lifestyle was just plain horrible. The weather was horrible, and my motivation was very low. So I was well over 200 Pounds (90 Kilos). Towards the end of my stay in the Netherlands I finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel when I was leaving. So I started running again, going to the gym, and looking forward to my next destination, **SWITZERLAND**. ![](https://media.tenor.com/CUwSSPX6xbYAAAAC/switzerland-flag.gif) 2010, my wife and I finally decided to move to Switzerland. One of our first purchases were Mountain Bikes fr0m [Rock Machine](http://www.rockmachine.us/?ref=brianchristner.io). My wife bought an all rounder as she just enjoys gentle trail rides. I went for the Full Suspension high-performance bike. Having ridden motorcycles my entire life this was my first mountain bike with disc brakes. After using them for about 2 minutes, I fell in love with them. The feel is much better than the pulley brakes, and the stopping power is amazing. Just like on a motorcycle, you can jam on the brakes and control every bit of the power. My next question is when floating discs, seamless transmission, and ABS are coming to Mountain Bikes? I am just saying that since mountain bikes are slowly evolving into motorcycle components, I see this as the next step. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/50/2950930d-60f2-422c-90aa-232fbd4873b6/content/images/2013/11/jura_mountain_biking-300x300.jpg) **Jura, Switzerland mountain biking* From the first moment I bought the bike until the snow started falling that season, I continued riding as much as possible. Before I knew it, people were starting to comment on my weight loss. Everyone was asking if I was on a diet. Well sort of as my wife and I decided to cut all processed foods from our diet and only eat fresh food. This, along with riding my mountain bike as much as possible. > I dropped 30 pounds (14 KG) since moving to Switzerland due to this positive lifestyle change. With mountain bike trails right out my back door and excellent trails everywhere I ride. Why would I go to the gym while the weather is good? I will bring everyone along as I explore the different trails in Switzerland and discover more and more beautiful parts of Switzerland, all the while staying in shape. My next projects include finding more trails, preparing for another race, and buying a new mountain bike for the 2014 season. ### Follow me If you liked this article, be sure to [Follow Me](https://twitter.com/idomyowntricks?ref=brianchristner.io) on Twitter to stay updated! ## Sign up for BrianChristner.io I write Dockerfiles, Build Products, Share Ideas, and crash Mountain Bikes Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.