iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Had issues with my Logitech mouse's left click button losing its sensitivity. In a "what have I got to lose?" moment, I followed these two steps and they did the trick (?!). Thanks, Google AI Answers.

Step 1: Clean the Switch (The "Air Blow" Trick)

Often, tiny pieces of dust or skin oil get wedged between the outer plastic button shell and the internal microswitch, dampening the click force.

1. Turn off the mouse using the power switch on the bottom.

2. Hold down the Left Click button completely.

3. Use a can of compressed air (or blow firmly with your mouth) directly into the gap around the edges of the left click button.

4. Repeatedly and rapidly click the button for 15 seconds to dislodge any debris. Turn it back on and test.

Step 2: Release Static Charge

Static electricity can sometimes mess with the copper leaf spring inside the mechanical switch, causing it to lose its responsiveness.

1. Turn off the mouse and remove the AA battery.

2. Rapidly click the Left Click button (and the Right Click) for 1 to 2 minutes straight.

3. Reinsert the battery, power it up, and check if the responsiveness returns.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

TIL that Starbucks sells "Cappuccino Lava Mooncakes" this time of year in this part of the world. They've apparently been available in China since 2001 and in some Southeast Asian countries since the 2010s. (Yes, i've been hiding under a rock all this time. 😅)

A box labeled Starbucks Mooncake with two individually wrapped mooncake servings resting on the closed lid. One serving is placed face down, revealing this text on the back of the packaging: "Starbucks Lava Cappuccino Mooncake. Use by (D/M/Y) 09/10/2026"

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Used Opus 5.5 to code up a little utility that syncs a folder on my Macbook with an XTEiNK X3 eReader over Wi-Fi. I like the subtle little touches that Claude Code added, such as the way border colors on the main feedback pane change: gray for info, blue for preview, green for good, red for errors

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Glad I caught this Kickstarter campaign from @kristentate.bsky.social before it ends on October 13. You have 19 days left to join 66 other backers like me. www.kickstarter.com/projects/blu...

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

TIL that Westerners say "black tea" to refer to the color of the tea leaves, while the Chinese say "紅茶" (literally, red tea) because they refer to the color of the liquid brew. Both terms refer to the same thing. #ThingsIDuolingo

Screenshot with the following text highlighted: Black tea is called Hong Cha (red tea) in Chinese because the Chinese name describes the red color of the brewed liquid in the cup, rather than the dry leaves.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Finally have the time and mental state to sit down and start watching Season 3 of The Diplomat. Literally gasped "Oh, my God!" at the end of the first episode. #DidNotSeeThatComing

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Did a literal double take at these two updated app icons.

Tasks and Chat app icons on a dark background.
Two circular app icons side by side: "Tasks" (left) features a blue gradient circle with a white checkmark, and "Chat" (right) features a white circle containing a green gradient speech bubble with a small smile.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

How it works, continued: 3. Server calls Claude CLI with the summary system prompt and the plain text extract. 4. Claude returns a TL;DR summary; server closes the background tab, writes the Claude-generated summary to a .md file and opens it in a markdown viewer.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

How it works: 1. Chrome extension opens a background tab, pages through Reddit's Atom RSS XML (up to 200 comments), merges everything into one XML feed, then sends the merged XML to a local Python server (also created by Claude) 2. Server extracts plain text, reducing filesize by up to 80%

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

The summary's tone mimics the thread itself. The prompt: “Mirror the community's own language, memes, in-jokes, and emotional temperature. When the dominant thread energy is frustration, dismissal, or mockery of the OP's premise, let that come through — don't neutralize it into balanced analysis.”

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

This week's fun little project created with Claude Code: a Chrome browser extension which, with one click, generates a summary short summary of whatever Reddit thread I happen to be on. The extension "blinks" while the summary is being generated, then opens the summary doc when done.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

The "singular they" our-languages.canada.ca/en/blogue-bl...

Here's what people are doing now

The "rule" that "they" can't be used in the singular is deeply rooted in people's minds. So are editors, linguists and style guides saying anything about it? Yes, they are, and they're certainly saying a lot.

It's been a hot topic among language professionals for some time, and it really peaked in recent years. Here are some of the most significant announcements.

- The American Dialect Society declared the singular "they" its Word of the Year in 2015; in 2020, they deemed it to be the Word of the Decade for 2010 to 2019

- The Associated Press allows "they" as a singular pronoun when a writer is referring to people who don't use gendered pronouns

- The American Psychological Association, Modern Languages Association and The Chicago Manual of Style (see changes made to sections 5.51 and 5.266) now endorse using both specific and generic singular "they"

- The Government of Canada says that gender-specific language should not be used in legislation and offers the singular "they" as one option to avoid this

But it looks funny

You'll run into people who say that it's incorrect or it looks funny or they don't like it. No one is saying we have to use it. But saying someone can't or shouldn't use it is wrong.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Interesting takeaway from "Running an AI-Native Engineering Org," a recent talk by Anthropic's Fiona Fung. Every manager starts as an IC first. Full video here www.youtube.com/watch?v=igO8... The bit on "starts as IC first" is at 17m 55s.

Keep your org as flat as possible to stay agile.

Fiona deliberately rejected the traditional 10:1 IC-to-manager ratio when scaling the Claude Code team. She structured the org to be as flat as possible, with one shared team mission rather than per-pod missions that create friction when priorities shift.

Her most controversial decision: every manager starts as an IC first. Recruiters pushed back — “No manager would be interested in that” — but Fiona held firm. The reasoning:

1) Managers need to dogfood the product they lead
2) Starting as an IC builds credibility with the team
3) Claude makes it possible for managers to stay in the code despite context-switching demands

This reflects a broader principle: AI-native orgs may need different shapes than traditional ones, and leaders should question inherited structures rather than scaling them by default.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

One of the better reads I've come across lately for individual contributors and aspiring managers. "Don’t romanticize what it means to be mentored and coached. You might already be getting the support you've been looking for." newsletter.weskao.com/p/your-manag...

newsletter.weskao.com

Your manager is already investing in you

Don’t romanticize what it means to be mentored and coached. You might already be getting the support you've been looking for.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

Oh, that question is new. I also like that they didn't use numbers because it's too easy to hit (1) and inadvertently respond with a yes otherwise.

Screenshot of Claude Code with the text:
Can Anthropic look at your session transcript to help us improve Claude Code? Learn more: https://code.claude.com/docs/en /data-usage#session-quality-surveys

y: Yes n: No d: Don't ask again

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

Had occasion to share the "why we shouldn't use 'click here' to hyperlink" advice again, so I'm reposting. 😅

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

I helped a couple of friends who have not previously used Terminal on macOS get started with Claude Code, and I wrote up the tips that I shared with them. Covers setup, granting permissions, managing sessions, working with files, and building for the long-term. mdynotes.com/how-im-helpi...

mdynotes.com

How I’m helping non-technical friends get started with Claude Code - mdynotes

Non-technical macOS users can get in on the fun with Claude Code, even if they're using Terminal for the first time. This post shows you how.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 04/04/2026

Where are you self-hosting? Your own machine? This party hardware?

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

Oh boy. I thought the MiniMax terms on the API side were concerning (see quoted thread for details), but the App and Web terms are actually worse (bolding mine). platform.minimax.io/protocol/ter...

We do not claim ownership of User Contributions or User Generated Content. By using the Services, you grant to us, our affiliates, successors, and assigns a royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, non-exclusive right (including any moral rights) and license to use, license, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, derive revenue or other remuneration from, and communicate to the public, perform and display your User Contributions and User Generated Content (in whole or in part) worldwide and/or to incorporate it in other works in any form, media or technology now known or later developed, for the full term of any worldwide intellectual property right that may exist in your User Contributions and User Generated Content. This license survives termination of this Agreement by any party, for any reason.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

Yes, I end up going back to Gemini as my model fallback because at least the API terms are clear about them not using your data for training if you access the API as a paid service. I'm willing to pay, but always on the lookout for a more cost effective provider.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

I was hoping to avoid the self-hosting route.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

Under the Service section: (bolding mine)

17. We may adjust the relevant service rules for the MINIMAX Open Platform Service at any time... These adjustments become effective immediately upon publication and do not require further consent from you.”

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

Under the API terms Confidentiality section (bolding mine)

8. Our use or disclosure of Confidential Information for the purpose of improving algorithms or enhancing services does not constitute a breach of confidentiality obligations.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

Under the Intellectual Property (Non-Transfer) and Indemnity Obligations section (bolding mine)

3. As between you and us, and to the extent permitted by applicable laws, you retain your ownership rights in Client input and generated content. We may use the input and generated content to provide, maintain, develop, and improve our Services, comply with applicable law, enforce our terms and policies, and keep our Services safe.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

Was exploring alternative model providers that I can use with Claude Code and had heard good things about MiniMax. But these three clauses in the Platform ToS gave me pause. Guess I have to keep looking. platform.minimax.io/protocol/ter...

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Finally got around to cancelling my Grammarly premium subscription after 7 years of being a paid subscriber. Claude has taken over that role for me.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

For roasted chestnuts that have been stored in the refrigerator: do you microwave before scoring them or do you score first then microwave after? I feel like I'm not doing this right. Tips welcome.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Had occasion to revisit this old piece earlier today. It's still as good a read as when I first discovered it. www.conordewey.com/blog/barrels...

In this talk, he introduces the concept of barrels and ammunition, which I thought was a really clever way to view organizations. I won't bury the lead here. This quote from Rabois summarizes the idea nicely:

"If you think about people, there are two categories of high-quality people: there is the ammunition, and then there are the barrels. You can add all the ammunition you want, but if you have only five barrels in your company, you can literally do only five things simultaneously. If you add one more barrel, you can now do six things simultaneously. If you add another one, you can do seven, and so on."

In short, the output of your organization is dependent on the number of people that can own projects and see them through to the end.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Spotted on today's walk.

A cluster of unripe green papayas growing tightly around the trunk of a papaya tree, with large, bright green lobed leaves spreading overhead.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

Finally got around to linking my (experimental) Snippets site to Bluesky via the @mdysnippets.com account. Let's see how long I manage to keep this going. 😅

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Reposted by mdy

MIT Technology Review @technologyreview.com · 09/02/2026

Making AI Work, MIT Technology Review’s new AI newsletter, is here! Learn how to apply LLMs across industries in 7 weekly editions of our new free newsletter: www.technologyreview.com/2026/02/09/1...

technologyreview.com

Making AI Work, MIT Technology Review’s new AI newsletter, is here

Learn how to apply LLMs across industries in 7 weekly editions of our new free newsletter.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

Could have sworn I spent less time on audiobooks in 2025, but my 2025 Audible Stats say otherwise.

2025 AUDIBLE STATS

It's time to celebrate your top milestones!
This past year, you logged 383 hours and 12 minutes of listening time and finished 51 titles.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

TIL how to clean and rotate the rubber on an HP Laserjet printer's pickup roller to fix a paper feed issue. Endless thanks to this YouTube video (roller discussion starts at 7m 33s in). youtu.be/qRLH8VKUb00?... YouTube really has every conceivable how-to video.

youtu.be

How-to Fix Paper Jam in Tray 1 • HP LaserJet Pro M130fw Paper Jam Troubleshooting & Repair

YouTube video by Paolo Marcelli

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

Solid career advice. The same principle applies if you're gunning for a promotion—the best way to ensure a promotion is to perform at the level you want to be promoted to. www.arjaythedev.com/p/tech-caree...

General Advice

Career pivots in big tech are the norm. It’s extremely rare that I meet someone who has been in their current job family since college. People get burnt out of writing code, or realize there is something else they would rather do. Managers know this and are more than happy to help you achieve your goals.

For any pivot, there are two principles that dramatically increase your odds of success:

1. Start doing the job you want while you still have the job you have. Lean into the responsibilities, language, and outcomes of the new role before asking for the title.

2. Make the pivot inside your current company if you can. Your domain knowledge, relationships, and track record are often far more valuable than an external candidate’s resume.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

Love Termaggedon's one-click policy update—such a user-friendly way for small business owners to get their website into compliance with these two laws, which go into effect on Jan 1, 2026: - Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act - Rhode Island Data Transparency and Privacy Protection Act (DTPPA)

Option #1 - One Click Update – Popular

Follow these steps to see if you qualify to use our One-Click Update:

1. Review this page to view the new questions and the popular answers
2. If your answers are the same as the support article, click the “one-click update” URL below:

View One Click Update Feature:

https://policies.termageddon.com/[rest of link redacted]

If you have different answers than what’s provided in the support article, follow the steps below.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

Oura's year-end wrap-up screens are gorgeous this year. These two were probably the most visually striking ones.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 07/12/2025

I know two people who recently ran this battery health check inside the Oura app, learned their rings have issues, and were told by Oura that replacement rings would be sent to them free of charge. 🎉

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Hadn't realized how much more podcast listening I'd done this year. Certainly did not expect to see over 21k minutes. 😅 Sharp China is the new addition to my Top 5. And yep, still doing heavy rotation on the Stratechery bundle.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 30/11/2025

TIL that the theft detection feature on my phone gets activated when I shake the phone hard once. That's pretty cool.

Screenshot of a phone notification reads:

Security & privacy (now)
Screen was auto-locked.
Possible theft was detected by Theft Detection Lock

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

TIL you can run a "battery health" assessment request from right inside the Oura app. 1. Tap on main (hamburger) menu 2. Tap the Help menu option 3. Type "battery health" into the chat window that appears The email confirmation step was unexpected. What a great privacy and authorization check.

Screenshots showing a Battery Health assessment chat with Oura's AI, Finn (inside the Oura app).

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

Lol, I meant -- I've had the ring for 5 years, so I'm looking backwards, not ahead. Haha!

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

Achievement unlocked: first time Oura has given me a triple crown with all three scores in the 90s (in 5+ years).

Screenshot of the Oura app, showing three scores: Readiness: 91. Sleep: 91. Activity: 92. Each score has a crown icon above it.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Pretty cool addition to Amazon product pages -- a quick way to check price history for any product.

Amazon's Rufus AI providing price history data on the Aura photo frame product, displaying price data from the last 30 days.

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mdy @mdy.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

Oh, bummer. Here I was hoping they had extended it again. Haha!

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