Category: Uncategorized

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MakeUseOf

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The Laravel Optimize DB package provides a good starting point for production-ready SQLite databases. Pest creator and core Laravel team member Nuno Maduro created this package.

This package is meant for SQLite (3.46+) in a Laravel project and works by applying migration to your project and runtime configuration applied via the package’s service provider. It applies the following settings at the time of writing:

 ┌───────────────────────────┬─────────────┬───────────┐
 │ Setting                   │ Value       │ Via       │
 ├───────────────────────────┼─────────────┼───────────┤
 │ PRAGMA auto_vacuum        │ incremental │ Migration │
 │ PRAGMA journal_mode       │ WAL         │ Migration │
 │ PRAGMA page_size          │ 32768       │ Migration │
 │ PRAGMA busy_timeout       │ 5000        │ Runtime   │
 │ PRAGMA cache_size         │ -20000      │ Runtime   │
 │ PRAGMA foreign_keys       │ ON          │ Runtime   │
 │ PRAGMA incremental_vacuum │ (enabled)   │ Runtime   │
 │ PRAGMA mmap_size          │ 2147483648  │ Runtime   │
 │ PRAGMA temp_store         │ MEMORY      │ Runtime   │
 │ PRAGMA synchronous        │ NORMAL      │ Runtime   │
 └───────────────────────────┴─────────────┴───────────┘

High Impact Settings

I won’t cover each setting, but the following three settings could potentially have a highly positive impact on SQLite performance.

journal_mode = WAL:

• Why it’s beneficial: Write-Ahead Logging (WAL) is one of the most effective ways to improve concurrency and performance in SQLite, especially for applications that need to support multiple readers and writers. It allows the database to handle many reads simultaneously while still maintaining atomicity and durability for writes.
• Use case: Great for databases with mixed read/write workloads and high concurrency requirements.

⠀cache_size = -20000 (20 MB cache):

• Why it’s beneficial: Increasing the cache size helps store more pages in memory, reducing the need for disk I/O. This is especially useful for databases that are read frequently or have hot data. A larger cache means fewer page reads from disk, resulting in faster query responses.
• Use case: Important when dealing with large datasets and you have sufficient memory resources available.

⠀mmap_size = 2147483648 (2 GB memory mapping):

• Why it’s beneficial: Memory-mapping the database file can dramatically improve performance by reducing the overhead associated with file system operations. It allows the database to access data directly in memory, bypassing the need for repeated system calls to read or write data.
• Use case: Very beneficial for large databases on systems with ample memory, where file access speed is a priority.

The package is considered a work-in-progress, so use it carefully. The package advises not to use it in production yet and to back up your database before requiring it. You can learn more about this package and view the source code on Github.

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The post Optimize Your SQLite Database with the Laravel Optimize DB Package appeared first on Laravel News.

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The Washington Post interviewed Lebanese officials, people close to Hezbollah, and Israeli, Arab and U.S. security officials and politicians about a years-long plan (originated at Mossad headquarters) that ultimately killed or maimed "as many as 3,000 Hezbollah officers and members — most of them rear-echelon figures… along with an unknown number of civilians… when Israel’s Mossad intelligence service triggered the devices remotely on September 17."
In the initial sales pitch to Hezbollah two years ago, the new line of Apollo pagers seemed precisely suited to the needs of a militia group with a sprawling network of fighters and a hard-earned reputation for paranoia… Best of all, there was no risk that the pagers could ever be tracked by Israel’s intelligence services. Hezbollah’s leaders were so impressed they bought 5,000 of them and began handing them out to mid-level fighters and support personnel in February. None of the users suspected they were wearing an ingeniously crafted Israeli bomb… Israeli officials had watched with increasing anxiety as the Lebanese group added new weapons to an arsenal already capable of striking Israeli cities with tens of thousands of precision-guided missiles. Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service responsible for combating foreign threats to the Jewish state, had worked for years to penetrate the group with electronic monitoring and human informants. Over time, Hezbollah leaders learned to worry about the group’s vulnerability to Israeli surveillance and hacking, fearing that even ordinary cellphones could be turned into Israeli-controlled eavesdropping and tracking devices. Thus was born the idea of creating a kind of communications Trojan horse, the officials said. Hezbollah was looking for hack-proof electronic networks for relaying messages, and Mossad came up with a pair of ruses that would lead the militia group to purchase devices that seemed perfect for the job — equipment that Mossad designed and had assembled in Israel. The first part of the plan, booby-trapped walkie-talkies, began being inserted into Lebanon by Mossad nearly a decade ago, in 2015. The mobile two-way radios contained oversized battery packs, a hidden explosive and a transmission system that gave Israel complete access to Hezbollah communications. For nine years, the Israelis contented themselves with eavesdropping on Hezbollah, the officials said, while reserving the option to turn the walkie-talkies into bombs in a future crisis. But then came a new opportunity and a glitzy new product: a small pager equipped with a powerful explosive. In an irony that would not become clear for many months, Hezbollah would end up indirectly paying the Israelis for the tiny bombs that would kill or wound many of its operatives. Because Hezbollah leaders were alert to possible sabotage, the pagers could not originate in Israel, the United States or any other Israeli ally. So, in 2023, the group began receiving solicitations for the bulk purchase of Taiwanese-branded Apollo pagers, a well-recognized trademark and product line with a worldwide distribution and no discernible links to Israeli or Jewish interests. The Taiwanese company had no knowledge of the plan, officials said… The marketing official had no knowledge of the operation and was unaware that the pagers were physically assembled in Israel under Mossad oversight, officials said… In a feat of engineering, the bomb component was so carefully hidden as to be virtually undetectable, even if the device was taken apart, the officials said. Israeli officials believe that Hezbollah did disassemble some of the pagers and may have even X-rayed them. "Thousands of Apollo-branded pagers rang or vibrated at once, all across Lebanon and Syria," according to the article, with a short sentence in Arabic that said "You received an encrypted message." The two-button de-encryption procedure "ensured most users would be holding the pager with both hands when it detonated," according to the article, although "Less than a minute later, thousands of other pagers exploded by remote command, regardless of whether the user ever touched his device. The following day, on September 18, hundreds of walkie-talkies blew up in the same way, killing and maiming users and bystanders…" "As Hezbollah reeled, Israel struck again, pounding the group’s headquarters, arsenals and logistic centers with 2,000-pound bombs," the article concludes. And the strike "convinced the country’s political leaders that Hezbollah could be put on the ropes, susceptible to a systematic dismantling using airstrikes and, eventually a ground invasion…"

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Slashdot

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2015 me would have never believed such a thing was possible.

Not the Bee

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AppleInsider News

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The AR-15 platform, known for its reliability and versatility, is popular among shooters for various applications, from sport shooting to home defense. However, like any mechanical system, it is not immune to malfunctions. Whether at the range or in a critical situation, experiencing a malfunction can be frustrating and, at times, dangerous if not handled properly. Understanding the most common issues and knowing how to quickly and effectively clear them is essential for any AR-15 owner.

In this article, we’ll explore the most common AR-15 malfunctions, such as failure to feed, failure to eject, and double feeds, along with practical tips on addressing each one. These troubleshooting techniques can help ensure your rifle operates smoothly, reducing downtime and keeping you target focused. Always remember to prioritize safety when diagnosing and clearing any firearm malfunction.

Safety First

Before diving into specific malfunctions, it’s important to emphasize the need for safety. If your AR-15 doesn’t fire as expected, remove your finger from the trigger and ensure the firearm is pointed in a safe direction. Avoid attempting to force the weapon to function. Instead, take a moment to assess the situation calmly. With experience, diagnosing and clearing malfunctions will become second nature, but taking it slow and steady is the safest approach for now.

Before we get into the list of the most common malfunctions, check out the following video by Pat McNamara on handling the most common rifle malfunctions. He breaks it down into an easy-to-understand format that everyone can understand.

Failure to Feed (FTF)

Failure to Feed (FTF) is one of the most common malfunctions encountered by AR-15 users. It occurs when a round from the magazine fails to load into the chamber. This malfunction can happen unexpectedly, whether it’s the first shot of the day or midway through a magazine. The good news is that most failure-to-feed issues are straightforward to diagnose and resolve.

Quick Fix:

Tap, Rack, Reassess: Tap the magazine to ensure it’s seated, rack the charging handle to chamber a round, and reassess the rifle’s readiness to fire. If the problem persists, switch out the magazine and check for worn-out springs or bent feed lips.

Preventative Tip: Regularly inspect your magazines. For reliable performance, consider using trusted options like Magpul Gen 3 PMAGs or D&H metal magazines. Why these? The D&H mags don’t just stand up to the challenge; they’re built for it, with anti-tilt followers and a gray Teflon finish that withstands temperature changes and environmental challenges like a champ.

As a Marine infantryman, I’ve carried the M16/M4 across the globe and fired thousands of rounds through them. This experience hasn’t just made me a better shooter; it’s shown me firsthand how often gear can fail, especially magazines. Most malfunctions? They came down to issues with the mags—worn out from use, bent feed lips, damaged followers, or springs that just couldn’t cut it anymore. The fix was usually simple: swap out the faulty magazine. More often than not, that was all it took to get back in action.

Failure to Eject/Extract (FTE)

Failure to Eject (FTE), also known as a “stovepipe” malfunction, occurs when the empty cartridge case of a fired round fails to exit the chamber and gets stuck, usually protruding from the ejection port. Similarly, a Failure to Extract happens when the bolt successfully extracts the spent casing from the chamber but fails to eject it completely, leaving it trapped in the rifle. Both types of malfunctions prevent the next round from being chambered.

Quick Fix:

Immediate Action: Lock the bolt to the rear, drop the magazine, and tilt the rifle to shake out the casing. If stuck, use a cleaning rod to push it out from the muzzle.

Preventative Tip: Regularly clean your bolt carrier group and chamber to prevent carbon buildup. Ensure the extractor and ejector springs are in good condition.

Failure to Fire (FTF)

Failure to Fire (FTF) occurs when the shooter pulls the trigger, but instead of the expected “bang,” there is only a disappointing “click.” This malfunction can be caused by various factors, ranging from ammunition issues to mechanical problems within the rifle. This includes rounds with improperly seated bullets, damaged casings, or bad primers.

Understanding the root causes of FTF and how to address them can save time and prevent unnecessary frustration at the range or in a critical situation.

Quick Fix:

Eject the round and check the primer for a light or absent strike.

Reload and chamber a new round. If the rifle still doesn’t fire, inspect the bolt and firing pin for damage or dirt buildup.

Preventative Tip: Use quality ammunition and keep your rifle clean and lubricated to ensure reliable firing.

Over-Gassed and Under-Gassed Rifles

Whether your AR-15 is over- or under-gassed, gas system issues can lead to a range of malfunctions that affect your rifle’s reliability and performance. Understanding the symptoms and causes of each condition is crucial for diagnosing and resolving related malfunctions effectively.

Over-gassed symptoms: Harsh recoil and failure to eject properly.

Under-gassed symptoms: Failure to lock the bolt back or weak ejection.

Quick Fixes:

Over-Gassed: Install an adjustable gas block or use heavier buffers and springs to slow down the cycling.

Under-Gassed: Check gas block alignment and use higher-quality ammunition. You may also need to switch to a lighter buffer and spring.

Preventative Tip: Keep your gas system clean and consider using an adjustable gas block to fine-tune the system for your ammo and shooting conditions.

Double Feeds

A double feed occurs when two rounds attempt to enter the chamber simultaneously, causing a jam. This usually happens when a live round is stuck behind a previously fired round or its empty casing. Faulty magazines, weak springs, or extractor and ejector failures can cause double feeds.

Quick Fix:

Drop the magazine, lock the bolt to the rear, and use your fingers or a tool to remove the obstructing rounds. After clearing the jam, insert a fresh magazine and cycle the bolt.

Preventative Tip: Ensure your magazine springs are strong and avoid overloading your magazines to reduce tension-related failures.

Bolt Override

A bolt override is a rare but serious malfunction where a live round or spent casing gets stuck above the bolt and below the charging handle. This type of jam can be particularly challenging to clear.

Quick Fix:

Drop the magazine, pull the charging handle back, and lock the bolt to the rear. While keeping pressure on the charging handle, strike the butt of the rifle on a hard surface to dislodge the obstruction.

Preventative Tip: Ensure your ejector and extractor are functioning properly and keep your rifle clean to avoid buildup that could lead to a bolt override.

Stovepipe Malfunction

A stovepipe malfunction, named for how the spent casing sticks vertically out of the ejection port like a stovepipe, occurs when the empty casing fails to fully clear the rifle during ejection. This can disrupt the cycle of operations and prevent the next round from being chambered. Although stovepipes are relatively easy to fix, repeated occurrences can indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed.

Quick Fix:

To eject the casing, perform the “tap, rack, reassess” drill. If it’s still stuck, manually lock the bolt to the rear and clear the obstruction.

Preventative Tip: Keep your rifle clean, especially the bolt carrier group, and ensure your ejector functions correctly. If this happens frequently, consider upgrading your ejector spring.

Conclusion

Experiencing these AR-15 malfunctions can be frustrating, but understanding the most common issues and how to address them will help you become a more proficient and confident shooter. Regular maintenance, proper cleaning, and using quality components are key to minimizing these malfunctions.

From failure to feed to stovepipe malfunctions, each issue has specific causes and solutions. By familiarizing yourself with these troubleshooting techniques, you can quickly diagnose and clear malfunctions, ensuring your rifle remains functional.

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About Scott Witner

Scott Witner is a former Marine Corps Infantryman with 2ndBn/8th Marines. He completed training in desert warfare at the Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Mountain Warfare and survival at the Mountain Warfare Training Center, the South Korean Mountain Warfare School in Pohang, and the Jungle Warfare school in the jungles of Okinawa, Japan. He now enjoys recreational shooting, trail running, hiking, functional fitness, and working on his truck. Scott resides in Northeastern Ohio.

AmmoLand Shooting Sports News

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The peace of mind that comes with knowing your dog is safe is almost invaluable. I should know. I currently have 11 dogs. Each of them has some kind of collar that best suits their sport, personality, and temperament.

I’ve not hidden my love of Halo GPS dog collars. I’ve used just about every major “wireless fence” style dog collar on the market, and the Halo collars have yet to let me down. Where other collars have failed and left me searching for one of my bird dogs for several days, the Halo Collars have stepped up and always filled the role of reliable, consistent, and user-friendly.

When I heard the Halo Collar 4 was coming out, I assumed it would be much the same when I agreed to test it. I was wrong. Not only does it sport a smaller frame and hinged component, making it far more comfortable for a pup, but it’s also compatible with dogs half the size of its predecessor (from a 20-pound minimum size down to 20-pound pups).

The biggest claim is the jump in battery life. You can go ahead and color me skeptical when a brand makes bold battery life claims. So, did it measure down and battery up as much as the brand claims?

In short: Skepticism be damned. The Halo Collar 4 ($599) outperforms its predecessor in every way, which is a tough feat to conquer. The battery life is wild and, in my tests, actually goes above and beyond what the company claims.

Halo Collar 4 Review

What Halo Has to Say About the Newest Addition to the Lineup

If we’re going to start anywhere, let’s start with cofounder Cesar Millan. I want you to picture the following quote in his voice. It makes it better, I promise.

“Halo Collar 4 allows pet parents to set rules, boundaries and limitations while creating a backyard everywhere they go. You can now provide trust, respect and love to your dog knowing they are safe wherever they go.” 

— Halo Cofounder Cesar Millan

The Halo Collar 4 promises a lot. I’m going to do something I rarely do and copy the intro to the press release here verbatim (with a few Oxford commas added because I have editorial integrity).

Halo, the most advanced GPS dog fence ever created, is launching the Halo Collar 4, the first collar designed to fit big and small dogs, giving pet parents the ability to create a “backyard” everywhere they go. It is the first and only dual-frequency GPS dog fence for unrivaled accuracy that combines data from L1 and L5 GPS bands for the most accurate location that is not impacted by obstacles, even in urban or bad signal areas. 

Halo Collar 4 also offers the perfect fit for big and small dogs with a tailoring system that lets you custom fit the collar to your dog’s exact neck size from 8 inches to 30.5 inches. The updated rendition includes 25% more battery life for 30+ hours between charges, a smaller and lighter all-day fit, and comes in a new Midnight Blue color, as well as updated Graphite, Orchid, and Sunburst colors.

Those are some hefty claims that I was borderline excited to bust.

Testing the Halo Collar 4

The Trainee

The thing about bird dogs from a strong hunting line is this: when bird season rolls around, a young bird dog can be almost impossible to keep contained when birds are about. My youngest Brittany is that dog. At a year and a half old, she knows her duty is to hunt ’em up. She does not, however, practice much restraint when she isn’t supposed to hunt ’em up. Known for having boundless energy, she measures up in all the best and worst ways that her breed has to offer.

Enter the true challenge for the Halo Collar 4. Even when faced with rooster pheasants at the edge of her perimeter, the Halo collars have kept her contained without the need for static shock or human intervention. She’s learned her tones and learned that it’s only when the collar comes off and the shotgun comes out that she can take to the field.

Battery Life to the Moon

After testing two previous version of the Halo collars, I wasn’t sure I’d see much benefit with the newest iteration. And then the battery life jumped up and smacked me in the face.

I run the Halo Collar 2 and Halo Collar 3 on another Brittany and a German shorthair. Both those collars give me a day of battery life. When I say a day, I mean a daylight day. Depending on how rowdy the pups get, I see anywhere from 8 to 12 hours of consistent battery life. That means they are contained for the work day and a bit after. Each night, the collars get plugged in when the pups get tucked into bed.

The Halo Collar 4 has run for 2 full days with no charge and held battery life the entire time. Yes, while at home, it still gets plugged in every night. However, this means a weekend away in the mountains requires no additional draw on the power banks I rely on. That leap in battery life is huge for those who overnight sans power in the great outdoors.

What the Halo Collar 4 Does Well

Everything it claims to. If you need a reliable GPS dog collar to keep your pup contained without fences, this collar will do it and do it well. If you have a pup that is too small to wear most GPS collars, this one might be the ticket.

I love being able to sit at my desk and look at the exact location of my pups on my phone. They don’t have to be penned up when I’m not looking. They can roam and play and be dogs, all while I know they are safe and secure. I’m not a fan of putting up fences for a heap of reasons, and this allows me to keep the landscape natural and my dogs safe.

The App

The Halo Collar App is another huge win for Halo. I’ve used other digital-fence-style collars with apps that made me want to throw my phone out the window. The Halo app is user-friendly, intuitive, clean, and simple to use. I can open my phone, see where my dogs are, and even whistle at them to come home. The app is top-notch in the world of GPS collars.

It also has a full dog training module taught by none other than Cesar Millan himself.

Always On

This is a big one. If your collar dies and you stick it on the charger, it turns itself back on. You don’t need to hold the power button for 30 seconds, rub your belly six times, and spin in a complete circle to get the collar to turn on and connect to the app. That might seem silly, but I’ve used other collars that are a pain in the royal arse to get reconnected to your phone, and I was never certain whether the collar was even on.

The Halo Collar 4 (and its previous versions) turns itself on and automatically connects to the app, ensuring immediate protection for your pup by just grabbing it off the charger and snapping it on. It’s grab-and-go protection that has never let me down.

Where’s the Downside?

You could say that they’re expensive, but they really aren’t. The Halo Collar 4 is at or below the cost of almost any other big-name GPS collar at $599.

The Charger

What you could complain about is the charger, but that’s only if you have former versions of the collar. I have three different versions, and each one has a different charger. That is frustrating, but I do get it. The newer versions likely require a bit more oomph, so they likely require a heftier charger.

That being said, a universal USB-C charger would be a huge perk, especially if you’re on the go and don’t have your collar-specific charger handy. Only my oldest Halo Collar offers that option.

A Little Lag

This is one that I guess can be expected. Occasionally, depending on weather or tree cover, you might experience a little lag in GPS connection. I always try to open my app when I send the pups outside, just to make sure they’re connected and covered. That being said, the lag is absolutely minimal, particularly when compared to other GPS collars.

Who Should Buy the Halo Collar 4?

Anyone interested in knowing where their canine companion is without going to the window or walking outside should consider the Halo Collar 4. This collar is perfect for anyone who lives near a busy road or can’t put up a fence. It’s the solution for weekend warriors who need to keep their pup at camp and out of the far-reaching mountains.

To be honest, I’m not sure who the Halo Collar 4 wouldn’t be good for. If you have a dog that weighs 10 pounds or more, you would benefit from adding it to your pup’s accessories. Period. End of story. They rock.

One of the other perks is that I bet the Halo Collar 3 is about to go on sale. So … you know, getcha one of those, too.

If you can’t tell, I stinkin’ love mine.

The post Longer Battery, Better Tracking, Improved Fit: Halo Collar 4 Review appeared first on GearJunkie.

GearJunkie

Using “failed login” policies, dbas can prevent brute force rapid fire attacks on MySQL user’s passwords. This uses a technique know as “login throttling”. This method affectively thwarts these “rapid fire” login attempt attacks by increasing delays for each failed attempt. These policies are simple and straightforward to put in place and define. Enabling defense and detection of rapid fire and other password attacks.Planet MySQL

In this article, we will address questions such as the purpose of query logging in MySQL, why it is important, how to enable and configure it, and more. You’ll find a detailed guide on how to use mysqldumpslow to analyze slow query logs, along with tips on harnessing convenient GUI tools like dbForge Studio for MySQL to your advantage.

The post How to Enable, Configure, and Use MySQL Query Logging appeared first on Devart Blog.

Planet MySQL

A weekly newsletter with four quick bites, edited by Tim Leffel, author of A Better Life for Half the Price and The World’s Cheapest Destinations. See past editions here, where your like-minded friends can subscribe and join you.

Triple Travel Charger for Apple Devices

If you’re all-in on Apple products, you might like this 3-in-1 travel charger a reader recommended for your iPhone, watch, and Airpods. The folding magnetic charger is smaller than a phone but can charge up all three of these fast-fading devices every night so you can start fresh in the morning. Selling for $60 now at Amazon. (Thanks to reader Jim from the SpanishAndGo podcast, which I recommend by the way if you’re an intermediate learner.)

Two U.S. Passport Developments

Good news for U.S. passport holders this week. First of all, the State Department is leaping into the modern age and you can now renew your passport online after a successful beta text. Just don’t expect it to be any faster, they warn. Also, Google announced that it’s in beta tests to create a digital ID from your passport that you’ll be able to use at TSA checkpoints. They’re also adding driver’s licenses for many states and commuter cards for public transportation.

New UK Entry Fee

It’ll soon cost you the equivalent of a few pub pints to enter the UK—unless you’re Irish. Most countries will have to apply for and pay a fee of £10. For most travelers that begins in November, but for Europeans it will roll out in the spring. You’ll even have to cough up the fee for your lap baby as apparently this fee to fund enhanced security is required for them as well. This is separate from the upcoming ETIAS €7 fee to enter the EU, so you’ll pay twice if you’re going to both. See the details here.

Cities That Inspire Designers

Where do interior designers like to go when they’re looking for inspiration? This article from House Beautiful runs down 12 places that the people picking out sofas and curtains called out when asked. Some are a bit puzzling to me, but I’ve certainly seen hints of other named spots in Morocco, Colombia, Turkey, and Italy in restaurants and hotels in other places.

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