Let’s Encrypt Rolls Out Free Security Certs For IP Addresses

Let’s Encrypt, a certificate authority (CA) known for its free TLS/SSL certificates, has begun issuing digital certificates for IP addresses. From a report: It’s not the first CA to do so. PositiveSSL, Sectigo, and GeoTrust all offer TLS/SSL certificates for use with IP addresses, at prices ranging from $40 to $90 or so annually. But Let’s Encrypt does so at no cost. For those with a static IP address who want to host a website, an IP address certificate provides a way to offer visitors a secure connection with that numeric identifier while avoiding the nominal expense of a domain name.


Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Slashdot

How to Buy a Suppressor with a Trust

Purchasing a suppressor involves navigating federal regulations that can seem daunting at first glance. The National Firearms Act (NFA) requires extensive paperwork, background checks, and a $200 tax stamp for each purchase of a suppressor. This process also involves submitting fingerprints and photographs as part of the background check. While individuals can buy suppressors directly, … Read more

The post How to Buy a Suppressor with a Trust appeared first on The Truth About Guns.

The Truth About Guns

Let’s Talk About Amazon’s USB-Charged Cordless Mini Chainsaw

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WorkProX USB Recharged Cordless Chainsaw

The WorkProX cordless mini chainsaw, which looks to only be available at Amazon, comes with a battery pack that at this time can only be charged via USB.

We’ve seen another tool brand switch to USB-charged power tool batteries, but it looks like the WorkProX cordless power tool battery can only be charged in this manner.

Isn’t this what users have asked for, a universal way to charge cordless tool batteries?

WorkProX Cordless Power Tool Battery Bank

The WorkProX 18V/20V 2Ah battery can serve as a power bank for charging personal electronic devices on the go. It has a digital fuel gauge, with the remaining charge capacity displayed as a percentage.

It features USB-A and USB-C ports, and is said to fully recharge in 1.5 hours.

WorkProX 20V tools and batteries are NOT compatible with WorkPro 20V tools and batteries.

WorkProX Cordless Chainsaw Kit Contents

On one hand, this a name-brand cordless mini chainsaw for very cheap, and you don’t need to find a place to store yet another charging dock.

On the other hand, cordless outdoor power tools don’t often pair well with 2Ah batteries, and 90 minutes is a bit long of a recharge break.

There are other WorkProX cordless outdoor power tools, with most being even more continuous use-type than the chainsaw, such as a hedge trimmer, string trimmer, and leaf blower. Some of those are bundled with a 4Ah battery.

Amazon has additional WorkProX battery packs sold separately, for $3 less than the price of this kit. Correction – WorkPro changed the price today, as they tend to do a lot – and so the price of the kit is now just $1 more than for the battery.

Price: $38 to $40 for the kit

Your Thoughts on the Approach?

Skil Cordless Nailer with USB Charger

Skil has also went down the USB charging route, such as with their cordless nailer kits.

WorkProX does not include a power brick with their cordless tool kits, only a charging cable. And as mentioned WorkProX 20V batteries won’t charge on WorkPro 20V chargers. I have not yet seen any WorkProX charging docks – maybe that’s something we’ll eventually see.

I think that USB charging is a good idea for DIY-grade tools. For Pros, the charging times aren’t fast enough, or at least faster charging rates aren’t being utilized yet.

Despite being exclusively USB-recharged (for now?), at least you can still swap or batteries as needed.

The pricing is unusual; at this time you can buy 2x cordless mini chainsaw kits, each with a tool, charging cable, and battery, for just $1 more than the price of 1 kit and 1 spare 2Ah battery.

How do you feel about USB-recharged cordless power tools? Cordless outdoor power tools?

ToolGuyd

The Game Is On in the First ‘Running Man’ Trailer

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Last year, we learned Edgar Wright was helming a remake of Stephen King’s The Running Man with Glen Powell (Twisters) in the lead role—and that it would be released during the year the original book is set: 2025. After a small sampling to press during CinemaCon, Universal’s first trailer sets the stage for what’s coming this fall.

Powell plays Ben Richards, the latest contestant in a reality game show where people avoid bounty hunters sent to kill them. Like in the 1982 novel and 1987 film, Richards is in the games to win money and pay for his kid’s medicine. There’s a lot of bounty hunters, and they ain’t letting up on him or his fellow runners played by Daniel Ezra and Katy O’Brian, but it’ll be worth it if he can get that cash prize at the end.

Much to the delight of the show’s producer, Killian (Josh Brolin), and host, Bobby (Colman Domingo), Richards is a ratings hit. But the longer he toughs it out, the more of an inspiration he becomes to fellow working-class people watching him on TV, which starts looking like a problem to the wealthy.

Also starring Michael Cera, Jayme Lawson, and William H. Macy, The Running Man releases in theaters November 7.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Gizmodo

Man In Search Of New Church After Finding Out His Pastor Likes The Disney Star Wars Movies

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BATON ROUGE, LA — Sources close to Gene Vickers say that the 34-year-old is now searching for a new church after finding out that his pastor likes the Disney Star Wars movies last Sunday.

According to Vickers, it is impossible for him to continue to sit under the teaching of a pastor who holds such heterodox views as liking The Force Awakens or The Last Jedi.

"I’ve been a bit worried about Pastor Frank in the past, but I’ve always just stayed at the church because I don’t want to judge him too hastily," Vickers said sadly. "But at this point, I’m not sure that I can continue to condone his beliefs, let alone be taught by them. I mean, the Scriptures say that those who teach will be judged with greater harshness — I’m not sure how Pastor Frank intends to avoid the divine wrath of God for liking the Disney Star Wars movies. Those films don’t even make any sense. Rogue One had literally one job, and it totally failed to properly set up A New Hope!"

While Pastor Frank was personally unavailable for comment, his wife says that he is "saddened" by Vickers’ turning away from the church.

"I pray that he will be quickly restored to fellowship with us," the pastor reportedly told his wife. "In the meantime, boot up Solo: A Star Wars Story, will you?"

At publishing time, Vickers had found a new church, only to be unimaginably disappointed when the pastor there compared the Holy Ghost to the Force.


These British police officers are keeping the streets safe from dangerous weapons.

Babylon Bee

What Suppressor Does SOCOM Use? Meet the SureFire SOCOM556-RC2

When it comes to gear trusted by America’s most elite special operations units—Delta Force and SEAL Team 6—there’s no room for compromise.  Every piece of equipment must earn its place through brutal, real-world use. So when these units reach for a suppressor, more often than not, they grab the SureFire SOCOM556-RC2. The SOCOM556-RC2 has become … Read more

The post What Suppressor Does SOCOM Use? Meet the SureFire SOCOM556-RC2 appeared first on The Truth About Guns.

The Truth About Guns

A Compilation of 1960s Factory Films

https://theawesomer.com/photos/2025/06/1960s_factory_films_t.jpgEnjoy watching how things are made? British Pathé gathered 10 short clips from their film archive, showcasing how factories produced electric guitars, wallpaper, parking meters, candies, and more. It’s amazing how much handwork went into making eyeglass lenses back in the day. For more vintage factory footage, check out Pathé’s 1950s compilation.The Awesomer

Google Earth Now Has Time Travel and I’m Hooked: Try These Places

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Google Earth now lets you step back in time at street level, thanks to the launch of historical Street View imagery. The feature arrives for the platform’s 20th anniversary and brings new AI-powered tools for professional users (like urban planners) in the U.S.

Explore the Past in Google Earth

Google Earth has always helped everyone see the world from above. Now, it lets you see how streets and neighborhoods have changed over the years. With the new update, you can slide through older Street View images right inside Google Earth. Want to revisit your childhood block or watch a city skyline grow? Just move the timeline slider and see how places looked in the past.

Until now, historical Street View was only available in Google Maps and the Earth Pro desktop app. This update brings it to the main Google Earth app on the web and mobile, making it easier for everyone to use.

Historical street view imagery in Google Earth follows from its popularity in Google Maps. The #somewhereonGoogleMaps trend captured our nostalgia for places past and present. Google Earth’s 20th anniversary is as good a time as any to catch up with its milestones.

A Digital Time Machine for Us

The new historical Street View feature turns Google Earth into more than just a virtual globe. Now, it’s a visual time machine. You can trace your history or see how your favorite places have evolved. It’s fascinating to watch a vacant lot become a playground, or a quiet street transform into a busy neighborhood.

For a long time, I have enjoyed watching a satellite view of my own house with Google Earth.

Now, we can satisfy our curiosity about old places by heading to places with extensive historical records. For instance, New York, London, and Paris, etc. Here are some of my favorites, which I checked out:

Freedom Tower (One World Trade Center) in Lower Manhattan, New York City: You can watch a part of modern American history as this symbolic structure rose from the rebuilding efforts at Ground Zero.

The Berlin Wall in Germany is one of the most historically significant timelapses. Watch the fall of the Berlin Wall, along with the massive urban transformation that followed German reunification.

Kennedy Space Center in Florida provides comprehensive historical imagery of NASA’s launch facilities and the evolution of the space program infrastructure. As a space buff, I head to the SpaceX Starbase in Texas, too, to watch the company’s meteoric rise.

Pompeii, Italy, and its many ancient Roman attractions like the Rectangle Theater, the Theater of Pompeii, the Temple of Apollo, the Arch of Tiberius, and the Public Square.

The World Islands in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, are artificial islands constructed to resemble a world map.

Also: Smarter Maps for Real-World Problems

It’s not about casual nostalgia and fun alone. Along with the time-travel feature, Google is adding powerful new tools for U.S. professionals. Soon, planners and researchers will see overlays that show tree canopy coverage and land surface temperatures. These AI-powered insights can help cities plan for more green spaces or tackle “urban heat islands” where temperatures rise due to a lack of trees and too much concrete.

For decision makers, knowing where trees are missing or where temperatures spike can guide smart choices. They might plant more trees in the hottest areas or design new parks where they’re needed most. These upgrades can make cities cooler, greener, and more comfortable for everyone.

MakeUseOf

Yes, You Can Search the Dark Web—Here’s How

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For the longest time, I thought the dark web was an impenetrable, tangled mass of secret websites frequented only by hackers and criminals. I certainly didn’t know that there are several ways you can actually search the dark web for specific websites and types of content—but that’s now changed.

How to Search the Dark Web

You can’t just fire up Google and type in "dark web sites"—at least, not if you want to actually find them. The dark web runs on a different network, and its websites use a special domain suffix: .onion. These sites aren’t indexed by standard search engines, which is why you need specialized tools to search them.

You need two things to search the dark web: the right browser and the right search engines. Regular browsers like Chrome or Edge won’t work here. Instead, you’ll need a browser that lets you access onion websites, the most popular of which is Tor Browser.

Once you’re on Tor, you need a search engine designed for .onion content. Two of the most widely used are Ahmia and Torch, each offers a different level of access and safety.



Related

Hollywood certainly takes some poetic license when it comes to the dark web.

Ahmia is a good place to start. It filters out illegal content and works both inside and outside of Tor. You can visit it from a regular browser at ahmia.fi, but clicking .onion links still requires Tor. Torch is more unfiltered. It returns a broader range of results, including content that Ahmia deliberately avoids.

Dark web search engines don’t work like Google. There’s no massive, automated crawling system indexing every .onion site in real time. Instead, these tools rely heavily on manual submissions, curated lists, and user reports.

That means their coverage is incomplete by design. Many .onion sites are temporary, private, or actively hidden. Others are taken down without notice or rotate through different addresses. Even when search engines list a site, it might already be offline or lead somewhere entirely different from what the title suggests.

Ahmia tries to filter out illegal and harmful content, which makes it feel more curated, but also limits what it can show. You’re less likely to stumble into something dangerous, and less likely to find niche or controversial communities. Torch, by contrast, prioritizes scale over safety. It indexes far more pages but includes duplicates, inactive links, and spammy or dangerous sites.

Spotting Legitimate Onion Sites vs. Scams

The dark web doesn’t have many of the trust signals you’re used to. There are no padlocks, no verified checkmarks, and no guarantees that the site you’re visiting is what it claims to be. Scams and impersonations are common, especially on marketplaces and forums.

So, how do you know which links are legit?

Start by checking where the link is coming from. On Ahmia, each result includes a brief description and sometimes a timestamp showing when the site was last seen online. If a site hasn’t appeared active in a long time, there’s a decent chance it’s dead, outdated, or has been replaced by something shady.

Also, check whether the .onion address is mentioned somewhere reputable. Some well-known organizations—like Facebook, the BBC, and ProPublica—list their official .onion links on their public websites or Wikipedia pages. That’s one of the most reliable ways to confirm a site’s identity. If the .onion URL you found through search matches the one listed by the organization itself, you’re good.

If you’re dealing with smaller or unofficial sites, consider cross-checking the URL in a known .onion directory like the Real World Onion Sites Github (available on the clear web), or looking it up in privacy forums. Reddit communities like r/onions or r/deepweb sometimes share verified links and warnings about scams, but again, use discretion. The so-called Hidden Wiki was once a popular starting point for newcomers to the dark web, but it’s no longer a trusted resource.

And finally, rely on your instincts. If a site pushes you to download something, asks for personal info up front, or looks completely different from what you expected, it’s safer to back out and look for alternatives.

If you do choose to open a link, expect a rough experience. Many .onion sites are barebones, slow, or only partially working. That doesn’t automatically mean they’re fake or dangerous—just that they weren’t built with user-friendliness in mind. Most dark web sites are simple on purpose; it helps to compensate for the Tor Network’s slower browsing speeds. However, if you do stumble upon something useful, save the link immediately. All .onion URLs are long, alphanumeric strings that aren’t easy to remember or rediscover. Without a bookmark or secure note, you may not be able to get back to it later.

Safety Essentials While Browsing

You don’t need to be an expert to browse the dark web safely, but you do need to stay alert.

Always use the Tor Browser, and make sure it’s up-to-date. Don’t open .onion links in regular browsers—they won’t load and could accidentally expose what you’re trying to access. It’s also a good idea to avoid copying links between browsers or apps where they could be logged, tracked, or leaked unintentionally.

Stay anonymous. Don’t log in with personal emails or usernames. If a site requires an account, use a throwaway identity and password you don’t use anywhere else.

Disable scripts in Tor’s settings. Many .onion sites work fine without them, and leaving them on increases your risk of tracking or malware.

Avoid downloads unless you fully trust the source. Even seemingly harmless files can carry risks.

Some people pair Tor with a VPN for added privacy, especially in restrictive regions. If you do, choose a trustworthy, no-logs VPN provider and understand that it may not always improve anonymity.



Related

The dark web sounds fun, but there are some important security steps you need to take first.

And finally, understand the legal line. In most countries, visiting the dark web isn’t illegal—but what you do there might be. Accessing banned content, buying illegal goods, or even just landing on the wrong kind of marketplace could land you in trouble depending on your local laws. Know what’s legal where you live.

MakeUseOf