Technically Personal

2025-05-03 • debugging data lakehouse sql thread safety java

The author recounts a data project involving a client's data lake, where they encountered issues with event-based data tracking visitors at an amusement park. After writing SQL queries to aggregate visitor data, they discovered ne...

2018-01-06 • friendship grief and bereavement mental disorders loss

The author reflects on the profound impact of a close friendship with a Belgian family, particularly focusing on the youngest brother who struggled with mental illness and ultimately took his own life. The narrative weaves through...

2025-07-21 • python build tools and infrastructure makefile parallel testing

The article discusses how to use the 'uv' tool to run unit tests across multiple versions of Python efficiently. It explains the process of specifying Python versions and using Makefiles to automate testing. The author highlights ...

2025-04-19 • email notifications migadu fastmail ios

The author discusses their experience with Migadu, an email provider, and the challenges faced with push notifications on iOS devices. They explain the difference between push and polling in email protocols, detailing how Apple's ...

2025-04-18 • lotus cinematography soundtrack season 1, season 3

The blog post is a detailed review of Season 3 of 'The White Lotus,' discussing its unique narrative style, character performances, cinematography, and soundtrack. The author reflects on the show's reverse-whodunit format, emphasi...

2025-03-14 • management programming model selection software engineering go

The article discusses the concept of deliberately choosing the wrong tool in software engineering, challenging the common advice of 'choose the right tool for the job.' The author reflects on personal experiences and examples from...

2025-02-13 • technology firmware typing training customization keyboards

The author shares their experience transitioning to a custom split ortholinear staggered-column mechanical keyboard, detailing the challenges of adapting to a new typing layout while maintaining productivity. They discuss the lear...

2025-04-24 • rocket launch webassembly email and form validation rust programming backend development

The blog post provides a tutorial on using Rust and WebAssembly (WASM) to create a simple web application that includes a backend server and a frontend form validation component. It discusses the evolution of WASM usability for ba...

2025-07-01 • open source data management aws computer cli

The author introduces 'comparqter', a CLI tool designed to compact and potentially re-compress files in a data lake, particularly those hosted on S3. The tool addresses the issue of numerous small files that complicate data queryi...

2025-07-01 • social media fediverse mastodon lemmy decentralized systems

The Lemm.ee team announced the shutdown of their instance, which has sparked alarm among some users. However, the author argues that this is a normal occurrence within the Fediverse, a decentralized network of platforms that commu...

2016-04-23 • configuration linux setup i3 freebsd

The author shares their experience transitioning from Linux to FreeBSD after feeling dissatisfied with systemd. They detail their setup process, including switching to the i3 window manager and configuring various system settings....

2016-04-26 • automation python free internet protocol version 4, internet service provider freebox

The author praises Free, an ISP in France, highlighting its features such as unmetered bandwidth, fixed IP addresses, and the Freebox modem. They detail their experience using the Freebox Revolution Server to automate downloads vi...

2015-08-25 • mysql php database sql

The author responds to a StackOverflow question from a user named Tim regarding issues with mysqli and PHP. The response emphasizes the importance of using pure MySQL for queries, provides a step-by-step guide to creating a test M...

2025-03-12 • programming macos development scala vim

The post provides a guide for setting up a Scala development environment on macOS, particularly for Apple silicon users. It highlights the use of Coursier for installation, addresses common issues with official documentation, and ...

2015-08-24 • programming software development gcc compilation fedora

The post discusses a bug in GCC 5.1 that affects unit tests for Realm, prompting the author to compile version 4.9.3 as a backup. It outlines the necessary dependencies for building GCC, provides step-by-step instructions for the ...

2025-07-02 • european union video games digital rights management stop killing games petition

The blog post advocates for signing the Stop Killing Games petition, which aims to require video game companies to provide tools for community-operated servers and ensure single-player games remain playable after official support ...

2025-07-15 • vegetarian burgers copenhagen interpretation restaurant reviews pop's diner

Pop's Diner is a burger joint in Copenhagen known for its simple yet high-quality smash burgers, including a standout vegetarian option. The menu features four types of burgers and a single type of fries with two dips. The combo m...

2025-07-14 • personal experience reviews flasher electronic data processing acebeam

The author shares their experience with the AceBeam Pokelit AA torch, initially skeptical about its necessity as an everyday carry (EDC) item. They describe various practical uses for the torch, including checking car coolant leve...

2025-04-27 • podcast media scuba diving

Mark Newman announced the suspension of the Scuba Diver Magazine podcast due to insufficient returns on production time, following the departures of other notable scuba podcasts. The podcast faced quality issues, including poorly ...

2025-02-10 • blogging ergonomics personal development typing training

The author reflects on their transition from Pelican to Jekyll for their blog engine nearly a decade ago and expresses a desire to write more publicly after a long hiatus. They plan to explore writing with a new custom mechanical ...

2015-08-24 • web development personal experience server management

The author discusses recent changes made to their blog, including a new design and switch from Pelican to Jekyll as the blogging engine. They express a desire for a more polished look while maintaining the previous style's essence...

2025-04-19 • technical writing name change personal blog

The author discusses the renaming of their blog from 'Drop a Blog' to 'Technically Personal' after over a decade. The previous name was based on an old domain, and the author brainstormed several new names before settling on the c...

2019-09-23 • birthday family disappointment children's literature pets

A little boy eagerly anticipates receiving a dog for his birthday after months of asking his mother. However, when the day arrives, he discovers that his gift is not a dog but a pair of goldfish named Freddy and John, leading to h...