NGinX Configuration with basic auth & custom error messages

If for some reason you need the following things out of an NGinX server: Multiple virtual blocks Basic authentication (with IP whitelist of approved IPs Customized error messages there are some things you should probably be aware of, as the virtual block configuration is not obvious. First off, custom error messages are straightforward if and only if you do not have basic auth enabled. If you do, you need to ensure two things.
Read more →

The Vintage parts of the MTA

There are some crazy things about this video and how the NYC subway system works. Huge swaths of infrastructure are over 80 years old. They use cloth-covered wire as the means of connection between critical pieces of switching equipment. Thankfully, they’re getting slowly upgraded, but it’s going to take many many years. I’m amazed it still works, but it’s been working 24/7 for the last 80 years.
Read more →

OnShape CAD

OnShape is a brand new creation from the original team that built out SolidWorks. This is sort of a combination of the concepts that makes Google Docs great mated with a world class solids modeling package. We can finally do all of these things in the browser and run it on something as low power as a cell phone. With a tool like this and the proliferation of inexpensive 3D printers, it’s hard to see this as anything except a major game changer.
Read more →