Harnessing AI to Create High-Quality Podcasts Quickly and for Free

Introduction As a long-time podcaster, I’ve always enjoyed sharing my thoughts and ideas through audio. While the world of video content—and the role of a YouTuber—has its allure, the complexities of video editing have kept me anchored in the realm of podcasting. My journey has involved leveraging platforms like Spotify Creator (formerly Anchor) for hosting and distributing my recordings. This platform offers a wide array of features for free, including audio recording, editing capabilities, and automatic promotion to Spotify. ...

December 11, 2024 · 3 min · 512 words · Jack Yu

Brompton-like Bikes: A Guide to Trifoldable Bicycles

Brompton-like bikes are renowned for their compactness and portability. Unlike the typical two-fold bikes, these are trifold bikes, making them exceptionally convenient for urban commuting and travel. Key Features Compact Size: The trifold design results in a very small folded size. Lightweight: Weighing between 10 to 11 kg, making them easy to carry. Easy Transportation: Suitable for air travel, and can be taken on public transport like MRT and buses. Thin Tires: Facilitates easy movement and efficient riding. Front Bracket: Allows for quick changes of front bags. Popularity: Highly popular in Singapore. Non-standard Accessories: May require specific accessories due to unique design. My bike is a Brompton clone, and I’ll share some insights on the various brands and models available. ...

December 9, 2024 · 3 min · 470 words · Jack Yu

My Recent Purchases: A Review of Three Sanrenmu Folding Knives

Recently, I decided to expand my collection of folding knives and purchased three models from Sanrenmu. For anyone considering a new knife or looking for suggestions, I wanted to share my experiences with these three models: the 9201, 9008, and 820. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and hopefully, my insights can help you make an informed decision. Sanrenmu 9201 Price: 198 Yuan Lock Type: Axis Lock Handle Material: Plastic Blade Material: D2 Steel First Impressions The 9201 features an axis lock mechanism, which I found to be very smooth and easy to open and close. The D2 steel blade offers good edge retention, and the plastic handle keeps the knife lightweight. ...

November 28, 2024 · 4 min · 807 words · Jack Yu

The Correct Way to Use `go build`

When working with Go, it’s important to know the proper way to compile your programs to avoid common errors. Here are some tips on using the go build command effectively. Recommended Usage Compile all Go files in the current directory: go build Compile all Go files explicitly: go build *.go Common Pitfalls Compiling a Single File Running: go build main.go will only build main.go. This can lead to errors if main.go depends on other Go files in the same package, as those files won’t be included in the build process. ...

November 28, 2024 · 1 min · 163 words · Jack Yu

Exploring Local LLMs with Ollama: My Journey and Practices

Local Large Language Models (LLMs) have been gaining traction as developers and enthusiasts seek more control over their AI tools without relying solely on cloud-based solutions. In this blog post, I’ll share my experiences with Ollama, a remarkable tool for running local LLMs, along with other tools like llamaindex and Candle. I’ll also discuss various user interfaces (UI) that enhance the local LLM experience. Table of Contents Introduction to Ollama A Popular Choice Ease of Use Built with Golang My Practices with Ollama Preferred Models Llama 3.1 Mistral Phi-3 Qwen-2 Hardware Constraints Exploring UIs for Ollama OpenWebUI Page Assist Enchanted AnythingLLM Dify Diving into llamaindex Experimenting with Candle Conclusion Introduction to Ollama A Popular Choice Ollama has rapidly become a favorite among developers interested in local LLMs. Within a year, it has garnered significant attention on GitHub, reflecting its growing user base and community support. ...

November 27, 2024 · 4 min · 722 words · Jack Yu

Exploring Tailscale: Building Your Own Network Easily

I recently started experimenting with Tailscale, a tool that has significantly simplified the way I manage my personal network across devices. In this blog post, I’ll share how I discovered Tailscale, its core features, and my personal setup that leverages this powerful tool. Discovering Tailscale Through WebVM My journey with Tailscale began when I came across WebVM, an impressive project that allows you to run a virtual machine directly in your browser. Intrigued by the possibilities, I delved deeper and discovered that Tailscale could help me create a seamless, private network across all my devices. ...

November 27, 2024 · 3 min · 535 words · Jack Yu

Tips for Traveling in Vietnam: My Personal Experiences

Vietnam is a vibrant country with a rich culture, friendly people, and stunning landscapes. Recently, I spent some time exploring Vietnam, and I wanted to share some of my experiences and tips to help fellow travelers make the most of their visit. Internet Access and Blocked Websites Slow Access to Twitter: If you’re an avid Twitter user, be prepared for slower connection speeds. The platform doesn’t perform as well in Vietnam. Inaccessible Websites: Certain websites are blocked in Vietnam, including: Medium Some porn websites Tip: If you rely on any of these platforms, consider downloading content beforehand or using a VPN to access them during your stay. Visa Process for Chinese Citizens E-Visa Conversion: Travelers from China holding an E-Visa need to convert it into a paper visa upon arrival. Bring Two Photos: Ensure you have two passport-sized photos ready for the visa conversion process. Carry Cash for Tips: It’s customary to offer tips during the visa processing, so have some cash (preferably small denominations) on hand. Exploring Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) City Vibes: Saigon reminded me of a blend between Shanghai and Qingdao. Cleanliness: While the city is bustling with energy, it’s not as clean as Shanghai or Qingdao. Abundance of Coffee Shops: Vietnam is famous for its coffee culture. You’ll find numerous coffee shops on almost every street corner. Must-Try: Don’t miss out on traditional Vietnamese iced coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá). Affordability Cheaper Than Bangkok: Compared to cities like Bangkok, Saigon is significantly more affordable. Hotels: Accommodation can be about half the price of equivalent hotels in Bangkok. General Expenses: Food, transportation, and entertainment are also reasonably priced. Currency and Payments Accepted Currencies: Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency. US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted and sometimes preferred. Chinese RMB can be used in some places, but USD is more commonly accepted. Tip: Carrying USD can be convenient, but always have some local currency for small purchases. Local Customs and Observations Clothing Choices: You’ll notice many locals wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants, even in hot weather. Reason: This is to prevent sunburn and protect their skin from the sun. Hardworking People: The Vietnamese are known for their strong work ethic. Streets are lively with activity from early morning until late at night. Affordable Goods: Many items, from street food to souvenirs, are priced affordably. Non-Spicy Cuisine: Similar to Cantonese Food: The flavors are mild and focus on the freshness of ingredients. Must-Try Dishes: Pho (noodle soup), Banh Mi (baguette sandwich), and fresh spring rolls. Final Thoughts Vietnam offers a captivating blend of cultural experiences, historical sites, and modern attractions. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a cozy café, exploring bustling markets, or simply taking in the sights and sounds of the city, there’s something for every traveler. ...

November 27, 2024 · 3 min · 527 words · Jack Yu

How to Choose the Right Fishing Gear: Tips from My Fishing Experiences

Note: All prices mentioned are in RMB. Introduction Over the years, I’ve gathered a lot of experience in fishing, especially in selecting the right gear. Choosing the appropriate rod, reel, line, and lure can significantly impact your fishing success. In this blog, I want to share my insights to help you make informed decisions when selecting fishing equipment. Rod Selection Understanding Rod Actions L (Light) Action Rods: Best for casting lures weighing 4-5g. Ideal for using lures within half of the rod’s lure weight range (e.g., for a rod rated 2-7g, the optimal lure weight is around 4-5g). UL (Ultra-Light) Action Rods: Suitable for casting lures weighing 3g or less. One-Piece vs. Multi-Piece Rods One-Piece Rods: Offer better sensitivity and casting performance. However, they are less portable and harder to transport. Not as easy to sell if you decide to upgrade. Multi-Piece Rods: More convenient for travel. Slight trade-off in sensitivity compared to one-piece rods. Recommended Action The best action for spinning cast rods is Light (L) action. Reel Selection Spinning Reels vs. Baitcasting Reels Spinning Reels: Easier for casting, especially for beginners. Better suited for saltwater fishing than baitcasting reels. Can use heavier action rods to cast small lures effectively. Baitcasting Reels: Look cool and offer precision, but have a steeper learning curve. Not as user-friendly for casting light lures. Reel Size and Line Compatibility For a 2500S reel: 0.8 PE line is sufficient. Using 0.6 PE line on a 2500S reel may require too much line to fill the spool. For a 2000S reel: 0.6 PE line is appropriate. It’s not common to use PE lines smaller than 0.6, as they are less widely available. Light Weight Reels Always choose lightweight reels for better balance and less fatigue during fishing. Line Selection PE Line vs. Fluorocarbon Casting Difficulty: 1.5 PE and fluorocarbon lines offer similar casting challenges. PE Line Advantages: Thinner diameter for the same strength compared to fluorocarbon. Essential for longer casting distances. Avoiding Line Connections: Use a Carolina rig to eliminate the need to connect PE line and fluorocarbon leader. Recommended Lines YGK PE Line: Highly recommended for its quality. Performs much better than Sufix lines. Consider using 0.6 or 0.8 PE from YGK. Fluorocarbon Line: 1.5 Fluorocarbon can be used as a leader if necessary. Rigs and Lures Carolina Rig: Allows you to use PE line without needing to connect it to a fluorocarbon leader. Effective for various fishing conditions. Recommendations Final Gear Choices Rod: L Action Spinning Rod with multiple pieces for portability. Reel: 2000S or 2500S spinning reel, prioritize lightweight models. Line: 0.6 or 0.8 YGK PE line (lean towards 0.6 for more capacity). Optional 1.5 Fluorocarbon leader. Rig: Use a Carolina rig setup. Brands and Models Chinese Domestic Market (CDM) Rods Few high-quality CDM spinning rods are available. The best CDM spinning rod is the 翠鸟 (Kingfisher) from 钓之屋 (Fishing House). The 游侠 (the larger version of 翠鸟) is not as good. Example: A 2500S reel on a 游侠 lacks proper rod skewness, affecting casting performance. Shimano Rods and Reels Shimano spinning rods and reels are superior in performance. The reels have features that prevent accidental rolling after opening the bail, allowing you to stop the line with your finger for better control. Reels I’ve Used Shimano Vanquish 2500S (2023 model): Extremely lightweight and smooth. Feels almost too slim, raising concerns about durability. The infinite loop system is excellent. Shimano Stradic 2500S (2023 model): Heavier compared to Vanquish. Handle design is not as comfortable. Appearance gives a sense of reliability. Shimano Vanford C2000SHG (2020 model): Great performance but similar concerns about durability due to plastic components. Feels less robust than the Stradic but is lighter. Price Comparison (in RMB) 钓之屋 翠鸟 (Kingfisher): 360 Shimano Stradic: 900 Shimano Vanford: 1,100 Shimano Vanquish: 2,600 Shimano Stella: 3,800 Conclusion Choosing the right fishing gear is crucial for an enjoyable and successful fishing experience. By considering the rod action, reel type and size, line selection, and the right rigs, you can optimize your setup for the best performance. While high-end brands like Shimano offer top-quality equipment, there are also cost-effective options available. Remember to prioritize what suits your fishing style and comfort. ...

November 27, 2024 · 4 min · 698 words · Jack Yu

Encounter with a Major Issue with Cloudflare Warp: A Life and Death Rescue for VPS

Today, I planned to use Warp to select an IP exit for my VPS, following the Cloudflare official documentation. When executing the warp-cli connect step, the server immediately lost connection, and the problem persisted even after rebooting. After researching, I found that this problem is not unique. For instance, in a discussion on V2EX, many users encountered similar issues. The solution is to run warp-cli set-mode proxy before executing warp-cli connect to bypass the local address. Surprisingly, Cloudflare’s official documentation does not mention this crucial step, undoubtedly increasing the complexity and risk of configuration. ...

May 15, 2024 · 2 min · 420 words · Jack Yu

How to Use the HTTP API in TiDB with TLS Enabled

Background Many customers have TLS enabled, which is different from the lab environment. Curl Curl requires a specified CA certificate, otherwise it will report an error. curl --cacert ca.crt https://127.0.0.1:10080/status Wget Many containers do not have curl, so wget is used instead. Wget is better as it does not require a CA certificate. wget --no-check-certificate http://127.0.0.1:10080/status

May 22, 2023 · 1 min · 56 words · Jack Yu