"Initials" by "Florian Körner", licensed under "CC0 1.0". / Remix of the original. - Created with dicebear.comInitialsFlorian Körnerhttps://github.com/dicebear/dicebearPR
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New records show Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have thousands of previously unreported military and law enforcement contracts (NSA-CIA US state corporations?)
  • "Initials" by "Florian Körner", licensed under "CC0 1.0". / Remix of the original. - Created with dicebear.comInitialsFlorian Körnerhttps://github.com/dicebear/dicebearWO
    worldCritic
    4y ago 0%

    “Project Maven” being shut down is a publicity stunt

    Citation needed. This sounds like speculation. Your link failed because the article was written before the Maven non-renewal announcement.

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  • "Initials" by "Florian Körner", licensed under "CC0 1.0". / Remix of the original. - Created with dicebear.comInitialsFlorian Körnerhttps://github.com/dicebear/dicebearPR
    Jump
    New records show Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have thousands of previously unreported military and law enforcement contracts (NSA-CIA US state corporations?)
  • "Initials" by "Florian Körner", licensed under "CC0 1.0". / Remix of the original. - Created with dicebear.comInitialsFlorian Körnerhttps://github.com/dicebear/dicebearWO
    worldCritic
    4y ago 0%

    That article is from 2018, when Google was still working project Maven. After protests, Google opted not to renew the contract.

    Google did the right thing in that case, unless you know of some operation for Google to stealthily continue the contract (which is what happened with Google's anti-immigration ICE contract).

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  • "Initials" by "Florian Körner", licensed under "CC0 1.0". / Remix of the original. - Created with dicebear.comInitialsFlorian Körnerhttps://github.com/dicebear/dicebearPR
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    New records show Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have thousands of previously unreported military and law enforcement contracts (NSA-CIA US state corporations?)
  • "Initials" by "Florian Körner", licensed under "CC0 1.0". / Remix of the original. - Created with dicebear.comInitialsFlorian Körnerhttps://github.com/dicebear/dicebearWO
    worldCritic
    4y ago 0%

    Employees at Amazon and Microsoft have petitioned both companies to drop their contracts with ICE and the military, but neither company has caved to the demands.

    That's very typical of those two companies. MS & Amazon simply flips the middle finger to their employees, routinely. They don't even pretend to give a shit.

    Google is a bit different. Google usually listens to their employees, and they back out when there's enough pressure (e.g. project Maven). But I know of one case where Google got caught secretly going back to work on a project that they publicly renounced. So Google can be sneaky and it's unclear to me how often Google just goes into stealth mode amid PR maneuvering. It can't be easy for them to keep a whole project or contract secret.

    I've not read the article in detail yet but will be interesting to see what Google is involved in.

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  • "Initials" by "Florian Körner", licensed under "CC0 1.0". / Remix of the original. - Created with dicebear.comInitialsFlorian Körnerhttps://github.com/dicebear/dicebearBI
    Bicycling worldCritic 5y ago 100%
    Comparison of 5 entry-level tool kits

    | tool | [Lumintrail TL810E $60](https://lightjunction.com/collections/tools/products/lumintrail-bike-repair-tool-kit-42-pieces) | [CyclingDeal SC-168A $55](https://cyclingdealusa.com/collections/bike-tool-kits/products/bicycle-bike-repair-tools-tool-kit-made-in-taiwan-sc-168a) | [Bike Hand YC-737 $50](https://cyclingdealusa.com/collections/bike-tool-kits/products/bikehand-bike-bicycle-repair-tools-maintenance-tool-kit-set-yc-737) | [Venzo VZ-F33-075 $40](https://cyclingdealusa.com/collections/bike-tool-kits/products/venzo-professional-bike-bicycle-repair-tool-kit-vz-f33-075) | [Luna $39](https://lunacycle.com/luna-cycle-ebike-tool-kit/) | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | bottom bracket & headset lock ring tool | n | y | n | n | n | bottom bracket cup tool (adjustable) | n | y | n | n | n | bottom bracket tool (cartridge) |y (Shimano + ISIS) | y (Shimano) | y | y (Shimano + ISIS) | y | chain rivet extractor & assembler (adjustable, Shimano compatible) | y (HG/UG) | y | y | y (6-10 speed & 410,408 chains) | y | chainring bolt tool | n | n | n | n | y | crank puller | y (cotterless, Shimano+ISIS) | y (cotterless, fits all axles) | y (cotterless) | y (square taper, Shimano splined Octalink & ISIS) | y | freewheel (aka lockring) remover (Shimano compatible) | y | y | y | y | y | freewheel turner (aka chain whip) | y (5-12 speed) | y | y | y (1/8" fixed gear sprocket) | y (3/32') | hex wrench (2/3/4/5/6mm) | y (+2.5) | y (+2.5, 4/5/6mm ball-ended) | y (folding) | y (+2.5) | y (ball-ended) | hex wrench (8mm, for crank arm removal, + 1/2" adaptor for socket tools) | y | y | y | y | n | hex wrench (6mm, auxiliary square head) | y | n | n | n | n | pedal wrench (aka spanner) | y (15mm/16mm, 15mm/17mm) | y | n | y (15mm) | y (+14/15 socket end) | screwdriver (Phillips) | y (+2 bits) | y | y | n | y | screwdriver (flat) | y (+2 bits) | n | y | n | y | screwdriver (precision, for derailleur's adjustment) | n | y | n | n | n | sockets (8/9/10mm) | y | n | n | n | n | spoke adjuster (forged /-groove) | y (10G-15G) | y | y (10G-15G) | y (0.127"/0.130"/0.136", 3.2/3.3/3.5MM) | y (3.2/3.3/3.5mm) | tensioning torques | n | n | n | n | y (Shimano) | tire levers | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | tire pressure gauge | y | n | n | n | n | tire repair kit | y | y | y | y | y | torx wrenches (3 sizes) | n | n | n | n | y | wrench (6" adjustable wrench) | n | y | n | n | n | wrench (headset 30mm/32mm, 36mm/40mm | y | y (4-in-1) | n | n | n | wrench (aka spanner, open, 8x10mm) | y | y | y | y | n | wrenches (2 hub-cone 13x14x15x16mm) | y | y | y | n | y

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    "Initials" by "Florian Körner", licensed under "CC0 1.0". / Remix of the original. - Created with dicebear.comInitialsFlorian Körnerhttps://github.com/dicebear/dicebearBI
    Bicycling worldCritic 5y ago 100%
    (E-bikes) power tool batteries vs. e-bike batteries (cost per unit capacity compared)

    Which batteries give the most juice for the money? # Power Tool Batteries | make/model | tech | V | amphours | watt hours | warranty | net cost | price/Ah | price/Wh | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | DSANKE (Black&Decker) | Li-Ion | 18v | 5 Ah ||| $29 | $5.8 | $0.32 | | generic (Ryobi) | Li-Ion | 18v | 6 Ah ||| $33 | $5.5 | **$0.31** | | Powerextra (Porter Cable) | Li-Ion | 20v | 5 Ah ea. || 1yr | $63/2 | $6.3 |$0.35| | TenHutt (Ryobi) | Li-Ion | 18v | 9 Ah ||| $64 | $7.11 |$0.40| | Swidan (Greenworks) | Li-Ion | 40v | 5 Ah ||| $66 | $13.2 |$0.37| | Waitley (DeWalt) || 20v | 9 Ah ||| $70 | $7.78 |$0.43| | Lotive (Greenworks) | Li-Ion | 40v | 6 Ah || 30 days | $69 | $11.5 | $0.32 | | Epowon (Greenworks) | Li-Ion | 40v | 5 Ah || 1yr | $73 | $14.6 | $0.41 | | Waitley (DeWalt) || 20v | 6 Ah ea. ||| $76/2 | $6.33 |$0.35| | Ryobi | Li-Ion | 18v || 28 Wh ea.| 90day | $78/2 | ? |$1.39 | | Waspt | Li-Ion | 40v | 6 Ah ||| $82 | $13.67 |$0.38| | Elefly | Li-Ion | 40v | 6 Ah || 1yr | $88 | $14.67 |$0.41| | Porter Cable | Ni-Mh | 20v | 4 Ah ea.||| $110/4 | $6.88 |$0.38| | Powerworks | Li-Ion | 60v | 5 Ah | 270 Wh || $140 | $28 |$0.52| | Greenworks | Li-Ion | 40v | 5 Ah || 2yr | [$180](https://www.greenworkstools.com/shop-by-tool/battery-chargers/5ah-battery) | $36 |$1 | | Greenworks | Li-Ion | 60v | 5 Ah || 2yr | [$200](https://www.greenworkstools.com/shop-by-tool/battery-chargers/60v-battery-374) | $40 |$0.77| | eGo BA4200 | Li-Ion | 56V | 7.5Ah || 3yr | $233 | $31.07 |$0.60| # Batteries specialized for E-bikes | make/model/shape | tech | V | amphours | watt hours | warranty | net cost | price/Ah | price/Wh | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | greencycle bottle || 24v 250w | 10 Ah || 23 days | [$95](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32915442402.html) | $9.5 | $0.40 | | HaiTu Bottle | Li-Ion | 36v | 7 Ah ||| [$130](https://bmsbattery.com/ebike-battery/1094-18535-36v5ah7ah-haitu-bottle-battery-pack-with-usb-output.html#/510-inner_controller-with/544-cells_capacity-samsung_35ah_7ah) | $18.57 | $0.52 | | fastakeep | Li-Ion | 24v | 8 Ah || 30 days | $150 | $18.75 | $0.78 | | dolphin | Li-ion | 36v | 11 Ah || 1 yr | [$153](http://recycles-ebike.com/home/167-eu-us-free-tax-hot-selling-dolphin-style-36v-11ah-lithium-ion-ebike-battery-fit-for-250w-300w-500w-bafang-bbs02-motor-kit.html) | $13.91 | $0.39 | | green E-motion bottle || 36v | 8 Ah || 23 days | [$154](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32948898053.html) | $19.13 | $0.53 | | Hailong Downtube | Li-Ion | 48v | 12.5 Ah || 1yr | [$195](http://www.pswpower.com/ven.php?cargo.2017-8r-jdnp) (EU only; paypal only!) | $15.6 | **$0.33** | | Sanyo | Li-Ion | 52v | 8 Ah || 1yr | [$209](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32838238566.html) | $26.13 | $0.50 | | generic | Li-Ion | 48v | 10 Ah || 1yr | [$214](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32902235272.html) | $21.36 | $0.46 | | Downtube | Li-Ion | 52v | 10.4 Ah | | 30 days | [$226](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32932206570.html) | $21.73 | $0.42 | | ebike motor battery store || 36v | 10 Ah ||| [$227](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32381218353.html) | $20.6 | $0.57 | | green E-motion bottle || 52v | 10 Ah || 23 days | [$227](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32948898053.html) | $22.7 | $0.44 | | Hailong dolphin shark | Li-Ion | 48v | 10 Ah || 1yr | [$227](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32710471977.html) | $22.7 | $0.47 | | fastakeep | Li-Ion | 52v | 10 Ah || 30 days | [$236](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000218328813.html) | $23.6 | $0.45 | | Dsaikl | Li-Ion | 52v 750w | 10 Ah ||| [$239](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32968492364.html) | $23.9 | $0.46 | | Wallen Power Hailong | Li-Ion | 48v | 10 Ah || 1yr | [$243](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33061971211.html) | $24.3 | $0.51 | | 01-Case | Li-ion | 48v | 10 Ah ||| [$243](https://bmsbattery.com/ebike-battery/950-17996-48v10ah116ah14ah-li-ion-alloy-01-case-ebike-battery-pack.html#/137-color-black/512-cells_capacity-25ah_high_c_rate_10ah) | $24.3 | $0.51 | | Risklight | Li-Ion | 52v | 10 Ah | | >1yr "Guarantee"? | [$244](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33036029201.html) | $24.4 | $0.47 | | green E-motion bottle || 52v | 12 Ah || 23 days | [$246](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32948898053.html) | $20.5 | $0.40 | | Luna Wolf Pup (Samsung 21700 40T cells) | Li-Ion | 52v | 4 Ah | 200 Wh || [$249](https://lunacycle.com/wolf-pup/) | $0.75 | $1.25 | | jsa kaka | Li-Ion | 52v | 10.2 Ah || 1yr | [$250](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000326139891.html) | $24.51 | $0.47 | | jsa kaka | Li-Ion | 52v 500w? | 10 Ah || 1yr | [$255](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32974116824.html) (s/h) | $25.5 | $0.49 | | ebird locking battery || 48v | 10 Ah ||| $255 | $25.5 | $0.53 | | Hailong | Li-Ion | 52v | 13 Ah || 23 days | [$260](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000237655796.html) | $20 | $0.38 | | 03-Case | Li-ion | 48v | 10 Ah ||| [$262](https://bmsbattery.com/ebike-battery/955-18104-48v10ah116ah14ah-li-ion-alloy-03-case-ebike-battery-pack.html#/137-color-black/512-cells_capacity-25ah_high_c_rate_10ah/533-rack-without) | $26.2 | $0.55 | | unit pack power Hailong2 | Li-Ion | 48v | 13 Ah | 624 Wh | 1yr | [$263](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32868055493.html) | $20.23 | $0.42 | | eco-bike bottle || 36v | 7 Ah | 252 Wh 15a || [$275](https://www.eco-ebike.com/collections/36v/products/36v-7-0ah-water-bottle-battery) | $39.29 | $1.09 | | Chamrider || 52v | 13 Ah || 1yr | [$279](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32963530936.html) | $21.46 | $0.41 | | dolphin | Li-Ion | 52v | 10.4 Ah || 1yr | [$281](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000465321609.html) | $27.02 | $0.52 | | Hailong 3 | Li-Ion | 52v | 13 Ah || 1yr | [$281](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33040375580.html) | $21.62 | $0.42 | | Best Bikes || 52v | 13 Ah | 676 Wh | 1yr | [$284](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000157836774.html) | $21.85 | $0.42 | | bottle | Li-ion | 48v 750w | 13 Ah || 1yr | [$326](http://recycles-ebike.com/home/168-us-eu-free-tax-water-bottle-48v-750w-ebike-battery-48v-13ah-kettle-style-samsung-li-ion-battery-with-546v-2a-charger.html) | $25.08 | $0.52 | | down tube | non-lead | 52v | 13 Ah || 1yr | [$336](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32998383029.html) | $25.85 | $0.50 | | Whale | Li-Ion | 52v | 11.6 Ah || 1yr | [$349](http://recycles-ebike.com/home/202-2016-new-style-ebike-whale-battery-pack-use-14s4p-ncr18650pf-cells-52v-116ah-lithium-ion-battery-with-usb-588v-2a-charger.html) | $30.09 | $0.58 | | Samsung | | 52v | 14 Ah || 1yr | [$354](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32914092155.html) | $25.29 | $0.49 | | ebird bottle || 48v | 10 Ah ||| [$358](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32783152119.html) | $35.8 | $0.75 | | Jumbo Hailong Shark || 52v | 13 Ah | 676 Wh 30a || [$400](https://www.eco-ebike.com/collections/52v/products/52v-13ah-jumbo-hailong-shark-battery) | $30.77 | $0.59 | | Jumbo Shark || 48v | 14.3 Ah ||| [$544](https://california-ebike.com/shop/48-v-12-5ah-downtube-battery-pack-high-capacity-generic-cellscharger/) | $38.04 | $0.79 | Assumptions in the "price/Wh" calculations: * 20v batteries are really 18v * 40v batteries are really 36v * 52-60v batteries are really 52v because marketers lie. Amphours may be lies too, likely rounded to whole numbers, but we can't do anything about that.

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    "Initials" by "Florian Körner", licensed under "CC0 1.0". / Remix of the original. - Created with dicebear.comInitialsFlorian Körnerhttps://github.com/dicebear/dicebearBI
    Bicycling worldCritic 5y ago 100%
    mid-drive motor kits are only for people taller than 5'9"

    In the search for a mid-drive motor kit I've found that most distributors neglect to state the size of the crank arm. The few that do have chosen a size that's optimum for people 5'9" or taller. The average US woman is 5'4", and the average Asian man is 5'7". These groups are being discriminated against in the market of DiY mid-drive motor kits. It's a one-size fits ~20% of the population scenario, roughly, and only one size is offered. Some kits are standard enough that it's possible to buy a separate aftermarket crankset, but the specs are undocumented and this also entails spending $100+ more and then wasting the stock cranks after spending upwards of $500 on the kit. The industry needs to get its shit together. | model | bottom bracket req. | crank size | [optimum rider height](https://www.ilovebicycling.com/crank-arm-length/) | notes | |---|---|---|---|---| | AFT | n/a (straps to frame) | n/a | n/a | shitty tor-hostile site | | Bafang BBS02 | 68-73mm | ? | ? || | Bafang BBSHD | 68-73mm, 73-100mm, 120mm | [175mm](https://lunacycle.com/bafang-bbshd-1000w-middrive-kit/) | 5'11" || | Bikee Bike | ? | ? | ? | uses Sony batteries (unethical!); app is iOS & Google Playstore only; shitty [tor-hostile site](https://www.bikeebike.com/) | | [Binova Flow](https://www.binova-flow.com/) | ? | ? | ? | no useful info on website and their [store](https://www.binova-flow.com/shop/) blocks Tor. ~[$2k](https://www.treehugger.com/bikes/new-option-retrofit-your-bike-e-pedelec-and-more-velo-berlin.html) | | [CYC x1-pro 3000w](https://www.cycmotor.com/x1-pro) | 68,73,83,100,120mm | 170mm | 5'9" | same as GNG x1-pro? chain or gear drive; app is iOS & Google Playstore only | | [Cyclone 3000w](http://cyclone-tw.com/2chkit.html) | 68-83mm, 95-120mm | 170mm | 5'9" | [$430](http://cyclone-tw.com/2chkit.html) | | [Ecospeed](https://turbobobbicycleblog.wordpress.com/2015/10/16/ecospeed-mid-drive-conversion-by-nomad-power-you-want-need/) | side-drive? | ? | ? | for recumbants; ecospeed.com dead | | Ego | side-drive? | ? | ? | CloudFlare site | | [L-faster](https://www.l-faster.com/items/750w-e-bike-mid-drive-motor-kit-integrated/) | 68mm (+100mm for 750w motor) | ? | ? | 250w,350w,500w,750w,1300w; chain drive & integrated versions; integrated speed sensor; $345 for 750w | | GNG 2016 Premium belt | 68-73mm | 170mm | 5'9" | CloudFlare site | | GNG 2019 3000w Cyclone Premium | 68-73mm, 83-120mm | ? | ? | CloudFlare site | | GNG 2019 450w Cyclone Premium | 68-73mm, 83-120mm | ? | ? | CloudFlare site | | [L-R two stage](https://lightning-rods10.mybigcommerce.com/two-stage-small-block-mid-drive/) | 68-100mm | ? | ? | $745; broken contact page | | Luna Deluxe Mini Cyclone | 68-83mm | ? | ? || | [Pendix](https://pendix.com) | 68-73mm | ? | ? | 250w; >$1k | | [Tongsheng TSDZ2](https://www.elecycles.com/tongsheng-tsdz2-mid-drive-motor-e-bike-conversion-kit.html) | 68-83mm, [68mm,100mm,120mm](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32749908969.html) | [170](https://ebikechoices.com/tongsheng-tsdz2-review/#comment-518) | 5'9" | crank arms have an absurd Q-factor and should be replaced anyway. They are compatible with Bafang & Shimano Steps FC-E6000 | | Xing | ? | ? | ? | shitty tor-hostile site | | [Xofo](http://precialps.com/uk/21-mid-drive-xofo-mms) | [68mm](http://xofoeurope.com/en/central-motor/) | ? | ? | Bafang knock-off? [broken mfr site](xofomotor.com) | The product information available is lousy all around. If anyone finds data for any of the above question marks, please post and I'll update the table. These are the ideal crank specs (neglecting special circumstances like crouched over racing positions): | rider height | optimal crank length (mm) | |---|---| | 6'0" (1828mm) | 177.5 | | 5'11" (1803mm) | 175 | | 5'10" (1778mm) | 172.5 | | 5'9" (1753mm) | 170 | | 5'7" (1702mm) | 165 | | 5'5" (1651mm) | 160 | ([source](https://bikedynamics.co.uk/FitGuidecranks.htm))

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    "Initials" by "Florian Körner", licensed under "CC0 1.0". / Remix of the original. - Created with dicebear.comInitialsFlorian Körnerhttps://github.com/dicebear/dicebearBE
    Belgium worldCritic 5y ago 100%
    Other Belgium forums -- and why lemmy's c/belgium exists

    | site | issue | |---|---| | [Easy Expat](https://www.easyexpat.com/forums/f/belgium/) | Intrusive registration mandates disclosure of nationality and forces new users to solve a Google reCAPTCHA (thus req. running non-free s/w and feeding a privacy abuser) | | [EU Forums](https://eu-forums.com) | Ethical registration, but no Belgium-specific forum and lots of stale/junk posts. | | [Eupedia](https://www.eupedia.com/) | Site jailed in CloudFlare's centalized walled-garden of privacy and netneutrality abuse| | [expat.com](https://www.expat.com) | Registrants must be on Facebook or be willing to solve a Google reCAPTCHA -- so all users must volunteer to be a victim of privacy abuse | | [Just Landed](https://www.justlanded.com/english/Belgium/Forums) | Registrants must solve a Google reCAPTCHA (thus req. running non-free s/w and feeding a privacy abuser) | | [Lonely Planet](www.lonelyplanet.com) | Site runs on Fastly (tech giant), stale posts, and first post requires solving a Google reCAPTCHA (thus req. running non-free s/w and feeding a privacy abuser) | | [Reddit r/belgium](https://www.reddit.com/r/belgium/) | Registrants must solve a Google reCAPTCHA (thus req. running non-free s/w and feeding a privacy abuser), rule banning "agenda pushing", which is used for rampant censorship of posts covering politics or social injustice. Moderators abuse their power to control political narratives (essentially pushing their own agenda) |

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