the semi-crazy blog

Hello There

  • Wrapping an API with a customized Axios instance

    I was recently asked by a client to evaluate one of their Node.js systems for areas of improvement. The software made dozens of distinct calls to a few different legacy REST APIs. Each of these calls was developed in isolation, mixed in with business logic. The result was lots of repetitive, duplicative WET code that… Read more

  • Export your Google Authenticator Secrets to the Flipper Zero

    There are probably many ways to get your shared secrets from within Google Authenticator into the Flipper Zero. I wanted to document the path I took in case it is helpful to anyone. The objective is to non-destructively copy the shared secrets from an iPhone running Google Authenticator, and import it into a Flipper Zero running… Read more

  • 2.5mm mono to 3.5mm stereo phone headset adapter

    I’ve spent a lot of time on conference calls, probably too much.  I try not to let that stop me from doing productive work while I’m on them though.  With a good headset, I can participate on a call without disturbing others and have my hands free to do whatever other computer work I have… Read more

  • Retractable wheel Desk

    I needed a desk that looked solid and part of the builtins surrounding it, but that could be moved fairly easily without lifting it. To move around easily, I wanted it to have wheels, but I didn’t want them to be visible at all. I also didn’t want the desk to move once it was… Read more

  • Invoking the OSX Finder from the command line

    I spend a great deal of time operating from the command line, be it on OSX, Linux or Cygwin (on Windows). My primary machine runs OSX, and from time to time I wished I could view the files in the current working directory in the OSX Finder. For whatever reason, I’m usually in too much… Read more

  • Arduino controlled elevator simulator panel

    I’ve recently completed a device that I’ve been idly threatening to make for years. This is a device that has no purpose other than entertainment, and it’s fairly limited in that regard too. It was fun building it, and it was a great arduino and electronics learning project for me. For years my kids have… Read more