Short Takes – 4-8-23

Covid origins: Chinese scientists publish long-awaited data. BBC.com article. Not definitive but some real data. Pull quote: “This new analysis, which has been validated by other scientists before being published in the journal Nature, includes more important detail about the content of those samples, which were collected from stalls, surfaces, cages and machinery inside the market.”

Utilities Pursue Pipeline Sales as Natural-Gas Bans Catch On. WSJ.com article. Fear of bans pushing sales. Pull quote: “Late last year, Dominion announced a “top-to-bottom business review” to improve its share price as it invests in renewable energy and improvements to the electric grid. Any potential sale of its gas distribution assets isn’t directly tied to gas bans, as its gas distribution companies operate in states where such bans haven’t yet proliferated. Utah, Wyoming and Ohio have passed legislation outlawing the bans, while North Carolina has considered such a measure.”

Arbitrary code execution over radio. Hackaday.com article. Interesting comment about open-source software. Pull quote: “The exploit was found while using Windows XP because it lacks some of the more modern memory protection features of modern operating systems, but the exploit does still work with Windows 10, just not as reliably and with a bit of extra effort required. It’s a good reminder to use open-source software when possible so issues like these can get resolved, and to regularly install security updates when possible. If you’re looking to delve into the world of APRS in more modern times, take a look at this project which adds APRS to budget transceivers. Just make sure you get your license first.”

Twitter restricts interactions with Substack links. TheHill.com article. When users tried to like or retweet posts that included links to Substack, they received a notification saying “some actions on this Tweet have been disabled by Twitter.” TWITTER is currently marking my Substack posts as ‘Unsafe’.

Safety Advisory 2023-02; Train Makeup and Operational Safety Concerns. FRA.DOT.gov advisory. Summary: “FRA is issuing Safety Advisory 2023-02 to emphasize significant concerns related to train makeup and to ensure that all railroads exercise due diligence and recognize the importance of taking proactive measures to address potential safety risks related to operating train builds with varying configurations, load and empty placement, distributed power arrangements, and other factors. FRA has noticed a rising trend in recent incidents where train build and makeup have been identified as a potential cause or contributing factor. In response, FRA incorporates train simulations into its investigative process when it is suspected that high in-train forces may have contributed to train accidents. To address these concerns, FRA is providing recommendations for freight railroads to improve the safety of their train build processes and practices.”

Georgia Looms Next After Trump’s Indictment in New York. NYTimes.com article. Pull quote: “Mr. Moore also wondered how far a trial involving Mr. Trump would stretch into the coming presidential election season. He noted that the jury selection process in the multi-defendant racketeering case involving Young Thug had been going on for roughly four months, and that the judge in the case had estimated the trial could take up to nine months.”