Opinion on KemoNine's Blog

Self Hosted Search

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Changelog

2026-03-10: Initial publication

Preface

This blog post is the result of two humans bringing up self-hosted search within days of each other. I was curious and ended up dancing with the Red Queen.

This post will discuss two options I find useful for self-hosted search and my thoughts regarding both. However, it must be noted: this is a wholly different approach to search than going to some big name (Google / Bing / Duck Duck Go / Others) search engine and casting about the internet.

KOReader

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Changelog

2026-03-11: Add section about reading statistics 2026-03-07; Initial publication

Preface

I’ve been eyeing the XTeink X4 for awhile now but the whole ’no book metadata browser’ gave me significant pause for quite some time. Historically I’ve used readers like the Kobo Clara HD, Moon+ Reader Pro and Librera Reader which provide me a good way of viewing books by tags, series and similar metadata which I rely on to filter my ’to read’ list.

How I Computer

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

What’s Within?

This post contains a breakdown of how I use a computer, laptop and phone. I’ve made some significant changes over the last few years due to worsening health hassles. Everything here has been iterated over time in order to create a compute environment that makes my life easier to manage. Especially when my my health hassles are at their worst.

Feel free to borrow ideas, adapt things and generally use the contents of this post as you see fit. As always: this is a highly individual approach to computering. Take what works, leave the rest.

On Writing Digitally

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

It would seem I’ve regained the ability to write more frequently and regularly despite my health hassles

My Preference

Normally I write posts for this blog by hand using a pen, Tomoe River paper and a clipboard. Sadly, my health hassles make this approach to writing very difficult and I do not have the capacity to write using analog methods regularly or reliably. Over the last few years I’ve had to patiently wait for windows when my health hassles doesn’t interfere with my writing. With analog I have to slowly write blog posts over the course of weeks and sometimes months. It’s quite frustrating but I enjoy writing and refuse to give it up, even if frustrated by my health hassles.

How I Research

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

What’s Within?

This post lays out how I research topics. I’ve struggled with “research” in the past and, thanks to a friend, finally figured out a methodology that actually works for me. This post goes through my methodology, how I use it with success and the details needed to recreate and/or adapt it.

What / Why / How

Important Context

Over the years I never really figured out how to research a topic properly. Basically if I needed to research anything I just sort of went digging around the internet, read books, read published articles and similar but didn’t really take notes or create summaries or similar. At best I’d catalog very basic snippets that I could turn into something actually useful at a later date.

My notebook & organizer journey

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

What’s Within?

Within is a walk through of all things analog and digital that I put together to be effective with notebooks and organizers. Things I’ve cataloged, setup, used, tinkered with and more. It even includes the how and why of my personal needs, preferences and opinions.

In short: it’s a very long breakdown of everything that actually works for me as well as many things that didn’t work for me. Think “Kemo’s Notebook & Organizer Autobiography”.

Health Hassle Handwriting

Sat, 16 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Editors note: KemoNine wrote this post before realizing they had already written Digital Writing Tablet Mini Review 3 ish months ago. Some information below overlaps with the prior blog post but the core of this particular post is how KemoNine is using a drawing tablet day to day for handwriting.

Prelude

Let’s get this out of the way up front: I am a pen and paper human at heart. Despite being labeled a ’tech nerd’ I use pen and paper as a default medium. I do have some health hassles (read: serious, chronic health issues) that prevent me from using pen and paper with the frequency I desire and, arguably, need in order to stay on top of daily life and more.

Samsung XCover6 Pro Rugged Phone Mini Review

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Changelog

2025-04-24: Add Koamtac accessories and information based on 6 months of regular use. Also cleanup text some.
2024-09-02: Initial Post

Prelude

I’ve used rugged phones and other rugged electronic devices since ~2009. I’ve worked in the trades as a career. I’ve worked truly Dirty Jobs. I used to write custom firmware for rugged phones including the Samsung Rugby Smart, Samsung Rugby Pro and Kyocera DuraForce. I’ve been hired to work on Android firmware for rugged phones by companies creating Android phones (OEMs).

Digital Writing Tablet Mini Review

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This post is about 2 different writing tablets. The Wacom One and XP Pen G430S. Both are very small drawing tablets.

I bought both of these recently to help me with note taking on my computer. For my $dayJob I do a lot of implementation work and I regularly receive PDF specifications that I need to annotate. I’m also a remote worker (work from home) so I can’t just print the files and use a pen to annotate. I also can’t ‘break the glass’ in terms of moving data between my $dayJob environment and personal environment so I need some kind of drawing tablet so I can annotate PDFs as part of my job duties. I also need competent note taking software with a focus on handwritten notes as well as a tablet that has enough precision to allow me to write in cursive or printing within my chosen note taking application.

Linen Sheet Mini Review

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Cat tested and approved

For a few years I’ve wanted to replace a synthetic fleece blanket with a natural material. After a bit of research I settled on replacing my blanket with a large linen sheet I could fold over on itself. Why?

Linen is an excellent, durable material that breathes well. It’s similar to cotton but has a bit more of a texture, is more durable, is less absorbent (good for my sweaty skin) and when ‘doubled up’ has a similar warmth to synthetic fleece.

Xaiomi Mi Band 7 Review

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

TLDR

The Mi Band 7 should be a top consideration for anyone considering a smart watch or a fitness tracker. The only potential ‘problem’ is the software can be fiddly to setup but works incredibly well despite setup hassles.

For full details and thoughts, continue reading.

The Hardware

The device itself is setup to look more like a bracelet than watch when worn. It has a similar look to the bracelet styled fitness trackers. The screen takes up the whole device face and is very ‘smart watch’ in style for the UI. It’s also got a few built in apps and tiles that make using the device feel more like a basic smart watch than simple fitness or health tracker. It’s a wonderful midpoint between a simple bracelet fitness tracker and full smart watch.

Boox Palma (e-reader) Review

Sat, 27 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Prelude

Awhile ago I spent some time reviewing how I read books, news and random internet articles day to day. My goal was to bring a Kobo Clara HD back into regular use as I greatly prefer e-ink displays for reading. As with most things in my life, a “straight forward tech rework” was just the beginning of something far bigger.

I read a lot: an average of one hour plus per day with some days being over four hours of reading. I also cannot listen to audio books due to some speech processing and memory issues. Nor do I watch much video as it can cause me to turn into “a lump” that’s borderline catatonic. Video also does not relax me or help me unwind, recenter, or similar. It’s a pure time killer that has zero benefit for my physical or mental well being on the whole.

The Chargie and Happy Batteries

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: The Chargie

The Chargie

The Chargie is a small piece of hardware that’ll allow you to tune the way electronic devices are charged. It’s designed to let you only charge a device to a specific percentage as well as block data during charging. It’s basically a hardware ‘battery life saver’ for your phone, tablet and other devices that can run their app (Android and iOS, click the above thumbnail for what the app looks like).

Mobile and Cloud Gaming

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

For a few years now I’ve been trying to make mobile and cloud gaming an option for me…. I started writing this post with examples, information and more.

Instead I’m going to put it quite simply: the game industry needs a clue bat to the head, a complete gutting of leadership and massive studios broken up (lol @ that thought given the Microsoft/Activision/Blizzard deal being approved).

I’ve spent years fighting the inaccessible nature of mobile, cloud and PC gaming. I went deep enough down this rabbit hole to deploy my own cloud based compute environment, I sorted workarounds for all the things so I could continue to use strong passwords and I’ve found bugs with controllers that claim mobile support. I even put up with the random UI overhauls that broke every one of my workarounds that allowed me to actually use the software being pushed by studios and others.

pacsafe Vibe 150 Sling Pack Mini Review

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The pacsave Vibe 150 (product page) is a sling bag setup similar to a messenger bag but very small, only 2.5L in usable storage.

I’ve had it for awhile and it has proven to be the best shoulder bag I’ve used to date as an EDC. When I’m headed out for the day I can carry all my essentials in the bag without any real hassles or worries. It’s displaced my Timbuk2 bag as well as a ThinkTank belt pouch I’ve used heavily in the past.

Henson Razor Mini Review

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

I have a ton of notes about the Henson DE safety razor (Product Page). Enough to make this a very long blog post. As much as I’d probably enjoy writing a longer, word vomit adjacent post about this razor, I’m not going to do that to my time or yours. This will be more mini review.

The website for the Henson DE, linked above, has all the fun information and details. It’s also accurate and not pure marketing or advertising speak. It’s definitely worth reviewing. Strange, I know.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Mini Review

Sat, 18 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

For the last 18 months or so I’ve been using a OnePlus 8T and Microsoft Surface Duo. As of this writing, I’m now using a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 as my only device. Why?

Because Samsung got it right when it comes to an adaptable device.

This quote, unquote phone is a phone, tablet and laptop for me. It is a converged form of every mobile device I’ve used to date, including a laptop.

Controller Gaming

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: The Controllers

Changelog

2023-12-31

Added GameSir x2 Pro
Added Hori Split Pad JoyCons
Added BinBok DOYOKY Classic JoyCons
Added MayFlash Magic-S Pro 2
Added JoyCon config
Added Warframe config

2023-03-12

Controller: Add Scuff Instinct pro
Controller: Add Kishi v2
Elite Series 2: Flip primary/shifted right stick main Elite Series 2 control config for smoother default motion with option to ’look fast’ if needed
No Man’s Sky: Add in-game config
Destiny 2 config: Re-jigger class and grenades such that there is less shoulder tapping/holds. This requires 4 paddles and is a direct reaction to the Strand Destiny element class
Destiny 2 general: The 4 paddle requirement for Destiny is optional and the original config has been retained as it does work but is less efficient than the 4 paddle update below
Destiny 2 in-game config: Update KemoNine configs to reflect changes once Strand launched in Destiny
General: Cleanup config sections so they now collapse down for easier scanning and reading

What Is Below

I initially intended this post be a guide and review on getting controller gaming to be more accessible. Rather than drone on with too many thousands of words, I felt this post should be condensed into something of a reference and highlights reel and it still ended up being a longer read than I expected.

ez Share SD Card Mini Review

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

I bought an ez Share sd card (link) recently. The 32gb model (its white with orange and gray text) from a reseller on ali express to be specific. It’s been an intersting sd card to play with and deserves some attention.

Before I go into what ive found so far with this card…

BE CAREFUL AS IT MAY NOT WORK AT ALL

The docs for the card have a very specific camera support chart and even the first camera I tried requires the camera to be powered via usb before it’ll provide the sd card enough power to work. This is a well known and well advertised on the website and frequently asked questions pages. please mind this fact.

Paper Shoot Camera (A Review)

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: My Papershoot Camera Kit

A Short Review

I managed to get my hands on a Paper Shot Camera (links below) for the holidays and I’m impressed. Enough I felt compelled to put this post together.

Mastodon 4.0.x UI Tweaks

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Big Tweaks

Compact UI: https://userstyles.world/style/7065/compact-er-mastodon
Larger UI: https://userstyles.world/style/4743/spacious-mastodon
Blackout Theme: https://userstyles.world/style/4511/hackers-black-out-beta

Changelog

2023-01-02: Add time to font adjustments
2022-12-11: Add way to hide images without alt-text / descriptions
2022-12-10: Added way to hide boosts via css
2022-11-24: Initial Post

Preface

I’ve not hidden the fact I find the latest Mastodon 4.0.x UI a lesson in terrible UX and reduced accessibility. This post is everything I’ve managed to put together to make the latest Mastodon UI more usable. Please borrow whatever you need from the below.

Personal Knowledge Base / Wiki

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: The Landing Page

Forward

I was recently reminded of the analog life I lead and how that’s evolved over the years since I first wrote about the topic. After some review and reading I can safely say: that’s a different topic. What I did notice is that I’ve never discussed just how I manage inflows of information and manage things I want to retain long term.

Pillow Talk

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: The Materials

Sexy

I used to sleep without a pillow for many years. I hate foam pillows that much. I’d rather sleep with my head in the dirt than use a foam pillow.

Down pillows changed things. I started using a pillow again.

Feathers!

Almost 2 decades ago I was visting a “camp” (a cabin with fire, walls, a roof and basic plumbing) with a friend and was given a down pillow to sleep upon. That pillow changed everything. I bought it from my friend and used it for years before it finally was worn out completely.

Smart Coffee Mugs – Seriously

Sat, 26 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: The mug on my desk

TLDR

I was recently whining to a friend about how my Honeybush Tea always ends up cold and I end up always going back to warm it up over the course of a day. They mentioned they were gifted an Ember Mug (link) recently and suggested it is actually worth looking into. Despite my initial hesitations, I’m not upset by the purchase. When the nerds that avoid smart tech admit they were wrong, it’s something worth looking at closer.

Cyber Decks and KISS

Sun, 06 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: The Hardware

How I came to have a cyber deck that gets out of my way and allows me to focus on creation, not consumption

Prelude

For years I have seen posts about cyber decks and always wondered why people build them. I think I finally “Get It” while also not at all understanding why people build the decks I see posted online.

Opinion on KemoNine's Blog

Self Hosted Search

Table of Contents

Changelog

Preface

KOReader

Table of Contents

Changelog

Preface

How I Computer

What’s Within?

On Writing Digitally

My Preference

How I Research

What’s Within?

Table of Contents

What / Why / How

Important Context

My notebook & organizer journey

What’s Within?

Health Hassle Handwriting

Prelude

Samsung XCover6 Pro Rugged Phone Mini Review

Changelog

Prelude

Digital Writing Tablet Mini Review

Linen Sheet Mini Review

Xaiomi Mi Band 7 Review

TLDR

The Hardware

Boox Palma (e-reader) Review

Prelude

The Chargie and Happy Batteries

The Chargie

Mobile and Cloud Gaming

pacsafe Vibe 150 Sling Pack Mini Review

Henson Razor Mini Review

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Mini Review

Controller Gaming

Changelog

What Is Below

ez Share SD Card Mini Review

Paper Shoot Camera (A Review)

A Short Review

Mastodon 4.0.x UI Tweaks

Big Tweaks

Changelog

Preface

Personal Knowledge Base / Wiki

Forward

Pillow Talk

Sexy

Feathers!

Smart Coffee Mugs – Seriously

TLDR

Cyber Decks and KISS

Prelude