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2024.05.22 01:52 PleasantCandidate785Windows Server 2022 VM Crashing
I have a Windows Server 2022 VM Running under Alma Linux 9.3 that is crashing roughly every 7 to 8 days with the following message in the /valog/libvert/qemu/Server.log file: failed to set up stack guard page: Cannot allocate memory 2024-05-10 21:59:33.034+0000: shutting down, reason=crashed I think this is linked to my using "virtio" as the drive type for my drive images. At this point, the server is in production and I can't change to virtio-scsi. I initially set up the virtio drives due to the performance gain when mounting the qcow2 images from an all NVME ZFS file system. And the system absolutely FLIES. 15,000+MBps sequential read performance under CrystalDiskMark. I have to stop this crashing though. Here is my Server.xml file: WARNING: THIS IS AN AUTO-GENERATED FILE. CHANGES TO IT ARE LIKELY TO BE OVERWRITTEN AND LOST. Changes to this xml configuration should be made using: virsh edit NewSoftPro or other application using the libvirt API. REDACTEDREDACTED19660800019660800050hvm/usshare/edk2/ovmf/OVMF_CODE.secboot.fd/valib/libvirt/qemu/nvram/NewSoftPro_VARS.fddestroyrestartrestart/uslibexec/qemu-kvm Initial file was generated with virt-manager, and I made some minor edits regarding the memballoon in an attempt to stop the crashing. I believe this may be similar to the problem described here: https://www.reddit.com/VFIO/comments/v4ia19/windows_despises_virtio/ Any ideas?
2024.05.22 00:57 guysjotaroiscoolConnor is a Nightmare Matchup For Islam
With Islam talking about the matchup it seems likely that after Connor rolls through his tune up fight with Chandler he will fight Islam for the belt, here’s why he’s got a real shot of winning it all. •Islam’s Wrestling/BJJ is worse than Khabib’s and Connor was able to stifle Khabib’s takedowns. •Connor is in his motivated form and we all know he has one punch knockout power, while Islam has shown to be chinny. •Islam does not do well when placed on the backfoot as seen in the Volk fight, and who’s a better pressure fighter than Mystic Mac. All I’m saying is Don’t be surprised if Connor’s champ by year’s end 🇮🇪
2024.05.22 00:54 Creepy_Excitement_98Failed to communicate with the flash chip, ESP32-D0WDQ6
Hi everyone I got an MakePico ESP32-D0WDQ6 for school. I was wrighting a program for a class later this week in the Arduino ide. But i couldn't get it wright so i asked chat GPT what to do and after a few times i was able to uplaudf my program. But after it got uplauded i got weird tekst in the serial monitor. so i chenged some thing and tryied uplauding it a again. But after compiling it gave following error in the output. Sketch uses 231141 bytes (17%) of program storage space. Maximum is 1310720 bytes. Global variables use 20968 bytes (6%) of dynamic memory, leaving 306712 bytes for local variables. Maximum is 327680 bytes. esptool.py v4.5.1 Serial port COM14 Connecting.... Chip is ESP32-D0WDQ6 (revision v1.0) Features: WiFi, BT, Dual Core, 240MHz, VRef calibration in efuse, Coding Scheme None Crystal is 40MHz MAC: 08:3a:f2:ba:cd:04 Uploading stub... Running stub... Stub running... Changing baud rate to 921600 Changed. WARNING: Failed to communicate with the flash chip, read/write operations will fail. Try checking the chip connections or removing any other hardware connected to IOs. Configuring flash size... Flash will be erased from 0x00001000 to 0x00005fff... Flash will be erased from 0x00008000 to 0x00008fff... Flash will be erased from 0x0000e000 to 0x0000ffff... Flash will be erased from 0x00010000 to 0x00048fff... Compressed 18992 bytes to 13110... A fatal error occurred: Packet content transfer stopped (received 8 bytes) Failed uploading: uploading error: exit status 2 Now i can't uplaud any thing to it anymore. Does anyone now a solution to this? Or is it broken for ever? this is the code i think #@$!* it up. enum CustomPinStatus { PIN_LOW = 0, PIN_HIGH = 1, PIN_CHANGE = 2, PIN_FALLING = 3, PIN_RISING = 4 };
2024.05.22 00:53 Creepy_Excitement_98Failed to communicate with the flash chip ESP32-D0WDQ6
Hi everyone I got an MakePico ESP32-D0WDQ6 for school. I was wrighting a program for a class later this week in the Arduino ide. But i couldn't get it wright so i asked chat GPT what to do and after a few times i was able to uplaudf my program. But after it got uplauded i got weird tekst in the serial monitor. so i chenged some thing and tryied uplauding it a again. But after compiling it gave following error in the output. Sketch uses 231141 bytes (17%) of program storage space. Maximum is 1310720 bytes. Global variables use 20968 bytes (6%) of dynamic memory, leaving 306712 bytes for local variables. Maximum is 327680 bytes. esptool.py v4.5.1 Serial port COM14 Connecting.... Chip is ESP32-D0WDQ6 (revision v1.0) Features: WiFi, BT, Dual Core, 240MHz, VRef calibration in efuse, Coding Scheme None Crystal is 40MHz MAC: 08:3a:f2:ba:cd:04 Uploading stub... Running stub... Stub running... Changing baud rate to 921600 Changed. WARNING: Failed to communicate with the flash chip, read/write operations will fail. Try checking the chip connections or removing any other hardware connected to IOs. Configuring flash size... Flash will be erased from 0x00001000 to 0x00005fff... Flash will be erased from 0x00008000 to 0x00008fff... Flash will be erased from 0x0000e000 to 0x0000ffff... Flash will be erased from 0x00010000 to 0x00048fff... Compressed 18992 bytes to 13110... A fatal error occurred: Packet content transfer stopped (received 8 bytes) Failed uploading: uploading error: exit status 2 Now i can't uplaud any thing to it anymore. Does anyone now a solution to this? Or is it broken for ever? this is the code i think #@$!* it up. enum CustomPinStatus { PIN_LOW = 0, PIN_HIGH = 1, PIN_CHANGE = 2, PIN_FALLING = 3, PIN_RISING = 4 };
2024.05.22 00:43 MixMasterGResults of the Rekordbox 6 vs. Rekordbox 7 Real-World Speed Test and Comparison to Serato and djay Pro 5 [macOS]
TL:DR Some parts of the text was in Reddit-tables, but they got somehow lost. This project began when someone on Reddit asked about the export speed of Rekordbox 7 compared to Rekordbox 6, prompting the entire initiative. My intention is not to "blame" or "shame" any company or its products. I approached these tests with an unbiased, open mind, taking great care to provide a level playing field for all tests conducted. This report reflects my impartial findings. Test DateMay 16th - May 20th 2024 Report ReleaseMay 21st 2024 AuthorMixMasterG CompanyAnd The Groove Remains Production Team Websitewww.ATGR.nl Publication of (sections) of this report is allowed, with full data source statement included. Introduction: Welcome to the real world Rekordbox 6/7 speed comparison test on macOS 2024. When I began these tests, my initial goal was to quickly compare the speed difference between Rekordbox 6 and Rekordbox 7 on an Apple ARM computer for tasks that are notoriously slow, such as opening, exporting to USB, and analysis. I used my personal, extensive track collection for these tests. Due to unexpected results, I expanded the test to include several other macOS computers. As a reference, I decided to include Algoriddim djay Pro 5, the most optimized DJ software for macOS, and Serato, the second most popular DJ software on macOS. Mandatory Rekordbox 7 analysis when exporting to USB When I initiated the tests, the measured export times from Rekordbox 7 to USB were unreasonably long. Similar reports poured in from users of my applications in various settings. Identifying the cause of this sluggishness swiftly became my top priority. It turned out that Rekordbox 7's export process necessitated the analysis of tracks by RB7, even if those tracks were already fully analyzed in Rekordbox 6.8.5. When an artist updates from Rekordbox 6 to Rekordbox 7, RB7 silently analyzes the tracks before exporting, leading to excessively prolonged export times. Fortunately, RB7 analysis is a one-time requirement per track and can be manually initiated at times that its more convenient then minutes before a gig. I issued this short YouTube video to make users aware: Slow USB export from Rekordbox 7? This is why and how to fix! I gave the full explanation and interpretation of the test results, together with performance tips in my weekly Ask Me Anything live stream for DJs, the video can be watched back here Ask Me Anything for DJs - Results of the Rekordbox 6 Vs Rekordbox 7 real world speed-test There is a time index in the first remark under the video. All previous AMA livestreams, are available in this YouTube playlist: Ask Me Anything conversion & collection management for DJs past streams The Test parameters: Main collection managerMusic (the app formerly known as iTunes, will be referred to as iTunes) Total number of tracks in collection116.747 / 1.47 Tb Audio file formatMP3 preferred - 320 Kbs / 44.1 kHz / 16bit/CBR Location of audio filesexternal SSD, Samsung T7 2Tb / formatted macOS Extended Export driveexternal SSD, Samsung T7 2Tb each test run (FAT32 and HFS) started with a fresh formatted export drive Drive's connection to computeron all test systems USB-C The software used: Music (=iTunes)1.2.5 RB6Rekordbox 6.8.5 RB7Rekordbox 7.0 SeratoSerato 3.1.3 djaydjay Pro 5.1.7 Computer specifications M1 = MacMini (2020) - M1 8 cores (4 efficiency 4 performance) - GPU 8 cores - RAM 8Gb - macOS Sonoma 14.4.1 i9 = Intel MacPro - i9 9900K u/3.6Ghz 8 cores - GPU AMD RX 580 8 Gb - RAM 16Gb - macOS Monterey 12.7.5 MBP = MacBookPro 14" (2021) - M1 8 cores (2 efficiency 6 performance) - GPU 14 cores - RAM 16Gb - macOS Monterey 12.7.1 because the similarity in times for Rekordbox 7.0 on the M1 and MBP, the Rekordbox 6.8.5 tests were skipped on the MBP. Note: for the tasks that were tested, none of the DJ softwares utilizes the GPU Test conditions I aimed to standardize all test conditions as much as possible, including:
Data for collection was stored on the internal drive, the audio files were stored on external storage.
Each test used the exact same external drives, connected to the computer over USB-C, using the same cables.
All collection data was identical across all systems, synchronized using Carbon Copy Cloner before the test.
All computers were freshly rebooted prior to the test, with the "open windows from previous session" option disabled.
No other applications were open besides an on-screen stopwatch.
Wi-Fi was disabled, and network cables were disconnected.
No screen capture applications were used; all video recording was done externally to avoid occupying system resources from the test.
Between the various exports in a single test run, the export drive was not formatted (so each of the 3 exports added to the previous). Only after a full export run (sync1, sync2 and sync3) on a given computer, the drive was reformatted.
The partitioning scheme used in both FAT32 and HFS (=macOS Extended journaled) was Master Boot Record.
Analysis in Rekordbox was only performed for "Phrase" to maintain the converted Mixed in Key/Traktor values. Analysis requires at least one option to be checked, all other options (BPM/Grid, key etc) were disabled.
In Serato DJ Pro analysis for BPM and Key were disabled
In Rekordbox, the Sync Manager was enabled to synchronize all playlists from iTunes, ensuring the sync was up-to-date with no changes made to the iTunes collection during the test.
All test playlists originate from iTunes and were accessed through the iTunes section of the DJ software.
All (116.747) tracks from iTunes had been pre-analyzed in: Rekordbox 6, Serato, and djay Pro 5. In other words, the DJ software had a real and big collection of tracks. Since djay Pro 5 does not re-analyze already analyzed audio files, all djay analysis data was deleted from the system before running the analysis tests.
Because iTunes sync can not be disabled in djay Pro, the values used for startup without iTunes are the same values from the test run with iTunes sync enabled.
Rekordbox 7 on macOS is not multithreading when it comes to analysis, hence the spikes in the tests. On Windows Rekordbox 7 utilizes all available CPU cores. Rekordbox 6.8.5 is also multithreading.
Export to an HFS formatted USB is faster than a FAT32 formatted, especially after consecutive exports.
Disabling iTunes integration in the SyncManager can improve startup times of Rekordbox considerably. Disabling iTunes sync can cause issues with exported USBs that were originally created using the SyncManager.
Rekordbox 7 has a bug, where custom/edited BPM/Grids can be overwritten with mandatory analysis. Even when the BPM/Grid analysis is disabled!
Export to USB using the SyncManager still shows 2 progress bars, where export through right click -> export only shows 1
2024.05.21 22:53 TheJPdudeJag Stang Setup Questions - Cigar lean and low E buzz.
Hey everybody. I just took delivery of my stew mac shims and was setting up my jag stang. Relief is good - adjusted the truss rod for .010”/.25 mm. Feels good here. Put the shim in and adjusted the bridge up to set action where I want it, which is pretty bog standard. 2 mm at low E and 1.5mm at high E. I did notice that as I was tuning up from loosened strings, the cigar was pulling towards the nut. When I finally got everything adjusted, it is sitting like in the pic, which is pulled nearly all the way forward. Am I supposed to be locking down the cigar tighter? Also, is my bridge/saddle height OK? I don’t think I have excessive break angle, but I don’t know. At this point, everything plays and intonate well (aside from me nearly having to slam all the way back the saddle for the low e) but i do get buzz from like the 12th fret up on my low E. Nowhere else, oddly. Thanks!
2024.05.21 22:20 Goldentesla69420apeCheat Sheet for abbreviations: CompTIA Security+ (Plus) Certification
Here are all of the relevant keywords/abbreviations for the CompTIA sec+ exam. Comment below if you have any questions, if I made a mistake, or if I missed something! AAA: Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting ABAC: Attribute-Based Access Control ACL: Access Control List AD: Active Directory AES: Advanced Encryption Standard AES256: Advanced Encryption Standard with a key size of 256 bits AH: Authentication Header AI: Artificial Intelligence AIS: Automated Information System ALE: Annual Loss Expectancy AP: Access Point API: Application Programming Interface APT: Advanced Persistent Threat ARO: Annualized Rate of Occurrence ARP: Address Resolution Protocol ASLR: Address Space Layout Randomization ASP: Application Service Provider ATT&CK: Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge AUP: Acceptable Use Policy AV: Antivirus BASH: Bourne Again Shell BCP: Business Continuity Plan BGP: Border Gateway Protocol BIA: Business Impact Analysis BIOS: Basic Input/Output System BPA: Business Process Automation BPDU: Bridge Protocol Data Unit BSSID: Basic Service Set Identifier BYOD: Bring Your Own Device CA: Certificate Authority CAPTCHA: Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart CAR: Corrective Action Report CASB: Cloud Access Security Broker CBC: Cipher Block Chaining CBT: Computer-Based Training CCMP: Counter Mode with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol CCTV: Closed-Circuit Television CERT: Computer Emergency Response Team CFB: Cipher Feedback CHAP: Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol CIO: Chief Information Officer CIRT: Computer Incident Response Team CIS: Center for Internet Security CMS: Content Management System CN: Common Name COOP: Continuity of Operations COPE: Corporate-Owned, Personally-Enabled CP: Control Plane CRC: Cyclic Redundancy Check CRL: Certificate Revocation List CSA: Cloud Security Alliance CSIRT: Computer Security Incident Response Team CSO: Chief Security Officer CSP: Cloud Service Provider CSR: Certificate Signing Request CSRF: Cross-Site Request Forgery CSU: Central Service Unit CTM: Content Threat Management CTO: Chief Technology Officer CVE: Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures CVSS: Common Vulnerability Scoring System CYOD: Choose Your Own Device DAC: Discretionary Access Control DBA: Database Administrator DDoS: Distributed Denial of Service DEP: Data Execution Prevention DER: Distinguished Encoding Rules DES: Data Encryption Standard DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol DHE: Diffie-Hellman Ephemeral DKIM: DomainKeys Identified Mail DLL: Dynamic Link Library DLP: Data Loss Prevention DMARC: Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance DNT: Do Not Track DNS: Domain Name System DNSSEC: Domain Name System Security Extensions DoS: Denial of Service DPO: Data Protection Officer DRP: Disaster Recovery Plan DSA: Digital Signature Algorithm DSL: Digital Subscriber Line EAP: Extensible Authentication Protocol ECB: Electronic Codebook ECC: Elliptic Curve Cryptography ECDHE: Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman Ephemeral ECDSA: Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm EDR: Endpoint Detection and Response EFS: Encrypting File System EIP: Enterprise Information Portal EOL: End of Life EOS: End of Support ERP: Enterprise Resource Planning ESN: Electronic Serial Number ESP: Encapsulating Security Payload ESSID: Extended Service Set Identifier FACL: File Access Control List FDE: Full Disk Encryption FIM: File Integrity Monitoring FPGA: Field-Programmable Gate Array FRR: Fast Reroute FTP: File Transfer Protocol FTPS: FTP Secure GCM: Galois/Counter Mode GDPR: General Data Protection Regulation GPG: GNU Privacy Guard GPO: Group Policy Object GPS: Global Positioning System GPU: Graphics Processing Unit GRE: Generic Routing Encapsulation HA: High Availability HDD: Hard Disk Drive HIDS: Host-based Intrusion Detection System HIPS: Host-based Intrusion Prevention System HMAC: Keyed-Hash Message Authentication Code HOTP: HMAC-based One-Time Password HSM: Hardware Security Module HSMaaS: Hardware Security Module as a Service HTML: Hypertext Markup Language HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol HTTPS: Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning IaaS: Infrastructure as a Service IAM: Identity and Access Management ICMP: Internet Control Message Protocol ICS: Industrial Control System IDEA: International Data Encryption Algorithm IDF: Intermediate Distribution Frame IdP: Identity Provider IDS: Intrusion Detection System IPS: Intrusion Prevention System IEEE: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers IKE: Internet Key Exchange IM: Instant Messaging IMAP4: Internet Message Access Protocol version 4 IoC: Indicator of Compromise IoT: Internet of Things IP: Internet Protocol IPSec: Internet Protocol Security IR: Incident Response IRC: Internet Relay Chat IRP: Incident Response Plan ISA: Interconnection Security Agreement ISFW: Integrated Security and Firewalls ISO: International Organization for Standardization ISP: Internet Service Provider ISSO: Information Systems Security Officer ITCP: Information Technology Contingency Plan IV: Initialization Vector KDC: Key Distribution Center KEK: Key Encryption Key L2TP: Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol LAN: Local Area Network LDAP: Lightweight Directory Access Protocol LEAP: Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol MaaS: Monitoring as a Service MAC: Media Access Control MAM: Mobile Application Management MAN: Metropolitan Area Network MBR: Master Boot Record MD5: Message Digest Algorithm 5 MDF: Main Distribution Frame MDM: Mobile Device Management MFA: Multi-Factor Authentication MFD: Multi-Function Device MFP: Multi-Function Printer ML: Machine Learning MMS: Multimedia Messaging Service MOA: Memorandum of Agreement MOU: Memorandum of Understanding MPLS: Multiprotocol Label Switching MSA: Master Service Agreement MSP: Managed Service Provider MSSP: Managed Security Service Provider MTBF: Mean Time Between Failures MTTF: Mean Time To Failure MTTR: Mean Time To Repair MTU: Maximum Transmission Unit NAC: Network Access Control NAT: Network Address Translation NDA: Non-Disclosure Agreement NFC: Near Field Communication NFV: Network Functions Virtualization NGFW: Next-Generation Firewall NG-SWG: Next-Generation Secure Web Gateway NIC: Network Interface Card NIDS: Network Intrusion Detection System NIPS: Network Intrusion Prevention System NIST: National Institute of Standards and Technology NOC: Network Operations Center NTFS: New Technology File System NTLM: New Technology LAN Manager NTP: Network Time Protocol OCSP: Online Certificate Status Protocol OID: Object Identifier OS: Operating System OAI: OpenID Authentication OSINT: Open Source Intelligence OSPF: Open Shortest Path First OT: Operational Technology OTA: Over-the-Air OTG: On-The-Go OVAL: Open Vulnerability and Assessment Language OWASP: Open Web Application Security Project P12: Personal Information Exchange Format P2P: Peer-to-Peer PaaS: Platform as a Service PAC: Proxy Auto-Configuration PAM: Privileged Access Management PAP: Password Authentication Protocol PAT: Port Address Translation PBKDF2: Password-Based Key Derivation Function 2 PBX: Private Branch Exchange PCAP: Packet Capture PCI DSS: Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard PDU: Protocol Data Unit PE: Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol PEAP: Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol PED: Portable Electronic Device PEM: Privacy Enhanced Mail PFS: Perfect Forward Secrecy PGP: Pretty Good Privacy PHI: Protected Health Information PII: Personally Identifiable Information PIN: Personal Identification Number PIV: Personal Identity Verification PKCS: Public Key Cryptography Standards PKI: Public Key Infrastructure PoC: Proof of Concept POP: Post Office Protocol POTS: Plain Old Telephone Service PPP: Point-to-Point Protocol PPTP: Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol PSK: Pre-Shared Key PTZ: Pan-Tilt-Zoom PUP: Potentially Unwanted Program QA: Quality Assurance QoS: Quality of Service RA: Recovery Agent RAD: Rapid Application Development RADIUS: Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service RAID: Redundant Array of Independent Disks RAM: Random Access Memory RAS: Remote Access Service RAT: Remote Access Trojan RC4: Rivest Cipher 4 RCS: Remote Control System RFC: Request for Comments RFID: Radio-Frequency Identification RIPEMD: RACE Integrity Primitives Evaluation Message Digest ROI: Return on Investment RPO: Recovery Point Objective RSA: Rivest-Shamir-Adleman RTBH: Remote Triggered Black Hole RTO: Recovery Time Objective RTOS: Real-Time Operating System RTP: Real-Time Transport Protocol S/MIME: Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions SaaS: Software as a Service SAE: Simultaneous Authentication of Equals SAML: Security Assertion Markup Language SCADA: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition SCAP: Security Content Automation Protocol SCEP: Simple Certificate Enrollment Protocol SDK: Software Development Kit SDLC: Software Development Life Cycle SDLM: Software Development Lifecycle Management SDN: Software-Defined Networking SDP: Session Description Protocol SDV: Software-Defined Vehicle SED: Self-Encrypting Drive SEH: Structured Exception Handler SFTP: Secure File Transfer Protocol SHA: Secure Hash Algorithm SIEM: Security Information and Event Management SIM: Subscriber Identity Module SIP: Session Initiation Protocol SLA: Service Level Agreement SLE: Single Loss Expectancy SMB: Server Message Block SMS: Short Message Service SMTP/S: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol/Secure SNMP: Simple Network Management Protocol SOAP: Simple Object Access Protocol SOAR: Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response SoC: Security Operations Center SOC: System-On-Chip SPF: Sender Policy Framework SPIM: Spam Over Instant Messaging SQL: Structured Query Language SQLi: SQL Injection SRTP: Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol SSD: Solid-State Drive SSH: Secure Shell SSID: Service Set Identifier SSL: Secure Sockets Layer SSO: Single Sign-On STIX: Structured Threat Information eXpression STP: Spanning Tree Protocol SWG: Secure Web Gateway TACACS+: Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System Plus TGT: Ticket Granting Ticket TKIP: Temporal Key Integrity Protocol TLS: Transport Layer Security TOTP: Time-Based One-Time Password TPM: Trusted Platform Module TSIG: Transaction Signature TTP: Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures UAT: User Acceptance Testing UDP: User Datagram Protocol UEBA: User and Entity Behavior Analytics UEFI: Unified Extensible Firmware Interface UEM: Unified Endpoint Management UPS: Uninterruptible Power Supply URI: Uniform Resource Identifier URL: Uniform Resource Locator USB: Universal Serial Bus USB OTG: USB On-The-Go UTM: Unified Threat Management UTP: Unshielded Twisted Pair VBA: Visual Basic for Applications VDE: Virtual Desktop Environment VDI: Virtual Desktop Infrastructure VLAN: Virtual Local Area Network VLSM: Variable Length Subnet Masking VM: Virtual Machine VoIP: Voice over Internet Protocol VPC: Virtual Private Cloud VPN: Virtual Private Network VTC: Video Teleconferencing WAF: Web Application Firewall WAP: Wireless Access Point WEP: Wired Equivalent Privacy WIDS: Wireless Intrusion Detection System WIPS: Wireless Intrusion Prevention System WORM: Write Once, Read Many WPA: Wi-Fi Protected Access WPS: Wi-Fi Protected Setup XaaS: Anything as a Service XSRF: Cross-Site Request Forgery
2024.05.21 19:51 Revolutionary_Mood10Help with steppermotor setup
Hi! Im new to esphome and HA, and learning step by step. It great fun to learn but also makes me rip my hair out 😅 I added a temp sensor that worked great, just installed by web and added temp code from eaphome and it worked great. But when im doing the same with a stepper i cant get it to work and i cant see my error. When i add the code from esphome and install it looks like it worked, but when i visit web i dont see it there like i so temp sensor, and if i add to HA the entity is not there. If someone could point me the right way that would be super helpful! Setup: Esp32 devboars ch340c 28byj-48 5v stepper
2024.05.21 18:30 yelpvinegarThe 7 Types of Startup Founders: Why It Matters To You
What’s the #1 thing every founder needs to know?
I’ll give you a few minutes to make a list — top of mind might include sales, marketing, technology, product management (especially product-market fit), technical skills, fundraising, team building, leadership, management, finance, and planning/executing strategic growth and scaling. Sure… but, sorry, none of that is the correct answer. Because, of course, you know that founders typically are expected to be jacks of all trades. So yes, to all of the above, but that’s not the secret sauce. The #1 thing every founder needs to know is… themself. Here’s the truth: founders start companies, and entrepreneurs build them. While not every entrepreneur is a founder (think franchise owners), every founder is an entrepreneur (at least initially). If you’re like me, you are a forward-obsessed founder. That means where you are now is always building toward where you want to go. That person is always an entrepreneur. Once the company is started, you’ll do what it takes — including relinquishing control — to keep it growing. Does that sting? We founders think of our companies as our babies, but statistics say we’re likely to be the ones kicked out of the nest. Also, research shows that in the US, only 14 out of the top selling 500 companies still have the original founder running the company. And the Harvard Business Review reports that most founders relinquish control long before their companies go public — and that four out of five are forced to step down as CEO. It doesn’t have to be that way if you have one critical attribute: self-awareness. That way, you can decide as your company grows how you want to evolve your role in the overall day-to-day running of the company (i.e., learn, delegate, hire, move on). And ultimately, you can make better choices at critical growth junctures in your business progression. So, to help you become more self-aware, it’s helpful to understand the different types of founders. Let’s dive in.
The Types of Founders
A couple of notes before we get into specifics:
Much like any other classification, there are gray areas, so you (and many of the examples I share in this article) may fit into more than one category.
Some traits are common to all founders, such as being open to innovation, passionate about their project, risk-takers, etc. But some founders excel or even over-index in certain attributes, so that’s what you’ll see in the different types.
The bottom line: knowing your strongest/weakest points is a critical piece of the self-awareness pie. That way, you can conduct your business in what I call the Green Zone — aka the Genius Zone, where you have both high passion and high competence — and make the best choices for you and your company.
1. The Solo Founder
Traits:
Fiercely independent
Self-assured
Strong belief in their vision/idea
Business strongly tied to skill set and experience
Resilient (i.e., can withstand feelings of loneliness)
Benefits:
Freedom
Complete control
Learn a lot
Pitfalls:
Solo-founded companies statistically have a higher failure rate
Harder to raise money/VCs are more reticent
Health impacts: burnout, loneliness, etc.
Attention is divided because you wear all the hats (marketing, sales, building your product, finances, fundraising, prospecting for new customers, etc.)
Complete responsibility for all aspects of the business
Example: Sara Blakely, Spanx Founder Ten years ago, in 2012, when she was just 38, Sara Blakely became the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire. Her business, built on a significant industry gap (the lack of comfortable, effective shapewear) and her incredible sales hustle, also benefited greatly from Blakely’s abundant self-awareness. Here’s her advice to solo founders at a 2020 business conference:
“I tell people as soon as you can afford to hire your weaknesses, do it… As soon as I could afford to hire someone to do more of the operations side of the business, I did. As an entrepreneur, one of the biggest gifts you can give yourself is to stay in your lane.”
In other words, know what your Green Zone is and play there. If you’re like Blakely, it’s usually big ideas and sales ability (she could easily qualify as a Visionary Founder, too) or operations and execution (what Blakely realized she needed help with). Pro tip: If you’re a solo founder, you’ll likely want to lean into an entrepreneurial framework like the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to help you define and settle into which side you skew toward.
2. The Visionary Founder (or Co-founders)
Traits:
Driven by a big idea
Disruptive — recognizes opportunities to upend traditional norms
Focused and clear
Persistent
Natural salesperson
Can see the big picture
Collaborative (esp. In co-founder scenario)
Motivated by the impact they have — more than $$ alone
Benefits:
Passionate about their work
Aren’t easily derailed — failures are expected, and mistakes are not made twice
Inspired leadership
Pitfalls:
So focused on the big picture that they may miss important details
A visionary idea doesn’t automatically = visionary leadership
Disconnected from reality at times
Easily bored when the mundane takes priority
May not plan succession well
Unrealistic expectations
Poor communication
Example: Steve Jobs & Steve Wozniak Considering that Steve Jobs’ name is pretty much synonymous with “visionary,” I don’t think I need to list more than the products and industries Jobs’ revolutionized at Apple and beyond — Apple Computers, iPod (iTunes), iPad, iPhone, Pixar, iCloud — with many products and points in between. George Lucas, from whom Jobs bought the Graphics Group at Lucasfilm and renamed it “Pixar,” perfectly summarizes his superpower:
“The magic of Steve was that while others simply accepted the status quo, he saw the true potential in everything he touched and never compromised on that vision.”
Steve Wozniak was the technological yin to Jobs’ sales and marketing yang, bringing the vision of a computer with a graphic interface to life. From the visionary files, “Woz” also invented the first programmable universal remote and was an early innovator of wireless GPS (thanks to his clever dogs who routinely evaded electronic fences).
3. The Serial Disruptor
Traits:
Varied interests & capabilities
Easily bored — desires variety and change
Optimistic
Extremely innovative
High threshold for pain
Accepting of failure
Self-reliant
Diverse capabilities
Bold vision
Motivated by the impact they have — more than $$ alone
Benefits:
Variety of experiences
Flexibility and freedom
Diversification
Tons of opportunities for creative expression
Greater earning opportunities
Disrupts industries
Attracts high-quality talent
Pitfalls:
High risk
Difficulties finding trustworthy partners/can get stuck helming something when you want to move on
Multitudes of people reliant on you
Divided focus
Ego-driven pursuits
Example: Elon Musk Like him or loathe him, Elon Musk is perhaps the most prolific (and successful) serial founder of all time with startups including Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company, and Neuralink, among others. His drive to design opportunities to evolve humanity has redefined both hustle culture and the art of serial entrepreneurship. For serial founders, having a set of principles is key to their success. In Musk’s case, his use of “first principles” — reducing a process to its essential parts — has served him well, from helping him figure out how to make rockets cheaper and reusable (SpaceX) to shifting the narrative of electric vehicles (Tesla).
4. The Engineer
Traits:
Engineer by experience and nature
Technically savvy
Able to problem-solve technology-driven issues (not just with the product but also operations-wise)
Strong desire to not just innovate but also to accelerate progress
Expansive vision of how technology can solve common problems
Level-headed
Agile, fast learners
Focused on execution
Benefits:
Pragmatic approach
Own technology
Problems are solved quickly
Able to employ technology to reduce time to market
Solutions for products can become new products in their own right
Pitfalls:
Not well versed in other crucial areas (i.e., sales, marketing)
Over-index on having lower Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Because they can learn quickly, so may get stuck playing outside of the green zone
Example: Mark Zuckerberg Much like the other examples I’m sharing, Mark Zuckerberg’s story has been widely told, so you probably know about his development of Facebook. But at his core, Zuckerberg is an engineering prodigy and geek. At just 13 in 1997, he built “ZuckNet,” which enabled the family’s home computers to communicate via Ping (a precursor of AOL’s Instant Messenger) with his father’s dental office computers. He was using AI in his senior year in high school, so the roots of his Meta(verse) focus today are apparent. A common weakness for engineers is they tend to have a lower EQ, which has been well-researched. As a former engineer, I understand how logic and technology come easier than understanding human behavior. This is why tech founders should seek out mentors early and bring in competent leaders with high EQ and leadership skills — for example, Zuckerberg credits his former COO of 14 years, Sheryl Sandberg, for turning the company into a multi-billion dollar company.
5. The Personality Founder
Traits:
Charismatic and gregarious
Attracts a vast audience
Influential
Ambitious
Forward-thinking
Inwardly motivated (responds to a “calling”)
Excellent storytellers
Authentic and honest (ideally 😉)
Benefits:
Has a built-in audience and established social platforms
Likely has pre-existing wealth (can help fund the business/mitigate startup money woes)
Can use their power for good; disruptive in a positive way
Pitfalls:
Needs to find the right people to trust
Can’t just be the “face” of the business; needs to accrue real business chops
Celebrity and influence status don’t equal quality products
Difficult or impossible for the founder to leave
Example: Oprah I’m using Oprah as an example, as her products are an outgrowth of her — her eponymous talk show, which ran for 25 years, the OWN network, O Magazine, her book club, and a variety of charitable endeavors comprise her vast empire. But of course, we know plenty of other personality brands that have racked up billions in sales and even transformed, from the Kardashians/Jenners, to Bethany Frankel and Ryan Reynolds (just watch Deadpool 3 to see his brands — coming in 2023). In today’s age of influence, we’ve seen a surge of personality brands and founders who leverage built-in audiences and communities to scale quickly. All these names are business mavericks in their own right, but many didn’t start out this way — they deftly utilize their charisma and ability to entertain to shape their brands and pave the way to success.
6. The Accidental Founder
Traits:
Independent
Resourceful
Necessity-driven
Follow their desire/passion
Creative
Willing to take risks
Benefits:
A deep belief in what they’re doing
Solves real-world problems based on personal experience
Discover they’re much happier running their own show
Turns skills, vocation, or avocation into a profitable business
Pitfalls:
May not have the business chops
Reluctant business person — may not actually want to run their own business
Needs to find the right people to trust
Overwhelm
Example: Yvon Chouinard Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard has been in the news lately for giving away his company to fight climate change. He’s an OG accidental entrepreneur whose passion for rock climbing led him to develop reusable pitons (rock climbing spikes) and, later, heavy-duty shirts. Famously Chouinard called himself a “dirtbag climber” and didn’t want to become a business mogul. Sixty-five years later, this accidental founder’s company is valued at $3 billion, and his latest innovation is a way of giving away the profits of a company to continue his contribution to society — protecting and preserving the natural world. As I always say, there are riches in the niches, and accidental entrepreneurs are the leading type of founders to discover a marketplace with little or no competition.
7. The Intentional Founder
Traits:
Purpose-driven
Strong ideals and values
Passionate about the bigger picture impacts
Socially conscious
Clear and focused on the brand mission
Benefits:
An empathetic approach to the product/the company
Can educate, empower, and motivate others (i.e., team, customers)
Employees are statistically more satisfied and likely to stay
Commitment to a higher ideal engenders more loyalty and trust with the general public (customers)
Pitfalls:
Moving from individual ideals to a group effort is tricky
Difficult to find employees with perfectly aligned values
Might not have the business experience to set the organization up for long-term success
Purpose-driven (belief) isn’t the same as purpose-enabled (capability)
Might be challenging for the company to survive the loss of the founder
Example: Jessica Alba While Jessica Alba does have some touches of a Personality Founder (she is an actor) and an Accidental Founder (an allergic reaction to detergent made her worry about her new baby’s sensitive skin), she is an excellent example of an intentional founder. Back in 2008, when Alba had that allergic reaction, influencer marketing wasn’t what it is today — plus, she had some success but was by no means a household name. Ditto for eco-conscious consumer packaged goods — a plus, sure, but didn’t have the same urgency and importance it does today. Alba then spent years researching ingredients in everyday products and even went to DC to lobby for updates to the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act. Convinced that consumers need safe, affordable, environmentally friendly products for kids and home, Alba launched The Honest Company in 2011. Now, she did have seasoned co-founders, her own wealth to use out the gates, and VC support shortly after that, but it has always been Alba’s commitment to and alignment with the brand’s core principles that have kept the brand growing and thriving — today, as a publicly traded company with a 2021 $412.8 IPO. What type of founder are you? Definitely feel free to share in the comments.
2024.05.21 18:02 cmeyer86Looking for Advice on John Deere Garden Tractor Issue
I've got a John Deere GT275 garden tractor. It runs great except in warmer weather, after it runs for a while it will all of a sudden die on me. I try starting it again and it'll usually start for a few seconds and then die again. Then if I let it sit for a while and cool down, it'll run just fine again. In cooler weather it won't do this (presumably because the engine is staying cool enough) and I'll get the whole lawn down without it dying. In hot weather it might die halfway through and I'll have to finish mowing it later. Plenty of gas. I've replaced the spark plug (and checked the gap) a couple times since this started and that's not the issue. I read online that someone said a bad "Engine Igniter Module" could cause this exact thing, so I did the ol' "throw money at a new part without really diagnosing the issue fully" and bought the new module (part #: AM132770). It was on sale and I was ordering other stuff anyways so I ordered it and prayed it would fix it. I double checked the parts diagrams on the JD website based on my serial number to make sure I was getting the right one. I did my spring tune up but decided not to put this new module in until I was having the issue again, just to see if I could do a quick swap while the engine was still hot and verify that it did indeed fix the issue. Yesterday was the day. I mowed half the lawn, the mower died, I rushed to the toolbox and got the engine taken apart and I couldn't find that part anywhere. I doublechecked the parts diagrams for my model on the JD website and it's like my mower is just missing that part. I don't even fully understand what that module specifically does. It's very difficult to google because when searching "igniter module" I get plenty of results for ignition modules (starter key switch) and ignition coils. Can anyone explain what the module is, why my mower wouldn't have it even though it's in the parts diagram for my serial number, and what else could potentially be causing my issues. Thanks! TL;DR: Riding Mower (John Deere GT275) dies when it gets hot and won't stay running again until it cools. After a little research and not much troubleshooting, I bought a part (part #: AM132770) to hopefully fix the issue. Turns out that part doesn't exist in my mower even though John Deere's parts diagram for my serial number says it does. I'd like to know what it does, why it doesn't exist in my mower, and what I can do now to diagnose and fix my issue. Thanks!
2024.05.21 14:11 TearRepresentative56I'm a full time trader and this is everything I'm watching and analysing in premarket including full earnings summaries from PANW and more.
ANALYSIS section will be posted separately on my sub Tradingedge DATA LEDE:
RBA minutes - Australia
Said they will try not to excessively fine tune policy
Future changes to cash rate are difficult to rule in or out
CPI short term variation can be easily and reasonably overlooked
Recent data does point to slightly increased inflation risks
NEUTRAL/HAWKISH overall
Australia consumer confidence numbers drop 0.3% MOM
German PPI came 0.2% MOM vs 0.2% expected, in line with last months reading.
YOY came in at -3.3% slightly below expected value of -3.2%. Came in light which is good for German inflation picture.
Yellen Speech - no real meaningful comments
EU balance of trade numbers hit a new yearly high. Points to improving world demand environment.
Fed speakers include:
Barkin, Waller, Williams, Bostic, Barr
BoE’s Bailey to speak too
MARKETS:
SPX: Maintained above 5300, now trading at 5311. Yesterday, touched 5325, before moving lower again. DJI: Trading at 39,813, just below 40k. Opened yesterday above 40k but moved lower on JPM weakness.
Nasdaq: trading flat at 18,665. Support will now be at around 18,350.
Ger40: Slightly lower today, at 18,600. Some slight profit taking near the highs.
HKG50: Moving lower again for 2nd day in a row. Now at 19,240. Yesterday, was at 19,750 at one point. So down 2.7% across yesterday and today.
Oil - hit 80 yesterday on WTI but was rejected off there. Lower today to 78, down by 1.5%. Back to range bound.
Gold: Trading at 2418, Support at 2400.
VIX: After getting crushed to 12 yesterday, bounced up off of there, now higher.
FX:
DXY moving flat today and yesterday, around 104.5
Had fallen to 100d moving average after CPI then moved higher, bouncing from there.
EURUSD positioning still bullish, flat, slightly higher at 1.087
GBPUSD moving higher again, trading at 1.272
AUDUSD at 0.667,
Has broken out of the long term downtrend.
EARNINGS:
PANW Current Quarter:
Revenues of 1.985B beat by 0.8%. Revenues rose 15% YOY
Products revenue beat by 1.2%
Subscriptions and support revenue beat by 0.3%
EPS of 1.32 Beat expectations of 1.25 - beat by 5.6%
Operating income was 508M, beat by 3.5%
Operating margin was 25.6% , beat by 69 bps
Billings came more or less in line
Deferred revenue basically in line, slight miss.
NEXT QUARTER GUIDANCE:
EPS of 1.41 v slightly missed expectations of 1.42
Revenue came in line with consensus at 2.16B
Billings guidance beat consensus v slightly.
FULL YEAR GUIDANCE:
EPS of 5.56-5.58 beat estimates of 5.51
Revenue of 8B beat estimates of 7.98B
Billings of 10.15.5B was up 10-11% YoY
CEO Nikesh Arora: Enthusiastic response to pjatformization and AI infused security outcomes.
In conference call said that billings isn’t the only important measure, hence investors should overlook the slight softness in billings.
Said cybersecurity demand will continue to grow for next several quarters, and PANW will benefit.
Cyberattacks are scaling and aren’t going away. AI will increase these threats. So the tailwinds for PANW are very strong.
XPEV
EPS of -0.75 was much better than the -2.06 expected
Revenue of 6.55B beat estimates of 6.19B. Up 63% YOY, but down 50% QOQ
Vehicle margin was 5.5%, which was up from 4.1% last quarter, and up form -2.5% last year SO VEHICLE MARGIN IMPROVED
Vehicle sales came in at 5.54B yuan, up 50% YOY but down 50% QOQ
Gross margin was 12.9%, up from 1.7% last year and 6.2% last quarter
SO MARGINS IMPROVED, SALES WERE WORSE THAN LAST QUARTER
In April saw 9,393 vehicles delivered
Partnership with Volkswagen group on E/E architecture
Release of AI powered functions
GROSS MARGIN IMPROVEMENT DESPITE COMPETITION AND OTHERS CUTTING PRICES WAS A KEY BENEFIT.
NEXT QUARTER GUDIANCE:
Revenue 7.5-8.3B miss by 15%
Delivered of 29-32K. Up 30% YOY
MACYS:
Current quarter:
ADJ EPS $0.27 vs. $0.56 y/y, EST $0.14. BEAT
EPS $0.22 vs. $0.56 y/y
Net sales $4.8B, -3.7% y/y, EST $4.81B. IN LINE
Gross margin 39.2% vs. 40% y/y, EST 39.6%. MISS
SG&A expense $1.9B, -2.6% y/y, EST $1.98B. MISS
GUIDANCE:
Raised guidance from 2.45-2.85 to 2.55-2.9.
Raised by 4%
Beat estimates by 4%, although is a wide guidance
Sees Net sales at 22.3-22.9B, raising bottom end up slightly from 22.2B.
More or less in line with guidance.
Merchandise margins down 100bps due to additional discounting
Merchandise inventories are well positioned for upcoming summer season
Credit card revenues down slightly due to higher delinquency rates
Turnaround plan showing signs of progress as they beat and raise guidance.
LOWES:
Current quarter:
EPS of 3.67 beat estimates of 2.95
Revenue of 21.4B was down YOY by 4%, but beat estimates by 1.3%
Comparables sales were down 4%
Reaffirms FY guidance:
EPS of 12-12.3 vs estimate of 12.19. So miss slightly by 0.4%
Revenue of 84-85B, basically in line.
EXPECTS COMPARABLE SALES TO BE DOWN 2-3% vs estimates of 2.43% down.
MAG 7:
MSFT yesterday, said that Copilot Plus PCs will be based on Qualcomm’s snapdragon X Elite chips, and will offer 15 hours of web browsing and 20 hours of video battery life. MSFT says it’ll outperform MacBook Air.
On Copilot Plus, Neural processor enables new AI features such as recall for a searchable PC memory.
MSFT estimates 50 million AI PCs will be sold over the next year. Said its rearchitectured Windows 11 is 58% faster than Apple’s MacBook Air.
MSFT - restructures Windows 11 for better ARM hardware support and AI integration. Introduces prism emulator, launched to improve compatibility with older x86 and x64 apps. MSFT says Prism emulator is 20% faster than previous versions.
AAPL - Files law suit to overturn $1.8B EU antitrust fine over App Store rules. AAPL is challenging a 1.8B fine.
MSFT - OpenAI will be sued by Scarlett Johansson for basically copying her voice against her explicit instruction not to.
TSLA - Tesla shareholder group still not happy with Elon Musk’s $56B pay package. Urged other investors to reject a $56B pay package.
OTHER COMPANIES:
XPEV higher on their strong earnings
MACYS higher on improving picture
LOW - higher on earnings
Crypto stocks higher on strong Bitcoin performance
LRCX 10-1 stock split
PANW lower on eanrings, seems harsh to me. Other crypto names down in sentiment.
Chinese stocks lower as Hong Kong MARKET down 1.5% today.
NOVA - Piper Sandler downgrades Sunnova Energy to neutral from overweight, lowered price target to 4.50 from 9. Analyst had upgraded sun nova in December on expectation of lower rates, but rates have stayed high.
Li - postpones the launch of its all electric SUVs to the first half of 2025, citing inadequate charging stations and other constraints. CEO emphasised the need for sufficient branded charging stations and more display spots.
DOWN 4% AGAIN TODAY ON THIS.
BABA - Alibaba cloud slashes prices for its latest LLM model, Tongyi Qianwen, by up to 97%
BIDU - in response to Alibaba’s move, BIDU made its ENITRE Speed and ENIRE lite models entirely free to use.
So we are seeing price wars in AI market.
JPM says that they will not be increasing buybacks of JPM stock at these prices. Will just continue with previously outlined buyback pace.
Jamie Dimon also hinted at retirement in the speech, hence JPM lower yesterday
DELL - Citi raises dell price target to 170 from 125. Optimistic they can gain market share more in AI.
JD - announces a proposed offering of $1.5B in convertible senior notes, due 2029. Will use proceeds to repurchase shares and expand overseas business.
PTON - plans global refinancing to address debt. Secured nearly $1.4B in new credit facilities.
ASML and TSM said they have measures in place to remotely disable advanced EUV chip making machines if China was to invade Taiwan.
QCOM - shares were higher yesterday after Several big companies including Dell and MSFT announced AI laptops using Qualcomm’s snapdragon X elite chip. MSFT says these devices will outperform apple MacBook Air M3.
ARM - MSFT will announce Arm powered laptops
WEN - launches a $3 breakfast deal, including small seasoned potatoes, choice of bacon, eggs and cheese or sausage, eggs and cheese muffin. Rivals Mcdonalds $5value meal
DASH - expanded its partnership with ULTA beauty to offer on demand delivery in under an hour from 1350 stores across all 50 states.
VFS - US regulators are probing a vin fast VF 8 Crash, that killed 4 in California.
LLY - secures china approval for diabetes drug, Tirzepatide. Received approval in China for its diabetes drug.
BA - one killed on Singapore Airlines Boeing 777 due to severe turbulence.
DIS - Redburn upgrades to neutral from Sell. Price target 100.
Samsung - appoints new chief for its chip business, amid competition.
OThER NEWS:
BTC higher to 72K.
ETH popped 20% yesterday on renewed optimism for ETF, that SEC might green light spot ether ETFs ahead of first deadline later this week.
Yardeni research sees Dow Jones DJI at 60k and SPX at 8k by 2030
Mester’s comments yesterday:
3 rate cuts this year is no longer appropriate.
April CPI was good, but too soon to say what path inflation is on. She said she doesnt think about rate cuts in terms of when. We can raise rates but its not base case. That’s bearish, but also unrealistic. I think there’s less risk now that we are too restrictive, and inflation risks are to upside.
BEARISH COMMENTS FROM MESTER OVERALL
Jefferson’s Comments yesterday:
April inflation was encouraging. Labour market coming into better balance. Inflation decline isn’t as fast as we had liked. Policy is restrictive. - NEUTRAL comments, I’d say.
Following these comments, Bank of America said that whilst the bar for rate hikes is still v high, rate cuts are still far off. Said Services inflation still running way above target.
Bank of America believes markets got excited at the print, said markets pricing 50bps of cuts are likely to get disappointed.
Did push back on stagflation narrative.
SPACEX Q1 launch report shows that SpaceX is now launching 87% of all payload to orbit, a new record high.
New Yorkers on average earned $89K last year, meaning that without spending more than 30% of annual income on rent, they can afford $2,216 on housing. That’s only enough to afford 4.4% of rentals.
Marko Kolanovic held his bearish outlook on stocks, urging clients not to buy. So not all bears are capitulating.
Fidelity ethereal fund says that the trust’s Ether will not be staked.
IMF official expects next stage for BOE is to ease rates, says UK monetary policy is at inflection point. Actions by UK authorities are paying off.
Said BoE should cut rates by 50-75bps in 2024.
Upgraded UK growth forecast to 0.7% this year from 0.5% previously
Dubai Airport expects record passenger traffic this year, set to top 100M by 2027.
2024.05.21 14:10 TearRepresentative56I'm a full time trader and this is everything I'm watching and analysing in premarket, including full earnings summary and all the news driving the market today
DATA LEDE:
RBA minutes - Australia
Said they will try not to excessively fine tune policy
Future changes to cash rate are difficult to rule in or out
CPI short term variation can be easily and reasonably overlooked
Recent data does point to slightly increased inflation risks
NEUTRAL/HAWKISH overall
Australia consumer confidence numbers drop 0.3% MOM
German PPI came 0.2% MOM vs 0.2% expected, in line with last months reading.
YOY came in at -3.3% slightly below expected value of -3.2%. Came in light which is good for German inflation picture.
Yellen Speech - no real meaningful comments
EU balance of trade numbers hit a new yearly high. Points to improving world demand environment.
Fed speakers include:
Barkin, Waller, Williams, Bostic, Barr
BoE’s Bailey to speak too
MARKETS:
SPX: Maintained above 5300, now trading at 5311. Yesterday, touched 5325, before moving lower again. DJI: Trading at 39,813, just below 40k. Opened yesterday above 40k but moved lower on JPM weakness.
Nasdaq: trading flat at 18,665. Support will now be at around 18,350.
Ger40: Slightly lower today, at 18,600. Some slight profit taking near the highs.
HKG50: Moving lower again for 2nd day in a row. Now at 19,240. Yesterday, was at 19,750 at one point. So down 2.7% across yesterday and today.
Oil - hit 80 yesterday on WTI but was rejected off there. Lower today to 78, down by 1.5%. Back to range bound.
Gold: Trading at 2418, Support at 2400.
VIX: After getting crushed to 12 yesterday, bounced up off of there, now higher.
FX:
DXY moving flat today and yesterday, around 104.5
Had fallen to 100d moving average after CPI then moved higher, bouncing from there.
EURUSD positioning still bullish, flat, slightly higher at 1.087
GBPUSD moving higher again, trading at 1.272
AUDUSD at 0.667,
Has broken out of the long term downtrend.
EARNINGS:
PANW Current Quarter:
Revenues of 1.985B beat by 0.8%. Revenues rose 15% YOY
Products revenue beat by 1.2%
Subscriptions and support revenue beat by 0.3%
EPS of 1.32 Beat expectations of 1.25 - beat by 5.6%
Operating income was 508M, beat by 3.5%
Operating margin was 25.6% , beat by 69 bps
Billings came more or less in line
Deferred revenue basically in line, slight miss.
NEXT QUARTER GUIDANCE:
EPS of 1.41 v slightly missed expectations of 1.42
Revenue came in line with consensus at 2.16B
Billings guidance beat consensus v slightly.
FULL YEAR GUIDANCE:
EPS of 5.56-5.58 beat estimates of 5.51
Revenue of 8B beat estimates of 7.98B
Billings of 10.15.5B was up 10-11% YoY
CEO Nikesh Arora: Enthusiastic response to pjatformization and AI infused security outcomes.
In conference call said that billings isn’t the only important measure, hence investors should overlook the slight softness in billings.
Said cybersecurity demand will continue to grow for next several quarters, and PANW will benefit.
Cyberattacks are scaling and aren’t going away. AI will increase these threats. So the tailwinds for PANW are very strong.
XPEV
EPS of -0.75 was much better than the -2.06 expected
Revenue of 6.55B beat estimates of 6.19B. Up 63% YOY, but down 50% QOQ
Vehicle margin was 5.5%, which was up from 4.1% last quarter, and up form -2.5% last year SO VEHICLE MARGIN IMPROVED
Vehicle sales came in at 5.54B yuan, up 50% YOY but down 50% QOQ
Gross margin was 12.9%, up from 1.7% last year and 6.2% last quarter
SO MARGINS IMPROVED, SALES WERE WORSE THAN LAST QUARTER
In April saw 9,393 vehicles delivered
Partnership with Volkswagen group on E/E architecture
Release of AI powered functions
GROSS MARGIN IMPROVEMENT DESPITE COMPETITION AND OTHERS CUTTING PRICES WAS A KEY BENEFIT.
NEXT QUARTER GUDIANCE:
Revenue 7.5-8.3B miss by 15%
Delivered of 29-32K. Up 30% YOY
MACYS:
Current quarter:
ADJ EPS $0.27 vs. $0.56 y/y, EST $0.14. BEAT
EPS $0.22 vs. $0.56 y/y
Net sales $4.8B, -3.7% y/y, EST $4.81B. IN LINE
Gross margin 39.2% vs. 40% y/y, EST 39.6%. MISS
SG&A expense $1.9B, -2.6% y/y, EST $1.98B. MISS
GUIDANCE:
Raised guidance from 2.45-2.85 to 2.55-2.9.
Raised by 4%
Beat estimates by 4%, although is a wide guidance
Sees Net sales at 22.3-22.9B, raising bottom end up slightly from 22.2B.
More or less in line with guidance.
Merchandise margins down 100bps due to additional discounting
Merchandise inventories are well positioned for upcoming summer season
Credit card revenues down slightly due to higher delinquency rates
Turnaround plan showing signs of progress as they beat and raise guidance.
LOWES:
Current quarter:
EPS of 3.67 beat estimates of 2.95
Revenue of 21.4B was down YOY by 4%, but beat estimates by 1.3%
Comparables sales were down 4%
Reaffirms FY guidance:
EPS of 12-12.3 vs estimate of 12.19. So miss slightly by 0.4%
Revenue of 84-85B, basically in line.
EXPECTS COMPARABLE SALES TO BE DOWN 2-3% vs estimates of 2.43% down.
MAG 7:
MSFT yesterday, said that Copilot Plus PCs will be based on Qualcomm’s snapdragon X Elite chips, and will offer 15 hours of web browsing and 20 hours of video battery life. MSFT says it’ll outperform MacBook Air.
On Copilot Plus, Neural processor enables new AI features such as recall for a searchable PC memory.
MSFT estimates 50 million AI PCs will be sold over the next year. Said its rearchitectured Windows 11 is 58% faster than Apple’s MacBook Air.
MSFT - restructures Windows 11 for better ARM hardware support and AI integration. Introduces prism emulator, launched to improve compatibility with older x86 and x64 apps. MSFT says Prism emulator is 20% faster than previous versions.
AAPL - Files law suit to overturn $1.8B EU antitrust fine over App Store rules. AAPL is challenging a 1.8B fine.
MSFT - OpenAI will be sued by Scarlett Johansson for basically copying her voice against her explicit instruction not to.
TSLA - Tesla shareholder group still not happy with Elon Musk’s $56B pay package. Urged other investors to reject a $56B pay package.
OTHER COMPANIES:
XPEV higher on their strong earnings
MACYS higher on improving picture
LOW - higher on earnings
Crypto stocks higher on strong Bitcoin performance
LRCX 10-1 stock split
PANW lower on eanrings, seems harsh to me. Other crypto names down in sentiment.
Chinese stocks lower as Hong Kong MARKET down 1.5% today.
NOVA - Piper Sandler downgrades Sunnova Energy to neutral from overweight, lowered price target to 4.50 from 9. Analyst had upgraded sun nova in December on expectation of lower rates, but rates have stayed high.
Li - postpones the launch of its all electric SUVs to the first half of 2025, citing inadequate charging stations and other constraints. CEO emphasised the need for sufficient branded charging stations and more display spots.
DOWN 4% AGAIN TODAY ON THIS.
BABA - Alibaba cloud slashes prices for its latest LLM model, Tongyi Qianwen, by up to 97%
BIDU - in response to Alibaba’s move, BIDU made its ENITRE Speed and ENIRE lite models entirely free to use.
So we are seeing price wars in AI market.
JPM says that they will not be increasing buybacks of JPM stock at these prices. Will just continue with previously outlined buyback pace.
Jamie Dimon also hinted at retirement in the speech, hence JPM lower yesterday
DELL - Citi raises dell price target to 170 from 125. Optimistic they can gain market share more in AI.
JD - announces a proposed offering of $1.5B in convertible senior notes, due 2029. Will use proceeds to repurchase shares and expand overseas business.
PTON - plans global refinancing to address debt. Secured nearly $1.4B in new credit facilities.
ASML and TSM said they have measures in place to remotely disable advanced EUV chip making machines if China was to invade Taiwan.
QCOM - shares were higher yesterday after Several big companies including Dell and MSFT announced AI laptops using Qualcomm’s snapdragon X elite chip. MSFT says these devices will outperform apple MacBook Air M3.
ARM - MSFT will announce Arm powered laptops
WEN - launches a $3 breakfast deal, including small seasoned potatoes, choice of bacon, eggs and cheese or sausage, eggs and cheese muffin. Rivals Mcdonalds $5value meal
DASH - expanded its partnership with ULTA beauty to offer on demand delivery in under an hour from 1350 stores across all 50 states.
VFS - US regulators are probing a vin fast VF 8 Crash, that killed 4 in California.
LLY - secures china approval for diabetes drug, Tirzepatide. Received approval in China for its diabetes drug.
BA - one killed on Singapore Airlines Boeing 777 due to severe turbulence.
DIS - Redburn upgrades to neutral from Sell. Price target 100.
Samsung - appoints new chief for its chip business, amid competition.
OThER NEWS:
BTC higher to 72K.
ETH popped 20% yesterday on renewed optimism for ETF, that SEC might green light spot ether ETFs ahead of first deadline later this week.
Yardeni research sees Dow Jones DJI at 60k and SPX at 8k by 2030
Mester’s comments yesterday:
3 rate cuts this year is no longer appropriate.
April CPI was good, but too soon to say what path inflation is on. She said she doesnt think about rate cuts in terms of when. We can raise rates but its not base case. That’s bearish, but also unrealistic. I think there’s less risk now that we are too restrictive, and inflation risks are to upside.
BEARISH COMMENTS FROM MESTER OVERALL
Jefferson’s Comments yesterday:
April inflation was encouraging. Labour market coming into better balance. Inflation decline isn’t as fast as we had liked. Policy is restrictive. - NEUTRAL comments, I’d say.
Following these comments, Bank of America said that whilst the bar for rate hikes is still v high, rate cuts are still far off. Said Services inflation still running way above target.
Bank of America believes markets got excited at the print, said markets pricing 50bps of cuts are likely to get disappointed.
Did push back on stagflation narrative.
SPACEX Q1 launch report shows that SpaceX is now launching 87% of all payload to orbit, a new record high.
New Yorkers on average earned $89K last year, meaning that without spending more than 30% of annual income on rent, they can afford $2,216 on housing. That’s only enough to afford 4.4% of rentals.
Marko Kolanovic held his bearish outlook on stocks, urging clients not to buy. So not all bears are capitulating.
Fidelity ethereal fund says that the trust’s Ether will not be staked.
IMF official expects next stage for BOE is to ease rates, says UK monetary policy is at inflection point. Actions by UK authorities are paying off.
Said BoE should cut rates by 50-75bps in 2024.
Upgraded UK growth forecast to 0.7% this year from 0.5% previously
Dubai Airport expects record passenger traffic this year, set to top 100M by 2027.
2024.05.21 14:07 TearRepresentative56I'm a full time trader and this is everything I'm watching and analysing in premarket 21/05 including all the news driving the market.
ANALYSIS section will be posted separately on my sub Tradingedge DATA LEDE:
RBA minutes - Australia
Said they will try not to excessively fine tune policy
Future changes to cash rate are difficult to rule in or out
CPI short term variation can be easily and reasonably overlooked
Recent data does point to slightly increased inflation risks
NEUTRAL/HAWKISH overall
Australia consumer confidence numbers drop 0.3% MOM
German PPI came 0.2% MOM vs 0.2% expected, in line with last months reading.
YOY came in at -3.3% slightly below expected value of -3.2%. Came in light which is good for German inflation picture.
Yellen Speech - no real meaningful comments
EU balance of trade numbers hit a new yearly high. Points to improving world demand environment.
Fed speakers include:
Barkin, Waller, Williams, Bostic, Barr
BoE’s Bailey to speak too
MARKETS:
SPX: Maintained above 5300, now trading at 5311. Yesterday, touched 5325, before moving lower again. DJI: Trading at 39,813, just below 40k. Opened yesterday above 40k but moved lower on JPM weakness.
Nasdaq: trading flat at 18,665. Support will now be at around 18,350.
Ger40: Slightly lower today, at 18,600. Some slight profit taking near the highs.
HKG50: Moving lower again for 2nd day in a row. Now at 19,240. Yesterday, was at 19,750 at one point. So down 2.7% across yesterday and today.
Oil - hit 80 yesterday on WTI but was rejected off there. Lower today to 78, down by 1.5%. Back to range bound.
Gold: Trading at 2418, Support at 2400.
VIX: After getting crushed to 12 yesterday, bounced up off of there, now higher.
FX:
DXY moving flat today and yesterday, around 104.5
Had fallen to 100d moving average after CPI then moved higher, bouncing from there.
EURUSD positioning still bullish, flat, slightly higher at 1.087
GBPUSD moving higher again, trading at 1.272
AUDUSD at 0.667,
Has broken out of the long term downtrend.
EARNINGS:
PANW Current Quarter:
Revenues of 1.985B beat by 0.8%. Revenues rose 15% YOY
Products revenue beat by 1.2%
Subscriptions and support revenue beat by 0.3%
EPS of 1.32 Beat expectations of 1.25 - beat by 5.6%
Operating income was 508M, beat by 3.5%
Operating margin was 25.6% , beat by 69 bps
Billings came more or less in line
Deferred revenue basically in line, slight miss.
NEXT QUARTER GUIDANCE:
EPS of 1.41 v slightly missed expectations of 1.42
Revenue came in line with consensus at 2.16B
Billings guidance beat consensus v slightly.
FULL YEAR GUIDANCE:
EPS of 5.56-5.58 beat estimates of 5.51
Revenue of 8B beat estimates of 7.98B
Billings of 10.15.5B was up 10-11% YoY
CEO Nikesh Arora: Enthusiastic response to pjatformization and AI infused security outcomes.
In conference call said that billings isn’t the only important measure, hence investors should overlook the slight softness in billings.
Said cybersecurity demand will continue to grow for next several quarters, and PANW will benefit.
Cyberattacks are scaling and aren’t going away. AI will increase these threats. So the tailwinds for PANW are very strong.
XPEV
EPS of -0.75 was much better than the -2.06 expected
Revenue of 6.55B beat estimates of 6.19B. Up 63% YOY, but down 50% QOQ
Vehicle margin was 5.5%, which was up from 4.1% last quarter, and up form -2.5% last year SO VEHICLE MARGIN IMPROVED
Vehicle sales came in at 5.54B yuan, up 50% YOY but down 50% QOQ
Gross margin was 12.9%, up from 1.7% last year and 6.2% last quarter
SO MARGINS IMPROVED, SALES WERE WORSE THAN LAST QUARTER
In April saw 9,393 vehicles delivered
Partnership with Volkswagen group on E/E architecture
Release of AI powered functions
GROSS MARGIN IMPROVEMENT DESPITE COMPETITION AND OTHERS CUTTING PRICES WAS A KEY BENEFIT.
NEXT QUARTER GUDIANCE:
Revenue 7.5-8.3B miss by 15%
Delivered of 29-32K. Up 30% YOY
MACYS:
Current quarter:
ADJ EPS $0.27 vs. $0.56 y/y, EST $0.14. BEAT
EPS $0.22 vs. $0.56 y/y
Net sales $4.8B, -3.7% y/y, EST $4.81B. IN LINE
Gross margin 39.2% vs. 40% y/y, EST 39.6%. MISS
SG&A expense $1.9B, -2.6% y/y, EST $1.98B. MISS
GUIDANCE:
Raised guidance from 2.45-2.85 to 2.55-2.9.
Raised by 4%
Beat estimates by 4%, although is a wide guidance
Sees Net sales at 22.3-22.9B, raising bottom end up slightly from 22.2B.
More or less in line with guidance.
Merchandise margins down 100bps due to additional discounting
Merchandise inventories are well positioned for upcoming summer season
Credit card revenues down slightly due to higher delinquency rates
Turnaround plan showing signs of progress as they beat and raise guidance.
LOWES:
Current quarter:
EPS of 3.67 beat estimates of 2.95
Revenue of 21.4B was down YOY by 4%, but beat estimates by 1.3%
Comparables sales were down 4%
Reaffirms FY guidance:
EPS of 12-12.3 vs estimate of 12.19. So miss slightly by 0.4%
Revenue of 84-85B, basically in line.
EXPECTS COMPARABLE SALES TO BE DOWN 2-3% vs estimates of 2.43% down.
MAG 7:
MSFT yesterday, said that Copilot Plus PCs will be based on Qualcomm’s snapdragon X Elite chips, and will offer 15 hours of web browsing and 20 hours of video battery life. MSFT says it’ll outperform MacBook Air.
On Copilot Plus, Neural processor enables new AI features such as recall for a searchable PC memory.
MSFT estimates 50 million AI PCs will be sold over the next year. Said its rearchitectured Windows 11 is 58% faster than Apple’s MacBook Air.
MSFT - restructures Windows 11 for better ARM hardware support and AI integration. Introduces prism emulator, launched to improve compatibility with older x86 and x64 apps. MSFT says Prism emulator is 20% faster than previous versions.
AAPL - Files law suit to overturn $1.8B EU antitrust fine over App Store rules. AAPL is challenging a 1.8B fine.
MSFT - OpenAI will be sued by Scarlett Johansson for basically copying her voice against her explicit instruction not to.
TSLA - Tesla shareholder group still not happy with Elon Musk’s $56B pay package. Urged other investors to reject a $56B pay package.
OTHER COMPANIES:
XPEV higher on their strong earnings
MACYS higher on improving picture
LOW - higher on earnings
Crypto stocks higher on strong Bitcoin performance
LRCX 10-1 stock split
PANW lower on eanrings, seems harsh to me. Other crypto names down in sentiment.
Chinese stocks lower as Hong Kong MARKET down 1.5% today.
NOVA - Piper Sandler downgrades Sunnova Energy to neutral from overweight, lowered price target to 4.50 from 9. Analyst had upgraded sun nova in December on expectation of lower rates, but rates have stayed high.
Li - postpones the launch of its all electric SUVs to the first half of 2025, citing inadequate charging stations and other constraints. CEO emphasised the need for sufficient branded charging stations and more display spots.
DOWN 4% AGAIN TODAY ON THIS.
BABA - Alibaba cloud slashes prices for its latest LLM model, Tongyi Qianwen, by up to 97%
BIDU - in response to Alibaba’s move, BIDU made its ENITRE Speed and ENIRE lite models entirely free to use.
So we are seeing price wars in AI market.
JPM says that they will not be increasing buybacks of JPM stock at these prices. Will just continue with previously outlined buyback pace.
Jamie Dimon also hinted at retirement in the speech, hence JPM lower yesterday
DELL - Citi raises dell price target to 170 from 125. Optimistic they can gain market share more in AI.
JD - announces a proposed offering of $1.5B in convertible senior notes, due 2029. Will use proceeds to repurchase shares and expand overseas business.
PTON - plans global refinancing to address debt. Secured nearly $1.4B in new credit facilities.
ASML and TSM said they have measures in place to remotely disable advanced EUV chip making machines if China was to invade Taiwan.
QCOM - shares were higher yesterday after Several big companies including Dell and MSFT announced AI laptops using Qualcomm’s snapdragon X elite chip. MSFT says these devices will outperform apple MacBook Air M3.
ARM - MSFT will announce Arm powered laptops
WEN - launches a $3 breakfast deal, including small seasoned potatoes, choice of bacon, eggs and cheese or sausage, eggs and cheese muffin. Rivals Mcdonalds $5value meal
DASH - expanded its partnership with ULTA beauty to offer on demand delivery in under an hour from 1350 stores across all 50 states.
VFS - US regulators are probing a vin fast VF 8 Crash, that killed 4 in California.
LLY - secures china approval for diabetes drug, Tirzepatide. Received approval in China for its diabetes drug.
BA - one killed on Singapore Airlines Boeing 777 due to severe turbulence.
DIS - Redburn upgrades to neutral from Sell. Price target 100.
Samsung - appoints new chief for its chip business, amid competition.
OThER NEWS:
BTC higher to 72K.
ETH popped 20% yesterday on renewed optimism for ETF, that SEC might green light spot ether ETFs ahead of first deadline later this week.
Yardeni research sees Dow Jones DJI at 60k and SPX at 8k by 2030
Mester’s comments yesterday:
3 rate cuts this year is no longer appropriate.
April CPI was good, but too soon to say what path inflation is on. She said she doesnt think about rate cuts in terms of when. We can raise rates but its not base case. That’s bearish, but also unrealistic. I think there’s less risk now that we are too restrictive, and inflation risks are to upside.
BEARISH COMMENTS FROM MESTER OVERALL
Jefferson’s Comments yesterday:
April inflation was encouraging. Labour market coming into better balance. Inflation decline isn’t as fast as we had liked. Policy is restrictive. - NEUTRAL comments, I’d say.
Following these comments, Bank of America said that whilst the bar for rate hikes is still v high, rate cuts are still far off. Said Services inflation still running way above target.
Bank of America believes markets got excited at the print, said markets pricing 50bps of cuts are likely to get disappointed.
Did push back on stagflation narrative.
SPACEX Q1 launch report shows that SpaceX is now launching 87% of all payload to orbit, a new record high.
New Yorkers on average earned $89K last year, meaning that without spending more than 30% of annual income on rent, they can afford $2,216 on housing. That’s only enough to afford 4.4% of rentals.
Marko Kolanovic held his bearish outlook on stocks, urging clients not to buy. So not all bears are capitulating.
Fidelity ethereal fund says that the trust’s Ether will not be staked.
IMF official expects next stage for BOE is to ease rates, says UK monetary policy is at inflection point. Actions by UK authorities are paying off.
Said BoE should cut rates by 50-75bps in 2024.
Upgraded UK growth forecast to 0.7% this year from 0.5% previously
Dubai Airport expects record passenger traffic this year, set to top 100M by 2027.
2024.05.21 14:06 TearRepresentative56Everything I'm watching and analysing in premarket 21/05, including detailed earnings breakdown and all the news driving the market.
ANALYSIS section will be posted separately on my sub Tradingedge DATA LEDE:
RBA minutes - Australia
Said they will try not to excessively fine tune policy
Future changes to cash rate are difficult to rule in or out
CPI short term variation can be easily and reasonably overlooked
Recent data does point to slightly increased inflation risks
NEUTRAL/HAWKISH overall
Australia consumer confidence numbers drop 0.3% MOM
German PPI came 0.2% MOM vs 0.2% expected, in line with last months reading.
YOY came in at -3.3% slightly below expected value of -3.2%. Came in light which is good for German inflation picture.
Yellen Speech - no real meaningful comments
EU balance of trade numbers hit a new yearly high. Points to improving world demand environment.
Fed speakers include:
Barkin, Waller, Williams, Bostic, Barr
BoE’s Bailey to speak too
MARKETS:
SPX: Maintained above 5300, now trading at 5311. Yesterday, touched 5325, before moving lower again. DJI: Trading at 39,813, just below 40k. Opened yesterday above 40k but moved lower on JPM weakness.
Nasdaq: trading flat at 18,665. Support will now be at around 18,350.
Ger40: Slightly lower today, at 18,600. Some slight profit taking near the highs.
HKG50: Moving lower again for 2nd day in a row. Now at 19,240. Yesterday, was at 19,750 at one point. So down 2.7% across yesterday and today.
Oil - hit 80 yesterday on WTI but was rejected off there. Lower today to 78, down by 1.5%. Back to range bound.
Gold: Trading at 2418, Support at 2400.
VIX: After getting crushed to 12 yesterday, bounced up off of there, now higher.
FX:
DXY moving flat today and yesterday, around 104.5
Had fallen to 100d moving average after CPI then moved higher, bouncing from there.
EURUSD positioning still bullish, flat, slightly higher at 1.087
GBPUSD moving higher again, trading at 1.272
AUDUSD at 0.667,
Has broken out of the long term downtrend.
EARNINGS:
PANW Current Quarter:
Revenues of 1.985B beat by 0.8%. Revenues rose 15% YOY
Products revenue beat by 1.2%
Subscriptions and support revenue beat by 0.3%
EPS of 1.32 Beat expectations of 1.25 - beat by 5.6%
Operating income was 508M, beat by 3.5%
Operating margin was 25.6% , beat by 69 bps
Billings came more or less in line
Deferred revenue basically in line, slight miss.
NEXT QUARTER GUIDANCE:
EPS of 1.41 v slightly missed expectations of 1.42
Revenue came in line with consensus at 2.16B
Billings guidance beat consensus v slightly.
FULL YEAR GUIDANCE:
EPS of 5.56-5.58 beat estimates of 5.51
Revenue of 8B beat estimates of 7.98B
Billings of 10.15.5B was up 10-11% YoY
CEO Nikesh Arora: Enthusiastic response to pjatformization and AI infused security outcomes.
In conference call said that billings isn’t the only important measure, hence investors should overlook the slight softness in billings.
Said cybersecurity demand will continue to grow for next several quarters, and PANW will benefit.
Cyberattacks are scaling and aren’t going away. AI will increase these threats. So the tailwinds for PANW are very strong.
XPEV
EPS of -0.75 was much better than the -2.06 expected
Revenue of 6.55B beat estimates of 6.19B. Up 63% YOY, but down 50% QOQ
Vehicle margin was 5.5%, which was up from 4.1% last quarter, and up form -2.5% last year SO VEHICLE MARGIN IMPROVED
Vehicle sales came in at 5.54B yuan, up 50% YOY but down 50% QOQ
Gross margin was 12.9%, up from 1.7% last year and 6.2% last quarter
SO MARGINS IMPROVED, SALES WERE WORSE THAN LAST QUARTER
In April saw 9,393 vehicles delivered
Partnership with Volkswagen group on E/E architecture
Release of AI powered functions
GROSS MARGIN IMPROVEMENT DESPITE COMPETITION AND OTHERS CUTTING PRICES WAS A KEY BENEFIT.
NEXT QUARTER GUDIANCE:
Revenue 7.5-8.3B miss by 15%
Delivered of 29-32K. Up 30% YOY
MACYS:
Current quarter:
ADJ EPS $0.27 vs. $0.56 y/y, EST $0.14. BEAT
EPS $0.22 vs. $0.56 y/y
Net sales $4.8B, -3.7% y/y, EST $4.81B. IN LINE
Gross margin 39.2% vs. 40% y/y, EST 39.6%. MISS
SG&A expense $1.9B, -2.6% y/y, EST $1.98B. MISS
GUIDANCE:
Raised guidance from 2.45-2.85 to 2.55-2.9.
Raised by 4%
Beat estimates by 4%, although is a wide guidance
Sees Net sales at 22.3-22.9B, raising bottom end up slightly from 22.2B.
More or less in line with guidance.
Merchandise margins down 100bps due to additional discounting
Merchandise inventories are well positioned for upcoming summer season
Credit card revenues down slightly due to higher delinquency rates
Turnaround plan showing signs of progress as they beat and raise guidance.
LOWES:
Current quarter:
EPS of 3.67 beat estimates of 2.95
Revenue of 21.4B was down YOY by 4%, but beat estimates by 1.3%
Comparables sales were down 4%
Reaffirms FY guidance:
EPS of 12-12.3 vs estimate of 12.19. So miss slightly by 0.4%
Revenue of 84-85B, basically in line.
EXPECTS COMPARABLE SALES TO BE DOWN 2-3% vs estimates of 2.43% down.
MAG 7:
MSFT yesterday, said that Copilot Plus PCs will be based on Qualcomm’s snapdragon X Elite chips, and will offer 15 hours of web browsing and 20 hours of video battery life. MSFT says it’ll outperform MacBook Air.
On Copilot Plus, Neural processor enables new AI features such as recall for a searchable PC memory.
MSFT estimates 50 million AI PCs will be sold over the next year. Said its rearchitectured Windows 11 is 58% faster than Apple’s MacBook Air.
MSFT - restructures Windows 11 for better ARM hardware support and AI integration. Introduces prism emulator, launched to improve compatibility with older x86 and x64 apps. MSFT says Prism emulator is 20% faster than previous versions.
AAPL - Files law suit to overturn $1.8B EU antitrust fine over App Store rules. AAPL is challenging a 1.8B fine.
MSFT - OpenAI will be sued by Scarlett Johansson for basically copying her voice against her explicit instruction not to.
TSLA - Tesla shareholder group still not happy with Elon Musk’s $56B pay package. Urged other investors to reject a $56B pay package.
OTHER COMPANIES:
XPEV higher on their strong earnings
MACYS higher on improving picture
LOW - higher on earnings
Crypto stocks higher on strong Bitcoin performance
LRCX 10-1 stock split
PANW lower on eanrings, seems harsh to me. Other crypto names down in sentiment.
Chinese stocks lower as Hong Kong MARKET down 1.5% today.
NOVA - Piper Sandler downgrades Sunnova Energy to neutral from overweight, lowered price target to 4.50 from 9. Analyst had upgraded sun nova in December on expectation of lower rates, but rates have stayed high.
Li - postpones the launch of its all electric SUVs to the first half of 2025, citing inadequate charging stations and other constraints. CEO emphasised the need for sufficient branded charging stations and more display spots.
DOWN 4% AGAIN TODAY ON THIS.
BABA - Alibaba cloud slashes prices for its latest LLM model, Tongyi Qianwen, by up to 97%
BIDU - in response to Alibaba’s move, BIDU made its ENITRE Speed and ENIRE lite models entirely free to use.
So we are seeing price wars in AI market.
JPM says that they will not be increasing buybacks of JPM stock at these prices. Will just continue with previously outlined buyback pace.
Jamie Dimon also hinted at retirement in the speech, hence JPM lower yesterday
DELL - Citi raises dell price target to 170 from 125. Optimistic they can gain market share more in AI.
JD - announces a proposed offering of $1.5B in convertible senior notes, due 2029. Will use proceeds to repurchase shares and expand overseas business.
PTON - plans global refinancing to address debt. Secured nearly $1.4B in new credit facilities.
ASML and TSM said they have measures in place to remotely disable advanced EUV chip making machines if China was to invade Taiwan.
QCOM - shares were higher yesterday after Several big companies including Dell and MSFT announced AI laptops using Qualcomm’s snapdragon X elite chip. MSFT says these devices will outperform apple MacBook Air M3.
ARM - MSFT will announce Arm powered laptops
WEN - launches a $3 breakfast deal, including small seasoned potatoes, choice of bacon, eggs and cheese or sausage, eggs and cheese muffin. Rivals Mcdonalds $5value meal
DASH - expanded its partnership with ULTA beauty to offer on demand delivery in under an hour from 1350 stores across all 50 states.
VFS - US regulators are probing a vin fast VF 8 Crash, that killed 4 in California.
LLY - secures china approval for diabetes drug, Tirzepatide. Received approval in China for its diabetes drug.
BA - one killed on Singapore Airlines Boeing 777 due to severe turbulence.
DIS - Redburn upgrades to neutral from Sell. Price target 100.
Samsung - appoints new chief for its chip business, amid competition.
OThER NEWS:
BTC higher to 72K.
ETH popped 20% yesterday on renewed optimism for ETF, that SEC might green light spot ether ETFs ahead of first deadline later this week.
Yardeni research sees Dow Jones DJI at 60k and SPX at 8k by 2030
Mester’s comments yesterday:
3 rate cuts this year is no longer appropriate.
April CPI was good, but too soon to say what path inflation is on. She said she doesnt think about rate cuts in terms of when. We can raise rates but its not base case. That’s bearish, but also unrealistic. I think there’s less risk now that we are too restrictive, and inflation risks are to upside.
BEARISH COMMENTS FROM MESTER OVERALL
Jefferson’s Comments yesterday:
April inflation was encouraging. Labour market coming into better balance. Inflation decline isn’t as fast as we had liked. Policy is restrictive. - NEUTRAL comments, I’d say.
Following these comments, Bank of America said that whilst the bar for rate hikes is still v high, rate cuts are still far off. Said Services inflation still running way above target.
Bank of America believes markets got excited at the print, said markets pricing 50bps of cuts are likely to get disappointed.
Did push back on stagflation narrative.
SPACEX Q1 launch report shows that SpaceX is now launching 87% of all payload to orbit, a new record high.
New Yorkers on average earned $89K last year, meaning that without spending more than 30% of annual income on rent, they can afford $2,216 on housing. That’s only enough to afford 4.4% of rentals.
Marko Kolanovic held his bearish outlook on stocks, urging clients not to buy. So not all bears are capitulating.
Fidelity ethereal fund says that the trust’s Ether will not be staked.
IMF official expects next stage for BOE is to ease rates, says UK monetary policy is at inflection point. Actions by UK authorities are paying off.
Said BoE should cut rates by 50-75bps in 2024.
Upgraded UK growth forecast to 0.7% this year from 0.5% previously
Dubai Airport expects record passenger traffic this year, set to top 100M by 2027.
Hello, I have a HP Envy 16-h0005nb with a non-functional onboard microphone. Since the latest kernel version (6.9) my onboard speakers started working (the bottom speakers do, the top speakers still don't but it doesn't really bother me, I've been using the laptop for half a year without sound output so it's still an improvement.) and I was hoping my microphone would too, but it's still broken. A colleague of mine has the exact same model but is running Ubuntu. He has a working microphone so I'd guess it's a configuration issue. I'm running Pipewire, and my input source defaults to the output of my device. So everyone in call is able to hear what my computer is outputting instead of it taking my microphone. The only input visible in pavucontrol is "Monitor of Built-in Audio Analog Stereo". Thanks in advance for your feedback!
2024.05.21 05:38 Hlorpy-Flatworm-1705The Cash of "The Underground Saga"
Kaemyn Farleigh is writing her first book series but struggles with names. Given the descriptions of her book and characters, help Kaemyn figure out the most fitting names for her characters. -- Premise: In a world where humans and the faery tale creatures theyve often been told to fear live together, a half-vampire detective must rely on her connections to the occults around her to stop a serial killer before they reignite the race war between humans and occult creatures. -- Main character is a woman of colour whose mother is was a very powerful vampire heiress that forsaked her throne to marry her father. The oldest of three, the MC is naturally responsible and has a very strong intuition. She is in her late twenties and has a style and swagger similar to Wesley Snipes in the "Blade" series. If she ever got the chance to cast a movie of hee book, she would cast Georgina Campbell for her MC. -- Main character's partner is a male full-blooded vampire. Though he is technically a middle class vampire, he likes the finer things in life like AB- blood and Baroque-style architecture/design. He has dark hair, dark eyes, weara glasses, and dresses very properly. She thinks hell be German or French and that Michael Fassbender, who plays young Magneto in the X-Men movies would play him. -- The first victim, a blonde female college student in her early 20s with short hair and watery blue eyes. She was studying mathematics and statisics before she was killed. She was the only child of her mother and the youngest of her father. Described as naïve and book smart, she loved alternative rock music, action and horror movies, hiking with her best friend, and going to the pier where her body was found. -- The second victim, a Japanese immigrant who moonlighted at a bar mainly frequented by giants and ogres. She was in night school, and had a young daughter named Ayrena who was being raised by her parents the night of her murder. The girl has long hair dyed orange, large black eyes, and typically wore sparkly, theatrical make-up. She is described as being bold, nurturing, and blunt by those that knew her. -- Ogre who is like a father to the second victim. He is understanding and forthcoming with information with the MC a out the death and the whereabouts of him and all his employees. Kaemyn is modeling him after Michael Clarke Duncan and Bernie Mac. -- The third victim, a young freckled brunette who worked as a preschool teacher. She had an unpaid dept to the King of the Fae. Despite her debt, she was seen as a nice person who was a talented athlete [at rugby] good with kids, though mischievous and a bit of a kleptomaniac. She and her boyfriend, Branden, were set to get married in a few months. -- The King of the Fae, who is a tall, skinny, ghostly white creature with large cerulean wings and blood red eyes. He has long black fingernails and a Scandinavian accent, though most Scandinavian fae arent vitriolic like him so the MC suspects the accent is fake [and perhaps even his name; Kaemyn is undecided but is open to names for both scenarios] and hes really Siberian. He is elusive yet charming and confident that he can talk his way out of anything. -- Brother of the King of the Fae, who is a minor character that is having an affair with the third victim. Hes subservient to his brother, though hes not a bad person despite being born into the life of crime. He helps the MC gather intel on the Fae because he wants to know who hurt his slain lover -- In a twist, Kaemyn wants the culprit to be a gnome who initially was introduced as a low life who commits petty crimes and would sell people out for a penny if he could. She has no idea of anything else, except that the character has the same personality as DJ Qualls im most of his early movies.
2024.05.21 04:13 mastermine9Jack.org MacEwan Chapter Looking for new members for next year (Looking to fill executive positions)
Hi everyone! My name is Nicky, and I'm the current president for the MacEwan Jack.org Chapter. As a chapter, we focus on putting on events around campus to help promote the discussion of mental health and improve mental health literacy with students. We had a fantastic first year, and were able to run multiple events, including a workshop on being there for your friends/peers. Now that we have completed our first year as a chapter, we're hoping to continue to work we've done and run bigger events so more students can know about us! We have a couple of executive members leaving us (our vice president and treasurer) and we wish them the best on their future endeavours! However, this means we are hoping to fill those positions for the upcoming year! If you are interested in one of them, or even if you would just like to join as a general chapter, let me know, and I can send you more information. This is going to be a big year for the chapter, so stay tuned for what's coming up!
2024.05.21 04:04 Any_Frosting_4745[WTS] Vero Synapse Full Ti - GM Ace Riv Ti - Spyderco Spymyto - Nottingham Ultra 4 Folder - McNees PM Mac 2 3.5 Gen 2
Just picked up a Mini Arius and want to move a few knives to help defray costs. Happy to answer any questions you may have. Only looking to sell at this point. Not willing to drop prices too much right now, but open to reasonable offers. Timestamp $375SV~$400SV\~- Vero Synapse – M390 – Stonewashed - Full Ti – Zirconium Clip and Backspacer – Extra Micarta Scales – Skiffs Pictures and Video Picked this up directly from Vero about a month ago. This is a full dressed, stonewashed, Ti Synapse with zirconium clip and backspacer. This has only been carried once or twice and was used to open a few envelopes at the office. It has it’s original (very sharp) edge and the only cosmetic blemish I can find is a faint snail on the pivot screw. Excellent action, perfect centering and solid lockup in all directions. This currently has Skiff bearings installed and will ship with the original bearings as well as an extra set of natural micarta scales. Ships with COA, Vero taco and patch, and all other items as new. SOLD SOLD SOLD~$145SV\~– GiantMouse Ace Riv Ti – M390 -Skiffs Pictures and Video I am the original owner, and this knife has been carried sparingly and hasn’t been used for any hard cutting (just the odd Amazon box or envelope). This knife is currently riding on Skiffs and will ship with the original bearings too. I shipwrecked the brass backspacer but then later stripped it bare. There is some patina developing on the backspacer. It has an awesome action for such a small knife and great ergos. It has the original edge, solid lockup and centering. Ships with all original packaging. SOLD SOLD SOLD~$225SV\~– Spyderco Spymyto Pictures and Video Picked this up recently off the swap to check it out. I am the second owner. The previous owner reports no cut or carry, and the condition of the knife supports that. I’ve had it out of the taco to flip a few times and to take photos, but likewise have not cut with the knife or carried it. I am intrigued by the design and otherwise would keep the knife but need to move this along to cover other purchases. This knife has great action and a solid lock-up in all directions. Comes with Spyderco taco, Spyderco sticker and warranty guide. $275 SV~$300SV\~– Nottingham Tactical Ultra 4 Folder – CPM154 - Killer Beez milling – Tumbled finish Pictures and Video Picked this up from Knife Joy a couple of months back. This has been carried once or twice and disassembled for cleaning and to install Skiffs (this comes with original bearings as well). It’s only been used to slice some paper and open a few envelopes. Aside from some light marks on the pivot screws this appears to have no cosmetic blemishes. It does have a line going across the scale through the show side pivot area that was present on the knife when received (you can see this in the photos). The knife has its original edge, solid lockup in all directions and the blade is perfectly centered. There is no lock stick and the action on the knife is incredibly smooth. Great flipping action. Happy to answer any questions you may have on this, as I haven’t seen a ton of these on the swap. This ships with all original packaging and COA. SOLD SOLD SOLD$425SV ~$450SV\~– McNees Mac 2 3.5 – MagnaCut – Flat ground – Atomic Stonewashed Pictures and Video Picked this up not too long ago from REC to check out the Gen 2. This has been carried once, and only used to open a few envelopes. The knife has been disassembled for cleaning and has no cosmetic blemishes aside from a faint snail on the pivot screw that you can only see if you’re looking for it. It has the original edge, and as expected from McNees, the lockup is solid, and the blade is perfectly centered. The detent is perfectly tuned, and this had amazing action out of the box. Ships with COA and all original packaging. Sad to see this one go but need to free up some funds. YOLO>PM or chat, although I reserve the right to sell as I please. Only looking to sell at this time, no trades. Payments through PayPal FF w/no notes. These will ship via USPS Ground Advantage, and will go out either on the same day of purchase, or the next business day depending on when payment is received. All shipments will be insured for the SV of the knife.
2024.05.21 02:37 _Revelator_Clarkson's Column: Fatshamed by TikTok
Social media showoffs are shaming me off my backside By Jeremy Clarkson (The Sunday Times, May 29) An extensive study has found that fat people are twice as likely to stay at home and not do any work as thin people. This is costing the country eleven hundred and seventy billion a year and everyone is running around wondering what on earth can be done to stamp out this slobbishness. The Tories say the answer is to make sickness benefits harder to get, while Labour says it’s going to change the school curriculum so that kids spend less time in the classroom learning about important stuff such as pronouns and diversity, and more time in the playground doing star jumps. And it is going to ban adverts for fast food. That won’t work, though. When I wake up in the morning with a thick head and a mouth full of what feels like wallpaper paste, I know that a Big Mac will soak up all the sick and sort me out. And if McDonald’s is banned from advertising its products, it’s not as if I’ll suddenly forget. The main problem I have with this fat-makes-you-lazy theory is that I can think of lots of fat people with a good work ethic. Cyril Smith, for instance. He was very busy. So was Henry VIII. And so, if I’m honest, am I. Yes, I realise that I’m seen by many to be the sexiest man alive, but underneath the muddy tweed coats I am something of a porker. And I haven’t had a day off sick since the 1980s, when I was actually much thinner. I have more evidence to back this up. When I first went to Vietnam in the early 1990s, the vast majority of the population was as thin as it was industrious. People ate tiny portions of fatless food, so the men looked as if they’d stepped out of a Lowry painting and the women, in their ao dai dresses, were the personification of style and elegance. Then, in 1997, western food arrived — so if you go to Vietnam today, everyone is as big as they are in Barnsley. Has this slowed them down? Has it hell as like. They may be carrying a few extra pounds, but the Mekong still looks like the Port of London did in the 19th century, and the Vietnamese capacity for building factories makes the Chinese look slovenly. So I think that the people who conducted this study have got it the wrong way round. Fatness doesn’t make someone lazy. Lazy people become fat. You may start out looking like Willem Dafoe or one of those heroin chic catwalk models, but if you sit in front of the TV all day, watching Homes Under the Hammer and washing the endless frozen pizzas and crisps down with gallons of full-fat Coca-Cola, you will quickly become a human barrage balloon. And soon you will be too enormous to work because you can’t even get out of the front door. It’s not obesity that needs tackling, then. It’s the root cause: bone idleness. And that brings me on to another study, which suggests that if you sit around all day lazily looking at Instagram and TikTok and X, you will soon become Jabba the Hutt and you will die at the age of 19, from fatness. There are all kinds of hare-brained theories, from (usually American) professors who want to get their names in the paper, saying that people who use their phones for five hours a day are 43 per cent more likely to develop a fatberg in their colon, and that if you spend half an hour scrolling while on the loo, you will be too vast to stand up again. Unless you have a rectal prolapse, which is another likely outcome. This is all nonsense, because the truth of the matter is that social media is as motivating as Jordan Belfort. Honestly, I can think of nothing that is more likely to make a fatso get off its couch and go for a lumber round the local park. Nothing. As I have already explained, I wake sometimes on a Sunday morning in a puddle of self-inflicted misery and when I tune into TikTok to take my mind off the pain, I am assaulted with a never-ending stream of videos featuring people making the most of their weekends. They’re out for a bike ride, or they’re growing asparagus and radishes. There’s one girl in what I suspect is Milton Keynes who goes into her back garden every day and films herself skipping. I want to throttle her because I know I should be in the garden skipping too, or making a little house for the blue tits, or climbing Snowdon, or whatever the Labour Party has called it these days. These perfect strangers send me on a guilt trip. And surely they must do the same for the lazy people who are watching as well. It’s even worse on Instagram, because here it’s my friends — hiking in the hills of southern France, or having a family picnic with bread they’ve made themselves, or chopping logs. It’s like I’m living vicariously in one of those Ski yoghurt commercials where everyone somersaulted out of bed and got on a horse. And I’m lying there unable to decide who I want to shoot more: them or me. Even on the platform of bile and madness, X, things are no better, because here we find people energetically marching to demonstrate how feverishly they want to end oil and plastic and business, and spraying paintings and trying to smash Magna Carta. Not sure what the reasoning was for that one, but at least they were up and about, doing something with their lives. I’m aware, of course, that social media has its faults, but causing obesity isn’t one of them. You never see fat people on there eating crisps and smoking and getting sloshed. It’s people in store rooms and warehouses and offices having a laugh, and it therefore does a better job of making work look like fun than a boring man with adenoids and Playmobil hair saying he’s going to ban Ronald McDonald from our lives. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ And here's the Sun column: "Formula 4 champ Abbi Pulling proves you don’t need testosterone or neck like birthday cake to be top racing driver" An excerpt: "For the second year on the trot, a poll of 2,000 women has revealed that the sexiest man in the UK is . . . me. I’m sexier even than Idris Elba and Cillian Murphy and King Charles. And a lot sexier than Piers Morgan who limped home in a pathetic 40th place. I think he was even beaten by Joseph Merrick. Obviously, I’m amazed by the result but only because so many people say they’re surprised." Clarkson's columns are regularly collected as books. You can buy them from his boss or your local bookshop.
2024.05.21 01:52 ZeroCentsMadeSimplicity is the Cure – Castrovalva Review
This post is part of a series of reviews. To see them all, click here. Historical information found on Shannon O'Sullivan's Doctor Who website (relevant page here and the TARDIS Wiki (relevant page here). Primary/secondary source material can be found in the source sections of O'Sullivan's website, and rarely as inline citations on the TARDIS Wiki.
Serial Information
Episodes: Season 19, Episodes 1-4
Airdates: 4th - 12th January 1982
Doctor: 5th
Companions: Adric, Nyssa, Tegan
Other Notable Characters: The Tremas Master
Writer: Christopher H. Bidmead
Director: Fiona Cumming
Producer: John Nathan-Turner
Script Editor: Eric Seward
Review
Welcome aboard. I'm the Doctor. Or will be if this regeneration works out. - The Doctor This might not sound plausible at first blush, but Castrovalva might just be the strangest Doctor Who story ever. Not in terms of content, the actual plot of Castrovalva while a bit mind bending, isn't that strange. But the actual way it's laid out, the pacing, the way it's constructed, it looks so different from anything else this show has done. I mean, is Castrovalva even one story? Should I split the first half and the second half into different sections of this review? Into different reviews? Maybe it's best to start with how we got here. Tom Baker was always going to be a challenge to replace. I think it's difficult to properly conceive of, in modern terms, how long Tom Baker was the Doctor. I mean, he held the role for seven seasons. He was The Doctor (the definite article, you might say), in popular consciousness. If you were a twelve year old kid who first started watching the show when he took over, you would have been an adult when he left. So, how do you replace that? Well, what Producer John Nathan-Turner did next made a lot of sense. Tom Baker had been an unknown when he was cast. But now, having to replace him, JNT decided to take someone who was fairly well known. Nathan-Turner had worked as a production assistant on All Creatures Great and Small before becoming Doctor Who's producer. And one of its stars, Peter Davison, had achieved something of a following working on that show. The shorter, light-haired younger man was also a physical contrast to Tom Baker's imposingly large, dark-haired man. As a start for a new era, Davison was, it seemed, the ideal candidate. So, naturally, Castrovalva does a lot of work trying to simultaneously convince us that this is both a brand new Doctor, but also very much still the same Doctor. Which is probably the reason for the very strange story structure. Castrovalva is pretty cleanly divided into halves. The trouble in the TARDIS section covering the first two episodes, and the portion actually set in the castle of Castrovalva, covering episodes three and four. The first two episodes feel like they're trying to connect the Doctor back to previous incarnations. Peter Davison actually decided in rehearsal to perform several sections like he was previous iterations, and dialogue got rewritten to emphasize this (I'm especially pleased that he got in an impish giggle when he was channeling the 1st Doctor, as that's an oft overlooked element of William Hartnell's performance). There's also a pretty heavy emphasis placed on the relationship between the Doctor and the TARDIS in these two episodes. The TARDIS opens up a roundel to provide medicine, and offers the Doctor a wheelchair. We haven't really seen much evidence of the TARDIS having a mind of its own since, and this is going way back, The Edge of Destruction, but it still helps emphasize the idea of the Doctor still being the Doctor. After all, if the TARDIS is trying to take care of the Doctor, then clearly it's still the Doctor. Though, as the Doctor admits, things are a lot rougher this time than in the past. Before this the Doctor has always regenerated in a relatively stable situation as an adventure was ending. Here, he's essentially dropped in mid-struggle with the Master and he just needs some rest in a calm place. A lot of stuff is thrown at us. Apparently the cure for post-regeneration trauma is simplicity – the more complex the environment the worse the symptoms. The TARDIS has a room for just such purposes, called a "Zero Room". In a worst case scenario (say, after you accidentally jettisoned the Zero Room to create thrust to escape the explosion of the Big Bang) the doors and walls of the Zero Room can be used to create a smaller "Zero Cabinet" which looks like a TARDIS interior-themed casket. While that's going on, we get some of the most inane conversations you can imagine between Nyssa and Tegan. I like these bits in theory. Tegan and Nyssa are trying to work out a lot here after all. It's, for each of them, their first proper trip in the TARDIS, and what with the Doctor suffering the after-effects of regeneration and Adric off being weird (he's actually mental projection being controlled by the Master), the two of them have to figure out how to keep the Doctor healthy, stop the TARDIS from traveling directly into the creation of the universe (called the galaxy here because science fiction writers aren't scientists) and just generally hold things together. The problem is the actual dialogue is sheer nonsense. There's a lot talk about the power of the word "if". There's also a lot of talk about recursion which, while it's a theme of the overarching story had no place being introduced when it was. This is all doubly frustrating because, if you remove Nyssa and Tegan's more vapid conversations from the equation, they have a pretty good story together. The basic idea of the front half of the story is that the two are left to work things out without the Doctor and Adric. It's a really effective way to put emphasis on the two newest members of the TARDIS team, who essentially just joined the TARDIS last story. Tegan working out the TARDIS controls (even though she doesn't really, it turns out the Master-controlled Adric projection did that for her), and Nyssa providing scientific explanations and useful context – they genuinely make a good team. There's a bit where the Doctor sets up how his new companions can thrive on their own. Adric of course has a mathematical genius, and as of the events of Logopolis you might as well say he's got magic. Nyssa has "technical skill and understanding" and Tegan is the "coordinator". And it actually plays out over the course of the story. It's just a shame that some of these conversation are so mindless. That takes us into the second half of the story, where the Doctor gets to be a bit more active and we actually visit the planet/city/castle of Castrovalva. Throughout episode 3 Castrovalva is presented to us as a kind of ideal medieval-inspired society (lot of those lately). From the beginning though, something feels off. Something constantly feels artificial about Castrovalva, like it's setting is a little too idyllic and uncomplicated. And then there the seemingly sinister presence of Shardovan, the librarian who always seems to be skulking around. And then there's The Portreeve, a wise old man who always seems to know a little bit more than he should. And that's all for good reason. Castrovalva is fake. The Master made it up, disguised himself as the Portreeve as a trap for the Doctor, using Adric's ability with block transfer calculations – he'd captured Adric at the beginning of the story. As always, the Master's greatest weakness is that he likes things to be grand and complicated, and so over the course of the two episodes the facade is slowly dismantled. And in a genuinely clever moment, the fake people that the Master has created aren't entirely happy about being used by him. "You made us, man of evil. But we are free," says Shardovan before he destroys the web that is holding Castrovalva together in a genuinely effective and cathartic moment. And I do like how Shardovan, clearly set up to make us think he's the villain, and possibly even the Master, with his dark outfit, sinister stares, and heavy contrast to the more friendly attitudes of the rest of the Castrovalvans, turns out to be the person who's worked out that something is wrong with Castrovalva. It might not seem all that innovative, but at this point in Doctor Who's history it's genuinely hard to think of someone who was presented with so many of the superficial signifiers of being a villain but turned out not to be. It even makes sense internally. Castrovalva has intentionally been created to lull the Doctor into a false sense of security. So the one character who's not doing that turning out to be good is just a natural progression. These episodes are also where we get a better sense of the Doctor. I'll admit that on past viewings, I never really cared much for Peter Davison's take on the Doctor, but on my current run through his era (as I've mentioned before, I'm always watching ahead while I'm watching for review) I've found him more compelling than I have in the past. Here he approaches Castrovalva with a kind of mad panic. Something is wrong here, but he can't quite place it. He's trying to solve the puzzle of what's wrong and it doesn't help that he's still recovering from his regeneration, something that doesn't really resolve itself until the end of the story. It's a solid contrast from Tom Baker's austere and eccentric Doctor, to Davison who brings a more manic energy. Today we're used to the Doctor being wild and high energy, but this is really the first time we get that kind of NuWhoish energy. I'm still not gelling with Ainley's Master though. I enjoy him as the Portreeve here, playing the kind of wise old man who normally would be one of the Doctor's allies. Except the Portreeve always seems to know a little too much. Watching it back, there's definitely plenty to hint at the Portreeve's true nature. As the Master though…I don't know, it still just doesn't work for me. I like the Master's plan in this story, it's overcomplicated, but that's kind of the Master's MO. But Ainley just always seems to go a bit overboard in his portrayal. I haven't really talked much about Adric this story, but that's because he doesn't really do much in this one. One of the challenges the show is going to have with three companions is finding something for each of them to do. In this story Adric is mostly sidelined. We get the, by now, well worn trope of Adric pretending to side with the villain of the story but it barely even lasts long enough to note. Mostly, Adric is used as a tool by the Master, very little more. Castrovalva is, on the whole, a solid enough start to the 5th Doctor era, but I do have some pretty major reservations. The first half in particular is just full of these completely empty-minded conversations between Nyssa and Tegan that should have been good, but are just so poorly written. Things get better in the back half, but there's still some iffy bits. Still, I do like Castrovalva in spite of its flaws. Score: 6/10
Stray Observations
This was Eric Seward's first story as Script Editor. Previous Script Editor Christopher H. Bidmead wrote this story, effectively resolving the plot of prior story, also written by Bidmead, Logopolis.
Starting with this story, Doctor Who began airing twice weekly, on Mondays and Tuesdays, as opposed to the once a week schedule it had been on since its debut.
Peter Davison is credited as "The Doctor" for this story, rather than "Doctor Who" as was the case previously. The general belief seems to be that Peter Davison requested the change, and this certainly tracks with him being a big Doctor Who fan, but I wasn't able to find anything confirming this.
The Portreeve is credited separately from the Master, even though Anthony Ainley plays both. He is credited as "Neil Toynay", an anagram of "Ton Ainley".
Director Fiona Cumming had actually been involved with Doctor Who for a long time, her first job on the show being as an Assistant Floor Manager on The Massacre (1966). She was a production assistant on several shows, including Doctor Who during the 70s, and started directing in 1974 with an episode of Z-Cars. However the BBC didn't let her direct full-time and she became a freelance director in 1979.
This story was actually filmed fourth in the season. While Davison has claimed this was done to give him more time to get familiar with the role, in reality it was simply a case of the first story idea to open the season, Project Zeta-Sigma proving unusable. This did have the unintended consequence that the series regulars were a bit to friendly with each other before Director Fiona Cuming had to remind them that, in story, they had all just met very recently.
The plot was inspired by two MC Escher posters in the office of BBC Head of Drama Graeme MacDonald, which stuck with Bidmead. Producer John Nathan-Turner apparently hated the things, saying "art should be there to soothe, not distract" which is…certainly a take. The posters were of MC Escher painting "Ascending and Descending". Bidmead connected this to the mathematical and computer science concept of recursion (as noted when I covered Logopolis, Bidmead had an interest in computers).
Apparently Peter Davison liked Castrovalva, but never quite understood what it was about.
Episode 1 starts with a precredits sequence recapitulating the cliffhanger from Logopolis. It's the first time an episode has placed a scene before the credits. Notably the music is changed ever so slightly to be more optimistic, as Logopolis was the end of an era, but Castrovalva is the beginning of another one.
The title sequence has been updated. It's the same one as the one used for Season 18, but the awkward picture of Tom Baker's face has been replaced with a perfectly reasonable picture of Peter Davison's. I'm still not fond of the starfield openings, but this is at least an improvement, however minor.
In the first scene of the story proper, The Doctor and companions are running away from the Pharos Project guards. Tegan and Adric are supporting the Doctor's weight, and when Adric lets go, the Doctor collapses directly onto Tegan and it's actually fairly funny.
So a second after claiming the only thing she knows about the TARDIS controls is the door mechanism, Nyssa activates the scanner via the TARDIS controls.
In episode 1 we see the Doctor unravelling the 4th Doctor's iconic scarf to track his way through the TARDIS. I have seen people get so mad about this, but I actually think it's brilliant. It's a new era after all, and what a better visual metaphor for that is there than the Doctor unravelling his prior incarnations' most iconic item of clothing.
When Nyssa mentions that the Zero Room that the Doctor asked to go to is probably a "neutral environment, cut off from the rest of the universe", Tegan suggests Brisbane.
And of course the Doctor gets a new outfit. It's…fine. While the Season 18 version of the 4th Doctor outfit was too much of one color it was still built on the bones of a good look for the Doctor. But now we're very much in the JNT "uniform" style clothing. I'll admit, being an American, I wouldn't necessarily recognize a crickiter's outfit, much less an Edwardian one, if not for Doctor Who, but knowing that that's what it was based on really makes the whole outfit feel a bit gimmicky. As for the celery lapel…I don't get it. It's such a random and weird element, and I'm not sure what it's doing there (out of universe at least). I do like that the Doctor still has a hat. I like it when the Doctor has a hat. Not enough Doctors wore hats (Both Two and Eleven liked to pick up hats from time to time but they never held onto the things. The Doctors who held onto their hats were the Fourth Doctor's fedora, the 5th Doctor's Panama hat, and the 7th Doctor's straw hat.).
The cricket outfit wasn't the first idea proposed for the Doctor's outfit. Initially he would have worn a polo outfit. Davison liked the sporting motif, but preferred cricket gear instead.
Peter Davison was not a fan of the question mark lapels.
The Doctor calling a wheelchair in episode 2 "transport of delight" is both a great line delivery by Davison, and a really early look into how the 5th Doctor sees things.
Nyssa's outfit changes slightly throughout episode two. Her skirt is replaced with trousers, and she loses the velvet jacket and her ornamental comb on Castrovalva. The original costume was considered impractical, so the simplified version was designed.
In episode 3 the Doctor eats a stick of celery. Notably for the man that would spend the rest of his time on the show wearing celery, Peter Davison actually hated the stuff, and immediately spit the celery out the moment they stopped filming.
Next Time: It's been three whole serials since we've had a story without the Master. So let's get some killer androids in here instead. Much better.
2024.05.21 00:29 PleasantCandidate785Windows 2022 VM Crashing
I have a Windows Server 2022 VM Running under Alma Linux 9.3 that is crashing roughly every 7 to 8 days with the message: failed to set up stack guard page: Cannot allocate memory 2024-05-10 21:59:33.034+0000: shutting down, reason=crashed I think this is linked to my using "virtio" as the drive type for my drive images. At this point, the server is in production and I can't change to virtio-scsi. I initially set up the virtio drives due to the performance gain when mounting the qcow2 images from an all NVME ZFS file system. And the system absolutely FLIES. 15,000+MBps sequential read performance under CrystalDiskMark. I have to stop this crashing though. here is my xml file: WARNING: THIS IS AN AUTO-GENERATED FILE. CHANGES TO IT ARE LIKELY TO BE OVERWRITTEN AND LOST. Changes to this xml configuration should be made using: virsh edit NewSoftPro or other application using the libvirt API. REDACTEDREDACTED19660800019660800050hvm/usshare/edk2/ovmf/OVMF_CODE.secboot.fd/valib/libvirt/qemu/nvram/NewSoftPro_VARS.fddestroyrestartrestart/uslibexec/qemu-kvm Initial file was generated with virt-manager, and I made some minor edits regarding the memballoon in an attempt to stop the crashing. I believe this may be similar to the problem described here: https://www.reddit.com/VFIO/comments/v4ia19/windows_despises_virtio/ Any ideas?
