The Propeller – How Lava Lamps Became the New Security Guards – 1-5-2025

In recent news, the popular Honey browser extension has come under fire for what is being called the “biggest influencer scam of all time”

Honey, which promises to find and apply the best coupon codes for online shoppers, has been accused of hiding the best discount codes when retailers pay them more to do so. (In the same way Yelp was caught removing negative reviews of companies several years ago)

This means that instead of saving you money, Honey might actually be costing you more by not showing you the best available deals – even though they claim to be.

Why You Should Uninstall the Honey browser extension Immediately:

Deceptive Practices: Investigations have revealed that Honey often hides the best coupon codes if retailers pay them to do so.  This practice directly contradicts Honey’s promise to find the best deals for its users, making it untrustworthy.

Influencer Exploitation: Honey has also been accused of exploiting influencers by deleting their affiliate link cookies and taking their commission. This not only harms the influencers who promote the extension but also misleads consumers who trust these endorsements.

Data Privacy Concerns: With Honey’s questionable practices, there are also concerns about how your data might be used. If the extension is willing to hide deals for profit, it raises questions about what other data might be compromised.

Given these serious allegations, it’s clear that Honey is not the money-saving tool it claims to be. For your financial safety and to ensure you’re truly getting the best deals, it’s best to uninstall the Honey plugin immediately.

Have you used Honey before, or do you use any other coupon extensions?

Located in a San Francisco office is a wall of lava lamps protecting 10% of global web traffic. The ever-changing motion of the lava bubbles generates randomness, which is converted into computer code for encryption.

The company using this innovative method is Cloudflare, a prominent internet security company. 

Cloudflare has installed what is known as the “Wall of Entropy,” which consists of around 100 lava lamps.

Here’s how it works: 

Randomness Generation: Lava lamps are inherently unpredictable due to the random movement of the wax inside them. This unpredictability is harnessed by Cloudflare to generate truly random numbers, which are critical for creating secure encryption keys. 

Camera and Data Conversion: A camera records the changing patterns of the lava lamps continuously. The images captured are then converted into a stream of random data. Each pixel in these images represents a numerical value, and since the patterns are chaotic and unpredictable, they serve as a source of entropy for cryptographic processes.

Encryption Key Creation: This random data is used to seed cryptographic pseudo-random number generators (CSPRNGs). The randomness from the lava lamps helps ensure that the encryption keys generated are highly secure, as they do not follow predictable patterns that could be exploited by attackers.

Public Engagement: Interestingly, Cloudflare’s lava lamp wall is not hidden away; it’s located in their office lobby where visitors can see it. The movement of people in front of the lamps adds further randomness to the system, as their shadows and movements affect the visuals captured by the camera.

Supplementary Methods: Cloudflare also employs other methods for generating randomness in its different office locations. For instance, in London, they use a chaotic pendulum, while in Singapore, they measure the radioactive decay of uranium, each contributing to their overall strategy for securing internet traffic.

This approach highlights an innovative blend of old technology (lava lamps) with modern cybersecurity needs. Cloudflare protects approximately 10% of global web traffic, including major sites like Microsoft, Uber, Amazon, Fitbit, and LeonardMack.com, making this method not just a novelty but a significant part of their security infrastructure.

Need a copy of your IRS transcript but not sure where to start? Whether it’s for tax preparation, applying for a loan, verifying income for a financial aid application, or simply keeping your financial records in order, getting your tax transcript is easier than you think.

A tax transcript is a summary of your tax return information, provided by the IRS. It includes key details like income reported, tax payments made, and any adjustments or amendments. Depending on the type of transcript you request, it can show a detailed history of your tax account or just a snapshot of your most recent filing.

Why might you need one? Lenders, colleges, and even government agencies often require a transcript to verify your financial information. It’s also handy if you’ve misplaced your original tax return or want to cross-check your records.

Below I’ll guide you through the different types of transcripts, how to request them, and the quickest way to get what you need – so you can navigate the IRS process without the usual stress. Let’s simplify the paperwork and get you on track!

Tax Return Transcript
What it includes: Most line items from your original tax return (Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ), including any accompanying forms and schedules. It does not show changes made after filing.
Availability: Typically, available for the current tax year and the previous three years.
Uses:
 • Applying for a mortgage or loan (often requested by lenders to verify income).
 • Verifying reported income for FAFSA (financial aid) applications.

Tax Account Transcript
What it includes: Basic information about your account, such as filing status, taxable income, and adjustments made after you filed (e.g., penalties, payments, or amended returns).
Availability: Current year and up to 10 prior years if requested online or by mail.
Uses:
 • Reviewing tax payments or penalties.
 • Verifying changes to your tax account after filing.

Record of Account Transcript
What it includes: A combination of the Tax Return Transcript and Tax Account Transcript, showing both original return data and post-filing changes.
Availability: Current tax year and the last three years.
Uses:
 • Comprehensive review of tax filings and adjustments.
 • Resolving complex tax disputes or audits.

Wage and Income Transcript
What it includes: Data from third-party sources, such as W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, and other income-related forms filed with the IRS.
Availability: Current tax year (after the end of the year) and up to 10 prior years.
Uses:
 • Preparing prior-year tax returns when you’ve lost or didn’t receive your income statements.
 • Verifying income reported by employers or other payers.

Verification of Non-Filing Letter
What it includes: Confirmation that the IRS has no record of a tax return filed for a particular year.
Availability: After June 15 for the prior tax year.
Uses:
 • Required documentation for certain financial aid or loan applications (e.g., FAFSA) if you didn’t file a return.
 • Supporting non-filing status in other legal or financial situations.

To request your transcripts, there is no charge.  You will need to create an online account.  You can create one or access your account here:  https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-account-for-individuals

So, there you have it – tax transcripts demystified! Sure, they’re primarily a serious financial tool, but let’s not overlook their untapped potential. Impress your friends by casually dropping, “Did you know I reported exactly $12.37 in interest income in 2019?” Or frame one for your office wall as proof that you conquered the IRS bureaucracy. Who needs art when you’ve got line-by-line tax records?

Jokes aside, reviewing your old transcripts can be a game-changer. They’re invaluable for catching errors, tracking deductions you might have missed, and preparing accurate returns for the new tax year. Plus, staying organized with your tax history can save you from surprises if the IRS ever comes knocking. So, whether you’re channeling your inner accountant or just want a good laugh at past financial adventures, tax transcripts are your unsung hero. Happy filing!

Kick off 2025 with clarity and purpose by leveraging the power of Microsoft Copilot to achieve your goals and resolutions. Whether you’re striving for personal growth, career advancement, or financial success, the right tools can make all the difference.

Below, are seven transformative prompts designed to help you set actionable goals, stay on track, and make 2025 your most unforgettable year yet.  Remember to add any other details about your personal situation to the prompt to make it stronger.

You can access Microsoft Copilot for free here:  https://copilot.microsoft.com/

Goal Clarity Coach
Help me break down my 2025 goal: [specific goal]. Provide actionable steps and a realistic timeline to achieve it.

Habit Builder Blueprint
Design a 30-day plan to build [new habit]. Include daily actions and motivation strategies to stay consistent.

Financial Vision Map
Outline a financial plan for saving [$ amount] this year. Include budgeting tips and monthly milestones.

Health & Wellness Tracker
Create a fitness and nutrition plan tailored to my [fitness goal]. Include a weekly progress tracker.

Skill Growth Mentor
I want to master [skill] in 6 months. Provide a step-by-step learning plan with resources to speed up the process.

Time Management System
Help me create a weekly schedule that balances [work, family, personal time] while staying productive.

Mindset Transformation Guide
Suggest daily affirmations and practices to build confidence and a positive outlook for the year.

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
— Benjamin Franklin, Polymath 

Knowledge is power — compounding power.

The more you have, the more it benefits you and the easier it is to obtain more.