- Reverse-engineering microprocessors is discussed as computationally infeasible for 128-bit chips because the state space grows as (((bits of memory)²)^128); physical decapping and visual inspection is suggested as the only practical route.  
- A new photovoltaic concentrator concept is highlighted: a plate that spectrally filters incoming light and channels selected wavelengths via waveguides to edge-mounted PV cells optimized for each band, improving overall efficiency.  
- Participants note that photonic and plasmonic techniques for micro- and nano-scale light manipulation have been largely ignored by mainstream solar-cell research, representing a missed opportunity.  
- The Himawari fiber-optic daylighting system (roof-mounted sun-tracking lenses that pipe sunlight deep into buildings) is proposed as an application for the same lateral-concentrator technology, with debate over glass vs. flexible plastic trade-offs.  
- SKDB (Structured Knowledge Database) integration is proposed for the open-source Mars-sim project: ship YAML metadata plus a Python interpreter so users can load SKDB parts directly into colony simulations.  
- IEEE Spectrum article “Inside the Russian Business Network” (http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/print/6268) is shared as a case study in large-scale reverse engineering and cyber-infrastructure analysis.  
- Craigslist spam automation is lamented; the group jokes about forming a “rogue ninja cabal” to counter increasingly human-like spam postings.  
- Channel members joke about composing an “h-plus theme song,” with wrldpc posting an electronic track and kanzure offering a Metallica-style Vader’s-theme remix as a candidate anthem.