Author: Joey Lombardi

Husband, Father, Dog Person. Based in Southern New Jersey (near Philadelphia) I lead a few technology procurement teams and vlog about it (also really enjoys camera gear). I also make videos about my dog, weird snacks, and a few local restaurants (especially local Thai places).
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Big Win for my Friends: Zulip Enabled Mobile Push Notifications

I’m celebrating a small-but-mighty milestone for my open source technology projects: Zulip has classified it as a Community project — which means we can use the official mobile push notifications service and actually get alerts on iOS/Android like a “real” team chat.

Why this matters (more than it should)

Our community chat isn’t just “a place to talk” — it’s where ideas get captured, plans get made, and inside jokes become lore. The problem with many self-hosted setups is that mobile notifications can be tricky: Apple and Google’s push notification systems aren’t designed for every independent server in the world to send pushes directly to the same app. Zulip solves this with its Mobile Push Notification Service (sometimes called the push notification “bouncer”), which securely forwards notifications to the Zulip mobile apps.

In plain terms: friends and family can actually stay in the loop without needing to keep the app open, and without missing messages that matter.

What we’re using: Zulip (and why I love it)

Zulip is built for organized communication — not just an endless scroll. Topics + threads make it ridiculously easy to follow multiple conversations without losing context. It’s the rare chat tool that works equally well for real-time chatter and async, “catch up later” communication.

Also: Zulip is 100% open-source, actively developed, and it’s very clear the team cares about building something sustainable and community-aligned. I haven’t been a fan of all of the drama with discord and as a parent, I am being more intentional about where my child is spending their time digitally.

A quick shoutout to Zulip for supporting community projects

Getting recognized as a Community project is a big deal for small groups. It’s Zulip putting its money where its mouth is supporting worthy communities and helping self-hosters get a first-class experience.

If you’re building an open-source community, a volunteer group, a research collaboration, or even just a well-run community space that needs structure: it’s worth checking out what Zulip offers and what you might qualify for.

Acknowledgement (per Zulip’s guidelines)

Zulip asks sponsored organizations (and anyone expressing appreciation) to help others discover Zulip by linking to their website. I’m happy to do that — because Zulip is a great tool and the staff have been so nice!



Zulip logo

Zulip

Zulip is an organized team chat app designed for efficient communication.

If you’re curious: how mobile push works for self-hosted Zulip (high level)

For self-hosted servers, enabling push notifications generally involves registering your server with Zulip’s Mobile Push Notification Service and ensuring your organization is on the right plan (paid or eligible free Community).

Once it’s enabled, users may need to log out and back into the mobile app to start receiving pushes.

Closing thoughts

I’m genuinely excited about this. Push notifications seem like a small feature, but they’re the difference between “a cool chat server” and “a living community space that people actually stay connected to.”

Big thanks to the Zulip team and community — and if you’re building something that needs structured communication, give Zulip a look.

https://zulip.com

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Replica AEW International Championship Belt Review

Introduction

Here is a review of the AEW International Championship Belt that I purchased from Great Custom Belts.

Rather than jumping straight into belt nerdery, I spend time on the belt’s origins. The International Championship has one of those “beautiful design / confusing booking” situations that breaks my heart.

Why the AEW International Championship Was Created

The AEW International Championship was a title that represented a broader world of wrestling. A belt that feels bigger than a single promotion. The concept was rooted in the idea of an international, traveling championship—one that could move between wrestlers and even promotions.

It wasn’t just another belt to fill TV time. It was designed to symbolize the excitement of wrestling that crosses borders.

The bigger question I explore:

Has the AEW International Championship actually become a true “traveling belt”??

There have been moments where the title feels like it’s living that mission with high-profile matches and a “workhorse championship” vibe. But there are also stretches where the belt’s identity can feel less clear than it should for something with such strong symbolism built into the design.

My Thoughts on the Belt Design

This belt is simply gorgeous. The international theme is obvious the moment you see it.

  • Global symbolism: the flags and international styling give it a unique identity
  • Visual balance: it looks detailed without feeling cluttered
  • Presence: it has that “main event trophy” energy even as a secondary title

Why I Purchased This Belt (It’s Not Just a Collectible)

I usually buy belts as trophies for personal achievements. Many of the belts in my collection are tied to milestones—especially health and weight goals.

This belt represents something different: travel. For me, this AEW International Championship belt is a celebration of all the places I’ve been—and all the travel I hope to do in the near future.

That personal meaning is what makes this purchase feel special. It’s not just “another belt.” It’s a trophy for experiences—past and future.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the AEW International Championship is a beautiful title design with a sometimes complicated TV history. But the concept behind it—global, traveling, open-world wrestling energy—is something I genuinely love.

This replica captures the look and feel of that concept, and Great Custom Belts did solid work bringing it to life.

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Easy Low-Carb Keto Flax and Chia Seed Bread

Why I Love This Keto Seed Bread

If you’re looking for a simple, reliable low-carb, keto-friendly bread that doesn’t involve complicated flour substitutions, this chia and flax seed bread is a great place to start.

The recipe is easy to follow, it came out genuinely delicious, and it’s an awesome way to get more fiber and omega-3 fats into your diet. The texture is hearty and filling—more “dense seed bread” than “white sandwich loaf”—which is exactly what I want when I’m trying to stay low-carb.

Bonus: if you omit the sunflower seeds, this bread becomes extremely low carb—roughly ~4 net carbs for the entire loaf (depending on the ingredients you use and how you slice it).

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp chia seeds + 4 tbsp water
  • 150 g flax seeds
  • 50 g sunflower seeds (toasted)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • A pinch of salt
  • 200 ml water
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • Everything Bagel Seasoning (for topping)

Optional low-carb tweak: Skip the sunflower seeds to reduce carbs even further.

Directions

  1. Make the chia gel: Mix 2 tbsp chia seeds with 4 tbsp water and let it sit until it thickens.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: Combine flax seeds, toasted sunflower seeds, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Add liquids: Stir in 200 ml water
  4. Combine: Add the chia gel and mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
  5. Flavorize: Form loaf into a ball shape, rub 1 tsp apple cider vinegar all over. Top with bagel seasoning
  6. Shape and top: Transfer to your baking pan or shape into a loaf, then sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
  7. Bake: Bake until set and firm throughout (oven times vary by pan size and thickness).
  8. Cool before slicing: Let it cool completely so it firms up and slices cleanly.

Tips for Best Results

  • Toast the sunflower seeds for better flavor and crunch.
  • Let it cool fully before slicing—this makes a huge difference in texture.
  • Slice thin and toast it if you want a more “bread-like” bite.
  • Store it properly: Keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness, or freeze sliced pieces for quick use.

Why This Bread is Great for Keto

  • Very low net carbs (especially if you omit sunflower seeds)
  • High fiber which helps with fullness and digestion
  • Healthy fats from flax and chia, including omega-3s
  • No flour, no sugar, and a simple ingredient list

A Great “Base Recipe” You Can Build On

One of the best things about this chia + flax bread is that it’s a solid foundation for experimentation. You can easily build on it with different keto-friendly add-ins like:

  • Garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning
  • Rosemary and sea salt
  • Parmesan or shredded cheddar (if your diet allows)
  • Chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for heat

If you try a variation, I’d love to hear what you added and how it turned out.

Final Thoughts

This is one of the easiest low-carb “bread” recipes I’ve made, and it’s a great option if you want something filling without blowing your carbs for the day. It’s hearty, nutrient-dense, and surprisingly tasty—especially toasted.

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WWE “Big Eagle” Championship Belt Review

What is the “Big Eagle” Belt?

I’m reviewing a replica WWE/WWF “Big Eagle” Championship belt—one of the most iconic title designs from the late 1990s and a defining symbol of the Attitude Era.

Even if you’re not a hardcore belt collector, there’s a good chance you’ve seen this design a thousand times. It’s the championship belt that feels instantly connected to a specific moment in WWE history—big stars, big crowds, and an era that still gets referenced constantly.

A Quick History: From the Winged Eagle to the Big Eagle

The “Big Eagle” championship belt was introduced after Stone Cold Steve Austin defeated Shawn Michaels (HBK) at WrestleMania. The previous championship design—the classic Winged Eagle—was retired the following night, and Austin was presented with the updated belt featuring the blue strap.

First Impressions: Bigger and Heavier Than I Expected

One thing that surprised me immediately is how different this belt feels in person compared to photos. This replica is bigger and heavier than I expected, and the scale of the plates really stands out when it’s in your hands.

In the video, I do a close-up look at the belt and talk through the details that pop in real life—especially the way the main plate presents itself. Whether you’re a collector or just a fan who appreciates classic designs, it’s the kind of belt that looks “important” the moment you see it.

What I Like About This Replica

Overall, I’m impressed with how this replica captures the feel of the era. A few highlights:

  • Presence: the belt has a big, bold look that photographs don’t fully capture
  • Weight: it feels substantial and “premium” in hand
  • Details: there are interesting elements on the plates that become more noticeable up close

Design Questions (And a Lion Mystery)

One of the fun parts of this video is comparing the “Big Eagle” design to modern WWE belts and asking some collector-type questions about design decisions.

For example: why is there a lion on so many WWE championship belts?

Once you start noticing it, it feels like lions show up everywhere across different title generations. Is it symbolism? A design tradition? Just something WWE’s designers love? I dig into this a bit and compare the older belt aesthetic to today’s more logo-forward designs.

Why I Bought It (Timing Was Too Perfect)

A major reason I finally pulled the trigger was the timing. WWE Shop ran a massive holiday sale right around the same time my son started talking about how cool the “Big Eagle” belt is—literally just a few days before.

It was weirdly perfect timing. Between the sale, the nostalgia, and my son’s excitement, it felt like I had to go for it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of the Attitude Era, a belt collector, or someone who appreciates classic WWE/WWF championship designs, the “Big Eagle” belt is still one of the best-looking titles they’ve ever produced. This replica has real presence, feels substantial, and makes for a great display piece—especially if you grew up watching that era.

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High Protein Keto Chocolate Chip Cookie!

Why I Made This Giant Keto Cookie

This post pairs with my latest cooking video where I attempt to make a flour-less, egg-less, giant chocolate chip cookie that’s been making the rounds in the keto community. I’ve made this recipe a few times already and I honestly think it’s really good — soft, satisfying, and surprisingly “cookie-like” for something with no flour and no eggs.

But the real reason I filmed my own version? I wanted to challenge myself to make a cooking video that doesn’t look terrible. I’ve done a few in the past and… yeah… they weren’t great. This time I took the filming side seriously and I’m actually pleased with how it turned out.

Credit: Where This Recipe Came From

This recipe went viral thanks to The Keto Twins, and I originally found it through Highfalutin’ Low Carb. Full credit to both channels for inspiring this one:

The Keto Twins:
https://www.youtube.com/@ketotwins

Highfalutin’ Low Carb:
https://www.youtube.com/@HighfalutinLowCarb

The Filming Setup (Because This Was Also a Video Experiment)

I used this recipe as an excuse to level up my cooking video production. Here’s what I filmed with:

  • DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (the movement tracking was honestly awesome)
  • DJI Wireless Mic 2 (audio sounded great)
  • DJI Osmo Action 4 as a tabletop camera to capture hand movements

If you’ve ever tried filming cooking content, you know how hard it is to make it look clean and understandable. Compared to my older attempts, this is a huge improvement — and I’d love feedback on what worked and what I can do better next time.

Flourless & Eggless Giant Keto Chocolate Chip Cookie

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp sweetener (Brown Swerve or golden allulose/monk fruit blend)
  • 4 tbsp unflavored whey protein
  • 2 tbsp natural unsweetened peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup whole-fat cottage cheese (blend it smooth)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free chocolate chips (Lily’s, ChocZero, or Whole Foods sugar-free)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Microwave the peanut butter for 20 seconds to soften it.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients together (sweetener, whey protein, baking powder, salt).
  4. Blend the cottage cheese until smooth.
  5. Mix the peanut butter and cottage cheese together, then slowly mix in the dry ingredients and chocolate chips.
  6. Place dough on a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat and form one giant cookie.
  7. Bake for 9–11 minutes. Keep an eye on it — you want it slightly undercooked, not overbaked.

Tips for the Best Texture

  • Don’t overbake it. This is the #1 rule. Pull it early and let it set as it cools.
  • Blend the cottage cheese well. You want it smooth for the best texture.
  • Let it cool. It firms up and becomes more “cookie-like” after a few minutes out of the oven.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this keto cookie recipe multiple times now, and it continues to be a win — especially if you want something sweet without flour or eggs. But for me, this one is also a small personal victory on the content side: the filming, audio, and angles came out way better than my earlier cooking videos.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out — and if you watched the video, tell me what you think about the filming setup.

Question for you: Do you prefer a cookie with crispy edges or a soft center?

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Replica WWF European Championship Belt Review

I’m taking a close look at a custom replica WWF European Championship Belt that I recently added to my collection. This belt was made by Great Custom Belts in Pakistan — the same belt maker who previously created my TNA Digital Media Championship replica.

The European Championship has always been one of those titles that quietly stood out. It may not have been the main event belt, but its design, history, and connection to the late-1990s / early-2000s WWF era make it a favorite among collectors.

For this version, I specifically requested the green leather strap, which was used during the later years of the belt before it was retired in the early 2000s.

A Brief History of the WWF European Championship

The WWF European Championship debuted in 1997 and quickly became a fixture of the Attitude Era midcard. While it didn’t always receive the same spotlight as the Intercontinental or World titles, it featured a unique design and was held by a wide range of talented performers.

The belt went through a few visual variations during its run, including strap color changes — which is what inspired my decision to go with the green strap for this replica.

Why I Ordered This Belt

I wanted a European Championship replica that reflected the later-era look of the title, especially the green strap version that’s rarely seen in modern reproductions. Since this belt isn’t readily available through official shops, going the custom route made the most sense.

Based on my previous experience with Great Custom Belts, I felt comfortable placing another order — and overall, I’m glad I did.

Close-Up Review: What I Like

After spending time with the belt and filming detailed close-ups, here are the aspects I really enjoy:

  • The color work on the plates — vibrant and visually accurate
  • The green leather strap, which gives the belt a unique look
  • The overall design of the European Championship plates
  • Solid craftsmanship for a custom replica

The green strap in particular really helps this belt stand out in a collection, especially next to more traditional black-strapped titles.

Things That Could Be Better

No replica is perfect, and I try to be honest in every review. A few things I would change if I could:

  • The belt is a bit too long for my personal preference
  • I would have liked deeper plate detail and etching
  • I think the “World Wrestling Federation” text would pop more if it were painted white

These are mostly personal preference items, but they’re worth mentioning for collectors who are considering a similar custom order.

Another Positive Experience with Great Custom Belts

This was my second custom belt from Great Custom Belts, and once again, the experience was solid. Communication was clear, the belt arrived as requested, and the final product matched what we discussed.

If you’re looking for a replica or custom championship belt that isn’t available through official WWE shops, I would absolutely recommend checking them out.

Additional Belt Resources & Creators

If you’re interested in championship belt history and high-quality belt content, I also recommend the following creators, who do a great job showcasing and preserving classic designs:

Stephen Hammer:
https://www.youtube.com/@STEPHENHAMMER

Serg More:
https://www.youtube.com/@Serg_More

Final Thoughts

Overall, I’m very happy with this replica WWF European Championship Belt. It captures the spirit of the original, the green strap gives it a distinctive look, and it fills a gap in my collection that official replicas don’t currently cover.

If you’re a wrestling belt collector, fan of classic WWF championships, or someone exploring custom replica options, I hope this review helps you decide whether a belt like this is right for you.

Let me know your thoughts: Would you go with the green strap, or do you prefer the traditional black version?