Trying out the Indigo renderer with Google Sketchup. This is part of a high voltage cable splice. The main conductor in the center needs some work, but the neutral wires around the outside look pretty good I think.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
JCN Splice Illustration
Trying out the Indigo renderer with Google Sketchup. This is part of a high voltage cable splice. The main conductor in the center needs some work, but the neutral wires around the outside look pretty good I think.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Happy Texas Independence Day!
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A TEXAN
byBum Phillips Bob Wheeler
Dear Friends,
Last year, I wrote a small piece about what it means to me to be a Texan. My friends know it means about damned near everything. Anyway, this fella asked me to reprint what I’d wrote and I didn’t have it. So I set out to think about rewriting something. I considered writing about all the great things I love about Texas. There are way too many things to list. I can’t even begin to do it justice.
Lemme let you in on my short list.
It starts with The Window at Big Bend, which in and of itself is proof of God. It goes to Lake Sam Rayburn where my Grandad taught me more about life than fishin, and enough about fishin to last a lifetime. I can talk about Tyler, and Longview, and Odessa and Cisco, and Abilene and Poteet and every place in between.
Every little part of Texas feels special. Every person who ever flew the Lone Star thinks of Bandera or Victoria or Manor or wherever they call “home” as the best little part of the best state.
So I got to thinkin about it, and here’s what I really want to say.
Last year, I talked about all the great places and great heroes who make Texas what it is. I talked about Willie and Waylon and Michael Dell and Michael DeBakey and my Dad and LBJ and Denton Cooley. I talked about everybody that came to mind. It took me sitting here tonight reading this stack of emails and thinkin about where I’ve been and what I’ve done since the last time I wrote on this occasion to remind me what it is about Texas that is really great.
You see, this last month or so I finally went to Europe for the first time. I hadn’t ever been, and didn’t too much want to. But you know all my damned friends are always talking about “the time they went to Europe.” So, I finally went. It was a hell of a trip to be sure. All they did when they saw me was say the same thing, before they’d ever met me. “Hey cowboy, we love Texas.” I guess the hat tipped em off.
But let me tell you what, they all came up with a smile on their faces. You know why? They knew for damned sure that I was gonna be nice to ‘em. They knew it ‘cause they knew I was from Texas. They knew something that hadn’t even hit me. They knew Texans, even though they’d never met one.
That’s when it occurred to me. Do you know what is great about Texas? Do you know why when my friend Beverly and I were trekking across country to see 15 baseball games we got sick and had to come home after 8? Do you know why every time I cross the border I say, “Lord, please don’t let me die in_____”? Do you know why children in Japan can look at a picture of the great State and know exactly what it is about the same time they can tell a rhombus from a trapezoid?
I can tell you that right quick. You.
The same spirit that made 186 men cross that line in the sand in San Antonio damned near 165 years ago is still in you today. Why else would my friend send me William Barrett Travis’ plea for help in an email just a week ago, or why would Charles Stanfield ask me to reprint a Texas Independence column from a year ago? What would make my friend Elizabeth say, “I don’t know if I can marry a man who doesn’t love Texas like I do?” Why in the hell are 1,000 people coming to my house this weekend to celebrate a holiday for what used to be a nation that is now a state?
Because the spirit that made that nation is the spirit that burned in every person who founded this great place we call Texas, and they passed it on through blood or sweat to everyone of us.
You see, that spirit that made Texas what it is is alive in all of us, even if we can’t stand next to a cannon to prove it, and it’s our responsibility to keep that fire burning. Every person who ever put a “Native Texan” or an “I wasn’t born in Texas but I got here as fast as I could” sticker on his car understands.
Anyone who ever hung a map of Texas on their wall or flew a Lone Star flag on their porch knows what I mean. My Dad’s buddy Bill has an old saying. He says that some people were forged of a hotter fire. Well, that’s what it is to be Texan. To be forged of a hotter fire. To know that part of Colorado was Texas. That part of New Mexico was Texas. That part of Oklahoma was Texas. Yep. Talk all you want. Part of what you got was what we gave you. To look at a picture of Idaho or Istanbul and say, “what the Hell is that?” when you know that anyone in Idaho or Istanbul who sees a picture of Texas knows damned good and well what it is. It isn’t the shape, it isn’t the state, it’s the state of mind.
You’re what makes Texas. The fact that you would take 15 minutes out of your day to read this, because that’s what Texas means to you, that’s what makes Texas what it is. The fact that when you see the guy in front of you litter you honk and think, “Sonofabitch. Littering on MY highway.”
When was the last time you went to a person’s house in New York and you saw a big map of New York on their wall? That was never. When did you ever drive through Oklahoma and see their flag waving on four businesses in a row? Can you even tell me what the flag in Louisiana looks like? I damned sure can’t. But I bet my ass you can’t drive 20 minutes from your house and not see a business that has a big Texas flag as part of its logo. If you haven’t done business with someone called AllTex something or Lone Star somebody or other, or Texas such and such, you hadn’t lived here for too long.
When you ask a man from New York what he is, he’ll say a stockbroker, or an accountant, or an ad exec. When you ask a woman from California what she is, she’ll tell you her last name or her major. Hell either of em might say “I’m a republican,” or they might be a democrat. When you ask a Texan what they are, before they say, “I’m a Methodist,” or “I’m a lawyer,” or “I’m a Smith,” they tell you they’re a Texan.
I got nothin against all those other places, and Lord knows they’ve probably got some fine folks, but in your gut you know it just like I do, Texas is just a little different.
So tomorrow when you drive down the road and you see a person broken down on the side of the road, stop and help. When you are in a bar in California, buy a Californian a drink and tell him it’s for Texas Independence Day. Remind the person in the cube next to you that he wouldn’t be here enjoying this if it weren’t for Sam Houston, and if he or she doesn’t know the story, tell them.
When William Barrettt Travis wrote in 1836 that he would never surrender and he would have Victory or Death, what he was really saying was that he and his men were forged of a hotter fire. They weren’t your average everyday men. Well, that is what it means to be a Texan. It meant it then, and that’s why it means it today. It means just what all those people North of the Red River accuse us of thinking it means. It means there’s no mountain that we can’t climb. It means that we can swim the Gulf in the winter. It means that Earl Campbell ran harder and Houston is bigger and Dallas is richer and Alpine is hotter and Stevie Ray was smoother and God vacations in Texas. It means that come Hell or high water, when the chips are down and the Good Lord is watching, we’re Texans by damned, and just like in 1836, that counts for something.
So for today at least, when your chance comes around, go out and prove it. It’s true because we believe it’s true. If you are sitting wondering what the Hell I’m talking about, this ain’t for you. But if the first thing you are going to do when the Good Lord calls your number is find the men who sat in that tiny mission in San Antonio and shake their hands, then you’re the reason I wrote this night, and this is for you.
So until next time you hear from me, God Bless and Happy Texas Independence Day.
by
Dear Friends,
Last year, I wrote a small piece about what it means to me to be a Texan. My friends know it means about damned near everything. Anyway, this fella asked me to reprint what I’d wrote and I didn’t have it. So I set out to think about rewriting something. I considered writing about all the great things I love about Texas. There are way too many things to list. I can’t even begin to do it justice.
Lemme let you in on my short list.
It starts with The Window at Big Bend, which in and of itself is proof of God. It goes to Lake Sam Rayburn where my Grandad taught me more about life than fishin, and enough about fishin to last a lifetime. I can talk about Tyler, and Longview, and Odessa and Cisco, and Abilene and Poteet and every place in between.
Every little part of Texas feels special. Every person who ever flew the Lone Star thinks of Bandera or Victoria or Manor or wherever they call “home” as the best little part of the best state.
So I got to thinkin about it, and here’s what I really want to say.
Last year, I talked about all the great places and great heroes who make Texas what it is. I talked about Willie and Waylon and Michael Dell and Michael DeBakey and my Dad and LBJ and Denton Cooley. I talked about everybody that came to mind. It took me sitting here tonight reading this stack of emails and thinkin about where I’ve been and what I’ve done since the last time I wrote on this occasion to remind me what it is about Texas that is really great.
You see, this last month or so I finally went to Europe for the first time. I hadn’t ever been, and didn’t too much want to. But you know all my damned friends are always talking about “the time they went to Europe.” So, I finally went. It was a hell of a trip to be sure. All they did when they saw me was say the same thing, before they’d ever met me. “Hey cowboy, we love Texas.” I guess the hat tipped em off.
But let me tell you what, they all came up with a smile on their faces. You know why? They knew for damned sure that I was gonna be nice to ‘em. They knew it ‘cause they knew I was from Texas. They knew something that hadn’t even hit me. They knew Texans, even though they’d never met one.
That’s when it occurred to me. Do you know what is great about Texas? Do you know why when my friend Beverly and I were trekking across country to see 15 baseball games we got sick and had to come home after 8? Do you know why every time I cross the border I say, “Lord, please don’t let me die in_____”? Do you know why children in Japan can look at a picture of the great State and know exactly what it is about the same time they can tell a rhombus from a trapezoid?
I can tell you that right quick. You.
The same spirit that made 186 men cross that line in the sand in San Antonio damned near 165 years ago is still in you today. Why else would my friend send me William Barrett Travis’ plea for help in an email just a week ago, or why would Charles Stanfield ask me to reprint a Texas Independence column from a year ago? What would make my friend Elizabeth say, “I don’t know if I can marry a man who doesn’t love Texas like I do?” Why in the hell are 1,000 people coming to my house this weekend to celebrate a holiday for what used to be a nation that is now a state?
Because the spirit that made that nation is the spirit that burned in every person who founded this great place we call Texas, and they passed it on through blood or sweat to everyone of us.
You see, that spirit that made Texas what it is is alive in all of us, even if we can’t stand next to a cannon to prove it, and it’s our responsibility to keep that fire burning. Every person who ever put a “Native Texan” or an “I wasn’t born in Texas but I got here as fast as I could” sticker on his car understands.
Anyone who ever hung a map of Texas on their wall or flew a Lone Star flag on their porch knows what I mean. My Dad’s buddy Bill has an old saying. He says that some people were forged of a hotter fire. Well, that’s what it is to be Texan. To be forged of a hotter fire. To know that part of Colorado was Texas. That part of New Mexico was Texas. That part of Oklahoma was Texas. Yep. Talk all you want. Part of what you got was what we gave you. To look at a picture of Idaho or Istanbul and say, “what the Hell is that?” when you know that anyone in Idaho or Istanbul who sees a picture of Texas knows damned good and well what it is. It isn’t the shape, it isn’t the state, it’s the state of mind.
You’re what makes Texas. The fact that you would take 15 minutes out of your day to read this, because that’s what Texas means to you, that’s what makes Texas what it is. The fact that when you see the guy in front of you litter you honk and think, “Sonofabitch. Littering on MY highway.”
When was the last time you went to a person’s house in New York and you saw a big map of New York on their wall? That was never. When did you ever drive through Oklahoma and see their flag waving on four businesses in a row? Can you even tell me what the flag in Louisiana looks like? I damned sure can’t. But I bet my ass you can’t drive 20 minutes from your house and not see a business that has a big Texas flag as part of its logo. If you haven’t done business with someone called AllTex something or Lone Star somebody or other, or Texas such and such, you hadn’t lived here for too long.
When you ask a man from New York what he is, he’ll say a stockbroker, or an accountant, or an ad exec. When you ask a woman from California what she is, she’ll tell you her last name or her major. Hell either of em might say “I’m a republican,” or they might be a democrat. When you ask a Texan what they are, before they say, “I’m a Methodist,” or “I’m a lawyer,” or “I’m a Smith,” they tell you they’re a Texan.
I got nothin against all those other places, and Lord knows they’ve probably got some fine folks, but in your gut you know it just like I do, Texas is just a little different.
So tomorrow when you drive down the road and you see a person broken down on the side of the road, stop and help. When you are in a bar in California, buy a Californian a drink and tell him it’s for Texas Independence Day. Remind the person in the cube next to you that he wouldn’t be here enjoying this if it weren’t for Sam Houston, and if he or she doesn’t know the story, tell them.
When William Barrettt Travis wrote in 1836 that he would never surrender and he would have Victory or Death, what he was really saying was that he and his men were forged of a hotter fire. They weren’t your average everyday men. Well, that is what it means to be a Texan. It meant it then, and that’s why it means it today. It means just what all those people North of the Red River accuse us of thinking it means. It means there’s no mountain that we can’t climb. It means that we can swim the Gulf in the winter. It means that Earl Campbell ran harder and Houston is bigger and Dallas is richer and Alpine is hotter and Stevie Ray was smoother and God vacations in Texas. It means that come Hell or high water, when the chips are down and the Good Lord is watching, we’re Texans by damned, and just like in 1836, that counts for something.
So for today at least, when your chance comes around, go out and prove it. It’s true because we believe it’s true. If you are sitting wondering what the Hell I’m talking about, this ain’t for you. But if the first thing you are going to do when the Good Lord calls your number is find the men who sat in that tiny mission in San Antonio and shake their hands, then you’re the reason I wrote this night, and this is for you.
So until next time you hear from me, God Bless and Happy Texas Independence Day.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
February Mars Reprocessed
Went back over Sunday night's imagines and cleaned up the processing. Turned out better than I first thought!
Enlarged 150%:
I always wonder, "What am I looking at?" Here's a labeled view:
Enlarged 150%:
I always wonder, "What am I looking at?" Here's a labeled view:
Monday, February 22, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
My First Date With Olympic Women's Moguls Skiing Gold Medalist Hannah Kearney
"So, um, I hear you're really good at skiing."
Awkward pause.
"Um, so you must really like snow."
Awkward pause.
"Um, so you must really like snow."
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Jumping on the iPad Bandwagon
So, you may have heard about the Apple iPad by now. I have a thought.
The device will come with calendar and address book apps. And the thing is, they look fabulously better than the iCal and Address Book applications that come with the Mac. So what's the deal? Why can't I get this slick interface on my Mac?
iCal and Address Book on the Mac
.png)
Calendar and Contacts apps on iPad
The device will come with calendar and address book apps. And the thing is, they look fabulously better than the iCal and Address Book applications that come with the Mac. So what's the deal? Why can't I get this slick interface on my Mac?
iCal and Address Book on the Mac.png)
Calendar and Contacts apps on iPad
Friday, January 29, 2010
Spirit
Mars opposition was this week, and we're completely socked in. So here's a comic from XKCD to fill the time.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Lean On Me
I was fooling around on my Ian's keyboard last night when I realized that those three chords sounded like "Lean On Me." I looked up the song on YouTube and sure enough, the song really is that simple. So I sat down this morning with the keyboard and guitar and put this bit together in GarageBand.
I knew those childhood piano lessons would someday pay off!
Lean On Me
I knew those childhood piano lessons would someday pay off!
Lean On Me
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Pinewood Derby
I'm afraid this car is slower than it looks. I must have put the weight too far to the rear--the car wobbled all the way down the track. At least we won "Best Paint Job."
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Mars 2010.2
I opened the roof on the observatory at sunset, and by the time I got out to shoot this at 1:00 a.m., the scope was covered in frost. I had to hit the corrector on the LX200 with the hair dryer a couple of times to keep the dew under control. What was interesting was how much the heat from the hair dryer would degrade the image. It took several minutes after clearing it for the image to settle back down. Of course by then the dew wasn't far behind, so I had to work quickly.
ClearSkyClock had forecast 4/5 seeing, and that seemed about right. You can see the difference between tonight's and last night's shot.
Mars is still just 13 arc-seconds across in this shot.
Heritage Park Observatory, Cedar Park, TX
Camera: DMK21AF04.US
Scope: Meade 10" LX200, TeleVue 2.5x Powermate
Mount: Meade LX200
Filter: Orion LRGB
Software: AstroIIDC, RegiStax, Photoshop
Friday, January 01, 2010
Happy New Year, and the First Mars of the Year
Has it been two years already? Here's the first shot from the 2010 Mars opposition. Kinda mushy skies for New Year's Eve. It had been cloudy early, but clear after midnight.
Heritage Park Observatory, Cedar Park, TX
Camera: DMK21AF04.US
Scope: Meade 10" LX200, TeleVue 2.5x Powermate
Mount: Meade LX200
Filter: Orion LRGB
Software: AstroIIDC, RegiStax, Photoshop
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Something Happened
My nominee for most useful alert box. I usually make fun of Windows when this happens. Most unsettling.
Monday, December 21, 2009
M42, The Orion Nebula
Because you can never have too many pictures of the Orion Nebula.
Heritage Park Observatory, Cedar Park, TX
Exposure: 30 x 45 seconds
Camera: Modified Canon Digital Rebel XT (350D)
Scope: Meade 10" LX200, Meade f/6.3 focal reducer
Mount: Meade LX200
Guider: Short Tube 80, Meade DSI
Filter: Astronomik CLS
Software: PHD Guiding, Nebulosity, Photoshop
Monday, December 14, 2009
Oh Dear
Saw one of these in a truck stop over the weekend:
(Here's a hint: Remember the movie 'Top Gun?')
(Here's a hint: Remember the movie 'Top Gun?')
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Tell Me The Truth
said Ian. "About what?" I asked.
"You." He said. "And Christmas."
"What's that, buddy?"
"You're really Santa Claus."
"Uh oh," I thought. Is this the year? "Why do you think I'm Santa Claus?"
"Your beard has that white part, and I heard you going 'ho, ho, ho.'"
"You." He said. "And Christmas."
"What's that, buddy?"
"You're really Santa Claus."
"Uh oh," I thought. Is this the year? "Why do you think I'm Santa Claus?"
"Your beard has that white part, and I heard you going 'ho, ho, ho.'"
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Gift Idea
OK, I know. It's been forever since this thing got updated. But here's the deal. The Astronomy Gods have been offended somewhere, because the weather has sucked for the last, well, forever. But as soon as that changes, I'm gonna be right out there sucking down some photons. Mars is coming soon.
Meanwhile, the holiday gift giving season is upon us. And I know, you're all wondering, what does imjeffp want to find under the tree on the big morning? My friends, look no further (or farther, or whatever)--this could well be heaven in a jar.
Baconnaise.
Yup.
Now, I've not had the opportunity to try this stuff, but Lord! IT'S BACON! AND MAYONNAISE! TOGETHER!
So please, Santa, you know I've been good. At least nothing the grand jury could pin on me. Do me a favor this year.
Meanwhile, the holiday gift giving season is upon us. And I know, you're all wondering, what does imjeffp want to find under the tree on the big morning? My friends, look no further (or farther, or whatever)--this could well be heaven in a jar.
Baconnaise.
Yup.
Now, I've not had the opportunity to try this stuff, but Lord! IT'S BACON! AND MAYONNAISE! TOGETHER!
So please, Santa, you know I've been good. At least nothing the grand jury could pin on me. Do me a favor this year.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Wings Over Houston
I paid a little extra this year to sit in the "Photo Pit" for the Wings Over Houston air show, and I'm glad I did. I don't recall the exact number of shots I took, but I filled up three 1 GB memory cards. I rented a 300-mm image-stabilized telephoto lens, and I think that made all the difference. Look for a calendar coming soon.
Photo Page
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
It's Popcorn Time!
Hi friends. How would you like to help support Ian's Cub Scout pack? Maybe help pay for a kid to go camping? Or help one with a Pinewood Derby Car? Or just pay for the patches on his uniform? You can do all of that and more when you buy popcorn! 70% of your purchase goes to the Scouts, but 100% of your purchase will be delicious!
Send me an email if you're interested, and I'll make sure your order gets to you.
Popcorn Brochure
Monday, October 12, 2009
A Prediction
Sorry for the long delay folks. When you have a month of clouds, there's just not much astronomy to write about. I was all set to shoot the LCROSS impact, but after seeing the lack of results from everyone else, I'm not too upset to be clouded out.
Anyway, to fill the time, here's my prediction for this weekend's Texas-OU game. OU leading at the half, 7-3. Texas comes back in the second half to get the win, 13-7. Texas's only touchdown will come from a turnover or a return.
Anyway, to fill the time, here's my prediction for this weekend's Texas-OU game. OU leading at the half, 7-3. Texas comes back in the second half to get the win, 13-7. Texas's only touchdown will come from a turnover or a return.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Monday, September 07, 2009
Third Jupiter of the Year, Part II
A little sharper and a lot cleaner. I'm still frustrated though. I see other folks using similar gear to mine turning out better shots, and I don't know what I can do better.
10" LX200, 250 frames LRGB, DMK21AF04, Televue 2.5x Powermate
Third Jupiter of the Year
Not necessarily the final image from tonight, but the first of four processed. Pretty good seeing; call it 3/5 with a slow undulation.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Second Jupiter of the Year
A little soft in worsening seeing. The moons are Ganymede and Europa. If I had stayed up another couple of hours we could have tried to catch them in front of the planet. Oh well. Finally got the LX200 remounted in the observatory--I told myself I was going to wait until we got a break from 100-degree days. We may have a few left, but it IS September, right?
250 frames ea LRGB, DMK21AF
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
More Drawerings
Since the heat and/or clouds have been keeping me in, you get to look at stuff from my day job.
Drawering
Drawing a milk jug is harder than it sounds. There's a reason the handle is hidden behind the pitcher.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Courtesy of my Mother-In-Law
How to say 'I love you' in 25 languages
English I Love You
Spanish Te Amo
French Je T'aime
German lch Liebe Dich
Japanese Ai Shite Imasu
Thai Phom rak khun
Italian Ti amo
Chinese Wo Ai Ni
Swedish Jag Alskar
Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, and parts of Florida
Nice ass, get in the truck
English I Love You
Spanish Te Amo
French Je T'aime
German lch Liebe Dich
Japanese Ai Shite Imasu
Thai Phom rak khun
Italian Ti amo
Chinese Wo Ai Ni
Swedish Jag Alskar
Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, and parts of Florida
Nice ass, get in the truck
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Four Craters
Looking at the southeast edge of the Moon, one day after full. The four craters, from top to bottom: Langrenus, Vendelinus, Petavius and Furnerius. In the upper left are two small craters with a "comet tail." Those are Messier and Messier A.
DMK21AF04.US, C6 @ f/10, 3 frame mosaic
Jupiter in the C6
First Jupiter of the year. Shot this at the dam through the 6-inch Celestron SCT. Not quite as much resolution as I'm used to getting, but I'm pretty happy with the results through the little scope. Poor to average seeing. Altitude 30°. LRGB, DMK21AF04.US, C6 @ f/25.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Monday, August 03, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
An iPhone App I'd Like To See
Since I've been using with my iPhone for a while now, I've come up with an app I'd like to play with: all six primary flight instruments, aka the "six pack."
I've been looking at other apps and thinking how this would work.
1. Airspeed. Easy enough. There are speedometer apps that use the info from the GPS. Wouldn't be true airspeed without a pitot tube, but close enough for make believe.
2. Attitude Indicator. Get the info from the iPhone's accelerometers. I found a couple of not very nice-looking apps that do this already.
3. Altimeter. Found a couple of good-looking apps that do this. Uses the info from the GPS, so subject to the inaccuracies there.
4. Turn Coordinator. This might be a little harder, but should be doable. The ball is just a level, easy enough. I think you could do the turn needle using the iPhone compass and measuring the rate of change.
5. Directional Gyro. Uses the compass built in to the 3GS phone.
6. Vertical Speed Indicator. Measure the rate of change on the altimeter.
As far as the interface, I'd start with a screen showing all six indicators in the standard layout. Tapping on one would blow it up to full screen. Tapping again would return to the wide view.
Easy enough, no? I'd pay $4.99 to $9.99 for a really nice, realistic-looking, app.
Version II
Same info as the six-pack, but combined EFIS-style Primary Flight Display.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Endeavour + ISS
Caught the Space Shuttle Endeavour followed by the International Space Station through the Big Dipper, Ursa Major.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thoughts on New PCs
On one of the message boards I read, a poster was talking about the new Windows PC she just purchased. There were several replies about "be sure to install a firewall," "make sure you update the anti-virus software," and suggestions for a malware scanner and removal tool.
The poster's reply was "Thanks! It's at the shop right now, having my old files transferred to it!"
All this got me to thinking, "Does this sound normal to most PC users? That buying a new machine involves an immediate need to install a bunch of 3rd party tools before connecting to the internet, and that transferring data requires a professional?"
You see, I was thinking about my last new Mac. I took it out of the box. I turned it on. I connected a Firewire cable between the old Mac and the new one and Migration Assistant moved all of my info over. And that was it.
So, do those of you using PCs really think that her experience was normal? 'Cause to me, it sounds like a big pain in the rear.
The poster's reply was "Thanks! It's at the shop right now, having my old files transferred to it!"
All this got me to thinking, "Does this sound normal to most PC users? That buying a new machine involves an immediate need to install a bunch of 3rd party tools before connecting to the internet, and that transferring data requires a professional?"
You see, I was thinking about my last new Mac. I took it out of the box. I turned it on. I connected a Firewire cable between the old Mac and the new one and Migration Assistant moved all of my info over. And that was it.
So, do those of you using PCs really think that her experience was normal? 'Cause to me, it sounds like a big pain in the rear.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Happy 40th Anniversary Apollo 11
Here's a re-run from a couple of years back:
And don't miss Jamie and Adam on CNN.
And don't miss Jamie and Adam on CNN.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Anyone Wanna Buy Me A Gift?
Just $2,350 at Amazon!
Actually, my Seiko looks a lot like this watch and probably keeps better time. But nobody wore my Seiko on the Moon.
Dear Internet
Dear Internet:
Loose
adjective
1 not firmly or tightly fixed in place
2 (of a garment) not fitting tightly or closely
3 relaxed; physically slack
verb [ trans. ]
set free; release
Please note: none of these mean you can't find something, or your team didn't win. "Loose" and "lose" are two different words.
Your pal,
Jeff
Loose
adjective
1 not firmly or tightly fixed in place
2 (of a garment) not fitting tightly or closely
3 relaxed; physically slack
verb [ trans. ]
set free; release
Please note: none of these mean you can't find something, or your team didn't win. "Loose" and "lose" are two different words.
Your pal,
Jeff
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Naive Thoughts on Health Care Reform
I'm no expert, but I think:
Health insurance needs to separate from employment. "A public plan takes away our right to choose our coverage." Bull. If you're like me, you don't have any choice about your coverage now--you get the plan selected by your employer. Your job doesn't provide your auto insurance or your homeowners/renter's coverage, why should health coverage be any different? Employers benefit not only from not having to provide coverage, but from eliminating the people needed to administer and shop for their programs. Less money needed for benefits means more money for salaries.
A public plan doesn't eliminate private coverage. Take Medicare for example; you still need supplemental coverage for what Medicare does and doesn't pay.
How about this? Use Medicare as a model, and cover all citizens with a limited, basic plan. Allow individuals to purchase their own supplemental health coverage, just as they now do for anything else they insure. Competition results in improved plans
Can't afford the supplemental insurance? You can still see a doctor without going to the ER (probably the most expensive way to see a doctor now). The doc still gets something from your basic plan. And if you set up a method for doctors having medical school loans reduced in exchange for treating those patients, I bet you'd not have much trouble recruiting young docs.
Surely there are problems with this. So what am I not taking into account?
Health insurance needs to separate from employment. "A public plan takes away our right to choose our coverage." Bull. If you're like me, you don't have any choice about your coverage now--you get the plan selected by your employer. Your job doesn't provide your auto insurance or your homeowners/renter's coverage, why should health coverage be any different? Employers benefit not only from not having to provide coverage, but from eliminating the people needed to administer and shop for their programs. Less money needed for benefits means more money for salaries.
A public plan doesn't eliminate private coverage. Take Medicare for example; you still need supplemental coverage for what Medicare does and doesn't pay.
How about this? Use Medicare as a model, and cover all citizens with a limited, basic plan. Allow individuals to purchase their own supplemental health coverage, just as they now do for anything else they insure. Competition results in improved plans
Can't afford the supplemental insurance? You can still see a doctor without going to the ER (probably the most expensive way to see a doctor now). The doc still gets something from your basic plan. And if you set up a method for doctors having medical school loans reduced in exchange for treating those patients, I bet you'd not have much trouble recruiting young docs.
Surely there are problems with this. So what am I not taking into account?
Back From New Mexico
Trip highlights: Having relatives in Cloudcroft to visit. Much praise for a fine Saturday night astronomy presentation, despite cloudy skies. Visiting the New Mexico Space History Museum and the model train museum in Alamogordo. Playing in the dunes at White Sands. Visiting the Sunspot Solar Observatory and getting a private tour of the Sloan and 3.5 meter telescopes at Apache Point Observatory. Cool days and cooler nights.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Maybe I Already Have One Of Those Government Jobs and Don't Know It
Came across this lovely nugget while formatting a set of instructions:
"Located under the Software section, the 2550-Series software is titled 2500-Series Locator PC Tool..."
"Located under the Software section, the 2550-Series software is titled 2500-Series Locator PC Tool..."
Thursday, June 04, 2009
I Gotta Get One Of Those Government Jobs
"The vehicle will ship at the conclusion of the pre-ship activities."
-- U.S. Air Force Captain Elizabeth Aptekar, spokesperson for the X34B project referring to the shipment date of the X34B.
Story here.
-- U.S. Air Force Captain Elizabeth Aptekar, spokesperson for the X34B project referring to the shipment date of the X34B.
Story here.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Another Modest Proposal
Forgive the divergence, but I'm still reeling from hours and hours of Deadliest Catch last weekend, and I have an idea.
The guys working these boats use, forgive me, salty language, and Discovery channel does a lot of bleeping. Fair enough, it is a family channel after all, even if it is on cable. But I am an adult not offended by hearing grown men saying they're "not catching shit." In other words, I'd like my reality programming to more accurately reflect reality.
For quite a while now, we've had a technology available called Second Audio Program (SAP), which allows a second audio track for a television program. You've probably seen "En Espanol on SAP" or something like that before. Why not have Discovery broadcast an uncensored version of the audio via SAP, and let me choose whether I want to hear the bleeps or not?
The guys working these boats use, forgive me, salty language, and Discovery channel does a lot of bleeping. Fair enough, it is a family channel after all, even if it is on cable. But I am an adult not offended by hearing grown men saying they're "not catching shit." In other words, I'd like my reality programming to more accurately reflect reality.
For quite a while now, we've had a technology available called Second Audio Program (SAP), which allows a second audio track for a television program. You've probably seen "En Espanol on SAP" or something like that before. Why not have Discovery broadcast an uncensored version of the audio via SAP, and let me choose whether I want to hear the bleeps or not?
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
M100, A Galaxy in Coma Berenices
As promised, here is a larger shot of M100 (right) and NGC 4312 (left). I didn't label them, but you can also see NGC 4328, 4323, 4322 and 4427 around M100. The 5-minute subs might have been ambitious--there was a little drift from, I'm assuming, mirror shift in the LX200.
Heritage Park Observatory, Cedar Park, TX
Exposure: 24 x 5 minutes
Camera: Modified Canon Digital Rebel XT (350D)
Scope: Meade 10" LX200, Meade f/6.3 focal reducer
Mount: Meade LX200
Guider: Short Tube 80, Meade DSI
Filter: Astronomik CLS
Software: PHD Guiding, Nebulosity, Photoshop
Monday, May 18, 2009
Only 10 Galaxies
Not quite as rich in galaxies, but still pretty good. First time I've shot 10-minute subs, and they came out OK. A very nice night on the back side of a cool front. M99 and M100 are the two big ones here, and each deserves a closer look in the big scope soon.
Heritage Park Observatory, Cedar Park, TX
Exposure: 12 x 10 minutes
Camera: Modified Canon Digital Rebel XT (350D)
Scope: Astro-Tech AT80ED 80mm APO refractor, AT field flattener (new!)
Mount: Meade LX200
Guider: Meade LX200 @ f/5, Meade DSI
Filter: Astronomik CLS
Software: PHD Guiding, Nebulosity, Photoshop
Monday, May 11, 2009
At Least 19 Galaxies
Trying out my new Astro-Tech field flattener in the AT80EDT. Look! Round stars out to the corners! I only got about an hour before the clouds rolled back in, so here's an abbreviated look at Markarian's Chain.
Heritage Park Observatory, Cedar Park, TX
Exposure: 7 x 6 minutes
Camera: Modified Canon Digital Rebel XT (350D)
Scope: Astro-Tech AT80ED 80mm APO refractor, AT field flattener (new!)
Mount: Meade LX200
Guider: Meade LX200 @ f/5, Meade DSI
Filter: Astronomik CLS
Software: PHD Guiding, Nebulosity, Photoshop
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Why It's A Bad Idea To Fuck With The President
White House Photo/Pete SouzaSee that dude on the left? That's Reggie Love, personal assistant to the president. Also known as The Guy Who Gets Stuff Done, if you know what I mean.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
This is the Perfect Time to Panic!
Looking at photos of people wearing surgical masks to avoid catching swine flu I wonder, how many regularly wear their seat belts?
The picture I still want to see is of someone with a mask around their neck smoking a cigarette.
The picture I still want to see is of someone with a mask around their neck smoking a cigarette.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Venus and the Moon-We Mean It This Time
Watch the full-size animation here.
Venus slides behind the Moon just after sunrise Wednesday morning in this series of photos from the Heritage Park Observatory in Cedar Park, Texas.
Heritage Park Observatory, Cedar Park, TX
Exposure: 39 frames
Camera: Canon Digital Rebel XT
Scope: Meade LX200 10"
Mount: Meade LX200
Guider: none
Filter: None
Software: Nebulosity, Photoshop
Saturday, April 18, 2009
LKY Ranch BBQ and Spring Frolic
The 24th Annual LKY Ranch BBQ & Spring Frolic is now history. For the first time ever, the day was marked by rain. Between midnight last night and this morning, the rain gauge went up nearly five inches, with another inch still to come during the day. The turnout was lower than usual, but not the enthusiasm. As Linda explained to a person on the phone this morning, "Haven't you ever heard of a hurricane party?"
The good news is it quit raining for good about 1:30, and it was actually pretty pleasant on the porches.
Photos here.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Dealey Plaza
Dealey Plaza is much smaller than it appears in the photos. KInda macabre watching people posing, smiling, on the Xs in the street marking the gunshots.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
