Yesterday, I had the opportunity to view one of my favorite movies in a theater for the first time. I was most impressed, as a DVD in the living room just does not give the proper justice to the movie. I don’t think that a proper appreciation for the scope and impact of the film… Continue reading 2001: A Space Odyssey on the Big Screen
Ride to Rhode Island
Last weekend I rode out to Rhode Island on the Ducati to go camping with a few friends. I realize that this was not the most intelligent thing to do for having the bike for less than 2 weeks, but the opportunity was too much to pass. Despite it not being the best of ideas,… Continue reading Ride to Rhode Island
Ducati Pictures
Here are some images of my fantastic new machine.
1999 Ducati Monster 750
After taking the MSF Basic Rider course a month ago and getting my license, I finally pulled up the cash for a motorcycle. My heart was set on a BMW, like the F650GS or the older Dakar model, but they seem to keep an extreme resale value. About the only ones I could afford were… Continue reading 1999 Ducati Monster 750
Switching to Linux
After several years of dabbling in Linux and a few months of server administration, I’ve decided to make the switch and use Linux, specifically Gentoo, on my primary machine. Although I do still have my Windows XP x64 install, it will be used only when necessary. Based on my experiences running Gentoo as a server,… Continue reading Switching to Linux
Webcam on a Telescope
One of my previous project ideas, stemmed from an article in Astronomy magazine, was to use my low cost webcam (Phillips SPC 900NC) to take high quality images of the moon and other objects. I have recently been putting more time into this, but have been frustrated by an inability to focus properly. I had… Continue reading Webcam on a Telescope
1TB File Server Complete
After many hours of configuration and frustration, my 1TB RAID 5 file server, named felix, is now complete (but not without some assistance). To gain maximum control over the server, I choose Gentoo as the OS, but perhaps the most prominent feature of the server is the 3ware 9650SE-8LPML controller being used. The 8 ports… Continue reading 1TB File Server Complete
Ubuntu on a Dell
I was excited to learn that a major PC manufacturer is finally deciding to offer a Linux distribution on their machines and actually support it, however, there are some very disappointing aspects to the new offerings from Dell. Since I build all of my computers, the only PC’s I would be interested in are the… Continue reading Ubuntu on a Dell
Bluetooth Comes Alive!
Despite my lack of posting, I actually have been working on my bluetooth hardware, and am proud to report that I have had my first successful bluetooth wireless communication between my Windows machine and my CB280 microcontroller (its based on an Atmega128). Using Hyperterminal, I connected to the outgoing COM port created when the bluetooth… Continue reading Bluetooth Comes Alive!
Dvorak Thinkpad
In my quest for complete Dvorak immersion, I attempted to rearrange the keys on my Thinkpad T30 last night, the last refuge of QWERTY in my life. I was popping some of the keys off, when I noticed that IBM did something peculiar with the key mechanism. Its similar to a miniature scissor lift in… Continue reading Dvorak Thinkpad