tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-300192132024-03-05T05:51:08.762-06:00Nite RamblingsA journal of my adventures in programming, good books I've read, and just random ramblings from my over-active insomniac mind.Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-46726435867583890852012-08-12T16:12:00.001-05:002012-08-12T16:12:12.433-05:00Completed Batboat!I just realized this weekend that I failed to post the photos of the completed Batboat model. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/konkrypton/PeteKevinSKitchen?authkey=Gv1sRgCMCsseGjjuCuIA#5775897478433824898'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0xaBkAluPDrZCpAI8mFDSjQdt1_GQ1wuV9ZvcFq7vJfaFLiw-B7T8Qi7RL3OmbUFpXRuSgJblKrv7c8mFXteQCVMFQW6CN2ENVPnqUMClJT6NTxMi1mMZadVKTkExCC9q5gN/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='320' height='239' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/konkrypton/PeteKevinSKitchen?authkey=Gv1sRgCMCsseGjjuCuIA#5775897488968486018'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8a4Z9_pIQLnpBWwqGN9kkAnP7PdcZt5agGeG3tN1SwEj0naT7Pp9aUciCSYE7jAS9Le0YEI2Nsm0dYO3nr25W4W_gBfCulokocsRjTigpF-g02w5TEEa8O0CYK9bx_PT0K1w/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='320' height='239' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I'm currently starting the Batcycle, will post something soon. <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-7256076474180270152012-08-09T15:27:00.003-05:002012-08-09T15:27:58.500-05:00Green Arrow is DeadIt was with sadness that I removed the New 52 Green Arrow comic from my pull list this week. I really had hopes for that book, but after sticking it out for 12 months I had to conclude that the writer and editor had no clue who Green Arrow was.<br />
<br />
Like many of the New 52 heroes, GA came through Flashpoint a younger man than he was previously. But that's not the problem with him or his book. Sure, he's got a three day growth of beard, not his famous Van Dyke beard and mustache, but that's not the problem. I can deal with him looking younger. What I can't deal with is his lack of a personality. Or the personality he has always had.<br />
<br />
Oliver Queen has functioned as the DC universe's social conscience since his road trip with Hal Jordan (Green Lantern) back in the 70's. Ollie lost his company and really got in touch with the real world and problems like homelessness, poverty, and drug abuse. That last because his own ward, Roy Harper (Speedy) was found shooting heroin.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2BrTbs3ZMJ5sz1of6ywFs6T25-B-XPw4qbbdwOKlamuPqEpBvj9SGy5fmLo_l9N6Dyo1DQliHW9UZg0X9aOKQlTyaDVp7DqRE8NGquPOJ6ZABLsZ2SEQaJdCyOU1M6tgpwVeMQ/s1600/Green+Arrow+%2526+Speedy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2BrTbs3ZMJ5sz1of6ywFs6T25-B-XPw4qbbdwOKlamuPqEpBvj9SGy5fmLo_l9N6Dyo1DQliHW9UZg0X9aOKQlTyaDVp7DqRE8NGquPOJ6ZABLsZ2SEQaJdCyOU1M6tgpwVeMQ/s320/Green+Arrow+%2526+Speedy.png" width="207" /></a></div>
But Ollie was in many ways more "real" than his compatriots. As he concludes in the Archer's Quest storyline, he has always been his own worst enemy. He screwed up his relationship with Dinah Lance (Black Canary). He was distant from Roy/Speedy and Roy turned to drugs to fill the void. He lost his company.<br />
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Prior to the New 52, GA was shown in the Brightest Day storyline that preceded the Flashpoint event that became the New 52 universe. In Brightest Day, Ollie was living in the forest in Star City, keeping company with a homeless man who called himself Galahad. His dual identity was no longer a secret, but he continued to wear his mask out of habit. Dispossessed of his company and his secret identity, Ollie still strove to be the hero that Star City needed.<br />
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In the last 12 months, the GA book has had 3 different writers, which tells me that DC is also not happy with the state of the book. While I'm sure DC doesn't need or want my advice, it would be, "Get Ollie back to his roots. Give him some reason to do what he does. Make him more than a guy in a mask with a bow and quiver."<br />
<br />
Sorry, Ollie. I'll be back if you ever come to your senses.Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-46276342544552008222012-06-21T20:53:00.001-05:002012-06-21T20:53:17.487-05:00Batboat in the final stretchAlmost done with the boat, despite the long hiatus. I tried to post last week when I began work again and of course the BlogPress app crashed, losing my post. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/konkrypton/NiteRamblings?authkey=Gv1sRgCKKFtrmeuuqx-AE#5756673495436707538'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHN_qFhha5lYfz2irJ2i7SSzV8VpY8znUWQ1rtmkbVv8Cay4RL0l_7fD3drAOOcvzf_XiBWTNrBc3smJkeoHYVnY94aamKmYJ_skfzkFuE9D6Tgf3Ji6qy3n94GHmX9dnebkRZfA/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-20127599748606395542012-04-25T01:06:00.001-05:002012-04-25T01:06:22.604-05:00Putty The SeamsNot much done today. Just putties the main seam around the top of the boat. I need to give it 24 hrs to dry. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/konkrypton/NiteRamblings?authkey=Gv1sRgCKKFtrmeuuqx-AE#5735215755450390722'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoMJsv9DjFJX_txhJzXS5npIR9r1sk8QeUC6oPcweYySou85hQCTpOMQoI59P_UnMEx37gnWlj_eJmiC_czMNfehPU6MaqjJTv16CpVaiarejnp3dHRtEYHVcgUK_hD-Tm-469Q/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-72036889237061156792012-04-24T00:43:00.001-05:002012-04-24T00:43:38.433-05:00Batboat ProgressFinally making some real headway. The boat is going together and the display stand is painted. The remaining pieces are also painted. Left to do: fill the gaps with putty, sand and repaint, then put the final parts on and and the decals. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/konkrypton/NiteRamblings?authkey=Gv1sRgCKKFtrmeuuqx-AE#5734838830683319282'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwOKeH6DUPXicnilJ6w2dwF-ngGyfZbbGdZ9OMHT9r2BB90jm5Zi7A_Up4YUycMYLNJtKI-7uQnZfRiUIBxq_bkXS7_DKfWYtqp9YxlTCdFfjnAYgvm_hDr_i_BVjQ1lWEMm7Kg/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-8509929474608198432012-04-23T02:32:00.001-05:002012-04-23T02:32:22.568-05:00Batman & RobinIt's taken a few days, but the Dynamic Duo are finally done. Lots of fine detail work and some re-re-repainting to get them just right. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/konkrypton/NiteRamblings?authkey=Gv1sRgCKKFtrmeuuqx-AE#5734495766209666658'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmB0ah0dB-5d0b6Jd2Xl5C25Nyldiokf4eqF-86JTg75keevDeacxcfKOqWemFZRi-vRaH_YUv3zXh-djVwEle8PCdJVNpI6uzB6A8zJ05wg9sbvtWc60vNGti0sfkshm7y3T5Cw/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I have spent the time between painting the boat pieces. Tomorrow the boat should go together fairly quickly. <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-91320705041244333252012-04-16T00:22:00.001-05:002012-04-16T00:22:55.631-05:00To the Batboat, Robin!It's been some time since my last model, but I picked up a Batboat at Planet Comic Con last month and have been itching to get started on it. The most intimidating part is the figures of Batman & Robin, so I'm starting with the figure-painting. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/konkrypton/NiteRamblings?authkey=Gv1sRgCKKFtrmeuuqx-AE#5731864813257741938'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjBLvVdL5VfAwHPkXA6NfUwKU9rZKpzXSQEdPLZvEnBUI1EEjqira4ZnNHDHjy0dsafYGo-yWjLapyTaEhQ7GcFT24hyISlrF_btW5MyXvCEljtcazdr6OXXjLk0kDJdDJloFMQ/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I'll be posting more as I go along. <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-82351139457502919722011-10-07T05:03:00.001-05:002011-10-07T05:03:28.700-05:00Haiku for Steve JobsSteve Jobs died today.<br />"Think different" was his motto.<br />He achieved great things. <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-475013148033635412010-01-30T00:23:00.004-06:002010-01-30T00:55:42.146-06:00The Apple iPad and Embedded Computing in the Cloud<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxuVjzxeJVEkIkH0ceghbe-B9bfQBtQxtg_TO42sDmFYSvccejdpkWIzg7JDx48y-8tHJt6zH6O5uo5vjUUeGQ1nYQjR7Xmf2jf2CX0USO_4fqeDW-baIEuqzTlYeWhC9ty2Jag/s1600-h/ipad-600x400.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 148px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxuVjzxeJVEkIkH0ceghbe-B9bfQBtQxtg_TO42sDmFYSvccejdpkWIzg7JDx48y-8tHJt6zH6O5uo5vjUUeGQ1nYQjR7Xmf2jf2CX0USO_4fqeDW-baIEuqzTlYeWhC9ty2Jag/s200/ipad-600x400.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432422768152499298" /></a>We should have seen it coming, really. We have already imagined it in science fiction. People in the Star Trek universe or the Babylon 5 universe (or any of them really) never sat down and used desktop computers. Capt. Picard had a display on his desk but it was mostly used for communications. <div><br /></div><div>I'm talking about the end of the desktop computer as we know it. I'm talking about the end of file systems that are a hierarchical system of folders and files that the user has to wade through. Spock and McCoy carried tricorders that served specific functions. The multi-purpose computer doesn't exist in the future (as we've envisioned it).<div><br /></div><div>What does this have to do with the iPad Apple announced this week? As shown, it had no use for a file system, much the same way the iPod Touch and iPhone have lived without a file system. Documents are created and managed via the apps that are used rather than through a Finder-like app. While this is somewhat limiting, it (I believe) is the direction that things are headed. The only people that care about full-desktop computers will be programmers who write the code for these embedded devices.</div><div><br /></div><div>Embedded devices also work better with cloud computing. Dragon Dictation for the iPhone records your voice, uploads to a server which then sends back the spoken text for you to use. I believe we'll see more of these kinds of "service" apps on the iPad. I'm not even sure that digital artists and video editors will need a Mac anymore. It all depends on the app support, really. </div><div><br /></div><div>We'll just have to wait and see what happens. But for now, it looks like computing may head in a new direction.</div></div>Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-41434133743053035832010-01-11T03:36:00.001-06:002010-01-11T03:36:43.955-06:00Give Me Lyrics Or Give Me Death!Remember when the iTunes store started adding album art you could add to your tracks even if you didn't buy them on iTunes? ITunes needs to do that with lyrics. I'm so sick of this whole mess of trying to get lyrics into my tracks. Why doesn't the music industry provide them when you buy the tracks in the first place?<br /><br />Discuss. <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=At%20home&z=10'>At home</a></p>Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-65500993070388430032009-12-21T00:18:00.003-06:002009-12-21T00:37:39.865-06:00Avatar: Not Just Any Old MovieI remember going to the midnight showing of <i>Jurassic Park</i> back in 1993. As a fan of sci-fi in general, and sci-fi movies, I had a pretty good idea of what special effects were capable of. There's a scene in<i> Jurassic Park</i> with Sam Neill and the two children winding up in the middle of the stampede of dinosaurs. They take shelter on the near side of a fallen log and the stampede jumping over the log are coming down in the foreground. It was a composite shot unlike any I had ever seen before, and I sat there slack-jawed thinking, "they can't do that." Previously, most sci-fi monster movies resorted to having the actors in the foreground and animated monster in the background. Or split screen effect with the actors on one side, and the monster on the other. We'd finally come far enough with technology that composite shots like the one I saw were possible. I knew then the moviemaking would take a whole new direction.<div><br /></div><div>Tonight, I saw moviemaking reached a new level. I went with my friend John to see <i>Avatar</i> at the eight o'clock show in IMAX 3-D. After the movie, as the crowd was clearing out, neither one of us could say word. We just sat there in astonishment. James Cameron has achieved a masterpiece. And I know that sounds trite, but only because the word "masterpiece" is insufficient to describe it. He has proven that it's now possible to show anything on screen that you can imagine.</div><div><br /></div><div>James Cameron has created a world, not just some animated 3-D characters, or 3-D backgrounds. You fully believe this is a real world, populated by real people. There are real animals lurking behind every bush, and every thing you see on screen is alive.</div><div><br /></div><div>Having seen it in IMAX 3-D, I heartily recommend that you don't see it any other way. If you opt for the cheaper tickets you're cheating yourself. Thankfully, Cameron had more sense than to waive the 3-D in our faces with gratuitous scenes of objects coming at you out of the screen. And because he doesn't, you naturally fall in step with the 3-D. It looks so normal, the way you experience ordinary reality. It is this understated use of the technology that makes it believable.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't say this strongly enough: Go See <i>Avatar</i>!</div>Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-79864542925962107582009-12-12T01:19:00.004-06:002009-12-12T01:46:54.561-06:00First Impressions: MacSpeech Dictate<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxwMnqOoIZLevoWLKealA1rbVDo516bFSjFvihOCiQxeb6ML4yQB5axBfh3kgyKocg2FlPEyG4tNjTmKE9nc6_ckufQ-apu8Ev0XJynNAVTPeVbI7u-fm-_b0tw7-0LtQ31Fu1A/s1600-h/MacSpeech.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxwMnqOoIZLevoWLKealA1rbVDo516bFSjFvihOCiQxeb6ML4yQB5axBfh3kgyKocg2FlPEyG4tNjTmKE9nc6_ckufQ-apu8Ev0XJynNAVTPeVbI7u-fm-_b0tw7-0LtQ31Fu1A/s320/MacSpeech.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414251905453921346" /></a><br />I got an early Christmas present this year, a copy of<a href="http://MacSpeech.com/"> MacSpeech Dictate</a>. I've been using the speech recognition provided by Apple with the Macintosh for years. Since Snow Leopard came out the speech recognition engine in MacOS X has been less than functional. I had wanted a copy of MacSpeech Dictate for quite some time. One of the main reasons that I thought it would be interesting to play with is that besides being able to dictate articles (like this one), I knew that the program was extensible using AppleScript.<div><br /></div><div>I've already ported over two of my scripts to MacSpeech and they seem to be working fine. So far my only disappointment is that MacSpeech doesn't allow interaction verbally --- in other words the program will not query you beyond performing the action that this script allows. Using the built-in speech recognition provided by Apple, I was able to build scripts I could interact with by providing a list of possible phrases that I could give in response to particular question. However the ability to dictate far outweighs that lack of functionality.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since the quality of speech recognition is entirely dependent on the input source MacSpeech smartly includes a noise canceling microphone with the software. (Star Trek fans will appreciate this -- as I was dictating this I flashed on the picture of Gary Seven dictating to his typewriter!) Personally I'm not a big fan of headset microphones especially those that cover only one ear since they're not any good to listen to music with so your single headphone is basically useless. I tried using the microphone built into my WebCam, but in calibrating the microphone MacSpeech had to wind up upping the gain all way to maximum and even then I still had to talk very loud to be understood. I may search for a desktop microphone of sufficient quality so that I don't have to wear the headset.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since installing the software my Bluetooth keyboard sits mostly unused. A true testament to how usable MacSpeech is. The amount of training I had to do with the software was very short, in fact it stopped me before I was finished. The quality level of the resulting text is truly amazing. As I get more comfortable with the system, I am producing less and less mistakes that need to be corrected.</div><div><br /></div><div>So far I'm very impressed. And very happy with the software. I would definitely recommend it to someone who's in the market for dictation software --- especially since I think it's the only one available for the Macintosh!</div>Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-90222862542690025712009-11-13T12:59:00.001-06:002009-11-13T12:59:32.777-06:00Beyond the rim of starlight...The U.S.S. Enterprise sails though the stars once more! Finished the model last night, and I'm happy with the results. Given all the mishaps during the building process, it turned out rather well. See what you think. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/11/13/505.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/11/13/s_505.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='183' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-66318626909537609962009-11-11T00:47:00.001-06:002009-11-11T00:47:13.482-06:00Recovering from disaster (again)After the last mishap, breaking the fuselage, was fixed, I managed to screw up again! Not having applied decals in a while, I managed to rip the ones on the fuselage pretty badly. I thought I would just live with it but decided I couldn't. <br />So I tried removing them so I could use the stickers in the kit. But the decals were dry and weren't going anywhere. Finally I gave in and painted over them. <br />Then I realized I had used the wrong set of decals in the first place!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/11/10/633.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/11/10/s_633.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='209' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />So here is the starboard side with the correct decals gently applied. Oo-rah!<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-5015533750413385632009-11-03T03:03:00.000-06:002009-11-03T03:11:09.840-06:00Damage (And Disaster) Avverted!As you can see, I was able to keep the broken fuselage from ruining the model. Model Master Light Gray was able to hide the seam where I repaired the break. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/11/03/25.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/11/03/s_25.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />All that remains is applying the decals, a clear coat, and mounting on the base. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/11/03/26.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/11/03/s_26.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I have the Klingon ship to work on next. Of course it doesn't use any of the same paint colors!! <br />-- Posted from my iPhone<br />Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-774255076873906152009-10-31T00:38:00.001-05:002009-10-31T00:38:29.691-05:00Painting And More PaintingMostly just painting all the pieces the last two evenings. Useful items at this stage include hobby knife, tape (for masking areas off) Q-tips, tweezers, sandpaper (I use an emory board). Cups or dishes to mix paint come in handy. I like to use one for thinner, so I keep my bottle clean. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/10/30/969.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/10/30/s_969.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />-- Posted from my iPhone<br />Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-83504061539596938222009-10-28T00:19:00.005-05:002009-10-28T00:37:06.596-05:00Day 1 - The Saucer Section<div>OK, I got started on the model building tonight. First thing, I had to go back to Hobby Lobby, since the paint list was not listed on the box, but on the instructions. Here's the list:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVaQ0iQinKvSc5lmW0Mvl6MimyfPXQCExa0-BxMEoBWqbpG9PzKbdFAd7LJwybXDn6WSP32nt-0XdDZnU8xFNfhumPRkK5dGRgm1rMrBWKkWBTyHa06aM8Ulu3kCqgOmW8IF4Rg/s1600-h/Ent_Saucer1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVaQ0iQinKvSc5lmW0Mvl6MimyfPXQCExa0-BxMEoBWqbpG9PzKbdFAd7LJwybXDn6WSP32nt-0XdDZnU8xFNfhumPRkK5dGRgm1rMrBWKkWBTyHa06aM8Ulu3kCqgOmW8IF4Rg/s320/Ent_Saucer1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397517263503835538" /></a>I gathered the paints, and realized that they were pushing $20, and that before I bought a brush. So instead I went with a generic set of paints, realizing I can always mix my own colors if I need to. Also, the $12.99 paint set included a brush and thinner. Beyond that I bought the metallic copper paint and the metallic red.<div>Here's the two halves of the saucer section. At this point, I've only attached lower clear dome and the upper ridge that leads back to the sublight engines:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVG8gfm0WA5ObQ3Vr7Jy20dA1RhmPKocVFfq6-oSz-W6F_ZcGwBd_XtP9iIAeTt1zbbqVbnhKM-gnfVMiobddUj9UTDmlWvFfh_ninTzK5rl5R5pgkqzuKs1Sv3zhQqePFAAGdA/s1600-h/Ent_Saucer2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVG8gfm0WA5ObQ3Vr7Jy20dA1RhmPKocVFfq6-oSz-W6F_ZcGwBd_XtP9iIAeTt1zbbqVbnhKM-gnfVMiobddUj9UTDmlWvFfh_ninTzK5rl5R5pgkqzuKs1Sv3zhQqePFAAGdA/s320/Ent_Saucer2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397516628013109490" /></a>Here's a close-up of the lower saucer. For a Snap-Tite model, it's fairly well detailed and accurate. My only quibble is (you can't see this) the lower saucer has the Paramount copyright information in ridged lettering. I'll have to sand it off.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBA4MT4b4eYbcTpfb6X0YXYcky7gZntURELbRhj94xcZPc6a68f2Xdbm4jp4ppHyDRpN4IaA7PKJlSK7d0ZBd-QQzdXqmTBC4wA5A5EeKHaOuGdz5z5VGqwCDuWO8os3hVK-9JA/s1600-h/Ent_Saucer3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBA4MT4b4eYbcTpfb6X0YXYcky7gZntURELbRhj94xcZPc6a68f2Xdbm4jp4ppHyDRpN4IaA7PKJlSK7d0ZBd-QQzdXqmTBC4wA5A5EeKHaOuGdz5z5VGqwCDuWO8os3hVK-9JA/s320/Ent_Saucer3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397516629949314082" /></a>Having done models of the Enterprise before, I know that the worst part of getting the saucer done is getting the halves to sit down flush with one another. To that end, I used a gadget that keeps computer cabling together that clamps onto the edge of a desk to clamp the most difficult part of the saucer together while it dries.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPCzqnen0b7-SPCh9EXrzzkXYiG4MsxlXBBcXGTgt7E2QI0VHSTwq0G0nMTI8mqF0thzKdpHU21YHszujPJEgnRTXpjgAnMmdfT3b3PcLEYNUqhIbygXizzdyINWEKQogIgtsrg/s1600-h/Ent_Saucer4.jpg"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPCzqnen0b7-SPCh9EXrzzkXYiG4MsxlXBBcXGTgt7E2QI0VHSTwq0G0nMTI8mqF0thzKdpHU21YHszujPJEgnRTXpjgAnMmdfT3b3PcLEYNUqhIbygXizzdyINWEKQogIgtsrg/s1600-h/Ent_Saucer4.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPCzqnen0b7-SPCh9EXrzzkXYiG4MsxlXBBcXGTgt7E2QI0VHSTwq0G0nMTI8mqF0thzKdpHU21YHszujPJEgnRTXpjgAnMmdfT3b3PcLEYNUqhIbygXizzdyINWEKQogIgtsrg/s320/Ent_Saucer4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397516634359477922" /></a>One point to note. The upper dome is clear also, but (stupidly) they opted to make the entire bridge section clear, meaning that you have to paint the lower section (without messing up the clear dome). I hate stupid moves like that, but what can you do? I did the best I could, going back to trim paint from the edges of the dome with my hobby knife until it looked (mostly) circular. Also, I think the bridge gray was a bit dark, but I've decided to live with it. For the running lights, I did the red one with a red marker and the green with green enamel diluted with thinner. This way they're still mostly clear.</div>Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-31511515318437837032009-10-27T02:45:00.008-05:002009-10-27T03:09:58.826-05:00The Final FrontierOf late I'm not so into programming. Not sure why this is so, but rather than drive myself crazy trying to code something I'm not into, I've decided to do some other things. For example, I recently bought a small MIDI controller keyboard to play with Garageband. Nothing worth sharing yet, but you never know.<div>Another thing that I've "resurrected" from my past is model-building. I used to really enjoy that when I was a kid and teenager. Here's an example of a previous endeavor, the Spirit of St. Louis:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6hQ7xschjrjvfR22yJAzHrD-_Liuk6t86EyAB91VBZw1CCHkfxqbXLRBqGDHV6kC6sEYkhB2kXHCWvPbXRlF2Jv7EhbQpjviFX-CxusxjtXDtqnTYMS0ais2J1tPaHbHBtFSfw/s1600-h/Ent_beg7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6hQ7xschjrjvfR22yJAzHrD-_Liuk6t86EyAB91VBZw1CCHkfxqbXLRBqGDHV6kC6sEYkhB2kXHCWvPbXRlF2Jv7EhbQpjviFX-CxusxjtXDtqnTYMS0ais2J1tPaHbHBtFSfw/s320/Ent_beg7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397185478969643746" /></a></div><div>So today while at Hobby Lobby for some lights for my pumpkin, I checked out their model section and was surprised to find kits of the U.S.S. Enterprise from the original Star Trek series. On further inspection, I realized that the kit could be used to construct several different versions of the ship, including the ship from the first pilot "The Menangerie," the second pilot "Where No Man Has Gone Before," and the one used for the rest of the series. Parts and decals are included to also create the I.S.S. Enterprise from the mirror universe in "Mirror, Mirror." They also included decals for the U.S.S. Constitution, U.S.S. Exeter, and the U.S.S. Defiant. So with one kit you can actually make seven different versions of the ship!</div><div>Here's the box detail:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItMr21axne1YEJ7Ih1zfpGypMvmVqMBFX0upw3vrbbSr3tDMIC6VXRYPkXZfyItxmWMNw1WcPXfO8o5uQRoOth32LrUR48NMBbr7Sb9JCNfLnShyNIpgU0RhjoS0PEp4GTsCXiw/s1600-h/Ent_beg1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItMr21axne1YEJ7Ih1zfpGypMvmVqMBFX0upw3vrbbSr3tDMIC6VXRYPkXZfyItxmWMNw1WcPXfO8o5uQRoOth32LrUR48NMBbr7Sb9JCNfLnShyNIpgU0RhjoS0PEp4GTsCXiw/s320/Ent_beg1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397185976907927170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0f2u4YHtSOOzoxegkxakWB_hmtmaX6glUys32lI0AbLCqoQxy2knJOBPXDpJ1pE2XSh5wiFX9UCu1d2oc50QQWH2E_6nOad5zPzoAjJIT-wNS6EpDWxLjMWHf-jd7ybT1yD94w/s1600-h/Ent_beg9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0f2u4YHtSOOzoxegkxakWB_hmtmaX6glUys32lI0AbLCqoQxy2knJOBPXDpJ1pE2XSh5wiFX9UCu1d2oc50QQWH2E_6nOad5zPzoAjJIT-wNS6EpDWxLjMWHf-jd7ybT1yD94w/s320/Ent_beg9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397186237255513250" /></a></div><div>Here's some detail from the instructions illustrating the different versions of the ship:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDdGOymqcXHaKacRJXIhjwjGvgVQu0dN9FhgBLk1temJAUrhq2cvsXUFqKtGCUlW7HZLPGyn05Qw62WOly_ZzFd_ZUB-WiRd9F2sXvBQO9TuYgjHwGemfgOUsA-Utg8KgYKf1MA/s1600-h/Ent_beg2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDdGOymqcXHaKacRJXIhjwjGvgVQu0dN9FhgBLk1temJAUrhq2cvsXUFqKtGCUlW7HZLPGyn05Qw62WOly_ZzFd_ZUB-WiRd9F2sXvBQO9TuYgjHwGemfgOUsA-Utg8KgYKf1MA/s320/Ent_beg2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397187102499955970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QrcfdDrNu5qJxgqtjNNTCdemqiwXpINpedAkB0F7S-r_Ey3fGri4ngvWSeC_bbsFCeqCY2RLk0zrosVwJpkYtDcgCYboTiqBCpwa-Nu3gdnjbynhNyOqC1vfyJdo24WgPE7-JQ/s1600-h/Ent_beg6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QrcfdDrNu5qJxgqtjNNTCdemqiwXpINpedAkB0F7S-r_Ey3fGri4ngvWSeC_bbsFCeqCY2RLk0zrosVwJpkYtDcgCYboTiqBCpwa-Nu3gdnjbynhNyOqC1vfyJdo24WgPE7-JQ/s320/Ent_beg6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397187082122608322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4Dwxn5sj_4WLF4IcSs_JLtnVLACvfks8WYtLZb8ZsP89oC_EUXkCDobTX6Y72oBJPtQ2AmKsQ06ycOrRHLAQhwXE_aa2qKaTzYuvOHCZLxLi3L6Xx_MsKFCMg5_c6OIX8_Y76A/s1600-h/Ent_beg3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4Dwxn5sj_4WLF4IcSs_JLtnVLACvfks8WYtLZb8ZsP89oC_EUXkCDobTX6Y72oBJPtQ2AmKsQ06ycOrRHLAQhwXE_aa2qKaTzYuvOHCZLxLi3L6Xx_MsKFCMg5_c6OIX8_Y76A/s320/Ent_beg3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397187078769641234" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvK3tJcmvZ2WknmVuqs-JSijVan7imKy5s-FZqNhGT1o3KfNSMBAH5Nrcvm9_XQib8nFp_JNgXU1wAuThi-kPcPUlJadVL4hhnOj9VQvnUpfFT88zfkLOi6FGPZCw_lh3-bRid0w/s1600-h/Ent_beg5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvK3tJcmvZ2WknmVuqs-JSijVan7imKy5s-FZqNhGT1o3KfNSMBAH5Nrcvm9_XQib8nFp_JNgXU1wAuThi-kPcPUlJadVL4hhnOj9VQvnUpfFT88zfkLOi6FGPZCw_lh3-bRid0w/s320/Ent_beg5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397187073632068674" /></a><div>And here's all the parts. They included stickers and decals, so little kids who aren't good at decals and use the stickers<br />.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LaTdP9r7SatGZUD8tGKo4DFDAi8bueYndvbRDEj6w8p7NS6cREEGsZgpmtdMhXAw5NPFgJJETj0v6eGmbjKXwj3mTcs3bAHsYuLWfIWz7y0ogh5kOsSXjNPjKAfoUYME2tgYNw/s1600-h/Ent_beg8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LaTdP9r7SatGZUD8tGKo4DFDAi8bueYndvbRDEj6w8p7NS6cREEGsZgpmtdMhXAw5NPFgJJETj0v6eGmbjKXwj3mTcs3bAHsYuLWfIWz7y0ogh5kOsSXjNPjKAfoUYME2tgYNw/s320/Ent_beg8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397188397774462962" /></a></div><div>I'll try to use my camera to track my progress building the model and post updates here as I go.</div>Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-38281817953871757482009-09-09T22:38:00.000-05:002009-09-09T22:50:41.130-05:00A Shameful DisplayTonight, while watching the President's address to the joint session of Congress, I heard something I've never ever heard before. The President of the United States was called a liar from the floor of the House of Representatives. <br /><br />Republican Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina shouted, "You lie!" as the President stressed that his proposed health plan would not cover illegal aliens. <br /><br />I have never seen anyone interrupt any President while speaking to Congress, much less do so so rudely. While Rep. Wilson apologized soon after, this incident demonstrates how far away this country has gotten from civil discourse. <br /><br />Unlike Craig Ferguson, I feel it is not a "good day for America."<br /><br />-- Posted from my iPhone<br />Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-84089252156000255592009-08-24T00:33:00.001-05:002009-08-24T00:33:49.365-05:00Trying Out BlogPressI'm trying out an iPhone app called BlogPress. This is my first post with it. I am getting better at typing with the iPhone keyboard. So far I like being able to post from the iPhone. We will see how often I do so. <br /><br /><br />-- Post From My iPhone<br />Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-66100398737143707602009-08-22T01:29:00.007-05:002009-08-22T01:45:25.169-05:00iPhone Wins Another Convert<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CExpdZ5mNjy7zVftVamVu8AWrkTqwuD1M4NMqNtr5hGbAlXrHn7BsVAq1b1iZ84F6U5tKBaZXeHxlBZzdtxmmBanF9soYOKWs7KKZUy8Yiy7dKXdeEKxPzm61PjF5YQsg68Z7Q/s1600-h/images-5.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 93px; height: 124px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CExpdZ5mNjy7zVftVamVu8AWrkTqwuD1M4NMqNtr5hGbAlXrHn7BsVAq1b1iZ84F6U5tKBaZXeHxlBZzdtxmmBanF9soYOKWs7KKZUy8Yiy7dKXdeEKxPzm61PjF5YQsg68Z7Q/s320/images-5.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372675389332782946" /></a><br />Folks that read this blog (both of you) know that I'm pretty much an Apple fanboy. Though I've been known to criticize them for stupid moves, I love their gadgets. I've owned Apple computers since my Apple //e back in the mid-80's, owned my first Mac in the early 90's and even owned a Newton (the handwriting recognition rocked, I don't care what you've heard). So it shouldn't surprise anyone to know that I've been drooling over the iPhone for the last 3 years. <div>Monday I finally gave into my geeky gadget lust. The story of that purchase is the stuff of <a href="http://nitewing98.blogspot.com/2009/08/how-to-buy-iphone-hard-way.html">another post</a>. Suffice it to say it wasn't the easiest purchase I've ever made.</div><div>So I bought an iPhone 3GS, 16gb model, and after a week of using it, I have to say, I LOVE IT. This thing is everything the Newton was and more. The sheer volume of applications, many of them free, is astounding. The speed of loading web pages seems the same whether it's via 3G or Wi-Fi. The voice control works. It's a great iPod. It's a cool machine.</div>Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-89777717021316090522009-08-18T13:19:00.004-05:002009-08-18T13:37:42.760-05:00How to Buy an iPhone - The Hard WayOK, so I get this check from the government (stimulus money) and decide that I'm going to finally get an iPhone. How hard can that be, right? Harder than you might think.<div>First, I tried to buy one on Apple's site, but at the point where I chose a billing plan, the system said it couldn't process my request. OK, it's 3am, so maybe they're processing billing or something, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>Next morning, I try again. Now it tells me that I have to pay $150 deposit (no credit history) and could I please come into the store to do that. Now, I live in Independence, MO, about 25 miles outside of Kansas City, and that means I have to drive all the way into town to the Apple Store. </div><div><br /></div><div>Next, I know that Walmart is carrying the iPhone also, so I head to their website. They ask for my zip code to test for availability and then tell me that I can't use one in my zip code! What?!</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, I think, "There's an AT&T store over here across from the mall, I'll just go over there."</div><div>Turns out, they've got 4 people waiting before me, oh and by the way they only have the 32GB model ($100 more), "is that ok?" Well, I decide it's NOT ok, I'm on a limited budget. So I go back to the car. I'm sitting there and realize there's a Best Buy and they're carrying the iPhone, too, I've heard. So I go in there. </div><div><br /></div><div>Best Buy's cell phone dept. has a nice young geek (not being mean, I'm a geek too), no business, so I plunk myself down in a chair and ask him if he's got any 16GB iPhones. He looks, says that he does, but all he has is black. Perfect, I tell him (I wouldn't be caught dead with white). He writes it up, is pleasant, and has me out of there in 20 minutes after activating the phone and making a point of telling me that I get 20% off iPhone stuff if I buy it with the phone, so I buy a slipcover and a new mic/earphone set for my dad's iPod Touch. In all, he spirits 277 bucks out of my wallet plus the $150 deposit. Good salesman. Brian Maupin @ the Independence Best Buy. If you're out that way, do yourself a favor and see him.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've never been a huge fan of Best Buy (or Circuit City, when it was a real brick & mortar store) because they have a tendency to be high when it comes to hardware (compared to internet stores). But in this case, I needed someone who knew what he was doing and could sell it to me, and Brian was able to do that. Lately, I've wound up @ Best Buy more and more often. I think their people are stressing customer service more than most businesses, and unless that changes, I'll be shopping there. </div>Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-82327174501911732492009-08-05T04:31:00.003-05:002009-08-05T04:41:24.159-05:00Snow Leopard Upgrade Pre-Sale for Recent BuyersLast week's big news was that <a href="http://amazon.com">Amazon.com </a>was already taking <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mac-version-10-6-Snow-Leopard/dp/B001AMHWP8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1249465222&sr=8-1">pre-orders for Mac OS X 10.6</a>, codenamed "Snow Leopard." In looking through the <a href="http://apple.com">Apple site,</a> I stumbled on some information I thought others might want to know.<div>Basically, if you bought/buy a Mac between June 8 2009 and December 26 2009, you're eligible for an <a href="http://www.apple.com/macosx/uptodate/">upgrade to Snow Leopard for only $9.95</a>. I ordered it for my new Mac mini, and wanted to alert any other new Mac purchasers that you can get Snow Leopard for 1/3 the price it will sell for.</div><div>I kind of hoped they had a program in place for new buyers, since they've often done this in the past. So I will get shipped a copy when they start shipping in September! :)</div>Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-71907207562399715342009-08-04T00:46:00.004-05:002009-08-04T00:53:00.083-05:00Olbermann Calls Out Folks In Congress Paid By Health Care Industry<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:11px;"><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; ">Jaw-dropping. Last nite's <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/03/olbermann-slams-members-o_n_250580.html">"Special Comment" from Keith Olbermann</a>, in which he calls out, <i>by name,</i> Republicans and Blue Dog Democrats who have accepted campaign contributions from heath industry interests. Amazing. Must-See TV!</h3></span>Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30019213.post-37830374639310494942009-08-01T03:36:00.005-05:002009-08-01T03:49:50.272-05:00New Mac Mini!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HxRkO8zWKmU7gbPnAn_MO85QkGc7-gK6I3H8qDNkgC0g2byR9V4wFvs_tNriG-p4U3lFDKRb6AujwmEryo-MuNqtqfIGwcdeJt_Zjd7AV-EPPje0qSH6yFLFbwLijCFbus630w/s1600-h/mac_mini_1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HxRkO8zWKmU7gbPnAn_MO85QkGc7-gK6I3H8qDNkgC0g2byR9V4wFvs_tNriG-p4U3lFDKRb6AujwmEryo-MuNqtqfIGwcdeJt_Zjd7AV-EPPje0qSH6yFLFbwLijCFbus630w/s320/mac_mini_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364913905954334850" /></a><br />OK, I've posted here as I change (read "upgrade") to newer Macs. This is the icing on the cake, though. <i>New Mac Mini</i>. Say it to yourself 3 times, slowly, sensuously. <i>2.0 ghz Core 2 Duo</i>. <i>5 USB ports</i> (I <b>know</b>!). <i>Firewire 800</i>. <i>Superdrive</i>. <i>Mini DVI and Mini Display ports</i>. <i>All in a 2 inch x 6.5 inch x 6.5 inch box of love</i>. <i>Ooooooh</i>.<div><br /></div><div>Hate me yet? That's OK. I have the Mini, and you have your hate. Which of us is better off?</div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously, this is one fine Mac. It's smaller than the original Mac, smaller than the G4 Cube. Whisper quiet (which I appreciate SO much after the wind tunnel that was the PM G4 MDD). I named this Mac Uniblab, after the robot on the Jetsons. My error sound is Uniblab saying "Back to work, back to work. Everyone work work work."</div><div><div><br /></div><div>I really love the new iPhoto, with the face recognition. It's not perfect, but it does a good job of guessing who someone is. Bought iWork too, and an extra GB of memory, so the thing runs like the dickens. I really am happy with it and expect it will last me a good 5-10 years. Then I'll get whatever is hot then!</div></div>Kevin Bradleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921534252560174176noreply@blogger.com0