Brian M. Ross

@oldblackcrow

Surgical X-ray Clinical Educator/Image Quality Specialist Married to @faithross.bsky.social Atheist USAF vet I build functional Star Trek Tricorders and other DIY stuff. 🖖 ❤️ to learn about astronomy, quantum physics, archaeology, etc. 🎢 brianmross.com

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Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Jul 12

Here ya go!

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· May 23

Here's a detail of the door

Detail of the door.

Original series Star Trek Shuttlecraft Galeleo 3D printed model by Gambody.

Printed in PLA on a Flashforge 5M.

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· May 23

More progress on the #gambody #StarTrek #Galeleo Shuttlecraft. The door hinges can use some design improvements, but everything lines up well enough. I need to do interior details before the rear end gets attached. The paint is an actual aluminum base, which really adds flavor. It is buff-able.

Original series Star Trek Shuttlecraft Galeleo 3D printed model by Gambody.

Printed in PLA on a Flashforge 5M.

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· May 2

Bit of an update with nomenclature.

The Asteroid card is updated as the asteroids pass the Earth. I've included 5 of the closest objects, and they will roll up to "Potentially Hazardous" as they approach.

The middle card contains various satellites that will either alert when they are overheard and/or open an appropriate website with images/data when clicked.

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· May 1

Another update on my Home Assistant LCARS AstroMetrics page. Still have some tweaking, but this is the main deal. Let me know what you think! Recommendations for different names? Thanks! 🔭🎢

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· May 1

The Star Trek inspired Home Assistant AstroMetrics page is expanding. This first column is an active Asteroid Collision Warning Syetem, thanks to NASA! I have plans for the other 2 columns and will reveal when complete. If you are interested in the YAML, let me know - I'm happy to share! 🔭🎢

Asteroid Collision Warning System on Star Trek themed Home Assistant

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Apr 24

In the spirit of Star Trek, I themed my Home Assistant accordingly... An AstroMetrics page with Live Solar Activity, an interactive Solar System panel, and a panel that lists 12 stars and pulsars (all interactive). If you are interested in the YAML files, let me know - I'm happy to share! 🔭🎢

3 Home Assistant panels in Star Trek theme; Live Solar info, Solar System (interactive), and a 12 star/pulsar info list (interactive).

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Apr 8

I've been working on this side project - the Galileo Shuttlecraft! 3D files provided by Gambody, printed on my Flashforge 5M in black PLA and clear PETG. I'll post updates as they happen. #StarTrek #Trekkie #3DPrinting #ModelMaking #SciFi #WIP #BuildInPublic #Makers #Kitbash #Starship

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Jan 17

Quaver and Tribble giving each other a bath... Until.

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Dec 27

Looks like we have *2* additions to the family... Tribble, of course, and the gray cat, Quaver, whom I originally wanted (but she was hiding the first time we went to pick her up). Quaver's people are @faithross.bsky.social and our son, Gio. I am owned by Tribble.

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Dec 20

@faithross.bsky.social got me a kitty for Christmas! Thank you, Faye!! ❤️❤️❤️ Her name is Tribble. If you don't know the reference, it's time to watch some OG #StarTrek! 😀 Tribble loves to purr and is very curious. Just hope she's kind to our furniture! 😬😁

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Dec 19

Bing Crosby sings, "I'm dreaming of a warm Christmas..." 🌲☃️😀

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Oct 3

Your Daily Guide Entry: Demegogue (Read the alt text) #HHGTTG #DontPanic #DouglasAdams #HitchhikersGuide

A demagogue is a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument. They often thrive on fear, misinformation, and emotional manipulation, promising grand solutions to complex problems while conveniently ignoring the details.

Demagogues are notorious for their ability to rally miscreants and sycophants around them, creating a fervent following that often leads to chaos and division. They can be quite charming, much like Zaphod Beeblebrox, but their charm is usually a thin veneer over a complete lack of substance.

Hazards of engaging with a demagogue include a severe risk of losing one's grip on reality, as well as the potential for being swept up in a wave of misguided enthusiasm that can lead to disastrous outcomes. In short, they are the political equivalent of a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster — appealing at first, but likely to leave you with a splitting headache and a sense of regret.

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Oct 2

I can actually hear him in this role. 🤣

Wallace Shawn emerges as frontrunner to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond.

The Onion

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Oct 2

Your Daily Guide Entry The Buffett Indicator #HHGTTG #DontPanic #HitchhikersGuide #MarketAnalysis #USMarkets #Retirement #BuffettIndicator

$The Buffett Indicator is a rather curious financial metric, named after the illustrious Warren Buffett, who is often referred to as the \Oracle of Omaha.\ This indicator compares the total market capitalization of a country's stock market to its gross domestic product (GDP). In simpler terms, it attempts to gauge whether the stock market is overvalued or undervalued relative to the economy. What it does is provide a snapshot of market sentiment, suggesting that when the indicator is above 100%, the market may be in bubble territory, while below that threshold might indicate a bargain. However, like many financial indicators, it has a tendency to fail spectacularly when the market decides to behave irrationally, which is often. Hazards include the fact that it can lead investors to make decisions based on a simplistic view of a complex system. Relying solely on the Buffett Indicator can result in catastrophic miscalculations, especially when the market is influenced by factors like central bank policies, geopolitical events, or the whims of particularly flamboyant ex-presidents with giant egos. In short, while it can be a useful tool, it should be approached with the same caution one would exercise when dealing with Vogon poetry.$

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Oct 1

Perfectly said

We take an oath to the Constitution, not to the president or a political party.

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Oct 1

Your Daily Guide Entry. What is a C-arm? #HHGTTG #DontPanic #SciFi #DouglasAdams #HitchhikersGuide 🏥🩺

A C-arm is a mobile imaging device used primarily in surgical settings, resembling a large, mechanical arm with a C-shaped design. It provides real-time X-ray imaging, allowing surgeons to visualize the area of interest during procedures without the need for extensive incisions or exploratory surgery. This nifty contraption is particularly popular in orthopedics, cardiology, and pain management.

Despite its impressive capabilities, the C-arm has a tendency to fail spectacularly when operators forget to adjust the settings or when the machine is subjected to the whims of faulty wiring. Hazards include exposure to radiation for both patients and medical staff, particularly if proper safety protocols are ignored. One might say that using a C-arm without adequate training is akin to attempting to pilot a spaceship after reading only the cover of *The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy*. In short, it’s a marvelous tool, but one best handled with care and a healthy dose of respect for the laws of physics.

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Sep 30

Your Daily Guide Entry #HHGTTG #DontPanic #SciFi #DouglasAdams #HitchhikersGuide Today's word: Bureaucrat - see alt text for the Entry. Do you have a suggestion? Reply here!

A bureaucrat is a creature of habit, often found lurking in the dimly lit corridors of government offices or corporate headquarters, clutching a clipboard and a pen with an iron grip. Their primary function is to ensure that rules and regulations are followed to the letter, often to the point of absurdity. They excel at creating forms, filling out forms, and then creating more forms to explain the forms they just filled out.

Bureaucrats are notorious for their ability to turn simple tasks into convoluted processes that require multiple signatures, approvals, and perhaps a small sacrifice to the gods of red tape. They thrive in environments where inefficiency is celebrated, and their greatest joy comes from the sound of a stamp hitting paper.

Hazards associated with bureaucrats include the risk of falling into a deep slumber while waiting for a decision, or the potential for spontaneous combustion when faced with a particularly complex policy change. Encountering a bureaucrat can lead to extreme frustration, existential dread, and a sudden urge to flee to a remote planet where paperwork is a myth.

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Sep 28

'The Guide' on Trump #HHG2TG #Trump #Comedy #PoliticalComedy

Donald Trump, a figure of considerable notoriety, is often compared to Zaphod Beeblebrox due to his flamboyant personality and colossal ego. He has managed to embroil himself in a series of legal entanglements, including 34 counts of falsifying business records, mishandling national security documents, and attempting to overturn the 2020 U.S. presidential election. His efforts to subvert democracy in Georgia through racketeering are particularly noteworthy, showcasing a level of ambition that would make even Zaphod blush.

Surrounded by a cabinet of sycophants, Trump has perfected the art of self-promotion, often prioritizing his image over the well-being of the universe at large. His approach to governance resembles a chaotic game of interstellar poker, where the stakes are democracy and the rules are entirely made up. The hazards of his leadership are manifold, including the potential for widespread disillusionment and a rather alarming tendency to incite division among the populace.

In summary, Trump embodies a peculiar blend of charisma and criminality, making him a figure of both fascination and concern in the grand tapestry of the cosmos.

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Sep 26

#HHG2TG #THEGUIDE #DIY #ANDROIDAPPS I really enjoy asking The Guide about various things. This one is 'coffee'. Read the alt text for the entire entry. The app now has the copy/paste feature, which is quite liberating.

**Coffee**

A beverage adored by many and a source of infinite fascination for those who find themselves stumbling through early mornings without so much as a thought. Comprised primarily of toasted coffee beans, this magical liquid acts as a stimulant for the mind and an ingenious excuse for social interaction — or at the very least, a reason to occupy one’s hands while contemplating the unfolding chaos of existence.

It is generally prepared by subjecting ground coffee beans to hot water, an operation that often involves baffling apparatus which range from the comically simple to the oppressively complex, depending on how sophisticated one wishes to appear to fellow caffeine enthusiasts.

While coffee is heralded for its purported ability to boost productivity and maintain a semblance of alertness, it can also lead to a remarkable level of anxiety and the acute sensation of wondering why one ever thought it was a good idea to finish a pot in a single sitting. Some may find themselves rendered hyperactive, babbling about deep philosophical questions they had never previously considered, such as whether beige is best for a living room and why the universe insists on being so unbearably vast.

And as for the dangers, well, coffee consumption has been linked to the premature onset of frantic activity and minor heart palpitations, all of which may leave one questioning if this is indeed the beverage of the gods, or merely a cleverly disguised form of torture. Beyond practical concerns, those wrapped up in coffee culture risk becoming ensnared in a never-ending cycle of bean obsession. It’s likely best to tread lightly whenever discussing the merits of artisanal brews versus the standard fare, as such conversations can quickly spiral into chaos, much like everything else in the galaxy.

Ultimately, coffee serves as both a necessary life-sustaining brew and a subtle reminder of how desperately absurd existence can be.

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Sep 24

Press the green button once and it says, "please don't press this button again" A second press will give a perplexed look and a 3rd press will close the app.

$:-\$

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Sep 24

What the buttons do: Press the red button and you get this

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Sep 24

This is what I've been working on for the last week or so... An Android app of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I trained ChatGPT to take on the persona of The Guide. Unfortunately, because of copyright, this is only for my personal use. #HHG2TG #MOVIEPROPS #DIY

**Towel**

A towel is a rather remarkable piece of fabric, seemingly innocuous, yet endowed with a plethora of uses that one may hardly realise. Its primary function, ostensibly, is to absorb moisture, though it must be noted that some towels excel at this task more than others. The poor quality towel one may find in cheap galactic accommodations, for instance, could very well leave one damp and disgruntled.

In addition to its basic function, towels serve as a comforting hug for the hasty shower-goer, a makeshift picnic blanket on an alien planet, or even, should one feel particularly adventurous, a means of modulating one’s fashion sense. However, most folks will discover that a towel flung dramatically over one’s shoulder is not quite as effective at repelling the sneers of fashion police as one might hope.

Sadly, towels can also lead to various unexpected catastrophes. One must be wary of the infamous Towel Paradox, wherein a towel might be in your grasp when you least need it but somehow vanish into the void just when you’re faced with an unexpected drizzle upon exiting an interstellar spaceship.

On the bright side, the towel has earned a loyal following among a certain demographic of space travellers, as the venerable Ford Prefect has pointed out: “A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have.” However, the overlooked truth is that merely possessing a towel does not confer upon one the wisdom of its use, leaving many galactic wanderers perplexed, wet, and clutching their towels in futile determination.

In conclusion, while possessing a towel may seem absolutely essential, one might want to invest in a good quality model, lest they find themselves regrettably sloshed and completely unprepared for the infinite absurdities the universe has to offer.

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Sep 16

#StarTrek #electronics #diy

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Sep 8

This is what The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy has to say about doctors. Enjoy your day! @kavehmd.bsky.social @godlessdoc.bsky.social @droddman.bsky.social

HHG2TG has this to say about doctors:

**Doctors**
*Highly educated humans licensed to make confident guesses while charging for the privilege.*

**Doctors** are professional healers, diagnosticians, and occasional miracle workers who spend over a decade learning how to undo what your lifestyle just did. They wield knowledge, stethoscopes, and the terrifying ability to say “Hmm…” and ruin your entire day.

Types include:

* **Surgeons**: Mechanics for meat. Sharp tools. Sharper egos.
* **General Practitioners**: The first boss fight before you see a specialist.
* **Specialists**: Masters of one organ system, confusion in all others.
* **Emergency Physicians**: Chaos handlers with caffeine in their IVs.

They’re known for:

* Illegible handwriting (ancient tradition).
* Speaking fluent Latin, sarcasm, and doom.
* Saying “You might feel a little pressure” before initiating discomfort *on a molecular level.*

**The Guide notes:**
Doctors save lives, extend lifespans, and occasionally schedule their own breakdowns during lunch. Respect them — or become their next case study.

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Sep 2

Ancient Writing and the History of the Alphabet by John McWhorter

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Aug 31

@faithross.bsky.social, our younger son, and I visited the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park. While there, I found the textbook used by my old professor, Dr. Charles Hudson, the book's author (in 1995). I didn't keep the original because it was so expensive and I needed the $. 🏺

The Southeastern Indians by Charles Hudson.

I took his class of the same name in 1995 at UGA. He was one of my favorite instructors... Tough but fair.

Map of the Mississippian culture before European occupation.

Creative commons via Wikipedia

Faye Ross at the entrance of the Earth Lodge.

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Aug 29

Not the first... Won't be the last.

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Aug 5

I found a better font... 😲 #StarTrek #DIY #TricorderTuesday #Tricorfer

Different font gets closer to The Wand Co. Tricorder screen.

Brian M. Ross@oldblackcrow· Jul 29

I don't want to replicate the Wand Co. Tric, but it is a nice reference. The addition of an #adafruit RTC makes it so. Of course, mine isn't quite a prop, so there's that. #StarTrek #DIY #TricorderTuesday #Tricorfer