Category: Geekitude

Battery Happenings

December 3, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Earlier this year, I got an Olight Ostation for recharging AA batteries. At the time, I was wishing they also had one that did AAA batteries.

Then, I stumbled across Olight’s Ostation Pro that would recharge both AA and AAA. Cool. Backed it. Expect to get it sometime this year or early next.

Then I found out Olight does have an Ostation for recharging AAA’s. It came in last week right before Thanksgiving. I did some quick rearranging in the home office to put all my major rechargers into one spot. Plus, there’s enough room for the Pro when it comes in.

So, as The Wife looked on bemusedly, I went through and recharged the family’s inventory of AA and AAA batteries. She’s also amused that I added another battery caddy to the mix. Now, I have one for upstairs, one for downstairs, one near the battery station that will hold all the recharged batteries until time to reload the others, and then one final one to hold all my one-shots and my lithiums.

So far, I have only one complaint about the new Ostation. Olight really just did the minimum amount to swap it over to AAA, which means the little lever dispenser is sized for AA, not AAA. This means instead of getting one at a time like I do with the original, they tend to pour out in spurts of two to three.

So It Is Written…

December 1, 2025 / / 0 Comments

The Brother sent me Ars Technica’s Black Friday post. Not because I needed any tech, but because of the intro.

Earlier in 2025 we celebrated Prime Day—the yearly veneration of the greatest Transformer of all, Optimus Prime (in fact, Optimus Prime is so revered that we often celebrate Prime Day twice!). But in the fall, as the evenings lengthen and the air turns chill, we pause to remember a much more somber occasion: Black Friday, the day Optimus Prime was cruelly cut down by the treacherous hand of his arch-nemesis Megatron while bravely defending Autobot City from attack. Though Optimus Prime did not survive the brutal fight, the Autobot leader’s indomitable spirit nonetheless carried the day and by his decisive actions the Decepticons were routed, fleeing from the city like the cowardly robots they truly are and giving over victory to the forces of light.

Although Optimus Prime’s death was tragic and unexpected, things are often darkest just before dawn—and so, even though today is called “Black Friday” to remind us of the day’s solemnity, we choose to honor him the way we honor other important historical figures who also laid their lives upon the altar of freedom: we take the day off to go shopping!

I, unfortunately, had to work last Black Friday. And I swear I didn’t go and watch the ’86 Transformers movie while I was supposed to be working. I promise.

Edit: They kept the schtick up for Cyber Monday.

Scenes From Ward Life

October 1, 2025 / / 0 Comments

I’ve been eyeing this pre-order for a few days.

I’ve been a big fan of the Alpha Fighter since I saw it 40 years ago. The VF-1 is more iconic, but there’s always been something about the Alpha. This one is apparently part of a “re-imagining” of the original Genesis Climber Mospeada. While not exactly the same as the original Alphas, I think it looks neat.

I showed it to The Wife, who encouraged me to place the order. I may have put up some proforma protest, but I expect it to show up sometime in May.

When explaining its size, I mentioned this exquisite Alpha that’s being released. I will admit that it’s incredibly detailed.

The Wife: Well, why didn’t you get that one?

Me: That one’s $600! I’m not spending $600 on a toy. That’s gun money.

Monday Links

July 21, 2025 / / 0 Comments

I have a couple of links from The Verge, courtesy of The Brother.

First, EcoFlow is going up against Tesla’s PowerWall.

EcoFlow is powering up its first permanently installed whole-home energy solution for the US. The Ocean Pro system launches this week, featuring the new Ocean Pro Battery with 10kWh of storage expandable to 80kWh, and the Ocean Pro Inverter, which supports solar arrays of up to 40kW.

EcoFlow claims the system delivers 24kW of continuous power, enough to support all your appliances, including two 5-ton HVAC systems. Ocean Pro will also work with EcoFlow’s new Smart Home Panel for more advanced energy monitoring and control capabilities.

This is very interesting to me. I would love to eventually have Ward Manor upgraded with something like this and solar panels. Personally I would like where the power coming in from the grid or solar goes to the batteries, which then power the house. Not sure if that is feasible, but it’s something.

Second, Lego is continuing its Transformer offerings with Soundwave.

There are two features that set this Lego model apart from its other Transformers sets. The first is the inclusion of an electronic sound brick that “activates specially recorded voice and sound effects.” In the ’80s cartoon, Soundwave’s distinct monotone synthesized voice, performed by Frank Welker, helped make the character a fan favorite. The sound brick includes snippets of the cartoon’s music and the character speaking. It’s not Welker, but it’s still fun that Lego has gone the extra mile to re-create this character’s most memorable feature.

The other thing that makes this set unique is that it actually includes three Transformers. In addition to Soundwave, you get buildable versions of Ravage and Laserbeak that transform into cassette tapes that can fit inside Soundwave’s chest compartment. Lego also includes a display plaque showing the Decepticon’s power statistics alongside a tiny model of Soundwave in cassette player mode.

The sound block is what piques my interest in that. Soundwave’s voice and the sound of a Transformer transforming are two of those audio memories ingrained into me from multiple viewings of the old cartoons.

Monday Links

July 7, 2025 / / 0 Comments

I don’t know if it’s just the times we’re in or what, but I’m kind of drained on politics. So, for the time being, I’m going to post links here on things that interest me. Intellectually or feeds into one of my interests.

First, one of my favorite animes “Gate” is getting a second season 10 years after the first debuted.

The long-awaited second season, which is officially titled Gate 2: Tides of Conflict, will adapt the first two volumes of the Gate Season 2 sequel series, focusing on the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

So, it feels less like a direct sequel and more of a “setting sequel.” Which I thinks sets up my expectations well.

Second, the new Transformers / Macross 7 collab toy was set up for pre-order.

Okay, I don’t hate it. I like how they merged Optimus and the Firebomber mecha. However, the more I watch of Macross 7, the more I really dislike the Basra character.

RIP Val Kilmer

April 3, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Tuesday, Val Kilmer passed away at the age of 65. Far too young, but the man kind of rode the edge. He also may not have been the easiest person to work with. Still, his work has been a big part of my life.

Starting with:

And because of this:

And this:

Some of this:

And this:

Okay, this was more when I grew up:

Monday Links

January 20, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Today’s Reason links are going to be heavily dominated by the continuing fires in the Los Angeles area.

In defense of private firefighting firms. Because they’re doing the job that government doesn’t or isn’t capable of doing.

Looting is bad, so are curfews. This one I’m not so sure I agree, but it makes valid points. I can see both sides, but I tend to lean more to control of the area. Limiting chaos factors while dealing with a situation makes sense.

If California can relax permitting for rebuilding, then it can abolish the same rules. This is a good time to take a hard look at all those rules – including the ones that allow building in fire-prone areas.

But using price controls isn’t going to help with rebuilding.

More Reason articles.

SCOTUS upheld the TikTok ban in a narrow decision as leaders realized this might not be the best idea. The Supremes’ decision sounded very much “it’s okay in this case due to the facts, but probably not in others.” I’m also annoyed/amused by the leadership class running around like headless chickens because the law they were so happy to pass would actually go into effect.

No, Biden can’t unilaterally declare the ERA as part of the Constitution – and especially not by social media. This reeks of some underling getting control of the Twix account and pushing something out. It sounds like something that would happen in the waning days of the Biden administration.

The FDA is trying to ban cigarettes by making the nicotine content close to zero. Brought to you by the same folks who banned flavored vapes because it might harm children and fueled an increase in cigarette smoking in children. I swear, it’s like they think that people react exactly like they think they should just by passing a rule.

New Jersey raised its minimum wage and surprise, surprise, prices rose.

The SEC is trying to regulate NFT’s as securities instead of art.

With SHOT around the corner, here’s some TFB articles on some new guns.

S&W’s lever gun now comes in .357 Magnum. Well, that has my attention.

They also came out with a “Stealth Hunter” version. Or as I like to call it – “matte tacticool.”

Mossberg is “AR’ing” it’s 590 pump shotguns.

Now on to other stories.

From Reuters, a running log of events surrounding the Israel / Hamas ceasefire and hostage return. One hopes that this would be the beginning of rebuilding Gaza into a peaceful neighbor of Israel. One also is aware of history.

From the Colorado Sun, the Colorado legislature is looking to ban the sale and manufacture of any semi-auto that uses a detachable magazine. Also known as banning any modern firearm used by the general populace. (h/t The Reload).

An article on Apple pushing its transparency and noise cancellation modes on its AirPods. Honestly, I use these so much, that I didn’t even consider that they didn’t only have these modes.

From a local TV station, Big Cat Rescue has moved their animals to Arkansas and is selling their property. Honestly, this is probably a good move all around. BCR was in the middle of an highly developed area of Hillsborough that is growing even more.

From the Observer, former Manatee County commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge – who got thrown out by the voters for being in the pocket of developers – is suing people who exposed that he was in the pocket of developers.

From Military.com, the battle songs that defined the GWOT.

Forbes continues its Macross reporting with a piece on now that Macross is widely available, it could threaten Gundam’s popularity. I’ve already got Macross Zero slotted into my anime rotation.

Via The Brother, Arc Technica has a review of Civ 7. Knowing me, I’ll be uncomfortable with the changes for the first couple of months until I figure out the gameplay and then will just go to town on it.

Monday Links – The Return

January 13, 2025 / / 0 Comments

New year, and time for links. I took a break and a bunch of stories happened. I’m not going to recriminate myself. I needed it. Anywhoo, this is also a bit of a tab clearing edition, so hold on.

Reason first.

New European rules have pretty much enshrined USB-C. I like USB-C. I think it’s a great technology. I hate it being forced down everyone’s throats at the point of Europe’s guns. I also hate that this will make it harder for new charging technology to be brought forward.

Based on their track record last time around, and looking at a recent ruling, the US Supreme Court is not going to be a rubber stamp for Trump.

Last week was the ten year anniversary of the Charlie Hebdo massacre – and Reason has a thinkpiece on the cowardice of the leadership class to blame freedom of speech than murderers. Fanatical murderers are the ultimate heckler’s veto, and the cowardice of institutions to admit that has been a growing embarrassment.

Coverage of Meta’s decision to eliminate “fact-checkers” among other changes. There’s been talk that Zuck is not only trying to ingratiate himself with the incoming administration, but finally feels the environment is strong enough for him to push back against the “hostage-takers” among his staff. Both of which are kind of pathetic reasons when you think about it. It still gets me a result I want, considering FB is normally how I distribute the blog.

The feds jailed a Montana rancher for – checks notes – cloning a sheep.

An analysis of Seattle’s recent minimum wage hike. Spoiler alert – it hurt the workers it purported to help.

Ohio is going to charge people to get access to body cam videos. I’m actually going against Reason on this one. Since fees are capped at $750, it may be reasonable. However, considering governments generally are horrible at timely providing information, I can sympathize with organizations worried it’s just another speed bump in transparency.

Reason examining Biden’s decision to block the sale of US Steel to Nippon Steel.

On to other news stories.

The Free Press is covering the current scandal in the UK about the plight of girls being raped and authorities ignoring it. Plus the anger of the politicos at Elon for shining a light on their disgrace instead of their underlings for not handling the issue.

NYT covers the new congesting pricing implemented for entering Manhattan. Congestion pricing is one of those ideas I like in concept, but don’t trust the government to implement. For example, all the fees from this new tax are supposed to go to a public transit system already overfunded and incompetent with no demand for improvement in the system.

Headline from the Economist – “Why people over the age of 55 are the new problem generation.”

WaPo on the shadow war between India and Pakistan.

Bloomberg on the power demands of new AI datacenters and it’s probable impact on the grid. This might be the needed kick in the pants to decentralize and modernize the nation’s power grid. And get more nukes.

From Reuters, Apple is to pay $95 million to settle a privacy case because of Siri. First, that’s a blow to Apple’s self-image of being the best in privacy. Second, I assume all the personal assistants are always listening.

Also from Reuters, US court stops last minute implementation of net-neutrality rules. As much as I hope that’s the nail in the coffin for that particular gambit, people still want to implement communism.

Wired has a think piece on why families should establish secret passwords.

Tampa Bay Times reports on the death of a Scientologist spokesperson turned vociferous critic. Cancer sucks.

With CES, we have some neat new tech.

The Verge discusses BMW’s new iDrive. The idea of a Heads-Up Display for the car intrigued me, and the limited one on the BMW that The Wife and I rented last summer was nifty.

Also from The Verge, LG has a new “AeroCatTower” which will purify the air while your cat sits – and weighs them. Depending on the cost, one of these may show up at Ward Manor. It’s just too nifty.

From CNET, a tiny kitty that sits on your cup and blows on hot beverages to cool them.

Engadget has a couple of articles on new power devices – Ecoflow’s new solar hat and Anker’s new solar umbrella.

A light item.

Finally! We have Macross – on Hulu instead of Disney+.

Ward Manor Happenings

December 25, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and all other celebratory greetings!

New Hardware Happening – The big news is that I’m now blogging from the new Battlestation (which is the name I’ve used for my laptops for the past two decades). My old laptop kept crashing, and Best Buy had the Alienware m18 on sale. It is significantly larger than my previous laptop, and I dislike the fact that I can’t charge via USB-C. Still, playing Civ on this beast is going to be fun – particularly when Civ 7 drops.

I hate having to go through and do all the setup. Logging into accounts, finding old license keys, downloading applications. I will use this as an opportunity to streamline some older processes.

I’ve also had to reorganize my desk a bit since the new laptop is bigger than my old one.

There will most likely be more reorganization as we go through “The Great Upstairs Shift” when we decompress The Wife’s office, turn the upstairs living room into a craft/hobby room for both of us, and a bunch of furniture trading between rooms.

If all goes according to plan, I will have an aircraft carrier in my office for all my veritechs / transformers / etc.

Party Happenings – The Wife and I went to the Christmas party hosted by a former colleague of hers. She got to meet with some old colleagues and her current boss. Plus we met some new acquaintances. The Wife always comments on how I can hold a conversation with folks even though I’m a raging introvert. Which is true. The problem is I’m an outgoing introvert – which translates into once Derek starts talking on subjects he knows well, he doesn’t really shut up. I’m really working on info-dumping during conversations and making sure I’m not dominating a conversation.

Keeping Warm Happenings – The Brother found this little fireplace. I find it very relaxing.

Monday Links

October 21, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Reason links first.

Tariffs could increase console prices by $250.

U of M spent a quarter of a billion on DEI and made students unhappier. While I’m glad we’re getting empirical data on how bad these programs are, the damage is going to be far worse than wasting that much money.

Secondhand smoke dangers are getting a second look.

And another attempt at buying off voters – I mean, student loan forgiveness.

A thinkpiece on reforming Social Security.

Time for Ground News aggregations.

Lufthansa had to pay a fine for mistreating Jewish passengers. There’s something very wrong about this.

FTC institutes rule for click to cancel. Okay, there are something I would like to see, but I don’t like the FTC just making a regulation. It sounds like if this was a real issue, then Congress should do its damn job.

Amazon is going nuclear to power its future data center needs.

On to other stories!

WSJ article about Google joining Microsoft and Amazon in jumpstarting the nuclear power race. Better yet, both Google and Amazon are looking into current and future generation reactors that aren’t focused on creating nuclear warhead material.

Reuters article on the pager bombs Israel slipped Hezbollah.

ArsTechnica on the death of Ward Chrstenssen who created BBS’s.

Business Insider on China getting into the tilt-rotor game. Hope they have as much fun getting it to work as our military has had.

Cats beating babies at word association. (h/t Tam)

A couple of RKBA stories.

The Reload reports on the current NRA EVP finding himself in a scandal due to an animal cruelty charge from his college days.

John Richardson is on the ballot for NRA Board of Directors.

A couple of hurricane-related stories.

From Tampa Bay Times, an explainer on why some neighborhoods got the power back faster than others.

In true Tampa fashion, some local businesses are thanking linemen for their hard work by providing free/discounted services. Namely, the strip clubs. Welll, heck, why not lean into the rep?