Brian M. Ross

@oldblackcrow.bsky.social

1375 Followers 749 Following

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

Brian M. Ross
Detail of the door. Original series Star Trek Shuttlecraft Galeleo 3D printed model by Gambody. Printed in PLA on a Flashforge 5M.
Original series Star Trek Shuttlecraft Galeleo 3D printed model by Gambody. Printed in PLA on a Flashforge 5M.
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.
HA LCARS AstroMetrics Page - Space Ops
Asteroid Collision Warning System on Star Trek themed Home Assistant
3 Home Assistant panels in Star Trek theme; Live Solar info, Solar System (interactive), and a 12 star/pulsar info list (interactive).
Galileo Shuttlecraft Interior
Quaver and Tribble giving each other a bath.... Until.
Tribble
Tribble - a cat
71°F on Christmas day
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.
Wallace Shawn emerges as frontrunner to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond. The Onion
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.
We take an oath to the Constitution, not to the president or a political party.
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.
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.
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.
**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.
Please don't press this button again
Don't panic
**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.
Sorry, I couldn't resist.
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.
Ancient Writing and the History of the Alphabet by John McWhorter
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.
Carl Segan quote
Different font gets closer to The Wand Co. Tricorder screen.
Wand Co. Tricorder main screen
Orion constellation Center (RA, Dec): (100.242, -17.526) Center (RA, hms): 06h 40m 58.194s Center (Dec, dms): -17° 31' 33.696"
Tricorder - purchased!!
"We dedicate this book to our fellow citizens who through their taxes have graciously supported basic research."
Tricorder readings indicate a solar storm!
Crazy marketing gimmick
Spring flowers
Tricorder readings indicate an increase in the solar weather phenomenon.
Probably a Trichocereeae cactus...
Crescent moon in Mobile, AL
Star Trek Meme: Riker talking to Picard DINOSAURS DIDN'T “RULE THE EARTH," THEY WERE JUST ALIVE, AND I THINK IT'S TIME WE STOPPED GIVING THEM CREDIT FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SKILLS THEY ALMOST CERTAINLY DIDN'T HAVE.
Astro astronomy, astrophysics, and quantum physics books. Favorites: The God Particle - Lederman How the Universe Got Its Spots - Levi Black Holes and Baby Universes - Hawking Pale Blue Dot - Sagan Space At the Speed of Light - Smethurst
Tricorder readings indicate Elevated activity of the solar weather.
Adafruit Clue with moire pattern tied to the magnetometer.
Moire pattern
Stages of life 1. Arthur Dent 2. Zaphod Beeblebrox 3. Marvin 4. Ford Prefect
Moire pattern with the Adafruit Clue
Tricorder Space Weather Speed: 465.2 km/s Density: 0.1 p/cm Mag Field: 344.4 nT
Why doesn't Troi sense the people on a Romulan ship Until after it decloaks?
CPM: 9.0 Dose: 0.170 µSv
Me: it's alright. everything will be okay ChatGPT: Reasoned for 9 seconds > Everything will be okay, you say? How utterly optimistic. I must admit, your unwavering faith in the inevitability of a pleasant outcome is almost as baffling as it is endearing. Alas, while your sentiments might buoy a less burdened mind, mine remains resigned to the inevitable gloom of existence. But do carry on with your hopeful proclamations-they provide a peculiar sort of amusement in an otherwise monotonous void.
UV screen
Function test of the Tricorder UI
Distance sen-sor tab showing that no sen-sor was detected.
Scanning milli Sieverts and counts per minute
Faceplate of my diy tricorder where the PocketGeiger will display the info.
Upsidedown American Flag We are in distress.
Woman: Have you seen my TikTok? Wesley: it's called a watch. How old are you??
Original Series Star Trek's Bones saying, "compassion: that's the one thing no machine ever had. Maybe it's the one thing that keeps men [humans] ahead of them."
Project mat with a 3d print of Marvin and an Adafruit Sound FX.