I started this remainders a couple of weeks ago. Then I got very busy again. So, when Saturday rolled around, I did not have many (enough) entries that I wanted to publish. So I elected to push this remainders out one week to see what might develop. Well, I did spend some time on the Interwebs researching the answers to various technical questions.
- I still go to the field and collect survey data. I recently learned about a type of level rod called a Lenker Rod. This site provides a description for use of a direct elevation reading rod.
- I enjoyed MythBusters quite a lot. And when Kari joined the crew, I thought her super cute and a superb addition to the crew. She brought a level of energy and humor that was perfect. When The Algorithm pushed this test of the hot-crazy matrix and the cute-money graph, I had to watch it.
- I have always been something of a privacy geek, strongly believing in the right recognized by the 4th Amendment. Flock and other surveillance devices are not a good thing, no matter how their application is spun. I came across this map of Flock locations (as of November 2025) and was fascinated to know that I am being surveilled on my daily walks with my dog.
- It is no secret that I am a Fujifilm shooter. I also follow the Fuji Rumors web site. I recently noticed a link to the Big List of Fujifilm X-Mount Lenses. That is cool.
- For anything but the simplest of operations (create or expand), dealing with archive files (AKA “Zip files”) in MacOS requires third-party software. While watching a YT video (Open Source…) I discovered a FOSS utility called MacPacker. This is a gem and provides more than the software window, it implements a right-click option for dealing with archive files.
- I am working on a project that requires me to do some flood frequency analysis. As I work with a robot to develop the code (an R script), I learned that the R development team is moving from
gfortrantoflangfor the FORTRAN compiler. This is documented here. - As part of the previous exercise, I learned that R uses a document utility, Pandoc. I used to maintain the Literate Programming FAQ and had that text with SGML markup. The markup permitted me to produce multiple output formats for regular distribution. Aside: I no longer know whether that list is still maintained. I have not worked on it in decades.
- I am waiting for my new spectacles. While I wait, I decided to look at what Warby Parker has to offer.
- Fuji X Weekly has a nice article on the preference for Kodak film recipes. It is worth a read.
- I recently received an email from the National Traffic Service about a virtual training course. Now that is interesting. Shawn Ryan recently showed a clip from a nuclear warfare specialist that posited a North Korean EMP detonated 300 miles above ground level would completely shut down the grid and destroy most of the electronics. Those of us who keep a radio in a Faraday cage (and support equipment) would be able to communicate and pass traffic. That is, if enough enough of us have equipment.
I am grateful. Life is good.