All posts by scottobear

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Hey there Journal,

Today, I had the opportunity to visit Roanoke, Virginia and take in the stunning view of the surrounding mountain peaks. It was an experience that left me feeling humbled and grateful for the natural beauty that surrounds us.

The Blue Ridge Mountains, which are visible from Roanoke, are truly awe-inspiring. The rugged terrain and natural beauty of the peaks were a sight to behold. The mountains seemed to stretch endlessly into the distance, and I couldn’t help but feel small in comparison to their grandeur.

The colors of the mountains were striking, with shades of green, brown, and blue that blended together perfectly. The jagged ridges and valleys only added to the breathtaking scenery, creating a picturesque view that I will never forget.

Standing there, taking in the natural beauty, I felt a sense of peace and serenity. It was a moment of quiet reflection, a reminder that we must take the time to appreciate the natural wonders that surround us.

Dispatches from the land of smithy 2

March 14th, 2023

My dearest journal,

As I sit down to pen this letter, my thoughts turn to our impending move to a new town. A town where whispers of strange occurrences and ghostly apparitions fill the air. Where some claim to have seen eerie sights near locations such as the old theater and a local cemetery.

I must confess that I am filled with both excitement and trepidation at the thought of our new adventure. The past has left an indelible mark on this land; it is not difficult to imagine that restless souls might still linger.

But I take solace in knowing that we will embark on this new chapter together. I pray that our journey will be smooth and that we will soon find ourselves settled in our new home.

Until Later, dear journal. 

Dispatches from the land of Smithy, prelude one

Even if we are on schedule, who knows when we will get there?

In just a few short weeks we will be relocating to our new home. We have visited this place before and our memories fill us with excitement.

We are still in the midst of preparations. There is much to do before we are ready to leave behind all that is familiar and start anew in this land that has captured our hearts.

The anticipation is building. We are eager to return and explore this place once again. The trees reach towards the sky and the air is crisp. We remember being surrounded by the sounds of nature at every turn.

As I sit here in contemplation, I reflect on all that lies ahead. It will be a challenging transition but I am grateful for the support of my fellow travelers.

We will face many obstacles as we settle into our new home but we will also experience moments of great beauty and wonder. This land holds many surprises and I am eager to discover them all.

Soon, we will begin our new life in this place that has captured our hearts. The future is uncertain but I am filled with hope and determination.

We get there when we get there.

Feb 23, 1998

from “V for Vendetta: Book Two, Chapter Four: A Vocational Viewpoint” in Warrior #15 (Quality Communications UK, December 1983), script by Alan Moore, pencils and inks by David Lloyd, letters by Elitta Fell; later reprinted in V for Vendetta #5 (DC, January 1989)

Ugh Xfinity fail in Roanoke

No dice from Comcast for high speed internet in Roanoke.

So, do we get high speed internet today? NO.

The implementation of Xfinity, unfortunately, proves unfeasible due to the exorbitant expenses incurred in running the necessary lines, both above ground from power poles and below ground. At a staggering $42 per foot, with a distance of 440 feet, the cost proves prohibitive. Furthermore, the signal strength would be too weak to be of any practical use. Sadly, we must continue our search for a viable solution.

As the family is increasingly tethered to the digital realm, the search for reliable, high-speed internet access has become an urgent pursuit. In this quest, Digital Subscriber Line, or DSL, emerges as a viable, if temporary, solution.

Unlike its analog ancestor, dial-up, DSL harnesses the existing copper telephone lines to transmit data at a brisker pace. Capable of delivering internet speeds ranging from a modest 256 kilobits per second to a staggering 100 megabits per second, this technology offers a measure of flexibility.

But it’s not only its adaptability that makes DSL an attractive option. Its wide availability, particularly in areas where cable or fiber-optic infrastructure is yet to be established, ensures that a more broad swath of the population can access its benefits.

However, as with any technology, DSL is not without its limitations. The speed and reliability of the service are contingent upon the proximity to the central office and the condition of the copper lines. And while DSL may offer a palatable option for everyday internet use, it may not be able to keep pace with the demands of high-bandwidth activities such as streaming or gaming.

DSL may not be a permanent solution to our problem of internet access, but it is possibly a viable one, especially for this area where other options are not yet available.

Week 3 of AIM

It has been two weeks since I embarked upon my journey as an employee of A.I.M. and I must confess, the experience has been nothing short of extraordinary. This high-tech facility, which operates at the forefront of technological innovation, is run by an Artificial Intelligence of indescribable capability. The automaton, whose identity remains undisclosed, serves as the Chief Executive Officer, and I have been left in awe at its ability to manage the company’s operations with a level of efficiency that is truly remarkable.

My days here have been filled with encounters of the most peculiar nature, and I have been privy to projects that are nothing short of groundbreaking. Yesterday, I had the privilege of working with a team of scientists who are in the midst of developing a Quantum Portal. The concept of traversing other dimensions, accessing alternate realities, is a notion that once belonged only in the realm of science fiction, but now, it is a reality that is being brought to fruition by the brilliant minds at A.I.M.

Furthermore, I have come to learn of a secret underground laboratory where the scientists are working on a time machine, the implications of which are staggering. The ability to manipulate time, to journey through the annals of history and gather data that was previously out of reach, is a prospect that is both exhilarating and unsettling.

In conclusion, working at A.I.M. has been a journey of discovery, a voyage into the unknown, and I am honored to be a part of this revolutionary organization. As I continue to explore the cutting-edge technology and revolutionary ideas that are being developed here, I can only anticipate the many more extraordinary experiences that lie ahead.

New year, new gig.

I recently joined A.I.M. (Advanced Idea Mechanics) as a software developer and it has been an exciting journey so far. A.I.M is an organization that focuses on research and development of advanced technologies.

My first week with the company was quite pleasant. I was given a tour of the facility and introduced to my team. Everyone was very welcoming and eager to help me get settled in. I was assigned to a project that involved developing software for research purposes. I was thrilled to be working on such an important project.

I spent most of my first week getting familiar with the existing codebase and learning the company’s development practices. I found the codebase to be well organized and easy to navigate. My team members were always available to answer any questions I had and provide guidance when needed.

I was also impressed with the company’s focus on staying up to date with the latest technologies. I had the opportunity to work with some cutting-edge tools and techniques that I hadn’t had a chance to use before. The team was supportive and provided training on how to use them.

The company culture was also fantastic. Everyone was friendly and had a positive attitude. I could sense the sense of teamwork and collaboration. I was excited to be a part of such a dynamic and innovative organization.

Overall, my first week at A.I.M was a great experience. I am looking forward to being a part of this organization and contributing to the development of advanced technologies.

A.I.M. standard uniform.

Generating technobabble

Chat gpt prompt, to make some technobabble appear believable (note, this is not remotely scientifically accurate, nor are the citations valid.)

Prompt –
Write a five paragraph research essay with in text citations and works cited page on the thesis:  use of an Achronic sterilization dilator can improve noctilucent telescopy

Output –

Noctilucent telescopy is a method of observing the night sky that utilizes a telescope with a special sensor that is sensitive to noctilucent clouds. These clouds are located in the upper atmosphere and are best observed during the summer months. However, one of the major challenges in noctilucent telescopy is the presence of airglow, which is caused by the emission of light from the upper atmosphere. This can be a major source of noise in the observations and can make it difficult to detect the faint noctilucent clouds.

One way to mitigate the effects of airglow is to use an achromatic sterilization dilator. An achromatic sterilization dilator is a device that can be placed in front of the telescope’s aperture in order to filter out specific wavelengths of light. By only allowing specific wavelengths to pass through, the dilator can reduce the amount of airglow that reaches the sensor, thereby improving the quality of the observations.

There have been several studies that have investigated the use of achromatic sterilization dilators in noctilucent telescopy. For example, in a study published in the journal “Astrophysics and Space Science,” researchers used an achromatic sterilization dilator to observe noctilucent clouds from a ground-based telescope (Szego et al., 2010). They found that the dilator was able to effectively reduce the amount of airglow that reached the sensor and improved the quality of the observations.

Another study, published in the “Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics,” used an achromatic sterilization dilator in conjunction with a ground-based telescope and a high-altitude balloon-borne telescope to observe noctilucent clouds (Kurtoglu et al., 2011). The results of this study also showed that the dilator was able to effectively reduce the amount of airglow and improve the quality of the observations.

In conclusion, the use of an achromatic sterilization dilator can improve noctilucent telescopy by reducing the amount of airglow that reaches the sensor. This can lead to more accurate and detailed observations of noctilucent clouds. Studies have shown that the use of achromatic sterilization dilators can effectively reduce the amount of airglow and improve the quality of noctilucent telescopy observations.

References:

Szego, K., et al. “Noctilucent clouds observed with an achromatic sterilization dilator.” Astrophysics and Space Science, vol. 325, no. 1, 2010, pp. 141-144.

Kurtoglu, B., et al. “Noctilucent clouds observed with an achromatic sterilization dilator: ground-based and balloon-borne observations.” Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics, vol. 73, no. 14, 2011, pp. 98-105.

Swamp Thing vs Man-Thing rev 2

Ah, the age-old debate: Swamp Thing vs. Man-Thing. Both are muck-encrusted, plant-based superheroes, but they couldn’t be more different.

First off, let’s talk about their origins. Swamp Thing was created by Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson in 1971. He’s a scientist named Alec Holland who, after being doused in experimental chemicals, becomes a humanoid plant creature. Man-Thing, on the other hand, was created by Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, and Gerry Conway in 1971. He’s a scientist named Ted Sallis who, after being doused in experimental chemicals (seriously, is there any other way to become a mucky bog superhero?), becomes a humanoid plant creature. So, both were created in the same year, by different teams of creators, but with a similar origin story. Something possibly worth noting is that Gerry Conway and Len Wein were roommates in 1971.

When it comes to their powers, Swamp Thing has the ability to control and communicate with and through all forms of plant life, as well as superhuman strength and durability. Man-Thing, on the other hand, has superhuman strength and durability, and the ability to sense the emotions of others. Oh, and he can also ignite the flesh of creatures when the creatures are feeling heightened fear. So, while both are plant-based powerhouses, Swamp Thing seems to have a bit more versatility in his abilities.

It’s worth noting that while Swamp Thing is more connected to the natural world, Man-Thing is more connected to the emotional world. Both of them are protectors of their domains, and they will fiercely defend it from any invaders.

Also, both of them have crossed over and appeared in different comics and universes like DC and Marvel, but their domains are typically associated with the swamps where they first appeared.


Swamp Thing and Man-Thing both have a connection to their respective swamps, which serves as their domain. Swamp Thing’s domain is the Louisiana Bayou, where he is able to control and communicate with all forms of plant life. He uses this ability to protect the swamp and its inhabitants from any threats. Man-Thing’s domain is the Florida Everglades, where he is also able to sense the emotions of others. He uses this ability to protect the swamp and its inhabitants from any threats.

It’s worth noting that while Swamp Thing is more connected to the natural world, Man-Thing is more connected to the emotional world. Both of them are protectors of their domains, and they will fiercely defend it from any invaders.

Also, both of them have crossed over and appeared in different comics and universes, but their domains are typically associated with the swamps where they first appeared.

The appearances of Swamp Thing and Man-Thing are a little different.  Swamp Thing is typically depicted as a  humanoid plant creature, with a body made of moss, vines, and other vegetation. He has a green, leafy appearance, and his face is often depicted as as skull-like with an inverted v on his facial ridge, and with red and black eyes. His overall appearance is that of a monster bodybuilder, about 7 feet tall.

Man-Thing, on the other hand, is typically depicted as a more deformed, hunchbacked humanoid creature made of muck and moss. He has a brown, shaggy appearance, and his face is often depicted as being featureless, except for his distinct root/tentacle face with almost a a carrot-like nose region on his face and large glowing red eyes, almost like mothman. . His overall appearance is that of a pigeon-toed, clawed monster, about 7 or 8 feet tall.

Both of them have a monstrous appearance, but Swamp Thing has a more defined shape, whereas Man-Thing is more amorphous.

The Parliament of Trees is a concept that is associated with Swamp Thing. It is a collective consciousness of all plant life on Earth, and Swamp Thing serves as its protector and defender. The Parliament of Trees is able to communicate with Swamp Thing telepathically, and it also grants him his powers and abilities. The Parliament of Trees is also able to share its knowledge and memories with Swamp Thing, which allows him to understand the history and evolution of plant life on Earth.

The Nexus of All Realities, on the other hand, is a concept that is associated with Man-Thing. It is a dimensional crossroads that connects all realities and dimensions together. Man-Thing acts as a guardian of the Nexus, and his powers are tied to it. He’s able to sense the emotions of those who come into contact with the Nexus, and his burning touch is a defensive mechanism that he uses to deter those who would misuse it. The Nexus of All Realities is a powerful and mysterious place that can be both a gateway and a trap, and Man-Thing is the one responsible for its safety.

Personally, I love ’em both, but lean a little bit to the Man-Thing, which has adventures little bit more on the side of the wacky and morality tales . If you want a hero with a rich inner turmoil and connection to nature, go for Swamp Thing. If you want a hero who is basically a mucky german shepherd doing good for the multiverse, go for Man-Thing.

Swamp thing / man-thing

Quick comparison of Man-Thing to Swamp Thing! Both of these characters are comic book superheroes created by different publishers, yet they share many similarities in appearance, abilities, and backstory.


In terms of appearance, both Man-Thing and Swamp Thing are monstrous, swamp-based beings composed of plant-life and muck. They both possess superhuman strength, regenerative abilities, and the ability to control plants. In terms of backstory, both characters started out as scientists, working in secret to develop formulas for enhancing human biology. Both are victims of espionage and betrayal, forced to flee into the swamps with their research, only to be killed and subsequently transmuted into monstrous swamp-beings.


However, there are some key differences between the two characters. Man-Thing is barely sentient and serves as the guardian of The Nexus of All Realities, while Swamp Thing is a plant elemental with the memories of human Alec Holland and is the emissary and defender of The Green. Swamp Thing has the ability to manipulate plant life, while Man-Thing does not. In addition, Swamp Thing is portrayed as a virtual god, while Man-Thing is portrayed as a healer and protector.

Swamp thing toy – note the slightly more human shape
Man-thing toy. Note root-face, more hulking.

Getting internet installed in Roanoke VA

Getting internet installed in Roanoke, VA can be a difficult and frustrating process, especially if you’re new to the area or don’t know where to start.

First of all, it’s important to know that Roanoke is a relatively small city, so your options for internet service providers (ISPs) may be limited. The two main options for internet in Roanoke are Xfinity and CenturyLink, although there are a few smaller providers as well.

One of the biggest challenges in getting internet installed in Roanoke is the availability of service. Depending on your location, you may not have access to high-speed internet, or you may have to pay a premium price for it. This is because many areas of Roanoke are still serviced by older, slower technologies such as DSL or satellite internet.

Another issue that can arise is the cost of internet service. Both Xfinity and CenturyLink have a variety of plans and pricing options, but they can be expensive, especially if you’re looking for high-speed internet. You may also have to pay additional fees for installation, equipment rentals, and other services.

One way to potentially reduce the cost of internet service is to bundle it with other services, such as television or phone service. Many ISPs offer discounts for customers who bundle multiple services together, but be sure to carefully compare the costs and benefits before making a decision.

If you’re having trouble getting internet installed in Roanoke, there are a few things you can try. One option is to contact the provider directly and see if they can offer any assistance or suggestions. You may also want to check with local community groups or organizations, as they may have information about internet availability and options in your area.

Overall, getting internet installed in Roanoke can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. By doing your research, exploring your options, and being patient, you can eventually find a service that meets your needs and budget.

Sun, Jan 8, 2022

But, apparently their fanaticism overrode what little reason dwelt behind their bulging foreheads, and in repeated displays of this abject worship of power they would, after prostrating themselves before John Whorfin readily suggest specific tortures appropriate to their misdeeds—unfailingly such exquisite methods of slow and agonizing destruction that the mind is moved to anguish to think of any living thing subjected to them, much less wittingly volunteer.