Simple Photo Editing

The Gnu Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) is an excellent piece of Free and Open Source software, but like most powerful programs, it is complex and can be confusing for the newbie. There are a few features however, that are very useful for the photographer. I’ll describe them here. Export vs Save It is important to … More Simple Photo Editing

3D Printers

The Supreme Court of the US has just determined that 3D CAD files of weapons are protected under first amendment “freedom of speech”. Anyone with what is today, a very expensive 3D printer, will be able to print components for their own firearms. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Within the next five … More 3D Printers

Stepping Stones

The Goal is Survival of the Species The number one reason for any sort of space industry and associated colonies is to get all of our eggs out of the single basket that is the Earth. Sooner or later, something is going to try and wipe out humanity. I only hope we are prepared when … More Stepping Stones

Selenaphiles

The following is a few chapters from a fictional account of the start of a lunar colony taken from the middle of my space opera, Multiplarity. The omniphage mentioned below is a drug that can repair any damage to a body including the genetic breakdown from old age. It is a true fountain-of-youth treatment with … More Selenaphiles

Internet Trends in 2018

I just took the time to read the slideshow presentation on this page: https://www.kleinerperkins.com/perspectives/internet-trends-report-2018 Here are the bullet points I found most interesting. New smartphone shipments peaked in 2010 and there has been zero growth in that market in 2017. Internet users are now at approximately one half of the world’s population. Internet users have … More Internet Trends in 2018

Influential Books

“You’re always to some degree, wrong. Your goal is to be less wrong.” “Solicit critical feedback, even from friends. Tell them you really do want to know.” – Elon Musk Here are a few Influential books I’ve read. All of them are available online and all are worth your time. Several of them are available … More Influential Books

Bloodwine

Bloodwine Recipe by John Pascual (His version of Star Trek’s Klingon beverage) — INGREDIENTS — Ice cubes 2 dashes tabasco sauce 1 oz. gold tequila 1 oz. spiced rum 1 dash grenadine cranberry juice(to top off) — INSTRUCTIONS — Fill your glass with ice cubes as desired. Add the dashes of tabasco and grenadine. Add … More Bloodwine

Five Things

“As far as the future of humanity goes; there are five areas that will shape us the most: The Internet, sustainable energy, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and human genetic code manipulation.” – Elon Musk