Brian M. Ross
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oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Brian M. Ross
@oldblackcrow.bsky.social
1.3K followers 730 following 8.4K posts
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
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oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Your Daily Guide Entry: Demegogue

(Read the alt text)

#HHGTTG
#DontPanic
#DouglasAdams
#HitchhikersGuide
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.
October 3, 2025 at 11:07 AM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
I can actually hear him in this role. 🤣
Wallace Shawn emerges as frontrunner to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond. The Onion
October 2, 2025 at 2:52 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Your Daily Guide Entry

The Buffett Indicator

#HHGTTG
#DontPanic
#HitchhikersGuide
#MarketAnalysis
#USMarkets
#Retirement
#BuffettIndicator
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.
October 2, 2025 at 11:57 AM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Perfectly said
We take an oath to the Constitution, not to the president or a political party.
October 1, 2025 at 2:23 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Your Daily Guide Entry.

What is a C-arm?

#HHGTTG
#DontPanic
#SciFi
#DouglasAdams
#HitchhikersGuide
🏥🩺
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.
October 1, 2025 at 11:28 AM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Your Daily Guide Entry

#HHGTTG
#DontPanic
#SciFi
#DouglasAdams
#HitchhikersGuide

Today's word: Bureaucrat - see alt text for the Entry.

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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.
September 30, 2025 at 4:00 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
'The Guide' on Trump
#HHG2TG
#Trump
#Comedy
#PoliticalComedy
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.
September 28, 2025 at 6:43 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
#HHG2TG
#THEGUIDE
#DIY
#ANDROIDAPPS

I really enjoy asking The Guide about various things. This one is 'coffee'. Read the alt text for the entire entry.

The app now has the copy/paste feature, which is quite liberating.
**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.
September 26, 2025 at 12:44 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Press the green button once and it says, "please don't press this button again"

A second press will give a perplexed look and a 3rd press will close the app.
Please don't press this button again :-\
September 24, 2025 at 8:15 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
What the buttons do:

Press the red button and you get this
Don't panic
September 24, 2025 at 8:12 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
This is what I've been working on for the last week or so... An Android app of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I trained ChatGPT to take on the persona of The Guide.

Unfortunately, because of copyright, this is only for my personal use.

#HHG2TG
#MOVIEPROPS
#DIY
**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.
September 24, 2025 at 8:07 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
#StarTrek
#electronics
#diy
Sorry, I couldn't resist.
September 16, 2025 at 8:20 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
This is what The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy has to say about doctors.

Enjoy your day!

@kavehmd.bsky.social @godlessdoc.bsky.social @droddman.bsky.social
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.
September 8, 2025 at 6:12 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Ancient Writing and the History of the Alphabet by John McWhorter
September 2, 2025 at 3:45 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
@faithross.bsky.social, our younger son, and I visited the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park. While there, I found the textbook used by my old professor, Dr. Charles Hudson, the book's author (in 1995). I didn't keep the original because it was so expensive and I needed the $.

🏺
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. Map of the Mississippian culture before European occupation. Creative commons via Wikipedia Faye Ross at the entrance of the Earth Lodge. Inside the Earth Lodge.
August 31, 2025 at 8:06 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Not the first... Won't be the last.
Carl Segan quote
August 29, 2025 at 8:41 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
I found a better font... 😲

#StarTrek
#DIY
#TricorderTuesday
#Tricorfer
Different font gets closer to The Wand Co. Tricorder screen.
August 5, 2025 at 1:50 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
I don't want to replicate the Wand Co. Tric, but it is a nice reference. The addition of an #adafruit RTC makes it so.

Of course, mine isn't quite a prop, so there's that.

#StarTrek
#DIY
#TricorderTuesday
#Tricorfer
Wand Co. Tricorder main screen My DIY Tricorder main screen.
July 29, 2025 at 2:10 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
YES!

So excited!
#StarTrek
#Tricorder
#SciFi
July 13, 2025 at 1:04 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Here ya go!
Orion constellation Center (RA, Dec): (100.242, -17.526) Center (RA, hms): 06h 40m 58.194s Center (Dec, dms): -17° 31' 33.696" Orion constellation Center (RA, Dec): (83.915, -2.134) Center (RA, hms): 05h 35m 39.647s Center (Dec, dms): -02° 08' 03.011" Sun with Sun spots The star Sirius Center (RA, Dec): (100.173, -16.688) Center (RA, hms): 06h 40m 41.618s Center (Dec, dms): -16° 41' 15.067"
July 6, 2025 at 3:21 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
It's happening!!!!!!!

#StarTrek
#Tricorder
#props
#TOSStarTrek
Tricorder - purchased!! So excited!
July 2, 2025 at 3:44 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Just about to read, "Beyond the God Particle" by Leon Lederman and Christopher T. Hill.

A note to #Congress and #Senate - check out who they thanked!

🎢
"We dedicate this book to our fellow citizens who through their taxes have graciously supported basic research."
June 2, 2025 at 12:19 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
#Tricorder readings indicate a solar storm and Aurora activity is very high.

Please protect all sen-sors against solar bombardment!

#StarTrek

🔭🎢
Tricorder readings indicate a solar storm!
June 1, 2025 at 2:41 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Apparently this company takes lessons from the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation... "a bunch of mindless jerks who'll be the first against the wall when the revolution comes".
Crazy marketing gimmick Dr. Evil saying, "riiiiight"
May 17, 2025 at 1:36 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Happy Mother's Day, @faithross.bsky.social!
Spring flowers
May 11, 2025 at 12:30 PM