Google just released the next version of their Keyhole software. It's called Google Earth, and of course it's a beta release. (Update: All I got was a message from a Google email address saying that they were making the beta available to current Keyhole subscribers, which I am. The message included a download URL that has a parameter that looks like some random key that … [Read more...] about Google + Keyhole = Google Earth
Some Relief For Skyway Congestion
People driving between downtown Chicago and northwestern Indiana have for several decades now had the option of taking the Chicago Skyway. This is a toll road built and operated by the City of Chicago, and it's the only toll road not operated by the Illinois Toll Highway Authority. That's a bit of a problem, because it doesn't participate in the I-Pass electronic toll … [Read more...] about Some Relief For Skyway Congestion
VAC, Part 2
As I mentioned in my last entry, we're having a few electrical problems at our house. ComEd is supposed to supply voltage at 120VAC (Volts Alternating Current). That's just a nominal value, it can vary a bit. ANSI standards supposedly permit 5% variation, from 114 volts to 126 volts. ComEd's rule book says they may have 5.8% variation, from 113 volts to 127 volts. This … [Read more...] about VAC, Part 2
VAC
Here's a question that's turning out to be harder to answer than I would have thought: What's the acceptable voltage range for your house? A few days ago the lights flickered and the speakers on one of my computers started making funny noises. Turns out they're fried. That computer system wasn't on a UPS, so I went out and bought an APC Back-UPS 800 for it. When I plugged … [Read more...] about VAC
…The Way to Armadillo
...The Royal Dragoon Guards now carries with it the traditions and history of four of the finest regiments in the British Cavalry; the 4th Royal Irish Dragoon Guards, the 5th Dragoon Guards, the 7th Dragoon Guards and the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons. All four were raised between 1685 and 1689, during the protracted contest between James II and William of Orange for the English … [Read more...] about …The Way to Armadillo