The Terror

So I'm not really sure how I started watching "The Terror" on AMC, but I was quickly hooked. I eventually realized that show was based on the book of the same name by Dan Simmons. I'd read all his Hyperion Cantos series.

The book is about an actual 1845 English expedition to find the Northwest Passage, but the story has been fictionalized and includes a strong mystical element. To borrow a quote from Armageddon, the arctic north is "the scariest environment imaginable."

I can't even begin to understand what would make men want to undertake this venture given the technology and resources of that day.

It's a long read, but definitely worth it ($8.99 Kindle Book).

(And the TV series is worth watching, too. You'll probably recognize at least a couple of the actors.)

C64 Mini

I need a miniature version of the Commodore 64 like I need a whole in the head. I still want one. A friend of mine had a VIC-20 when we were growing up.

Learning

The modern impediment to learning is attention, not access.

— The Stoic Emperor (@TheStoicEmperor) August 4, 2018

BuyTwoWayRadios.com Web Redesign Promotions

They've announced several deals, but I've been too covered up to post about them...

Last day for our Website Redesign Promotion Event! Freebies and specials on two way radios and radio accessories for business, FRS, GMRS, CB, Ham Airband, and more! https://t.co/HmlJPGqUAi #freebies #discounts

— BuyTwoWayRadios.com (@2wayradios) July 31, 2018

Snow Crash - Kindle Version for $1.99

Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson is definitely worth adding to your library if you don't already have it - especially for only $1.99.

Via Kinja Deals

Alexa Controlled Microwave

I think I'd really rather have the voice-control built in to the microwave - requiring proximity - instead of being able to yell at an Echo have it issue commands via the cloud. But if you want an Alexa Controlled Microwave you can order it from Amazon for $155 - which includes an Echo Dot.

BTECH UV-25X4 Quad-Band Mobile - Prime Day Deal

You've got three hours or so left to pick up the BTECH UV-25X4 Quad-band Mobile for $99. (It is normally about $130.)

The Sound of Dial-Up Explained

Really cool.

The sound of dial-up explained. pic.twitter.com/MKT2CpHp3w

— J̽eͫsͤsͫeͤ R̽eͭbͤeͣlͫ (@darkseid4nk) July 6, 2018

Data You Need

This is the most important data analysis i've ever seenhttps://t.co/7JhrtSd1hE pic.twitter.com/01XQ23fMTs

— Mike Rosenberg (@ByRosenberg) July 13, 2018

BTECH DMR-6X2: Firmware Updates

Baofeng Tech has released a firmware update for the BTECH DMR-6X2 (Amazon $169.89). You can sign up here to get e-mails when they release new firmware.

Changes in 1.01:

Added Support for Multiple DMR IDs
Allow Timeslot Switching as a Side Key Option
Added International Metric Support to the GPS
Allows the Auto-Repeater to be Enabled within a specific frequency range, Auto-Repeater can be seperated between A & B VFO
Minor Bug Fixes