Amateur Radio in next month's Linux Journal

I just pulled down the December version of Linux Journal a couple of minutes ago.  I made it all the way to page 4 and read that next month's issue would be on Amateur Radio (or at least some portion there of).  I'm excited to see that Amateur Radio and Open Source has been written about together because they do share so many similarities.  Amateur radio operators used to build all their equipment and help mentor each other on developing better communications stations.  Open source software is very similar to that.  While I might not build my transceivers, I do still build many of my antennas which is something I enjoy.  Amateur radio operators, also like OSS developers, are in it to help people and have some fun in the mean time.  Yep, Amateur Radio and OSS... a match made in heaven.

freenode 2009/2010 fundraiser

Just wanted to pass along that freenode is holding their 2009/2010 fund raising. They aren't asking for much and if you use freenode IRC as often as many of us do handing them a small donation is probably worth it (tax deductible in the US).

I voted, how about you?

I've visited my friendly polling place this morning and voted for the least bad candidate in all categories. At least now I won't have to deal with the annoying commercials and road signs everywhere. I swear I'm going to start voting for the candidate that spends the least in annoying advertisements.

Back to NC?

Well, it looks as if I might be moving back to North Carolina next summer...

More on the Ares1-X Launch

CAPE CANAVERAL, FL - At approximately 15:30 UTC today NASA launched their Ares1-X rocket from Launch Pad 39B. This is the first test of the Ares-1 rocket and all seemed to go well. Watching this kind of a launch was certainly different than viewing the space shuttle launches. The Ares1-X rocket seemed to leap off the launch pad instead of the somewhat slower space shuttle launches.

After some minutes the first stage of the rocket disconnected sending the capsule and second stage of the rocket spinning slightly. After splashdown of all stages the launch center director was heard saying to all those involved how proud he was of everyone's actions. It was pointed out that the launch delays were not that of the rocket but of the weather. The launch was originally scheduled for Tuesday, October 27 at 12:00 UTC.

Ares1-X Launch

Well, NASA finally got the window they were looking for and at approximately 15:30UTC the Ares-1X rocket launched off the 39B pad at Cape Canaveral this morning.

...and this is what I get for coming to work.

NASA's launch of the Ares-1X was scheduled for 8A this morning. I pulled it up on NASA TV this morning and was going to watch it from home before going into the office but the launch was delayed. It was delayed again and I figured I could make it into the office and watch it there. I walk into the office and was greeted by numerous strange faces meaning big meeting and I'll have to watch the launch from my laptop. :(