Optical media is played outwards from the inner tracks. Records can be made to play the same way. Doing this makes it easier for a cartridge to track the end of a recording that is especially loud and/or has a lot of bass.
Category: Tech
Practical Matters
After computer graphics took over special effects in movies, the old way came to be called practical effects. Asteroid City has a cornucopia of wonderfully conceived and beautifully detailed models and miniatures.
“Freight Train” in the movie is a Skiffle record from 1957. It was released in England a few months before Paul McCartney joined John Lennon’s Skiffle group, the Quarrymen.
https://youtu.be/FRBRyl9XgrA
Troubled Classic Movies
After the first round of layoffs at Turner Classic Movies, TCM Underground was cancelled. I was talking with someone last weekend who was enough of a TCM Underground fan that he cancelled his cable TV service.
Reassurances from the new axe-wielding boss at Warner Discovery that, despite his recent removal of the TCM management team, the station will continue as before aren’t convincing me, or most anyone else it seems.
The New Yorker’s film critic is calling TCM a national treasure.
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/turner-classic-movies-is-a-national-treasure
The final movie that was shown on TCM Underground was that sterling classic of compelling inhuman drama by Ed Wood, Bride of the Monster.
Another source of classic movies, the Movies! TV Network, is no longer being broadcast on Boston television. The only way to watch it is online with the FrndlyTV service. I might give it a try.
Pi Time
Having a taste of Raspberry Pi, thanks to tastewar, who has taken care of the heavy lifting, getting the platform installed and configured. Will proceed to trying an installation of Logitech Media Server.
More than the sum of its parts!
Inside Out Wi-Fi
The ellipse I drew on this photo shows an approximate anticipated position for the portable “smart” projector, once the patio has been completed and is ready for use.
For a reliably strong Wi-Fi signal outside, I installed a Verizon FiOS Network Extender. Another benefit is much improved reception on the porch.
Using WPS, it set up in just a few minutes, and runs over the MoCA coaxial cable network back to the Quantum Gateway. Note: I expect only tastewar will understand what I just said! 😉
Songs Heard in the Back of the Station Wagon
A 1966 Ford Country Squire was the station wagon.
The songs in the back of the station wagon came from extension speakers connected to a Lear 8-Track tape player.
