After installing the new WD hard drive, the original OEM drive begged to become a DIY project and thus, the Cardboard Box External HD was born.

The front of the box has the male USB cable and the female power adapter. Inside the box, everything is neatly kept and organized. Zip tied together, this box is ready to rock.

The only thing that bugs me about this kit is the size. It’s larger than a desktop hard drive and it looks like a terrorist device. But, it’s not: it’s a freedom device.

Since this drive is more about fun than general usefulness (not to say that useful data isn’t on the drive), I’m planning on hitting up RadioShack and taking this DIY project to the next level… We’ll see how it goes.

Full Frontal Technology

Inside Edition

]]> http://www.allometry.com/2008/10/16/cardboard-box-external-hard-drive/feed/ http://www.allometry.com/2008/10/02/fierce-saracuda-youre-doing-it-right/ http://www.allometry.com/2008/10/02/fierce-saracuda-youre-doing-it-right/#comments Fri, 03 Oct 2008 02:11:52 +0000 Steve http://www.allometry.com/2008/10/02/fierce-saracuda-youre-doing-it-right/ I’m watching the debate right now and all I can say is: way to go Sarah!

Update 8:15PM

Sarah has a way of captivating the audience: she’s not so set in politics that she can communicate well to the people. A gift from God and a smile on Ronaldus Magnus’ face!

Update: 8:26PM

Biden pulled the sexist card… I’m confused.

Not really. Single dad, raising kids; it’s tough. My heart goes out to anyone that deals with a loss capable of being part of the plot of What Dreams May Come.

Update: 8:30PM

Classy lady. Winner is Sarah, by far. More passion, well spoken, focused and always with a smile!

What do these have to do with the bail out? Nothing.

Way to go congress! A simple bill, loaded up with complicated shit that has nothing to do with what is going on.

In the free market, you win some and you lose some. Government has created a way for failed risks to produce winners and that throws the balance of the market way-off.

The free market, is by principal, balanced. The free market does not produce worthless paper or severe economic crisis; government does.

These companies that are proposed to receive bailout checks from the Fed need to go bankrupt. It is not the responsibility of the tax payer to pay for the risks of these Wall Street traders. Nor is it the responsibility of the tax payer to pay for the root cause of the problem; congress passing legislation that allows these banks to loan money to individuals that have no business receiving loans.

The federal government has built a dam on the economic river of America with this type of legislation and now, the waters have built and the dam is going to break; it’s only a matter of when. The market is going to go down and it’s not going to be pretty. While a bailout may “fix” the problem, it’s only a bandage unless the legislation passed in 1999 is repealed and the root cause of the problem is resolved; government meddling in the free market.

Today’s economic problem can be resolved easiliy and without putting the American economy seven hundred billion dollars more into debt. Cut the capital gains tax, begin cutting government programs and stop investing in the world and start investing in America. Time to make Iraq start footing the bill for the war and put additional responsibility on them to make their country work. Our government is bloated and busting at the seams with greedy politicians who need to downsize government; not make it bigger.

XX Chromosome in 2008!

This is a woman who’s being easily dismissed by Obama Believers. “Oh, she’s just some woman” or “Why the hell would I want to vote for some back water mayor” or “What? A beauty pageant queen? Seriously?”

Seriously.

Saracuda, the arctic fox is one name I’ve heard her being called in addition to her true nickname, “barracuda”.

She’s tough, she’s sweet and she’s everyone’s American neighbor. She’s a woman that I know down the street, that talks straight and gets to the point. She know’s what she’s talking about and mirrors everything the conservative base of the Republican party has been crying out for.

She’s Reagan in a mini-skirt and boy oh boy, are we excited.

I look forward to seeing this woman in Washington. They don’t know that Hurricane Sarah is a category 10 storm, ready to destroy liberal shanty towns all over the beltway. Go Sarah Palin!

I’m in the passenger seat right now, traveling to my grandmother’s house in Los Lunas. On Saturday, we were unsure about tomorrow. On Sunday, the same. Monday came and our doubts continued to grow. It’s now Tuesday evening and every one’s thoughts lie on the inevitable.

While some may dispute their comfort with the situation, I am certain in how I feel.

Back in December, I had the opportunity to practice what I learned after my other Grandmother, Rosella, passed. With my Grandma Rosella, we had a dispute earlier in the week and it came as a shock that her death came so sudden. I regarded that week as the worst ever and found myself, months later, regretting that I was upset with her. I learned that life doesn’t always afford you with precious moments and when given the opportunity, one should strike.

Thanksgiving came for my Grandma Mary last year and her health took a sudden decline, putting her in the hospital for the holidays. She encouraged the family to get together for dinner and we did. It wasn’t a collective agreement, but everyone understood. We all arrived at different times at my Uncle’s house, but it was a surprise to both him and my Aunt. While everyone told my Grandmother that they would try to meet with everyone for Thanksgiving dinner, the truth of the situation was that all was rather uncertain.

When dinner finally came, everyone seemed to migrate to my Uncles. Every one’s reason was that it felt right and they didn’t know where else to go and dwell on the situation. My feeling on that thanksgiving was that God has his plan for everyone, regardless of whether they felt that going separate ways to mourn was appropriate; my grandma’s prayer for her family to remain close on that holiday was answered.

Thanksgiving passed and eventually my grandma was released from the hospital. Unfortunatly, she had suffered a heart attack and the ability of her heart, liver and kidneys to funciton properly was declining. As it was explained to me, the heart’s need for increased oxygen would further damage the lungs, which would release toxins into the body, damaging the liver, which would damage the kidneys. But, without treating the heart, life would quickly end.

The decision was to put her on oxygen, giving her at least 6-8 months.

December came, and another hospital stay as well. The heart was beginning to fail and we were all too certain that God would take her on Christmas. Again, she told the family to stick together and this time we did.

For me, I knew that my grandmother had secrets to life that I wished to learn and that learning from her would require me to set my pride aside. I laid it all out on the table, holding back nothing; it was the first time I had ever talked to my grandmother without worrying what she may think of me.

We must have talked for over three hours, discussing everything. I came out of my discussion with her feeling better, knowing that what I didn’t do with my grandmother Rosella, I did with her. I felt in some way that I had reconciled that regret and that my grandma Rosella watched over, enjoying every moment of the conversation.

I gained closure on my grandma’s life on Christmas. It was a fantastic gift, one that seemed all too perfect for that time of year. While others received cards, presents and who knows what, I was given the gift only my grandma could give; not having to suffer. She prays hard and meditates on Christ with such passion that the grace given to her was passed on to me. The feeling is indescribable.

We’re almost to her house now and we’ll be exiting the freeway soon. My Grandma has been holding on for days, for who knows what. The frustration that she must feel along with fear, uncertanty and just an indescribable feeling of asking God for just a few more moments must be the most intense thing any one person can experience.

My Grandmother is a wonderful person. She’s given me so much in life that my only return is that I will teach my kids the same as she taught me and they will experience the joy I had as a child. They will know that Disneyland is the place where my thoughts dwell when I think of my grandma and that every smile I enjoyed, they too will enjoy, because of them. Disneyland may just be a theme park to many, but to me, it’s a place where I experienced so much as a child with my grandparents.

There’s simply too much to say about my memories.

I’d like to close with a letter to both of my grandparents and my grandmother. She’s going to be leaving this world soon and if she can take a message, I would like her to take this one. First off, I must ask for permission:

Lord,

If you find it appropriate, please let my grandmother know of this message after she arrives. Please let this post be a testimate to your divine grace and let it be known to believers and unbelievers that death is only a ticket into, what can only be stated as, true paradise; a place filled with such happiness and wonder, that the good times anyone has ever experience on this planet can never compare to what lies ahead. We simply cannot comprehend what it must be like in heaven.

Grandma,

Please watch over your family. If the Lord may, please pray to him on our behalf that we stay together and that we honor him and remember you and our other loved ones on the most precious of holidays. Please help us all stick together and not feel sad about loss, but feel happy that the Lord granted you a place in paradise. Help us all to stay on path so we may all get together in the end.

I love you and tell my grandma and grandpa that I love them.

Steven

11:15PM

Thank you Lord, for not making her suffer anymore.

Here’s the speed test:

Melissa and I have purchased our first big product together, a new MacBook Pro.

It’s a girl, weighing 5.4 pounds. She’s 14.1 inches tall and is silver.

I just wanted to annouce the news!

If you haven’t been reading the news, the Republicans are working in the dark to voice concerns over our growing energy costs. There’s been quite a bit written about this today and the following is a link to the Politico that is covering the story minute-by-minute.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/0808/House_Dems_turn_out_out_the_light_but_GOP_keep_talking.html

If you live in New Mexico, here’s the contact information:

Heather Wilson:

20 First Plaza NW
Suite 603
Albuquerque, NM
87102
505-346-6781 Phone
505-346-6723 Fax

Steve Pearce:

Las Cruces
400 North Telshor, Suite E
Las Cruces, NM 88011
(505) 522-2219
(505) 522-3099 FAX

Preface

If you somehow landed on this site by searching the HL2 EP 3 term, be aware that the following contains spoilers, as some of the content is driven by story from previous HL2 episodes.

Story

After fading from black, Gordon sees Alyx and several other rebels pushing a critically injured Eli Vance on a stretcher into the White Forest Complex Infirmary. While Eli is not expected to survive, Alyx is optimistic holding her father’s hand, coaxing him to survive. Gordon follows the parade and is subsequently stopped by Dr. Kleiner, Dr. Magnusson and a Vortignaut. They inform Gordon that the combine are on their way and that the contents on the Borealis must be salvaged before the Combine have a chance to obtain, “what may be critical to our survival”. The Vortignaut informs Gordon that mystery abounds and to be careful of the road ahead, alluding to the presence of the G-Man in the recent developments.

Alyx returns from the infirmary in tears, informing Gordon that her father is likely paralyzed, but alive. The Vortignauts can be seen from a large portrait window, attempting to heal Eli. A few moments later, a Vortignaut wearing a lab coat delivers some grim news that Eli is conscious and wishes to speak with Gordon, but is quickly slipping into indefinite sleep. Alyx rushes back into the room and Gordon follows. Eli whispers, “Gordon, come closer”. When Gordon gets closer, A Vortignaut delivers a constant pulse of energy, allowing Eli to hover near Gordon’s ear, “you must destroy what ever is on the Borealis, to prev… preven… unfors.”

Eli has slipped into a coma.

Alyx once again attends to her father.

Dr. Kleiner enters into the room with Magnusson, informing Gordon that he must be on his way and that while it is difficult, the assistance of Alyx will be necessary. Magnusson, in a turn of character approaches Alyx and places both hands on her shoulders, “it would be my honor to watch over you father, but the time is now and we need you.”

Wiping her eyes, Alyx looks at Gordon and lowers her head looking at the ground, quietly telling Gordon, “come on, let’s get moving”.

As they walk back towards the hangar, the sound of a helicopter starting up can be heard. Dog is present with a few rebels in the hangar and it seems to raise Alyx’s spirits. She moves to the elevator with Gordon and proceeds to the hangar floor.

Alyx approaches Dog, requesting that he take care of her incapacitated father and the rest of her White Forest friends. Dog raises himself up, looking upon Alyx. One of the rebels tells Gordon, “come on Mr. Freeman, the chopper is ready to take you both north.”

Upon taking off, the view from atop the White Forest Complex is that of chaos and destruction from the previous events of Episode Two. The helicopter is able to cover ground quickly, moving from the White Forest further north. The terrain changes from forest scape to tundra. Alyx speaks about her father and how distraught she is over the events that just took place. Her solace is turning gradually into anger and a taste for revenge, vowing to return what happened to her father ten-times over. It isn’t too long after she says this that an alarm sounds inside the helicopter. Alyx steps forward, with easily enough room to move around, asking the pilot, what is it. Frantically, the pilot responds with “I don’t know”, before the aircraft is hit resulting in loud pound. To the left and to the right, two Combine gunships can be seen pacing the aircraft. Below, Gordon is able to see a long line of Combine forces, including many striders.

Alyx quickly grows concerned, urging the pilot to take evasive action. Just then, the helicopter is shot down into icy waters.

Fading from black, Gordon and Alxy find themselves under water, off the coast of an icy shoreline. As Gordon swims to the surface, Alyx attempts to pull the pilot out of the aircraft, but is unsuccessful and swims to the surface. Both Gordon and Alyx swim to the shoreline and look out into the icy waters, where fire dances on the water from the wreckage. Alyx’s frustration quickly grows and has an outburst of anger toward the Combine, pulling out her sidearm firing into the air before collapsing to her knees, crying out, “how many more? HOW MANY MORE?”

Alyx’s shots have alerted some Combine who are already present on the island and her mourning is interrupted by crossfire. Gordon is able to neutralize the threat and Gordon and Alyx proceed on to searching the island for suitable shelter or a way off.

As snow begins to fall, Gordon and Alyx make their way up a daunting cliff side. There is little presence of human activity and little evidence of struggle with the Combine. As Gordon and Alyx reach the plateau, they encounter a group of people not associated with the resistance, but are in retreat of the Combine. Gordon and Alyx are not known by these people and are scrutinized by the locals. Their village is fenced in, only a few houses dotting the plateau, but there is a small radio tower outside. The locals tell Gordon that the radio tower is actually a positioning device that was used for air travel years ago, but now all it’s good for is listening to static. Alyx asks the owner of the house that contains the radio equipment if she may use it to contact the resistance in White Forest. Feeling easier about their two visitors, the locals allow Alyx access to the equipment. While she goes inside and begins to fumble with the radio stack, she tells Gordon to keep on the outlook for Combine.

After saying the word, “Combine”, the locals become anxious. Gordon leaves the house, where whispers of a possible Combine infraction may occur. Out in the distance, the sounds of a gunship can be heard. The locals leave into their houses and the sounds of doors can be heard closing. Gordon retreats to a small shed with frosted windows. The gunship can be seen circling the village, but it would seem that the gunship is unable to detect any presence of Gordon, Alyx or humans in general. The uninterested gunship continues on, leaving the plateau.

Gordon exits the shed, where an armed local calls to Gordon, but doesn’t know his name. He tells Gordon that the people of his village are in danger and it is obvious that you and your friend have brought problems with them. He suggests that Gordon and Alyx get on their way. However, he is generous, offering Gordon some insight as to where they may be able to find transport back to their friends. He points Gordon further north, but warns of treacherous terrain and the occasional head humper. Alyx comes running out of the radio house, telling Gordon that she has raised White Forest, but they have come under attack. She’s been instructed to get to the Borealis and return with anything that may resemble some form of helping the resistance. She’s skeptical that anything of use may be found on the Borealis and mumbles, unforeseen consequences before collapsing.

The screen cuts to a bright white setting, fading the G-Man into play. A single Vortignaut stands between the G-Man, Gordon and Alyx and a dialogue can be heard. The Vortignaut informs the G-Man that he cannot detain the one free man and that he cannot detain the quintessential daughter of the one Eli Vance. The G-Man straightens his tie, looking at Gordon and then Alyx before turning his attention to the Vortignaut. “I am simply here… To help Gordon on his way.”

Alyx looks to Gordon shocked, before looking at the G-Man saying, “you… How could you?”

The G-Man replies, “your father was… admired.”

His focus returns to Gordon, “Mr. Freeman, your performance has been remarkable. But, my employers are becoming restless with your… Friends. I will see you soon, Mr. Freeman.”

The G-Man turns around, exiting a black door.

The scene quickly turns from white back into the village, where Gordon and Alyx are left standing between between two houses, facing into an endless abyss. They continue on the path forward, quietly.

To Be Continued… More Ep. 3 to come.