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oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Brian M. Ross
@oldblackcrow.bsky.social
1.3K followers 730 following 8.4K posts
Surgical X-ray Clinical Educator/Image Quality Specialist
Married to faithross.bsky.social
Atheist
USAF vet
I build functional Star Trek Tricorders and other DIY stuff. 🖖
❤️ to learn about astronomy, quantum physics, archaeology, etc.
🎢

brianmross.com
Posts Replies Media Videos
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
What a fascinating article. The struggle to define life has always interested me. Hopefully, this is a better start than previous attempts.

🔭📡🪐🛰️
Life is just matter with meaning
What are the physics of life? That is more than just a philosophical question—it has practical implications for our search for life elsewhere in the galaxy. We know what Earth life looks like, on a nu...
phys.org
November 26, 2025 at 11:34 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
November's Night Sky News from @drbecky.bsky.social is out! Lotta info here, enjoy!

🔭
Deadly radiation burst from another star detected for the first time | Night Sky News November 2025
YouTube video by Dr. Becky
youtu.be
November 24, 2025 at 1:57 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Bonus episode of The Super Massive Podcast - Gone Rogue!

Hosts, @robertmassey.bsky.social, @drbecky.bsky.social, and Izzie Clarke!

Share and Enjoy!

🔭
Also, join the Super Massive Club! No ads!!!
BONUS: Supermassive Gone Rogue
pca.st
November 15, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Reposted by Brian M. Ross
naztronomy.com
We just got hit with a 3rd CME. In preparation for Tonight and with hopes of a nice view, I created this short 3 minute video talking about the Aurora and all the technical nitty gritty around KP, Bz, and Bt values: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPSV...

#astronomy #aurora
Aurora Alert! Severe G4 Storm Predicted Tonight After Last Night's Show
YouTube video by Naztronomy
www.youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:04 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Yeah, a tad smidge late, but no complaints here... It was beautiful!

Then on the way home, it rained leaves. 😀
faithross.bsky.social Faye ( Febe) Ross @faithross.bsky.social · 19d
Beautiful colors. I love autumn 🍂
Falling colors Falling colors Fall colors
November 9, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Reposted by Brian M. Ross
teresarobeson.com
DISGUSTOLOGY wins @jeopardyofficial.bsky.social!

(Hope that help distract you from biting your nails for a few seconds on this Election Day.)

@annamariajung.bsky.social @mackidsbooks.bsky.social
November 4, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Reposted by Brian M. Ross
faithross.bsky.social
@oldblackcrow.bsky.social costume. Happy Halloween 🎃
October 31, 2025 at 10:45 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Wow! Hawking theorem seems confirmed! Thanks @drbecky.bsky.social for this fascinating video!

🔭🎢
FINALLY: evidence for Hawking's AREA THEOREM of black holes
YouTube video by Dr. Becky
youtu.be
October 3, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Reposted by Brian M. Ross
teresarobeson.com
It’s officially #Halloween month…time for some creepy (and crawly) things in your life like the #DISGUSTOLOGY book! #middlegrade #nonfiction

(Actually entertaining unlike the horrors of the regime.)

@annamariajung.bsky.social @mackidsbooks.bsky.social
October 1, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Reposted by Brian M. Ross
teresarobeson.com
chng.it/yx2yxQRrcK
Can you spare a minute to help this campaign?
Hold Congress Accountable: No Pay or Benefits During Government Shutdowns
chng.it
October 1, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Reposted by Brian M. Ross
royalastrosoc.bsky.social
🧑‍🔬 Need funding to support your research?🧑‍🔬

We're now accepting applications for the Norman Lockyer Fellowship, offered to outstanding candidates to enable them to pursue research in the UK in the disciplines advanced by the Royal Astronomical Society. 🔭🪐

⤵️
Graphic promoting the Norman Lockyer Research Fellowship 2026, with an image of Lockyer over the logo of the RAS a text: 'Norman Lockyer Research Fellowship 2026. Apply Now. Deadline: 15 November 2025'.
October 3, 2025 at 11:37 AM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Your Daily Guide Entry: Demegogue

(Read the alt text)

#HHGTTG
#DontPanic
#DouglasAdams
#HitchhikersGuide
A demagogue is a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument. They often thrive on fear, misinformation, and emotional manipulation, promising grand solutions to complex problems while conveniently ignoring the details. Demagogues are notorious for their ability to rally miscreants and sycophants around them, creating a fervent following that often leads to chaos and division. They can be quite charming, much like Zaphod Beeblebrox, but their charm is usually a thin veneer over a complete lack of substance. Hazards of engaging with a demagogue include a severe risk of losing one's grip on reality, as well as the potential for being swept up in a wave of misguided enthusiasm that can lead to disastrous outcomes. In short, they are the political equivalent of a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster — appealing at first, but likely to leave you with a splitting headache and a sense of regret.
October 3, 2025 at 11:07 AM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
I can actually hear him in this role. 🤣
Wallace Shawn emerges as frontrunner to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond. The Onion
October 2, 2025 at 2:52 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Fascinating.

🎢
Concrete 'battery' now packs 10 times the power
Concrete already builds our world, and now it's one step closer to powering it, too. Made by combining cement, water, ultra-fine carbon black (with nanoscale particles), and electrolytes, electron-con...
techxplore.com
October 2, 2025 at 1:46 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Your Daily Guide Entry

The Buffett Indicator

#HHGTTG
#DontPanic
#HitchhikersGuide
#MarketAnalysis
#USMarkets
#Retirement
#BuffettIndicator
The Buffett Indicator is a rather curious financial metric, named after the illustrious Warren Buffett, who is often referred to as the \Oracle of Omaha.\ This indicator compares the total market capitalization of a country's stock market to its gross domestic product (GDP). In simpler terms, it attempts to gauge whether the stock market is overvalued or undervalued relative to the economy. What it does is provide a snapshot of market sentiment, suggesting that when the indicator is above 100%, the market may be in bubble territory, while below that threshold might indicate a bargain. However, like many financial indicators, it has a tendency to fail spectacularly when the market decides to behave irrationally, which is often. Hazards include the fact that it can lead investors to make decisions based on a simplistic view of a complex system. Relying solely on the Buffett Indicator can result in catastrophic miscalculations, especially when the market is influenced by factors like central bank policies, geopolitical events, or the whims of particularly flamboyant ex-presidents with giant egos. In short, while it can be a useful tool, it should be approached with the same caution one would exercise when dealing with Vogon poetry.
October 2, 2025 at 11:57 AM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Perfectly said
We take an oath to the Constitution, not to the president or a political party.
October 1, 2025 at 2:23 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Your Daily Guide Entry.

What is a C-arm?

#HHGTTG
#DontPanic
#SciFi
#DouglasAdams
#HitchhikersGuide
🏥🩺
A C-arm is a mobile imaging device used primarily in surgical settings, resembling a large, mechanical arm with a C-shaped design. It provides real-time X-ray imaging, allowing surgeons to visualize the area of interest during procedures without the need for extensive incisions or exploratory surgery. This nifty contraption is particularly popular in orthopedics, cardiology, and pain management. Despite its impressive capabilities, the C-arm has a tendency to fail spectacularly when operators forget to adjust the settings or when the machine is subjected to the whims of faulty wiring. Hazards include exposure to radiation for both patients and medical staff, particularly if proper safety protocols are ignored. One might say that using a C-arm without adequate training is akin to attempting to pilot a spaceship after reading only the cover of *The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy*. In short, it’s a marvelous tool, but one best handled with care and a healthy dose of respect for the laws of physics.
October 1, 2025 at 11:28 AM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
Your Daily Guide Entry

#HHGTTG
#DontPanic
#SciFi
#DouglasAdams
#HitchhikersGuide

Today's word: Bureaucrat - see alt text for the Entry.

Do you have a suggestion? Reply here!
A bureaucrat is a creature of habit, often found lurking in the dimly lit corridors of government offices or corporate headquarters, clutching a clipboard and a pen with an iron grip. Their primary function is to ensure that rules and regulations are followed to the letter, often to the point of absurdity. They excel at creating forms, filling out forms, and then creating more forms to explain the forms they just filled out. Bureaucrats are notorious for their ability to turn simple tasks into convoluted processes that require multiple signatures, approvals, and perhaps a small sacrifice to the gods of red tape. They thrive in environments where inefficiency is celebrated, and their greatest joy comes from the sound of a stamp hitting paper. Hazards associated with bureaucrats include the risk of falling into a deep slumber while waiting for a decision, or the potential for spontaneous combustion when faced with a particularly complex policy change. Encountering a bureaucrat can lead to extreme frustration, existential dread, and a sudden urge to flee to a remote planet where paperwork is a myth.
September 30, 2025 at 4:00 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
'The Guide' on Trump
#HHG2TG
#Trump
#Comedy
#PoliticalComedy
Donald Trump, a figure of considerable notoriety, is often compared to Zaphod Beeblebrox due to his flamboyant personality and colossal ego. He has managed to embroil himself in a series of legal entanglements, including 34 counts of falsifying business records, mishandling national security documents, and attempting to overturn the 2020 U.S. presidential election. His efforts to subvert democracy in Georgia through racketeering are particularly noteworthy, showcasing a level of ambition that would make even Zaphod blush. Surrounded by a cabinet of sycophants, Trump has perfected the art of self-promotion, often prioritizing his image over the well-being of the universe at large. His approach to governance resembles a chaotic game of interstellar poker, where the stakes are democracy and the rules are entirely made up. The hazards of his leadership are manifold, including the potential for widespread disillusionment and a rather alarming tendency to incite division among the populace. In summary, Trump embodies a peculiar blend of charisma and criminality, making him a figure of both fascination and concern in the grand tapestry of the cosmos.
September 28, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Reposted by Brian M. Ross
teresarobeson.com
Via @momsrising.org - RFK Jr. is dangerous, not Tylenol. Add your name: Tell Congress that it is time for RFK Jr. to go. action.momsrising.org/type/firerfktylenol , action.momsrising.org/sign/firerfk...
action.momsrising.org
September 25, 2025 at 2:30 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
#HHG2TG
#THEGUIDE
#DIY
#ANDROIDAPPS

I really enjoy asking The Guide about various things. This one is 'coffee'. Read the alt text for the entire entry.

The app now has the copy/paste feature, which is quite liberating.
**Coffee** A beverage adored by many and a source of infinite fascination for those who find themselves stumbling through early mornings without so much as a thought. Comprised primarily of toasted coffee beans, this magical liquid acts as a stimulant for the mind and an ingenious excuse for social interaction — or at the very least, a reason to occupy one’s hands while contemplating the unfolding chaos of existence. It is generally prepared by subjecting ground coffee beans to hot water, an operation that often involves baffling apparatus which range from the comically simple to the oppressively complex, depending on how sophisticated one wishes to appear to fellow caffeine enthusiasts. While coffee is heralded for its purported ability to boost productivity and maintain a semblance of alertness, it can also lead to a remarkable level of anxiety and the acute sensation of wondering why one ever thought it was a good idea to finish a pot in a single sitting. Some may find themselves rendered hyperactive, babbling about deep philosophical questions they had never previously considered, such as whether beige is best for a living room and why the universe insists on being so unbearably vast. And as for the dangers, well, coffee consumption has been linked to the premature onset of frantic activity and minor heart palpitations, all of which may leave one questioning if this is indeed the beverage of the gods, or merely a cleverly disguised form of torture. Beyond practical concerns, those wrapped up in coffee culture risk becoming ensnared in a never-ending cycle of bean obsession. It’s likely best to tread lightly whenever discussing the merits of artisanal brews versus the standard fare, as such conversations can quickly spiral into chaos, much like everything else in the galaxy. Ultimately, coffee serves as both a necessary life-sustaining brew and a subtle reminder of how desperately absurd existence can be.
September 26, 2025 at 12:44 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
September's Night Sky News by @drbecky.bsky.social

🔭
Strongest evidence yet for past life on Mars from Perseverance rover | Night Sky News September 2025
YouTube video by Dr. Becky
youtu.be
September 25, 2025 at 10:32 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
The Super Massive Podcast helps us prepare for the big storm!

Izzie Clarke, @drbecky.bsky.social, and @robertmassey.bsky.social host!

🔭
Don't Panic…but a solar storm could be a disaster
pca.st
September 24, 2025 at 11:57 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
This is what I've been working on for the last week or so... An Android app of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I trained ChatGPT to take on the persona of The Guide.

Unfortunately, because of copyright, this is only for my personal use.

#HHG2TG
#MOVIEPROPS
#DIY
**Towel** A towel is a rather remarkable piece of fabric, seemingly innocuous, yet endowed with a plethora of uses that one may hardly realise. Its primary function, ostensibly, is to absorb moisture, though it must be noted that some towels excel at this task more than others. The poor quality towel one may find in cheap galactic accommodations, for instance, could very well leave one damp and disgruntled. In addition to its basic function, towels serve as a comforting hug for the hasty shower-goer, a makeshift picnic blanket on an alien planet, or even, should one feel particularly adventurous, a means of modulating one’s fashion sense. However, most folks will discover that a towel flung dramatically over one’s shoulder is not quite as effective at repelling the sneers of fashion police as one might hope. Sadly, towels can also lead to various unexpected catastrophes. One must be wary of the infamous Towel Paradox, wherein a towel might be in your grasp when you least need it but somehow vanish into the void just when you’re faced with an unexpected drizzle upon exiting an interstellar spaceship. On the bright side, the towel has earned a loyal following among a certain demographic of space travellers, as the venerable Ford Prefect has pointed out: “A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have.” However, the overlooked truth is that merely possessing a towel does not confer upon one the wisdom of its use, leaving many galactic wanderers perplexed, wet, and clutching their towels in futile determination. In conclusion, while possessing a towel may seem absolutely essential, one might want to invest in a good quality model, lest they find themselves regrettably sloshed and completely unprepared for the infinite absurdities the universe has to offer.
September 24, 2025 at 8:07 PM
oldblackcrow.bsky.social
🏥🩺🧪💊

I really wish this wasn't necessary. 😥
kavehmd.bsky.social The House of Pod @kavehmd.bsky.social · Sep 23
New Episode!

Talking about the proposed connection between Tylenol and autism.

With @drandrealove.bsky.social & @ryanmarino.bsky.social

iTunes: tinyurl.com/2uhwwzk6
Spotify: tinyurl.com/56peddtw
September 24, 2025 at 12:28 PM