Blade Runner: The Final Cut

Nick Momrik3 Comments

The release of Blade Runner 2049 has been getting a lot of hype, so I posted my unimpressed memory of the original to Twitter. I remember thinking, “Is this one of those cases where everyone says they really liked the movie because everyone else says it and they don’t want to feel left out?”

https://twitter.com/apeatling/status/918193687934386176

I think I borrowed a DVD from a friend 10 or 12 years ago, but I have no idea which version of Blade Runner it was. After a bit of searching, I found I could rent The Final Cut on Amazon Video.

Side note: having to fire up my Xbox One and fight with passwords in order to launch the Amazon Video app was a pain in the ass. When does their app for the Apple TV come out?!

I quickly realized I didn’t remember any of the plot. So with a fresh view and open mind, I kept reminding myself the movie came out in 1982, when I was 2. I’d also read about the visuals and how Blade Runner has influenced so many films since, which helped me pay attention to details I wouldn’t have noticed. With it set in 2019 Los Angeles, now less than 2 years away, I kept thinking about how movie portrayals of the future can be extremely far off, especially when it comes to technology. We still don’t have flying cars, talking to a computer is finally improving, and computer screens are a lot more advanced than text terminals.

I was able to appreciate the film this time around and can give it my 👍🏻. Looking forward to seeing the new 2049.

The Power Drill Clutch

Nick Momrik1 Comment

A couple of weeks ago I learned what the adjustment dial (called the clutch) on a power drill does. I’ve had a DeWalt power drill for about 15 years and never understood how to use this feature; I always thought it was a speed change. I felt pretty dumb when I found out while watching the video below (which should start at the correct spot). Using this has already been a game changer!

Link Dump – 2017/10/10

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AdaBox 005: Break For Pi

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This quarter’s AdaBox is a welcome switch away from the Adafruit feather line of boards. While I’ve created my own retro gaming device with a Raspberry Pi before, this is a nice kit with everything you need except a screen (you could use a TV). It’s a bummer that they didn’t opt for the Pi Zero W.

adabox-005-contents.png

The box came with a set of Hammer Headers, which I’ve been skeptical about since I first saw. I have no issues soldering, actually enjoy the task, and prefer it so I have solid connections to the pins. I figured I’d give the headers a try though. Plus it was good excuse to try out the garage sale hammer I bought. Take a look at the 8x speed time-lapse…

I appreciate the idea and can see that hammer headers would be a good option in schools where they can’t have soldering irons, but I’ll never use them again. It took me 6 minutes and I felt like I was destroying the Pi Zero.

The Adafruit Joy Bonnet is a cute little add-on for the Pi. The first thing I noticed when holding it was how cheap the thumbstick feels and sounds. I wouldn’t expect much out of such a small controller that’s only $15 and snaps on to a Raspberry Pi though.


When I get my 3D printer later this year I’ll make a case for this 7″ screen I bought a couple of years ago, maybe even with a way to clip in the Pi Zero. Or better yet, a Pi 3B, which is better suited for a retro gaming device.

This is now my 8th Raspberry Pi. The 7th was named grasshopper, but what type of pie should I use for the letter H? Comment with your suggestions because the Wikipedia list I usually reference has two “H” pies I’ve never heard of.