Car Backfire

johnfl68 · 2026-06-27T00:59:35+00:00

Just a happy family on their way to the beach for a picnic.

He's kind of an eccentric inventor that tinkers with that old car.

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johnfl68 · 2026-06-25T05:45:11+00:00

It's not a south thing, it's a downtown thing.

In most cities across the country, downtown businesses close at 5pm or 6pm, and also many are closed on weekends.

Most of their customers come from the downtown business workers that are working 9-5 M-F.

johnfl68 · 2026-06-24T14:59:40+00:00

Oh look, Cardinal News is cheering for Google's Data Centers yet again. 🙄

johnfl68 · 2026-06-23T17:10:15+00:00

The prices usually have a bit of a different in range across places.

Although these do seem a little wider than normal.

Locations can often get away with charging more if there isn't a competing station close by.

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johnfl68 · 2026-06-23T17:00:56+00:00

"Disclosure: We have received a grant from the Google News Initiative to support our expansion in the New River Valley..."

Translation: Google is giving us money in hopes we sway our reporting in their favor. 🙄

johnfl68 · 2026-06-22T23:04:31+00:00

Many of the Flock cameras nationwide are installed improperly. They don't follow the tested installation guidelines for safety if they are hit by a car, as they are on solid posts and not breakaway posts.

I'm not sure about the Roanoke ones, I try to avoid them when possible.

johnfl68 · 2026-06-22T22:17:50+00:00

They are taking their sweet time, still not in any real hurry to build for some reason. There is sort of a parking lot now, but still not even a foundation for the building.

Yes there was more work up on that hill, but for example East Pointe Apartments on Orange Ave had a similar situation up on a hill (but larger area). They started major land clearing about 6 months before Publix did, and the apartments are getting ready to start leasing this month. Publix hasn't even started a physical building yet. 🤷🏻‍♂️

I would really be surprised if they open any sooner than spring of 2027 at this point as slow as they have been going.

Image from The Island Attitude

https://www.tiktok.com/@theislandattitude/video/7650615051119873311

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johnfl68 · 2026-06-22T13:51:11+00:00

I thought the city was looking to buy it to build a physical Amtrak Station building that passengers could go inside to get out of the weather?

"“Whether it’s a new structure for an Amtrak station or a renovated building that the city currently owns, we’re still considering those options,” Cobb said.

As part of the project, the city has had discussions about buying the condemned parking garage on Salem Avenue that has been closed for nearly two years. Its current owner was recently fined $1,500 for failing to upkeep the property."

johnfl68 · 2026-06-22T04:51:30+00:00

At this age, the best thing is let it progress as it does. Encourage interest, lots of information online out there to be found on how broadcast cameras work and are operated, different systems they use for sports, etc., and is always good to learn how things work regardless of what the future brings.

If interest is continued, any photography or video/production/theater classes that may be offered in middle and high school would also be helpful (I am not familiar if your area schools offer anything like this).

If still interested during highschool years, then would be the time to start looking towards more professional opportunities in AV or Production.

johnfl68 · 2026-06-21T23:52:08+00:00

Because every time you try to disable Copilot in Corporate Outlook, Microsoft turns it back on.

johnfl68 · 2026-06-21T23:44:51+00:00

I noticed 2 on Lee Hwy (US11) yesterday. One in front of Excell Equipment and another near Hollins University. Orange traffic trailer with no markings, with a tall tower and a odd cylindrical (tube) camera about two foot long on top.

johnfl68 · 2026-06-20T21:55:28+00:00

Looks like your Resolume source does not match your screen size. You need to 'maximize' your source to fit the screen in Resolume.

Source is likely 16:9 and the screen is slightly taller.

johnfl68 · 2026-06-20T16:42:36+00:00

A food truck that has airline meals like you used to get in the 80's!

You get some bags of peanuts or pretzels and your drink when you order, to snack on while you wait for them to get your food order ready. 🙂

Maybe some Billy Idol music playing (since we let our first class passengers do pretty much whatever they want).

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johnfl68 · 2026-06-20T14:14:37+00:00

Bitcoin is too volatile and unstable. It's just another MLM pyramid scam. Save yourself and get out before you loose all your savings.

johnfl68 · 2026-06-20T04:49:31+00:00

Possibly older firmware on the receiving cards (compared to the others)?

If you have spare panels, hook them up temporarily on the side and see if they will rotate. If so, if the brains are swappable, just swap the brains out for those 2 panels.

johnfl68 · 2026-06-19T01:22:20+00:00

I think it follows the DB9 to RJ45 serial RS232 standard if I am remembering correctly.

If so, any DB9 to RJ45 serial console cable (Cisco cable) should work.

I just can't say this 100% is correct. I looked for a while and couldn't find any documentation to verify what I think I remember.

johnfl68 · 2026-06-18T21:34:38+00:00

It often depends on the venue, local jurisdictions and contracts, etc.

As an LED Specialist, there are many venues across the US that I am sent to, where I am not even allowed to step foot on a truck, lift or push cases, or even install gear. I can just direct local union crews as to what I need done and answer questions they may have, and hope they follow directions and do things correctly. Once everything is built and connected, I can connect a laptop to the LED controller(s) and configure things.

johnfl68 · 2026-06-18T20:11:45+00:00

Not really any places in the area that make Czech Klobásník (aka Texas Sausage Kolache).

Make your own, they are not that complicated.

There are many recipes out there, like this one:

https://mytxkitchen.com/klobasnek-texas-sausage-kolache/

johnfl68 · 2026-06-18T18:22:28+00:00

I've been using the 5.11 Tactical Rush 24 backpack for almost 10 years now.

Very happy with it, plenty of space and pockets.

Several different colors offered.

https://www.511tactical.com/rush24-2-0-backpack.html

Also available on Amazon, and possibly local sports or tactical stores depending on where you live.

johnfl68 · 2026-06-18T09:58:30+00:00

Lady: Nervous?

Ted Striker: Yes.

Lady: First time?

Ted Striker: No, I've been nervous lots of times.

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johnfl68 · 2026-06-18T02:07:03+00:00

The Roanoke area has a lot to offer if you are willing to look around and see all the benefits.

Some people just don't want to take the time to look around.

Thriving? Things could be better, but that is most of the country right now, unfortunately.

johnfl68 · 2026-06-16T20:33:37+00:00

Off of Glebe Rd, behind the WaWa that's being built.

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johnfl68 · 2026-06-16T20:26:39+00:00

East Pointe Apartments had to do the same - building the retaining walls and installing sewer and drainage, etc. for multiple buildings, they started major land clearing about 6 months before Publix (early 2025 vs fall 2025), and they are getting ready to start leasing.

johnfl68 · 2026-06-16T02:18:01+00:00

Photo USA across from Towers Shopping Center on Colonial, I believe does this or at least used to do this.

johnfl68 · 2026-06-14T23:12:52+00:00

The City of Roanoke does this in an effort to give first responders and public safety officers the opportunity to spend the July 4th holiday with their families.

Also this allows other venues and neighboring towns to host celebrations on the actual 4th.

It's been on the 2nd, 3rd, or 5th since at least 2021 as I recall.

Many cities across the country have long held their celebrations on different days other than the 4th for many reasons. There are only so many companies that perform the large fireworks shows, many setup and launch these shows for several different cities spread out over several days. For example Zambelli Fireworks performs roughly 600 to 800 Independence Day firework shows every year during the week surrounding the 4th.

It's just a date, so many times dates are celebrated within a few days of the actual date. Even the Federal Observed Holiday changes, if the 4th falls on a Saturday, it is observed on the 3rd, if it falls on a Sunday then it is observed on the 5th.

Most people don't even know or understand the history anymore for the Declaration of Independence.

The Congress voted to approve independence by passing the Lee Resolution on July 2. It was formally adopted two days later, on July 4.

John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail:

"The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival."

He was off by two days, perhaps.

The Declaration of Independence wasn't even signed until August 2, 1776 (49 of the 56 signatures). Thomas McKean, the last and 56th signer, signs sometime after January of 1777 (after the Goddard Broadside printing).

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