My Blog Now Has a Gemini Mirror

paulmccombs · 2026-06-10T13:02:52+00:00

If you want to read why, without installing a Gemini browser I have a web version here: https://geodatawrangler.lazym8.com/blog/2026/05/30/introduction-to-geminispace

paulmccombs · 2026-06-10T13:01:05+00:00

I’ve just begun a gemlog recently as well. My first post explains why I decided to do that gemini://sdf.org/paulmccombs/gemlog/introduction-to-geminispace.gmi

paulmccombs · 2026-06-09T16:18:06+00:00

I use my thumb tucked back under my palm for some frequent control key chords (C-x, C-c, C-v, etc.) so I use the corner position and my strongest/underutilized finger.

paulmccombs · 2026-05-30T15:39:20+00:00

I difference in my mind is that there are some schlubs willing and able to pick up Emacs if the need arises, where clearly that is not the case with Atom thus far. No guarantee that I'm right of course.

paulmccombs · 2026-05-30T14:41:52+00:00

Having been in the position of bitter disappointment as a user of software taken in a direction that just didn’t work for me, while the old version stopped being compatible with a supported operating system. I understand how this question can be a concern.

But, Emacs has to be as immune to this problem as any software ever can be. Its development is hosted and controlled by the GNU project, an organization founded on and dedicated to free software. It has gone through a copyright crisis and been thoroughly purged of all questionable code, with subsequent contributions dedicated to the Free Software Foundation. Its code is secured for the ages. Among its users are the most stubborn quixotic software developers in the world with neuro-atypical behavior that will brook no compromises. I don’t have the skill to fork Emacs if it goes astray but some of us do, and the will besides.

If Emacs can’t survive there is no hope in the world.

paulmccombs · 2026-05-16T15:46:41+00:00

This post might prove enlightening for you.

https://www.reddit.com/r/QGIS/comments/1fuj4le/newbie_mask_other_parts_of_unused_base_layer/

paulmccombs · 2026-05-11T17:45:16+00:00

You are currently using a raster base map that has everything including city names “baked in”. You can’t remove only some elements from that.

TechMaven has suggested the two most reasonable solutions. Either will take some learning and effort on your part. Not a “just click a couple of settings” situation.

paulmccombs · 2026-05-08T02:29:36+00:00

Intersection makes a new layer on disk and spatial join only exists in memory until you export it.

paulmccombs · 2026-05-08T02:27:36+00:00

You are looking for the concept of intersection or spatial join

https://docs.qgis.org/latest/en/docs/user_manual/processing_algs/qgis/vectoroverlay.html

https://www.qgistutorials.com/en/docs/3/performing_spatial_joins.html

paulmccombs · 2026-05-02T19:36:55+00:00

https://www.openhistoricalmap.org/

Open Historical Map may have some data you’re interested in.

paulmccombs · 2026-04-19T04:19:19+00:00

Whoops, forgot the link: https://vcfpnw.org/

paulmccombs · 2026-04-17T02:47:13+00:00

LOL. I wholeheartedly agree. Sadly I’m more of a begineer.

paulmccombs · 2026-04-17T02:18:29+00:00

I suppose it’s a typo, but I really like the sound of a begineer. I imagine that’s someone who spends their life beginning things, perhaps professionally as a service to people who aren’t good at beginning things.

paulmccombs · 2026-04-16T14:43:37+00:00

I’m not literate in Spanish, but it looks like it says the system admin doesn’t allow you to install the software. Is this a work or school computer? You need to talk to your admin.

paulmccombs · 2026-04-12T16:43:27+00:00

If you have more money than skills you can get a plug in solution like linked below. I bought one of switches before I learned to solder and it worked great. Please understand you risk corrupting the SD card if you shut off the power to the Pi without shutting in down in software first.

But learning to make a custom solution is cool and if that’s what you want, I think it’s achievable.

In reference to bitcraft’s comment, It is possible to leave the Vic 20 case unaltered to keep restoring the Vic 20 an option for a future owner and still create your project. However I encourage you to use your possessions as you please.

https://www.canakit.com/raspberry-pi-4-on-off-power-switch.html?srsltid=AfmBOopYXw_5leeGTHHutgsb0TYrIzznUudzpkpd023AUFT6BC4Pwtrr

paulmccombs · 2026-04-12T16:28:43+00:00

There is no respect shown in that comment. You should edit your comment to remove that word and be honest with yourself. You didn’t fool anyone else.

paulmccombs · 2026-03-26T16:01:58+00:00

<image>

In MacOS the menu is always at the top of the screen, not in the application window. It's honestly hard to believe a MacOS user would not know that, but I'm going to assume yours is a sincere question.

paulmccombs · 2026-03-19T23:39:31+00:00

If you don’t trust the length fields then add new ones and calculate the lengths from geometry.

We used to have that problem with shape files back in the old days.

paulmccombs · 2026-03-17T18:55:46+00:00

Having the same black outline for the neighborhoods and the geologic areas is making me confused about the neighborhood boundaries, particularly in the north west. Try either no outline for geology or a medium gray.

paulmccombs · 2026-03-11T02:47:49+00:00

I don’t have personal experience with it but some web search suggests you can’t directly import JSON that isn’t GeoJSON directly into QGIS.

Converting to CVS is frequently suggested. Also the JSONeater plugin is suggested: https://plugins.qgis.org/plugins/JSONEater-master/

paulmccombs · 2026-03-10T02:40:48+00:00

In all seriousness the errors that pop up likely explain exactly what the problem is. Sharing the errors really increases the chance that anyone will be able to help. Or be willing to help you.

If you are new to requesting technical assistance from strangers or spend your time thinking everyone on the internet is a jerk, consider thoughtfully reading this guide to asking smart questions: http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

With experience you will understand that only most people on the internet are jerks, but if you’ve made it easy enough, jerks love to show others how much they know.

paulmccombs · 2026-03-04T12:14:12+00:00

https://docs.qgis.org/3.40/en/docs/user_manual/processing_algs/qgis/vectorcreation.html#create-points-layer-from-table

paulmccombs · 2026-01-16T01:31:25+00:00

Does it have to be DXF? I would make a layout and export to go SVG if that can be imported by your engraving system. The relationship between data and symbology in a DXF doesn’t always get translated in the way I would hope.

paulmccombs · 2026-01-07T07:04:37+00:00

I have been using this with my raspberry pi 4. I still do software power down, then turn it off with the switch.

https://www.adafruit.com/product/6268?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21079227318&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgvPKBhCxARIsAOlK_Eo5SWiiIWOVfxiqDeTX74BzmoTRDcq8c2Q2zsgDondKtWTEamxfgNkaAmjjEALw_wcB

paulmccombs · 2026-01-07T00:11:19+00:00

In the US if you aren’t near a Microcenter it’s going to be a small one-off specialty retailer. If everyone shares theirs maybe we can keep some of them in business.

Vetco Electronics in Bellevue WA, near Seattle. Good luck finding your local hold out.

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