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      <div class="main-bg">
        <h1>Blog</h1>
        <p>A collection of thoughts, life updates, projects, and images in reverse chronological order.</p>
      </div>
      <article>
        <h2 id="202408161">3-2-1... Backup</h2>
        <p>Ever since I got into computers semi-seriously, the wisdom of keeping multiple backups and the <a href="https://www.backblaze.com/blog/the-3-2-1-backup-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">3-2-1 backup strategy</a> has been in my mind. Easy, right? Just have 3 copies of data on 2 forms of media with at least 1 off-site. This could be as simple as 1. The copy on your machine, 2. A copy on a flash drive, and 3. A copy on your cloud provider &lpar;ex. Google Drive&rpar;. I'm not one to be simple, though my intentions weren't to take over 5 years to deploy a working system that I was happy with. A single drive isn't something I'm comfortable with. I've seen my mom's single drive backup solution give out one day, leaving us with a paper weight and a loss of family photos. So at least one part of the chain needed to be a RAID 5 if not RAID 6.</p>
        <p>I was happy enough with that. A single server with a few TB of storage utilizing a RAID 5. My other requirement, though, was to have a web inteface where I could easily access and share files to my friends and family. A self-hosted Google Drive. If all you do is live in *NIX land and would rather use rsync and never leave the terminal, that's fine. But that's not my use-case. Looking at you Ángel.</p>
        <p>For a while I used Nextcloud running on TrueNAS. Why I thought that was a good idea I don't know. My poor Athlon X4 910e was very unhappy with the overhead. I suffered along like this for a while. Residential 10Mbps upload speeds were not helping any of the usability either, meaning that for anything other than regular text files took forever to access outside of my home network.</p>
        <p>Fast forward to today, I now have a semi-competent solution that is much faster and simpler. Enter <a href="https://filebrowser.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">File Browser</a> and <a href="https://github.com/gbabin/rsync-prelude" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">rsync-prelude</a> with rsync. Filebrowser is a web inteface to access your files. It supports upload/download and sharing among a few other things. It's written in Go and has very little overhead. All you do is run it and point it at a directory. For that RAID 5 I mentioned, I moved to FreeBSD with ZFS and set up a RAIDz1 across my three 2TB drives which allows for one drive failure before data loss. None of this solves the upload speed, though. For that, I decided to set up an identical server with a mirror of the data using a spare HP mini computer and an external 2TB drive. This will sit next to my computer at school, and I can use it as though it's the one back home. Each night, the two will sync taking as long as they like and I'll have two copies of my data. This does mean that there will be a full day in which I will not have three copies of the data, but I'm willing to live with that. Syncing the two servers became a bit of an issue, however. Rsync by default has no way of knowing if you've moved files around. See this <a href="https://superuser.com/questions/542849/how-to-migrate-a-change-in-directory-structure" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">superuser StackExchange</a> post linking to a hack using hard links. This wasn't working for me, and after spending much too long trying to get another software, Syncthing, to work, I gave up as it was unable to handle the large number and size of the files well given my hardware. Luckily, I found rsync-prelude. Written in Python, it reorders files on the destination server ahead of time so that rsync will not re-transfer them just because they changed folders. Then you run rsync like normal. Easy&lpar;er&rpar;. This will be run as a cronjob every day to sync up the backup server at home.</p>
        <p>I'm very happy with this setup. The rsync process has yet to be vetted, but even if something goes awry, the single backup solution paired with File Browser is so much better than before. I'm able to play video out of the 10Mbps network where on Nextcloud it would stutter and hang &lpar;presumably because of system overhead&rpar;. PDFs load and preview properly, where as on Nextcloud it just would error out. A great step up.</p>
        <p>For anyone currious, here are the system specs:</p>
        <pre>
-- Home Server --
CPU: AMD Athlon X4 910e
RAM: 10GB DDR3
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 250GB 7200RPM (boot)
HDD: 3x WD Purple 2TB 5400RPM (RAIDz1 storage)
OS: FreeBSD 14.1 (ZFS)

-- School Server --
CPU: Intel i5-4570T
RAM: 8GB DDR3
SSD: Samsung 850 Pro 256GB (boot)
HDD: WD MyPassport 2TB 5400RPM (storage)
OS: FreeBSD 14.1 (ZFS)
        </pre>
        <p>I'm about to move into a new appartment, and I'm crossing my fingers for higher upload speeds given that it's a fiber connection and I'm in the city. This will make accessing my server much more useable when I'm away from the appartment. If you have any questions about setting up a system yourself, feel free to send an email to <a href="mailto:alex@scerba.org">alex@scerba.org</a>.</p>
        <p><b>Created:</b> 2024-08-16</p>
      </article>
      <article>
        <h2 id="202406021">treatland.tv</h2>
        <p>While locating parts for one of our rather esoteric &lpar;in the USA&rpar; motorcycles, I came across <a href="https://www.treatland.tv">treatland.tv</a>, a moped parts store.</p>
        <p>I love the content of this website. Their business has so much character, and it's just a parts store. When you enter the main shop page. Just click on "lost?" and see what I mean. Even the descriptions for the parts are filled with bits of humor. You don't even have to like mopeds. Reading the text combined with the knowledge that this is a real business and not some teenager's pet project makes it all the more absurd. Give it a read. It might brighten your day.</p>
        <p><b>Created:</b> 2024-06-02</p>
      </article>
      <article>
        <h2 id="202405041">May the 4th be with You</h2>
        <p>Happy Star Wars Day! I haven't really been keeping up with all the new shows recently due to school and not liking most of the new content's storytelling and delivery. I'll probably watch something tonight though just because.</p>
        <p>Side rant, what's up with new big budget movies looking uncanny. I recently saw a trailer for <em>Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga</em>, I couldn't take it seriously. This franchise is built on grit and practical effects, and whatever their doing, at least for the trailers, looks like CGI, even if it isn't. Also, Chris Hemsworth? Anya Tayor-Joy? I think I've just seen too much of them recently, so I'm not that thrilled with the casting. It could have been a cool opportunity for some lesser known actors.</p>
        <p>Anyways, time to figure out what to watch.</p>
        <p><b>Created:</b> 2024-05-04</p>
      </article>
      <article>
        <h2 id="202403131">My Git Server is Live</h2>
        <p>After a long while, I finally have my <a href="https://git.scerba.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">git server</a> in a good spot. There's only a couple public repos on there currently &lpar;well one if we're being fair&rpar;, but that will change as time goes on.</p>
        <p><b>Created:</b> 2024-03-13</p>
      </article>
      <article>
        <h2 id="202403121">Yukon Towing Footage</h2>
        <p>My friend, Ben, and I took a trip out to New Mexico at the start of last summer to tow back my late grandpa's Jeep CJ-7. We documented various parts of the journey there and back, and Ben is just now sifting through all of the footage &lpar;I don't blame him, it's a lot&rpar;.</p>
        <p>This is footage driving through Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado. We've got the Jeep in tow behind a GMT900 platform Yukon.</p>
        <iframe width="1000" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/gvgb8o5VdsU?si=iaa3iBDlXas1OsSb" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
        <h3>Timestamps</h3>
        <ul>
          <li><a href="https://youtu.be/gvgb8o5VdsU?si=IyibMNeYdFmhIRjb&t=184" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">3:04</a> - Redlining in 2nd gear.</li>
          <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvgb8o5VdsU&t=843s" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">14:03</a> - Dense fog.</li>
        </ul>
        <p><b>Created:</b> 2024-03-12</p>
      </article>
      <article>
        <h2 id="202403101">Spring Break - Day 9</h2>
        <p><i>It's spring break this week, and seeing as there are lots of things planned, I figured I'd jot down the main points each day.</i></p>
        <p>This one'll be pretty brief. Sunday was the drive back to Michigan. We got up, finished packing and ran some last minute errands like returning the ignition switch for the CJ-7, re-tourquing the wheel lugs, and visiting with my grandparents one last time.</p>
        <p>We finally hit the road a little after noon. It was a pleseant enough ride with the expected semi-frequent crazy Chicagoan driver. We had one stop in Kalamazoo to get gas at Costco and continued on from there, and after a while Rex and I split up so I could go see my girlfriend at her grandparents' house for the night. I had dinner, which was great as it always is there, and headed to bed.</p>
        <p>It's been a great break. Maybe not a "break" but fun nonetheless.</p>
        <p>Check out the others is this series using the included navagation links at the bottom of each post. It should help not having to back-scroll as much.</p>
        <p><b>Created:</b> 2024-03-10</p>
        <p><a href="#202403021">Initial post</a></p>
      </article>
      <article>
        <h2 id="202403091">Spring Break - Day 8</h2>
        <p><i>It's spring break this week, and seeing as there are lots of things planned, I figured I'd jot down the main points each day.</i></p>
        <p>This morning was spent cleaning up the livingroom and choosing which LEGO sets to bring back to school. It should be fun having more LEGO around in the dorm. My roommates have been aquiring various LEGO sets over the last couple months, so it'll be a good addition to the collection. This is what we settled on:</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D8/CIS-Tank-Droid_1000.jpg" alt="LEGO CIS tank droid." width="1000" height="562" />
          <figcaption>Corporate Alliance tank droid.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D8/Soulless-One_1000.jpg" alt="LEGO General Grievous's fighter." width="1000" height="562" />
          <figcaption>Soulless One.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D8/Slave-1_1000.jpg" alt="LEGO Boba Fett's Slave 1." width="1000" height="562" />
          <figcaption>Boba's Slave 1.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>Once that was done, we headed to my dad's again to change the oil in the truck. Before leaving, I couldn't help but capture our cars accidentally parked in a staredown.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D8/Staredown_1000.jpg" alt="Mazda Miata and Chevrolet Silverado in a staredown in my driveway." width="1000" height="562" />
          <figcaption>Staredown.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>The last change was 2 years and 7,000 miles ago, so it was time to do so. It hasn't seen much use over that time, so that's why it's been so long. We had our mechanic dog sign off on the job when we were finished.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D8/Coco_1000.jpg" alt="Coco, my chocolate lab, standing in the driveway." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>Coco the supervisor.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>After, we had dinner with my dad, hung out with Ángel, and headed back for the night to do some more cleaning up. Tomorrow we have some last minute prep to do before heading back to Detroit for school. It's been a fun break.</p>
        <p><b>Created:</b> 2024-03-09</p>
        <p><a href="#202403101">Next post</a></p>
      </article>
      <article>
        <h2 id="202403082">Spring Break - Day 7</h2>
        <p><i>It's spring break this week, and seeing as there are lots of things planned, I figured I'd jot down the main points each day.</i></p>
        <p>Today was more LEGO in the morning. One of my friends headed home to Michigan and my other friend and I worked on some more Star Wars sets. Progress was steady, and by lunch we had about 7 sets made including what we worked on the nigh before.</p>
        <p>Later that day, I got fitted for a suit for the first time. I'm very excited. Since I'm tall and pretty skinny, stuff never fits from the store. Everything is either too baggy or too short in the arms and legs. Having a suit I can have for events and networking is something that's more important now that we attend networking events, but it was expensive, so I definitely understand why that's not something you up and do normally.</p>
        <p>After, we had dinner with my mom and headed back for more LEGO building.</p>
        <p>By the end of the night, we got 8 sets pretty much fully completed.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D7/Finished-sets_1000.jpg" alt="Completed sets lined up on the floor." width="1000" height="750" />
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D7/Finished-sets-2_1000.jpg" alt="Completed sets lined up on the floor, second shot." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>Finished sets.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>I'm super happy with it. There's some missing and broken pieces on some, which is unfortunate, but everything's a lot more organized now, so I can get right back into building whenever and not have to re-sort stuff.</p>
        <p>Tomorrow'll be a busy day, as it's the last full day we have here. There's an oil change to do, grandparents to visit, homework, and random housekeeping tasks. We'll see how it goes.</p>
        <p><b>Created:</b> 2024-03-08</p>
        <p><a href="#202403091">Next post</a></p>
      </article>
      <article>
        <h2 id="202403081">Spring Break - Day 6</h2>
        <p><i>It's spring break this week, and seeing as there are lots of things planned, I figured I'd jot down the main points each day.</i></p>
        <p>Today was the "final" day on the truck. We headed out and got the nuts installed for the struts and the rear wheels installed. I also tried heating up the bent plastic fender liner to keep it from catching on the tread, but it just ended up catching again later. I just need to deal with that and change the oil, and it'll be set for the trip back.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D6/Packed_1000.jpg" alt="Jeep CJ-7, Volvo 244, Mazda MX-5, and Chevrolet Silverado lined up in the driveway." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>Ready to depart.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>In the meantime, we packed up and headed to Milwaukee to drop off Ángel and meet up with another friend to grab unch at <a href="https://cravecafe.carry-out.com/default.asp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Crave Cafe</a> and <a href="https://kopps.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kopps Frozen Custard</a> (Glendale location), both great places to eat if you're ever in Milwaukee. Each Kopps location has a different achitecture theme going on with the building which is fun to experience.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D6/Kopps_1000.jpg" alt="Large sculpture of a sppon and cherry inside of Kopps." width="750" height="1000" />
          <figcaption>Sculpture inside Kopps.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D6/Cows-at-Kopps_1000.jpg" alt="Ángel photographing the cow statues at Kopps." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>Cows out back.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p><b>Side note:</b> Saw a cool old Corvair while walking around.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D6/Corvair_1000.jpg" alt="Chevrolet Corvair in teal." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>Corvair spotting.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>Afterwards, we stopped by my other friend's appartment and saw his cat, Jack, for a bit before heading back home for the day.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D6/Jack_1000.jpg" alt="Jack the cat stalking a lazer pointer." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>Jack.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>When we got back home we broke out the LEGO. I have been wanting to reassemble all of my LEGO sets, but just haven't had the motivation since it's a big task, but being at school and reminicing with friends about which sets we have rekindled my desire to get everything rebuilt. Plus, having two other people makes things go a lot faster, especially when they're just as excited and motivated to see the completed sets.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D6/LEGOs_1000.jpg" alt="LEGO and action figures spread out across the livingroom floor." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>LEGO everywhere.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>By about 3 AM, we made some good progress and finished about 5 sets. Some were missing one or two pieces, and there were some instances of the infamous fragility of brown and maroon LEGO bricks showing itself in the form of fractured pieces. You can contact LEGO to get broken pieces replaced, so I'll be doing that once we're done for the break.</p>
        <p>It was a very fun time though. Three friends with some music, a box of LEGOs, and motivation to see as many completed sets as possible by the end of the night is a great experience. I'd highly recommend. Might be a fun yearly event, rotating which house everyone goes to.</p>
        <p><b>Created:</b> 2024-03-08</p>
        <p><a href="#202403082">Next post</a></p>
      </article>
      <article>
        <h2 id="202403061">Spring Break - Day 5</h2>
        <p><i>It's spring break this week, and seeing as there are lots of things planned, I figured I'd jot down the main points each day.</i></p>
        <p>Today, the goal was to swap the front struts on my dad's truck. The front end needed to be lifted to fit the new, used wheels my dad got for relatively cheap, so we set off in the morning to get started.</p>
        <p>By noon, we almost had the struts out, but were slowed by rusted bolts. We headed to my grandparents' for lunch and to see them since I was back for the week. After a nice meal, we walked around their field for a bit...</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D5/Field_1000.jpg" alt="Field in Wisconsin." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>Field.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>...and saw some really old LEGO boxes in the basement.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D5/LEGO_1000.jpg" alt="Old LEGO box in a bag." width="750" height="1000" />
          <figcaption>Old LEGO box.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>Lunch was over, and it was time to get to work. It took the rest of the afternoon and evening to get the struts installed and the wheels test fit.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D5/Engine-bay_1000.jpg" alt="Ben looking at engine bay while standing on tire in front of the truck." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>Looking in the engine bay.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D5/Wheel-well_1000.jpg" alt="Me in the wheel well fitting the strut." width="750" height="1000" />
          <figcaption>Fitting the new strut.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D5/Side_1000.jpg" alt="Side of the truck with new wheels fitted up front and original wheels in back." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>Finished(ish).</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>The last thing needed are the nuts that hold the struts to the tower and to swap the rear wheels. The lift spacer makes using the old nuts impossibe, so we'll run to the store in the morning to get new ones. But we were able to test it, and it does mostly clear now, so I should be able to take it back to Detroit. I'm pretty happy about that because being car-less in Detroit is pretty frustrating. Maybe I can also bring the RX50 back if the parts come in before Sunday...</p>
        <p>With that mostly out of the way, we had dinner and headed back to my mom's for the night. I tried messing with some computer stuff, but it didn't go too well, and I was tired, so I started writting this post. The computer stuff can wait for tomorrow and Friday.</p>
        <p>Our next adventure includes bringing Ángel back to Milwaukee with the truck once it's fixed. We'll see what else happens the rest of the day. There's plenty to do.</p>
        <p><b>Created:</b> 2024-03-06</p>
        <p><a href="#202403081">Next post</a></p>
      </article>
      <article>
        <h2 id="202403051">Spring Break - Day 4</h2>
        <p><i>It's spring break this week, and seeing as there are lots of things planned, I figured I'd jot down the main points each day.</i></p>
        <p>Today I finally got a haircut.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D4/Before-Hair_1000.jpg" alt="Me with longer hair, before my haircut." width="750"
            height="1000" />
          <figcaption>Before.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D4/After-Hair_1000.jpg" alt="Me sitting in the Jeep after the haircut." width="750"
            height="1000" />
          <figcaption>After.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>On the way out, I noticed a red Willys parked next to me.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D4/Jeep-Friend_1000.jpg"
            alt="Newer Jeep Willys parked next to my CJ-7 at the barber shop." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>Jeep sighting.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>We had a big adventure planned, pick up Ángel from Milwaukee, and I hoped to take the CJ-7. I've been trying to figure out the ignition, and narrowed it down to the ignition switch, so I picked it up from the parts store and installed it. In typical fashion, it wasn't the problem and didn't solve anything... tomorrow I'll actually break out the continuity tester that I should have done almost a year ago and track down the culprit, but right now, I didn't have the time. We took off as it was with a very janky bypass wire for the ignition coil and my friend in his Miata as a backup car.</p>
        <p>We kept off the interstate, so the drive took forty minutes longer than normal, but we did make it, albiet with a singed connector.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D4/Jeep-Museum_1000.jpg"
            alt="Jeep CJ-7 and Mazda MX-5 in front of the Milwaukee Art Museum." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>Made it to Milwaukee.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>Overall, it went really well. If I fix the ignition wire, I'd be pretty comfortable going long distances.</p>
        <p>We stopped for lunch at <a href="https://cafehollander.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Café Hollander</a> north of downtown and started the long drive back. After a few close encounters with traffic, we  made it out of the city limits and cruised back home.</p>
        <p>Tired, we hung out for bit before starting up the movie "Bullitt."</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/SB-D4/Bullitt_1000.jpg" alt="Movie cover for the 1968 action/crime movie 'Bullitt'."
            width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>Bullitt.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>Tomorrow, we're going to try and swap some suspension components on my dad's truck, so I can actually have something to drive back to Detroit. We'll see how it goes.</p>
        <p><b>Created:</b> 2024-03-05</p>
        <p><a href="#202403061">Next post</a></p>
      </article>
      <article>
        <h2 id="202403041">Spring Break - Day 3</h2>
        <p><i>It's spring break this week, and seeing as there are lots of things planned, I figured I'd jot down the main points each day.</i></p>
        <p>Finally, it's time to head back home. I'm really looking forward to it, and I'll have Ben and Rex joining for the majority of the trip. I tried to pack light this time, bringing only a few bags and a jacket.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/WI_Roadtrip/Backpack_1000.jpg"
            alt="Packed bags for roadtrip. Two backpacks, a drawstring bag, and a coat." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>Packed bags.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>We got everything packed and left around 10:00am.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/WI_Roadtrip/Start_1000.jpg"
            alt="Ben and Rex in front of their cars, a 1989 Volvo 250 Sedan and 1997 Mazda MX-5." width="1000"
            height="750" />
          <figcaption>Ben and Rex.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>Stoping for gas an and errand run, we finally hit the road for real around 11:00am.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/WI_Roadtrip/Road_1000.jpg" alt="Volvo from view of the Miata." width="1000"
            height="750" />
          <figcaption>Detroit I-96.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/WI_Roadtrip/Bridge_1000.jpg" alt="Bridge along I-96." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>Bridge, Michigan I-96.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>We made it to Wisconsin by 5:00pm. Just in time for the huge storm passing through. There were some tornado warnings for towns a bit north of where we were headed, and we got a decent chunck of that storm, with hail, wind, and heavy rain.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/WI_Roadtrip/Rain_1000.jpg" alt="Rain in Lake Geneva, WI." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>Rain.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>Luckily the rain died down a bit, and we made it to dinner with my dad.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/WI_Roadtrip/Dinner_1000.jpg" alt="Sitting at the dinner table." width="1000"
            height="750" />
          <figcaption>Waiting for dinner.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>We got back to my mom's around 7:30, and I pulled out the CJ-7. I really just needed to drive something and was eager to pull it out of the garage. We cruised around town for a bit and stopped by the bay before heading back home for the night.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/WI_Roadtrip/Jeep_1000.jpg" alt="1985 Jeep CJ-7 by Williams Bay waterfront."
            width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>My CJ-7 (first start since the beginning of the school year).</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>I finally was able to set up my subwoofer I got from another friend a while back, so we spend the rest of the night testing it out.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/WI_Roadtrip/TV_1000.jpg" alt="Stereo setup with sub and TV." width="1000"
            height="750" />
          <figcaption>The AV setup.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>Overall, it's been another great day. Lots of plans for tomorrow, including a haircut and picking up Ángel from Milwaukee.</p>
        <p><b>Created:</b> 2024-03-04</p>
        <p><a href="#202403051">Next post</a></p>
      </article>
      <article>
        <h2 id="202403031">Spring Break - Day 2</h2>
        <p><i>It's spring break this week, and seeing as there are lots of things planned, I figured I'd jot down the main points each day.</i></p>
        <p>Autorama. Bigger than the Detroit Auto Show (somehow). This is definitely the event of the semester. Other than maybe industry day/student exhibition. It was a good show, with lots of cars I know little about and bikes that I know a little about. My two friends that have actual knowledge on the subject were our guide.</p>
        <p>We weren't just there to see the show, however. Tickets were paid for by the school so that we could man the school booth and sketch for the public. It's always a great time. You get to draw whatever you want and meet new people.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/Autorama24/Sketching.jpg"
            alt="Me and other students sketching cars at the CCS booth at Autorama 2024." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>Sketching at Autorama.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>While on our shift, we met Andrew Berry, a senior at LTU who is also majoring in transportation design. He was friendly, very talented, and we got a bit of a first-hand look into what it's like at another school. I've very glad we got to meet.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/Autorama24/LTU_Encounter.jpg" alt="Meeting an LTU senior, Andrew Berry." width="616"
            height="1000" />
          <figcaption>Andrew Berry from LTU.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>Of course, the rest of the day &lpar;before and after&rpar; was spent walking around the show. I don't really know many details about the cars, but here's a truncated selection of what I found most interesting.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/Autorama24/IMG20240303125314_1000.jpg" alt="." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>Rat rod truck.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/Autorama24/IMG20240303130300_1000.jpg" alt="." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>Dutch Door Stop 101 &lpar;Model A chassis, Dodge body&rpar;.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/Autorama24/IMG20240303130450_1000.jpg" alt="." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>1974 Vanguard CitiCar.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/Autorama24/IMG20240303131721_1000.jpg" alt="." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>1972 Honda CB750 drag bike.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/Autorama24/IMG20240303132324_1000.jpg" alt="." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>1966 Volkswagen Beetle.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/Autorama24/IMG20240303133419_1000.jpg" alt="." width="750" height="1000" />
          <figcaption>Flying Finch &lpar;1946 Ford truck&rpar;.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/Autorama24/IMG20240303135227_1000.jpg" alt="." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>1988 Chevrolet S10.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/Autorama24/IMG20240303135642_1000.jpg" alt="." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>GMC 1500.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/Autorama24/IMG20240303141050_1000.jpg" alt="." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>1986 Shelby GLHS.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/Autorama24/IMG20240303141501_1000.jpg" alt="." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>1981 Honda CBX &lpar;Assembled from parts&rpar;.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/Autorama24/IMG20240303141852_1000.jpg" alt="." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>1987 Harley-Davidson Sportster.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/Autorama24/IMG20240303162728_1000.jpg" alt="." width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>1932 Ford pickup.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>I'm a bit embarrassed of my lack of knowledge. I'll get my friends to correct me, and I'll update the info at a later date.</p>
        <p>My friends and I hit the road for Wisconsin tomorrow. Hoping all goes well. It should.</p>
        <p><b>Created:</b> 2024-03-03</p>
        <p><a href="#202403041">Next post</a></p>
      </article>
      <article>
        <h2 id="202403021">Spring Break - Day 1</h2>
        <p><i>It's spring break this week, and seeing as there are lots of things planned, I figured I'd jot down the main points each day.</i></p>
        <p>Today is the first day, though technically not. There were still classes, but not for me. It is still winter, so the air is cold, but we gathered a group of people and went to the weekly cars and coffee event. It was expectedly devoid of much life. There were the 6 or 7 die-hard attendies, which was still nice to see. We left an hour later when there were only a couple left.</p>
        <p>My dad arrived around noon, and we had a nice lunch after loading up the car with the stuff I no longer needed at school and the remaining car parts.</p>
        <p>Autorama is tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to it.</p>
        <p><b>Created:</b> 2024-03-02</p>
        <p><a href="#202403031">Next post</a></p>
      </article>
      <article>
        <h2>Midterms</h2>
        <p>We had our midterm presentation in studio earlier this week. It went well with lots of great feedback from Joe Dentale (Ford Creative Design) and Matt Tandrup (Livewire Creative Director). I think this is one of the best classes so far. Lots to still improve on, but I have a direction now.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/20240229_Midterm-board_1000.jpg" alt="Midterm design project board." width="1000" height="563" />
          <figcaption>Midterm board. <a href="./static/media/20240229_Midterm-board.jpg">Full-size image.</a></figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>I'm looking forward to fleshing out the details and getting a good start on the model over break.</p>
        <p><b>Created:</b> 2024-02-29</p>
      </article>
      <article>
        <h2>Couple of Pictures</h2>
        <p>There was a big storm a night ago, and I got a picture of the lightning lighting up the clouds.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/20240227_Detroit-weather_1000.jpg" alt="Skyline photo lightning in Detroit. Featuring the Fisher building." width="1000" height="563" />
          <figcaption>Storm featuring the Fisher building.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>My friend built a Y-wing from some clone battle packs. I reworked the gunner area and build a stand for it.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/20240228_Y-wing_1000.jpg" alt="Clone Wars era LEGO Y-Wing model build out of 501st battle packs. Captain Rex minifigure in pilot seat." width="1000" height="563" />
          <figcaption>501st Y-Wing.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p><b>Created:</b> 2024-02-29</p>
      </article>
      <article>
        <h2>50°F, Overcast, and Windy</h2>
        <p>I was out on a bike ride with some friends yesterday and couldn't help but notice the weather. Just warm enough
          to have a light sweatshirt on with a bit of wind and a cloudy sky. There is something special to me about this
          kind of weather. I was asked if it was because it reminded me of being outside as a child, but that alone
          doesn't quite capture it. It's more the transitional feeling of going from something social and fun to finally
          splitting up for the day and heading home. Right between the two. You know the end is near and you can feel
          those around you anxious to get ready to leave, but you just want to stay out a bit longer. Oddly perfect for
          our the events of the afternoon, though I wouldn't apply my description to the dynamic of our group. But that is
          what it reminds me of. A sense of longing. For the people, for the event, for a sense of normal in a busy or
          lonely schedule. I'm likely projecting a bit, specifically from the past, but I suppose that's the point. If I
          were more skilled, I might write a poem to describe the feeling, but I'm no poet. Maybe when I have a bit more
          free-time. Or, more likely, retired.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/20240209_Bike-ride-group-sidex1000.jpg"
            alt="Group photo of my friends and our bicycles on the steps in front of the GM RenCen by the Detroit River."
            width="1000" height="750" />
          <figcaption>My friends and I outside the GM RenCen by the Detroit River.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>Side note: I've discovered how to type symbols and special characters on Mac, so I can type Ángel's name
          correctly now without having to copy and paste characters. Exciting stuff.</p>
        <p><b>Created:</b> 2024-02-10</p>
      </article>
      <article>
        <h2>First Post</h2>
        <p>New year, new site. Looking forward to working on it.</p>
        <p><b>Created:</b> 2024-01-09</p>
      </article>
      <article>
        <h2>Jeep CJ-7 Turn Signal Repair</h2>
        <p>A while back, I noticed that the passenger side turn signal on my 1985 Jeep CJ7 was out. The right turn signal
          indicator would stay solid when the headlights were turned on. I pulled the bulb assembly and found this:</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/Jeep_CJ7_Turn_Signal_Repair/images/Before.webp"
            alt="Disassembled turn signal lamp assembly: housing, wire harness, contact that broke off wire, degraded rubber grommet, bulb, and lens cover."
            width="1280" height="960" />
          <figcaption>Lamp disassembled.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>The wire responsible for turning the bulb “high” was broken from what I assume is fatigue. The rubber meant to
          support the wire and contact pin was severely degraded and falling apart, exposing the bare wire where it met
          the pin. This also means the wire could freely flex at the joint, and going over bumbs or just general road
          vibration could have eventually wore it down. I didn't see much in the way of corrosion around the wire, so
          that's why I assume it was stress related.</p>
        <p>Anyways, the bucket was severely rusted, and the gasket was a poor excuse for one, so I cleaned up the bucket
          with some sandpaper and gave it a light coat of lubricant to hopefully hinder the rust and cut a new gasket from
          two layers of craft foam. This is definitely a short-term solution, but with school fast approaching and the
          fact that this will be garaged for the next 9 months I wasn't too concerned. Next spring is Jeep repair time,
          this summer is “cobble it together until then” time. I also cleaned up the driver side bucket the same way and
          cut a new seal just to try and keep it from rusting any more.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/Jeep_CJ7_Turn_Signal_Repair/images/Cleaned_Bucket.webp"
            alt="Sanded and re-foamed turn signal bucket" width="1280" height="960" />
          <figcaption>Bucket cleaned.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>Next, I got to repairing the harness. The pin was a crimp-on, and there was no easy way I was going to be able
          to uncrimp it for reuse. So I did the next best thing, soldering. Anyone that takes pride in soldering would
          probably stare agasp at what I did, but again, I'll fix it correctly in the spring. I just trimmed back a bit of
          sheathing on the wire and soldered it to the bare copper on the side of the pin. Pretty or preferable? No. Does
          it work? Yes.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/Jeep_CJ7_Turn_Signal_Repair/images/Soldered_Harness.webp"
            alt="Soldered and repaired turn signal harness" width="1280" height="960" />
          <figcaption>Connector wires repaired.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>Finally, everything was reinserted into the bucket. I reused the dryrotted rubber piece that was still in the
          bucket because it needs that to keep the pins in place and put tension on the bulb to retain it. After it was
          all reassembled, I put some Shoe Goo (it's what I had lying around) on the exposed end to try and prevent the
          same thing from happening again quickly.</p>
        <figure>
          <img src="./static/media/Jeep_CJ7_Turn_Signal_Repair/images/Final_Front.webp" alt="Front of final lamp assembly"
            width="1280" height="960" />
          <img src="./static/media/Jeep_CJ7_Turn_Signal_Repair/images/Final_Rear.webp" alt="Rear of final lamp assembly"
            width="1280" height="960" />
          <figcaption>Final Assembly.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>Pretty happy with how it turned out given that I didn't spend anything or go anywhere other than my garage to
          get it done. Here's a video of it being tested:</p>
        <figure>
          <video src="./static/media/Jeep_CJ7_Turn_Signal_Repair/images/Flasher_Test.mp4"
            alt="Turn signal test, and lamp flashes as expected" controls="" width="1920" height="1080"><a
              href="./static/media/Jeep_CJ7_Turn_Signal_Repair/images/Flasher_Test.mp4">CJ7 Signal Test</a></video>
          <figcaption>Signal testing.</figcaption>
        </figure>
        <p>Now to repair the muffler I blew… but that's for another day.</p>
        <p><b>Created:</b> 2023-07-20</p>
        <p>P.S. I did end up getting a new muffler on. That'll be a future post.</p>
      </article>
      <div class="main-bg" style="margin-top: 1.75rem;">
        <h2 class="end" style="margin: 0;">End</h2>
      </div>
    </section>
{{ end }}