iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 11h

Here at the #Portland #NoKings rally across from the Convention Center, lots of supportive honks from passing cars. No pictures because I no longer take pictures at anything vaguely like a protest.

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Reposted by Nate Allen

Steve Horton 🚀 The Comic Book Story of Space Exploration @mst3k.fan · 10/10/2026

Where we you when... You saw your first episode of MST3K? You saw MST3K The Movie: This Island Earth? You saw Revenge of the Creature on the Sci-Fi Channel? You saw the revival seasons on Netflix? You saw the Gizmoplex season online? You saw Sting of Death?

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 10/10/2026

It's weird to watch the #USWMNT kind of struggle but at least they are starting to look a little less shell shocked. Probably good for the sport overall that they don't automatically win every match.

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Reposted by Nate Allen

emptywheel @emptywheel.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

I think everyone is misreading the Diesel deal, according Trump too much agency. Putin got Trump to say something INSANELY stupid, no doubt in hopes of all the bribes on the table. This will solve none of the problems Trump caused the US. en.kremlin.ru/events/presi...

Statement by President of Russia Vladimir Putin
October 9, 202622:50
During the October 9 telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, considerable focus was on prospects for settling the Ukraine crisis, while the situation surrounding Iran and various aspects of bilateral relations were touched upon as well.

When discussing the state of affairs in the global energy market, the Russian side confirmed its willingness to supply oil and petroleum products to the US market and global markets at large. I am convinced this will have a positive impact on the entire global economy.

An agreement was reaffirmed to maintain personal contacts between the presidents of the two countries and to continue cooperation across their respective administrations, security services, and agencies.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 10/10/2026

The Rifftrax reboot of #MST3k is superior to the Joel reboot of MST3k. Less budget, better product. Things made by hand, not computer.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 09/10/2026

Hey if you are an unhappy #veterinarian or vet tech and you'd like to live in #Portland, let me know. If my employer, DoveLewis, hires you after my referral I get a big bag of cash, too. :) It is a rather nice place to work in my opinion.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 05/10/2026

Installed the #HTPC now the endless software tweaking begins.

What looks like an ordinary Sony SL -5000 Betamax player in a home theater cabinet with a television above. It is showing the Jellyfin web interface and some obscure television comedies.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 04/10/2026

The Sony #Betamax SL-5000 #HTPC is done, now just to see if it will actually fit in the TV hutch. I plan to weigh the parts I have removed from it - it is substantially lighter after gutting.

The front of the Sony Betamax SL-5000 VCR shot from the left corner. My favorite part is the SIMULATED WOOD CABINET sticker, they were very proud of that. And of course the fake maple burl. The original clock blinks 12:00 PM in blue.

The front of the player from the right corner. The top door of the split cassette door has been replaced by a Blu-ray player. The lower door reads Betamax. It is very eighties.

The unremarkable back of the VCR. An Optiplex ultra small form factor PC is back here but it's hard to find, my goal. There are various bits and bobs in the foreground.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 02/10/2026

Oh if you are making anything, this is the most amazing hook-and-loop (ie Velcro) ever made. It is strong like bull in all directions.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 02/10/2026

Hoping to solve the remaining engineering challenges with my Betamax #HTPC build this weekend: rerouting the Optiplex power switch and LED to the Sony switch (involves soldering fine wires, I am scared haha) and what to do about the cassette door - does it hinge […] [Original post on pdx.social]

The cassette doors of a Sony Betamax player, gutted. They are opaque lexan, and the bottom door has a Betamax decal. As designed the doors are swung inward by a servo motor, but I didn't want to have to figure out how to preserve all that and integrate it with software. An external Blu-ray player sits on top.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 02/10/2026

Do the #Blazers have the worst and dumbest owner in sports? It's a high bar but they are trying, Jennifer (obscure CJ McCollum reference).

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 30/09/2026

I am amazed that I am at 150 miles of #bike commuting already this month. I have waved at so many #bike counters (a count of bike riders on major bike routes is done in #Portland every September, it seems, I asked one as I rolled past them). #BikeTooter

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 27/09/2026

I like how normal the back of my Sony Betamax #HTPC build looks even upside-down. There's a Dell Optiplex hiding here.

The back of a VCR. It looks normal except for the USB and other PC ports in a cutout at the bottom of the lower grille

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 25/09/2026

I rode my #bike in the rain for the first time this morning (at least on purpose). I am a bit cold and damp but alive. I need a jacket that's a bit more breathable I think.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 25/09/2026

Haha I am on a Ride with GPS leaderboard.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 24/09/2026

A little girl pointed out to us that "Millie has A STAR ON HER NOSE!" in an awed voice and, yep. #DogsOfMastodon

A close up of a yellow Labrador mix dog's head and nose, while she sleeps. Her nose is dark brown, but she has a pink star-shaped birthmark on the top of her left nostril.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 21/09/2026

More #HTPC project pics. It is considerably lighter now. If anyone could use the various boards, motors, linear actuators, and so on I have removed from it they are yours for the cost of shipping. Sony made all of this stuff and it seems very very well designed.

A close up of the left front side of the VCR with the face plate removed. There are three orange circuit boards with buttons and an old ancient blue led clock. It's made in Japan and it's marked No Jewels for some reason. It's beautiful.

The RF tuner module mounted behind the power supply, with some hefty cables and connectors.

A shot from the side of the VCR from the left with the top off. The RF cables have been pulled free. A giant aluminum heat sink faces the side of the case.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 21/09/2026

Progress on my 'hide a #HTPC inside an old Sony Betamax player case' project. As my wife is a professional jeweler, my allocated home workspace is the dining room. It's all disassembled now and the clock still works. I am going to hide a Blu-ray drive behind the cassette doors.

A Sony SL-5000 Betamax VCR with its top cover and face plate both removed. The faceplate rests on top. The original clock works. Two days later and pounds of VCR stuff removed it still works!

The scary power bits of the VCR before I started removing things and cleaning it. It has several decades of dust everywhere. Part of the transformer is a coil of copper ribbon the size of a small apple.

What I am calling the tape handling pan, from the front. The lexan doors for the tape are opened. A lot of parts have been removed. This steel part is what all the various motors and actuators that manipulated the tape attached to.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 19/09/2026

How does Orlando have an #NWSL team with such a pitiful attendance? Our minor league teams have more fans.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 19/09/2026

Sometimes there is a really elderly dog in our office and this is a nice perk. He's such a goof.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 19/09/2026

I didn't submit this in advance, #BikeNite, but I'm trying to convince myself that I will be a 'bikes in the rain' person and I think I am well equipped for it, but one remaining concern is that I won't be able to see anything because I wear glasses and they do not have windshield wipers. Not a […]

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 19/09/2026

First time I've ever ridden my #bike five days in a row in my life, probably. Even with a motor my legs are tired.

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Reposted by Nate Allen

John E Bartley, III K7AAY (D) NSSAR📎▼🐸 @503bartley.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Have an old PC you'd like to use again? Have Linux questions? There's a Free Clinic to help you with #Linux & a try-before-you-install-it test drive of Linux. Sun 9/20 1-5PM, Albina Branch Library, 205 NE Russell St Portland OR calagator.org/events/12504... #PDX #PortlandOregon #PortlandOR

calagator.org

Portland Linux/Unix Group's Monthly Linux Clinic

That PLUG Clinic you like is coming back into style! The PLUG Clinic returns again this month on September 20, from 1pm-5pm. We are back at the Albina Branch Library this month. If you need help with...

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 17/09/2026

Mitch Green told no lies and should not resign. #Portland

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 17/09/2026

I can't really process that I have ridden my #bicycle 54 miles since last Tuesday.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 17/09/2026

@yantor3d hey what title will you be credited under in the end credits of Wildwood? I finally know someone in the movies.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 14/09/2026

I think I am mostly ready to commute in the coming rainy season for the first time, I have a nice rain cape, and gloves and heavily discounted rain pants from Season's Pass which I hope fit. I have fenders, a waterproof pannier, and all sorts of good lights. What am I forgetting? Oh, all my […]

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Original post on pdx.social

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 11/09/2026

Work gave me a surface laptop and I hate it, heh. I guess it is light but...

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 11/09/2026

Oh, also, I have ridden my #bike there two days out of three (one day I took office junk there in my car).

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 11/09/2026

Really enjoying my new position so far!

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 07/09/2026

Well I have the software stack for my #HTPC build all set up and I was able to revert the firmware on my Blu-ray player, so all ready to start physically hacking on the old Betamax player it will live in. It's supposed to be here tomorrow.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 04/09/2026

This is my last day at the Oregon Child Development Coalition and it's very bittersweet because I love all the people here, just not the commute to Wilsonville. Please keep supporting #HeadStart and oppose attempts to break it, especially for the migrant families that do backbreaking […]

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Original post on pdx.social

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 04/09/2026

RE: kolektiva.social/@Voline/1172100028… Even more Blue Flu (ie cops just sitting around because they're mad like little children and won't do their jobs) coming from the only truly evil kind of union, the #Portland #Police Association.

kolektiva.social

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 31/08/2026

While I was fixated on my #HTPC project to jam a used Dell Optiplex USFF into the back of an OG Sony Betamax player as a case, removing various VCR bits, I realized that some of the early top loading VCRs with TV tuners were so massive that I could probably remove the TV tuning part and stuff […]

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Original post on pdx.social

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Aabra Mastodon, PDX stereotype @glassdelusion.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy · 31/08/2026

Found out #Portland produces more knives than any other U.S. city (I know!), shitposted about it, got this INCREDIBLE, "yay physical media!" response:

Yelm, Washington has a copy of "Knife Wound First Aid" in the library system?

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 31/08/2026

Guys I just bought a top loading vcr and I may have a problem lol. This is a daily driver though.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 31/08/2026

I have a feeling that when my Xbox finally dies I will be pulling out the Blu-ray player because those are unexpectedly a major cost now in a home theater pc build as apparently no one makes them any more?! No one??? The holy grail Pioneer goes for between 300 bucks used into the low thousands […]

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Original post on pdx.social

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Ahimsa @ahimsa-pdx.disabled.social.ap.brid.gy · 31/08/2026

"Pugs in wigs, suits and capes vie for top prize at packed Portland pooch pageant" www.hereisoregon.com/experiences/20… "The costumed, collared critters — and […] [Original post on disabled.social]

The face of a small, happy looking dog (mouth open and part of its tongue sticking out) surrounded by flowers and greenery.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 31/08/2026

I guess starting a ton of little projects and hobbies and never really following through may be a sign of this ADHD I may or may not have? Or is it my crippling fear of failure? Why not both?

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 31/08/2026

Do I want to learn #Docker like the kool kids or nah? #Linux

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 30/08/2026

I bought a broken early 80s Sony Betamax player off eBay to use as a #jellyfin server case after buying a little used Dell USFF machine to run it on I plan to hide inside. A Blu-Ray player will hide behind the cassette slot. This all started with a chance visit to #FreeGeek #Portland, the OG […]

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 29/08/2026

We came across this tribute that neighbors had made coming home from walking #Millie. #DollyParton #TimCurry #Portland

A big rainbow heart drawn in chalk with Dolly Parton written below. The interior of the heart is filled with tributes and song names and lyrics.

R.I.P. DR. FRANK-N-FURTER is written in chalk along the outlines of the top of a pair of red lips, Tim Curry's specifically from The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Tim Curry is written below dripping pink tears.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 29/08/2026

Nice comfortable ride, the #Slate, pretty zippy. Totally happy with my preorder decision. Visibility was good overall except looking over your shoulder because of the necessary B pillar, but it's easy to see your corners. Best compliment I can give it is that it rode like my Element.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 29/08/2026

What questions about the #SlateAuto #truck do you have? I'm going to ride in one in about an hour.

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 28/08/2026

Well I think my reading of the tea leaves and making plans for a job with a more stable donor base was wise because today old employer sent out one of those "please stop passing rumors about the budget"-type email and that is never good. I do find it really sad however that dogs and cats have a […]

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Nate Allen @mossyfoot.pdx.social.ap.brid.gy · 26/08/2026

Someone should remind the chief that you can arrest these people at any time and not only when the #Portland #Police need some positive press. I don't get to have press conferences just for doing my damn job […]

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