Green Comet – ePub

Posted on 2013-09-29 by arjaybe

LibreOffice Logo

LibreOffice Logo

I have replaced the ePub versions of Green Comet with files that I hope, with good reason, are better formatted.

When I wrote Green Comet I would write out a chapter by hand, and then transcribe it with LibreOffice Writer, the free word processor. Not being very deeply knowledgable about word processors, I did all the formatting by eye and hand, rather than applying styles and other handy shortcuts. I ended up with something that looked okay and I was quite pleased with myself.

Writer2ePub Logo

Writer2ePub Logo

When it was time to publish the story, I followed the same path. Since LibreOffice can export directly to PDF, that was straightforward. A little trial-and-error resulted in what I thought was a presentable file. The same was not true for ePub. There was no button to export to ePub, so I had to find another way. Luckily, I discovered a plugin for LibreOffice called Writer2ePub, which would do the trick.

Once again by trial-and-error, hacking and whacking, doing it over and over, I eventually got something that I thought looked good enough. I was good to go.

It was quite a shock to be told by people who know what they’re talking about that, under its presentable facade, Green Comet – ePub showed many signs of my crude bumbling. Fortunately Luca Calcinai, the creator of Writer2ePub, took pity on me and sent me a corrected version of the word processor file which he said would produce a proper ePub when run through his plugin. It did, and that’s what is now available for download.

Thanks, Luke.

rjb

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Altocumulus Castellanus

Posted on 2013-09-26 by arjaybe

altocumulus-castellanCloud of the Day – Altocumulus Castellanus

Altocumulus castellanus is a middle etage cloud similar to the lower etage cumulus species. It’s like ordinary altocumulus, but with significant vertical development. It’s as if a towering cumulus grew upward from a base of altocumulus. The name suggests the castle-like shape which, when a row of them develops, appears somewhat like a crenellated parapet on the castle wall.

altocumulus-castellanusaltocumulus-castellanus-cottonThe large vertical development of altocumulus castellanus indicates instability in the mid-level of the lower atmosphere. As such, they can be an indicator of some heavy weather in the offing, especially if seen early on a sunny day. As the Sun produces convection currents rising from the ground, these can multiply the effect of the instability above. This can lead to afternoon showers, even thunderstorms.

altocumulus-castellaltocumulus-castellaAltocumulus castellanus doesn’t produce precipitation by itself, but can be a harbinger of weather to come.

Apropos of nothing, here’s a link to a moving video on the “If This Be Treason” blog. It’s only about three minutes long. It’s from Thailand, so turn down the volume and read the subtitles.

Moving Three Minute Short From Thailand

rjb

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Autumn

Posted on 2013-09-23 by arjaybe

Autumn Foliage

Autumn Foliage

The Artists of Autumn are at it again. We’re not in full color here, yet, but some leaves are starting to turn. We might as well mark it on the first day of Autumn.
Autumn Leaves

Autumn Leaves


Autumn Road

Autumn Road


Autumn Pigments

Autumn Pigments

I’ll keep the words to a minimum and let the artists tell the story with their pigments.

rjb

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