Geoff -

I've bookmarked the PortableAps page you linked, and will take a look at it when I have more time.

At present, my main problem is finding the time to mess with new software, with all my other important activities (like taking my naps, keeping track of my meds, drinking - badly neglected, and catching up on my accumulated reading material).

I noted that the PA site included a "recommended by Popular Science." I don't think I've seen it on the mag racks recently, and wasn't sure it was still being published.

Goeing back through my reading materials I did find an oldish issue of Popular Mechanics that apparently was given to me by "someone." Reading through it I learned that the British had recently test-launched a captured V2, military support troops were working on providing "running water for the Phillipines" and work on eradicating malaria using the newly discovered mystery chemical called "DDT" in Manila was ongoing.

That issue also included complete plans for building your own "3 tube radio receiver" and an "advanced design" with 5 tubes. The Dutch were busy patching the leaking dikes, and had recovered about half of the farmland flooded by British air attacks. 300 pages, shelf price 25 cents (30 cents in Canada).

The prize goes to whoever can guess what year that one was from, which might give an idea of how far behind I am in my reading. (I'm a little nearer up to date with my drinking, but I may click another step on catching up later today.)

John