Macross

Since the fam and I watched Macross, now I'm into it again, although the modifications from the Robotech version confuse things for me.  A couple interesting links:

• Episode notes in English for the AnimEigo release of Macross
• Japanese dialogue from the DYRL movie

I was surprised to see that Macross was released with English subtitles some 15 years ago.  It's neat that it's available on Amazon Prime Instant Video, though!

Amazon

Made a comment on SayUncle's blog regarding Amazon Prime...(linked so that I remember that I did).

Water Filters

I'd written before about the Berkey filters and subsequent problems.  After a bit more reading, I found out that the Super Stearasyl filters that New Millennium Concepts sells are actually not made by them.  The manufacturer is Doulton in the UK, which is a different entity.  Further, Katadyn also makes a gravity-based filter, although the housing is plastic.  I read on an Amazon review that it's possible to use the Katadyn filters in a Berkey housing, although one has to purchase a parts kit from Katadyn since the filters don't actually come with the washer and nut.

Incidentally, the same reviewer on Amazon posted a scathing review of the Berkey filters that echoed my initial concerns.  I don't regret having tried the Berkey filters, but NMC hasn't done themselves any favors with their handling of their defective filter elements.  So I'm certainly looking at switching to the Super Stearasyl filters, or perhaps the Katadyn ones.  I may also need one of the Katadyn Pocket filters as a backup.

Edit [2012.01.19]: NMC is BBB Accredited, apparently, with only 4 claims made and resolved.  Their actual address according to the BBB site is: 1023 S Main St Suite 204, Grapevine TX 76051.
Edit [2012.01.20]: FICL (Fairey Industrial Ceramics Ltd), owner of the Doulton and British Berkefeld trademarks, has a separate website.  They also note that they don't own the Berkey brand, but do manufacture the Super Sterasyl filters.