Recent Posts

1551

General Software Discussion / Re: CAD Recommendations?

« Last post by superboyac on September 26, 2012, 01:00 PM »

Also, sorry I have to brag a little here, i don't get to show this one off often...
I designed this sword below using plain ol' vanilla Autocad.  I'm proud of it for that reason, because when i started I had no idea you can end up with that nice of an end product with just autocad.  I was initially planning on roughing it out there first, and then taking it into 3ds max or something, but it wasn't necessary.  I had more than one person ask, after I had it printed and framed, if it was a real sword.  yes!!

1552

General Software Discussion / Re: CAD Recommendations?

« Last post by superboyac on September 26, 2012, 12:56 PM »

OK, this is totally my area.  I also am not aware of any decent free CAD packages.  I've tried a couple, but hated them (don't even remember the names...probably something like openCAD or something).  I use Autocad, it's one with me.
For free alternatives to do what you describe, I'd go with Sketchup all the way.  Here's something I'm currently working on, it's my ideal jazz combo gig layout:


Very easy to do all that.  Sketchup is amazing for this sort of thing, I highly recommend it.  It's one of the very few software that can do technical things and have it feel like fun.

as for your green rant, yeah good points. I'm in the industry and always have to balance my cold-hearted, no-nonsense, socialism style practicality with my hippie leanings.  I've seen a lot of the green experiments by my peers from the other side of campus (Berkeley), meaning the hippie techies who are intelligent but not as in depth with their engineering knowledge.  They have good creative ideas and a mindset I appreciate, but they don't have the ability to really design an effective thing.  Then you have the other end (my coworkers) who can design down to every nut and bolt brilliantly, but have zero creativity or aesthetic appreciation of the end product.  One one hand, you'll get a 50-gallon algae tank that can barely power a light bulb.  On the other hand, you'll get 3-ton solid steel beautifully engineered generator that will power a pool (with a safety load factor of no less than 300%  ), it will be loud as hell, it won't break...ever, will cost more than the pool, and probably also significantly alter the surrounding ecosystem within a 100-yard radius.

1553

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: aShampoo Burning Studio 11

« Last post by superboyac on September 25, 2012, 10:10 AM »

Dang... For $10, hard to go wrong! (I'm constantly having troubles with other titles... bought.)

-Renegade (September 02, 2012, 07:35 PM)

have you had trouble with CD Burner XP?  I've been using that lately and have had no problems.  Let me know, cuz I may purchase ashampoo as well.  I used to use their burning studio, but cdburner xp has been doing great.  I went from Nero-->ashampoo-->cdburner xp

1554

General Software Discussion / Re: Automatically move files around tip (use your synchronizer program)

« Last post by superboyac on September 24, 2012, 02:58 PM »

Just want to add Hygeia to the list of alternatives, it comes in two flavors and the "free for personal use" version is quite powerful. It lets you reuse actions, so you don't have to set everything up from scratch if you start monitoring a new batch of files. It has some other interesting features too, definitely deserves to be checked out. 

Belvedere seems like something that was coded in a rush (and that's putting it politely). It has always plagued me with crashes, even when setting up the simplest of profiles.

-nosh (September 24, 2012, 11:03 AM)

Thanks!  Very helpful, I'll check it out.  If it works well, I'll gladly pay the $15.
I haven't tried belvedere yet, but I'm glad there's an alternative if it is indeed that buggy.

1555

Living Room / Re: What books are you reading?

« Last post by superboyac on September 24, 2012, 12:28 PM »

I'm having a very difficult time finding anybody playing the big ray brown bass around here.

-superboyac (September 24, 2012, 10:35 AM)

You might have better luck if you'd guarantee the player a roadie plus convenient free transportation for the thing. 

Time was (maybe still is) when you booked a union musician for double bass they'd get a "portage" fee along with the appearance money. I think that started when people finally realized you couldn't bring a bass onto a subway car so bassists who were packing the "doghouse" needed to call a cab to get them to the clubs they were playing at. Or at least they did if they wanted to arrive with their instrument in one piece.

FWIW, the biggest I've ever schlepped was the 3/4 - and that was a royal pain in the butt getting places with. Even with a ride.

-40hz (September 24, 2012, 11:04 AM)

That's true.  never considered that angle.  yet another reason to buy one for myself and loan it to whoever gigs with me.  Also lends itself to my idea of purchasing a used shitty van for gigs.

after i buy a grand piano, next i wanna buy a 4/4 bass and a gretsch-like drum kit.  have everything ready for the right musician to come play.  just bring your body.

1556

Living Room / Re: What books are you reading?

« Last post by superboyac on September 24, 2012, 10:35 AM »

^^I wonder how hard it would be to build a big boy double bass (4/4 ?).  The kind the old school big band bassists would pluck for Basie back in the 40s.  The Ray Brown bass...I've heard his was called "the Truck".  These cigar box guys are doing amazing things.  There's even a guy attempting to build a grand piano??  crazy.

I'm having a very difficult time finding anybody playing the big ray brown bass around here.

1557

Living Room / Re: Western Digital playing kinda loose with your privacy

« Last post by superboyac on September 24, 2012, 10:29 AM »

FreeNAS would be a proper solution for either superboyac and Tranglos. There are several people here that have implemented such a server and as far as I can tell they all are (very) happy with it. It's free, based on Linux and runs nicely on practically any old PC that you have lying around.

-Shades (September 24, 2012, 10:20 AM)

I'm running FreeNAS now, and it's fantastic! +1 there

-Renegade (September 24, 2012, 10:21 AM)

thanks guys.  I'll have to check this out over VM.  also planning on trying out centos, windows server, and this on cloudos thing i need to find.  The key for me will be drive pooling capabilities.

1558

General Software Discussion / Re: Directory Opus 10 ... Light!

« Last post by superboyac on September 24, 2012, 09:57 AM »

DOpus is overpriced.  The problem is that no other program offers what it can do, so it's not like there's an alternative.  I tried mashing together a suite to replace it using freeware or cheaper stuff, but it took too many programs to accomplish it and became a headache.

I also take advantage of the portable license so I can use it on multiple computers and retain my settings.  You can save multiple profiles (layouts) per computer.

xyplorer is a good cheaper alternative.  and 40hz turned me on to Q-Dir a few weeks ago, which is VERY interesting and handy (and free).  If you're not committed to a file manager yet and are looking for free ones, start with Q-Dir.

1559

Living Room / Re: Western Digital playing kinda loose with your privacy

« Last post by superboyac on September 23, 2012, 10:36 PM »

Plus, could you DIY your way to a NAS drive?

-tranglos (September 23, 2012, 10:19 PM)

This has actually been something I've been working on for a couple of years.  I think it's very possible, but all the methods I know of are more of a hassle than what it's worth (to most people, not me).  First, it's totally possible with standard equipment.  The main complication is getting a box that can hold an abnormal amount of hard drives, like more than 6.  And that's only if you have a large movie collection or something like that.  Otherwise 1-2TB is plenty for most people.

Now, getting the flexible connectivity you mention is a little finicky.  Most of the tools out there to help with this are of the "corporate" variety and are terribly expensive.  I had a WingFTP license donated to me, which helped me find a solution that works with a simple installer right out of the box.  It gives me access to all my files through any method: web access, ftp, sftp, ftps, android/iphone, etc.  very slick.  I wrote a review here:
http://aram.dcmember...are/wing-ftp-server/

Now, the problem with wingftp and anything like that is that you will be limited to your isp upload speed, which is usually pretty abysmal unless you have FIOS or a commercial account.  So if you need that sort of speed, you'd need a legit cloud server, but then you lose control and privacy, which is the whole point of all this.

One of the main reasons I'd want fast upload speeds is to be able to stream or copy a huge video from a remote location.  But that's not hugely important right now, although it would be awesome (and mean independence from netlfix, etc.).  I don't see this being an option for normal citizens any time soon.  So I'll give that one up.  But i can still get all my docs and everything, and not worry about the 2GB dropbox limit or something.

As for home network use, it's beautiful.  You're only limited by your wifi speed, which is (supposedly) plenty for streaming 1080p.  But I haven't tried that yet.  And there's a new Linux distro out that is specifically for setting up a very easy and powerful file server exactly for streaming media and sharing files.

So I'm in the middle of all this now.  But before I begin experimenting, i need to build this hard drive box first.  And I've been working on that for several months.  I hope to start purchasing the parts in a month or two.

1560

Living Room / Re: Western Digital playing kinda loose with your privacy

« Last post by superboyac on September 23, 2012, 09:07 PM »

I also prefer WD drives, black caviar.  good to see you back, and sorry to hear of this nuisance, but it's more of the usual.
I'm very quickly moving away from buying any convenient packages by any big, impersonal companies now.  No more NAS, no external drives, none.  I buy bare drives and stick them in enclosures by reliable companies like granite digital or dat optic.  that's it.  and I recommend (with hesitation) to most of my friends and family the same thing.  The only thing I hesitate for is because non computer people will initially feel uncomfortable about sticking a scary looking hard drive inside a box with screws or a tray.  But once I spend an hour explaining it, it's usually ok.

I stopped using kaspersky for this reason.  Back in the day, i needed help with a conflicting program.  So i used their support.  well, first, they send me a "tool" just like the WD one you describe, and it creates a database of everything on my computer.  I'm supposed to send this in BEFORE they even read my support request.  Sorry, bye.  I actually did that one time...and I spent two days with them hassling me about every little program on my computer, and is this a crack is this warez, etc.  i had to justify weird little custom type stuff (like DC coding snacks) because it looked fishy to them.  Then they actually did find a cracked thing (I think it was an aim chat tool) and they told me they couldn't help me because my system was compromised and they wouldn't be able to tell if it was kaspersky causing the trouble or all my infected warez apps.  So now I'm done with kaspersky, they can kiss my ass.  I think they believe themselves to be the internet warez police, whether you use kaspersky or not.

So I'm all into the DIY thing now.  I don't care if it's more expensive, or more work, or whatever.

1561

Living Room / Re: Um...the new iphone map app is, like, the same as google maps

« Last post by superboyac on September 23, 2012, 08:34 PM »

Google founders are big fan of Steve, there's a reason why google has minimal product folio these days with no Glabs and all. Not to forget, G is loaded with apple fanboys, just take a look at G plus. We live in sadistic world where "if apple does it, thats fair and if others are doing it, that's gotta be unfair". It will stop at the end of 2019 perhaps when apple hype gets over people.

-mahesh2k (September 23, 2012, 08:26 PM)

yes, seriously.  they're marketing blitz has been brilliant the past decade.  they can't get people to stop talking about it.  just look at me.
i don't even care, and yet...i always find something to say about it.

1562

Living Room / Re: Um...the new iphone map app is, like, the same as google maps

« Last post by superboyac on September 23, 2012, 07:44 PM »

Yes, they will notice a difference.

The google one is right.

http://gizmodo.com/5...eady-horribly-misled

There's a lot of news out there about it.

-wraith808 (September 23, 2012, 07:01 PM)

That's not really what I was talking about.  I was trying to make an analogy with the similarities that were argued about in the famous lawsuit with apple and samsung.  the superficial stuff.  if samsung has to figure out a way to make a phone that's not a rectangle, i'd imagine apple needs to figure out a way to make a map app that doesn't look exactly like google maps.

1563

Living Room / Um...the new iphone map app is, like, the same as google maps

« Last post by superboyac on September 23, 2012, 06:54 PM »

So, on Friday, I went down to our local hipster area to watch the girls and see what happens at the apple store.  First, there was a ridiculous line that lasted all day and night.  So silly.  It's just a phone ( a good looking one, but still).

I was interested in checking out the new apple map thing they've been talking about.  Let me tell you, I had to ask the staff if this was the new apple app or the old google map one.  That's how similar they are.

Here's the question: if apple can sue (and win) samsung for copying them, can't google sue apple for making billions in a matter of days using an app that's pretty much exactly the same as theirs?

Now, before people start pointing out what is actually different about the apple app and the google app, let me stop you...that's not my point.  i don't care anyway.  The point is, ultimately, when an average joe uses the apple app and then uses a google map app on an android phone, most people will not notice much difference.

rectangles, rounded corners, maps...at some point, i feel like we are just being creative for the sake of creativity.  it starts getting lame after a while.

1564

General Software Discussion / Re: Automatically move files around tip (use your synchronizer program)

« Last post by superboyac on September 21, 2012, 09:23 AM »

I searched for a while to find folder monitoring programs, there are probably a couple of threads here somewhere.

-superboyac (September 14, 2012, 11:14 PM)

... the solution you found yourself seems elegant and effective, the more so for not entailing extra cost.

-rjbull (September 16, 2012, 10:59 AM)

there was also a thread about Filehamster alternatives, but it's a bit dated. One that was mentioned there -it's freeware- and seems to have been updated quite a bit since (was only in beta then) is AutoVer (also has a forum). Never tried it myself so this is not a recommendation.

-tomos (September 16, 2012, 11:22 AM)

I use autover to backup my word docs that I work on.  not sure if it would be terribly convenient for this sort of function.

1565

Living Room / Re: I want a Sony Xperia SX, but I think it's stupid to buy one.

« Last post by superboyac on September 20, 2012, 03:27 PM »

 
I know, sorry...I know there are differences.  They're just not that big a deal in the long run.  To me, all these things is similar to the difference between a 8MP camera and a 10MP camera.

If it were me...and I was going to release two phones simultaneously, I'd make them physically quite different and some solid fundamental differences in design and function.  But that's me.

1566

Living Room / Re: Thread to annoy mouser

« Last post by superboyac on September 20, 2012, 03:24 PM »

I freaking love Gustave Dore.  My real fantasy would be to make animation in the style of Dore etchings: (see attachment in previous post)

-superboyac (September 20, 2012, 11:03 AM)

lol, is that posted in the wrong thread (or am I missing something?)

-tomos (September 20, 2012, 12:09 PM)

It's these freaking posts by 40hz.  There's always one or two things to look up.

1567

Living Room / Re: I want a Sony Xperia SX, but I think it's stupid to buy one.

« Last post by superboyac on September 20, 2012, 11:33 AM »

What I don't get is how some of these releases are coming in pairs...like the GX and SX (>4", <4")...this HTC 8S and 8X (both >4")...the Nokia 820 920 (both >4").  What's the deal?  Why offer two phones at the exact same time with just about everything being the same?  I mean, that 820 and 920 are almost identical, yet Nokia made a very conscious decision to release them both in this way.

-superboyac (September 19, 2012, 03:31 PM)

From what I understand, the specs and the price points are different on the phones.  Anandtech has a good breakdown on the differences between the 8S and the 8X - not inconsiderable.

-wraith808 (September 20, 2012, 11:12 AM)

depends on the person, I guess:

Display is a big differentiator between the two devices. The 8X features a 4.3-inch 720p Super LCD 2 display, while the 8S uses a smaller 4-inch 800x480 display.

4.3" vs. 4"...big whoop is what I say.

1568

Living Room / Re: Thread to annoy mouser

« Last post by superboyac on September 20, 2012, 11:03 AM »

I freaking love Gustave Dore.  My real fantasy would be to make animation in the style of Dore etchings:

1569

Living Room / Re: I want a Sony Xperia SX, but I think it's stupid to buy one.

« Last post by superboyac on September 20, 2012, 09:33 AM »

I have a pretty hard time with web browsers on mobile phones due to my finger size -- things are easier for me when the screen is responsive to finger nails, but that type of screen seems to be mostly a thing of the past.

Pure speculation: For a company that makes money on more time being spent using the network, use of things like web browsers (of course not via WiFi or Bluetooth) seems helpful for revenue.  Smaller screens might translate into less use of the web browser (and of course many other applications) and consequently less revenue.

More speculation: If the smart watch idea (I've heard it referred to some place as "first screen" -- I presume meaning the first point of screening or first screen one looks at) starts to spread, the amount of time one spends needlessly using the network might get reduced significantly.  Perhaps good for users, but seemingly not so for entities that are positioned to make money off of network use.

What do you think?

-ewemoa (September 20, 2012, 05:36 AM)

pretty sound theory to me.

1570

Living Room / Re: Open source cell phone projects.

« Last post by superboyac on September 19, 2012, 03:32 PM »

these first to file vs first to invent really worries me.  If this is a legit concern for someone like myself, I'm going to just ask one of my entrepreneur friends to focus on those issues while I work on the actual project.  because I don't think I have the ability to do the work AND make sure all my eyes are dotted at the same time, while being effective at both.

-superboyac (September 19, 2012, 03:08 PM)

Very smart move. Too many start-up entrepreneurs (and social activists for that matter) shoot themselves in the foot trying to do it all by themselves.

-40hz (September 19, 2012, 03:29 PM)

ok cool.  that's encouraging.  my friends will be more than happy to be able to do that stuff, they seem to love it.  And they seem more than happy letting me do what I want. 

1571

Living Room / Re: I want a Sony Xperia SX, but I think it's stupid to buy one.

« Last post by superboyac on September 19, 2012, 03:31 PM »

Well, today HTC announced their upcoming 8S windows phone.  4" screen.  That's a little smaller than most, but still too much for me.  Why are these companies so adamant about not going below 4"?

What I don't get is how some of these releases are coming in pairs...like the GX and SX (>4", <4")...this HTC 8S and 8X (both >4")...the Nokia 820 920 (both >4").  What's the deal?  Why offer two phones at the exact same time with just about everything being the same?  I mean, that 820 and 920 are almost identical, yet Nokia made a very conscious decision to release them both in this way.

And then the companies are messing around with 10" tablets, 8" tablets, 7" tablets...ah, I don't get it.  5" tablets...4.5" phones.  Feels like there's a rule that says don't make a phone smaller than the iphone.  Did Apple get a patent on sub 4" phones or something?

1572

Living Room / Re: Open source cell phone projects.

« Last post by superboyac on September 19, 2012, 03:08 PM »

these first to file vs first to invent really worries me.  If this is a legit concern for someone like myself, I'm going to just ask one of my entrepreneur friends to focus on those issues while I work on the actual project.  because I don't think I have the ability to do the work AND make sure all my eyes are dotted at the same time, while being effective at both.

1573

Living Room / Re: Open source cell phone projects.

« Last post by superboyac on September 19, 2012, 01:34 PM »

What about MIT?  Why do they bother experimenting with the cell technology in the way I describe?  They're not doing anything new...the cell companies already have done the research and have figured anything out.  So MIT research is not helping them...and they're not allowed to use it, so what is the point?
Look <this is addressed to nobody, maybe the country in general>...I don't want to do what I'm currently doing in my career forever.  I see opportunities for myself doing other shit like this.  I have the skills, energy, capability to work with the technology and improve it for everyone.  Why am I not allowed to do this??  I am bored and wasted doing the things that people are asking me to do.  It's not hard for me, it's not interesting, yes I get paid well, but I don't care for it.  Why was everyone so encouraging when I was in school learning everything, proud of my abilities, bragging about my accomplishments, about my potential...but now whenever I actually try to implement my ideas which are a result of all that education and encouragement, the same people are fighting tooth and nail to keep me rooted to this stagnant position?  Why is there so much fear?  If I don't push myself, all anybody wants from me is to write a few emails and fill out some forms.  I didn't need to learn quantum physics for this.  I mean, I'm being pushed to the point where the only thing that I can do that is enjoyable for me and acceptable to others is play the piano.  Which is fine.  But I spent 20+ years formally getting educated as a scientist.  In 10 years of working, nobody has asked me to help them figure anything out.  So I took it upon myself to come up with projects that will put to use what I was trained to do.  And whenever I do, seems like people will aggressively fight to make sure I can't move forward with it.  There isn't even the slightest curiosity present as to these ideas or projects.  Just dismissed outright.

You know, I was very happy as a kid wandering about and observing the world.  Drawing, reading.  Then everyone asked me to perform and to get formally educated.  So I did.  And I did very well, better than just about everyone around me according to the rubrics and grading systems.  It felt good.  I didn't feel like I sacrificed the drawing and what not for it.  And now I'm a seasoned professional.  I know how to balance the idealism of a student with the practicality of the real world.  I know how to get shit done.  And now nobody wants it?!  I'm bothering them now?!  People are scared of me?  Think I'm anti-social?  I meet more people and talk to more people than all the ones calling me anti-social!  This is what they dragged me out of drawing for?  I ALWAYS feel like I've been duped.

1574

Living Room / Re: Open source cell phone projects.

« Last post by superboyac on September 19, 2012, 01:18 PM »

So what we're ultimately saying is, don't even bother.  There's not point trying to come up with a way to create a local cell network, however easy or hard that is to do, because it is illegal.  So don't play with cell technology, don't try to create a custom cell phone.  Why should I learn all that stuff and experiment with it if I'm not allowed to use it?

At least there's no FCC to stop me from playing piano, I suppose.

1575

Living Room / Re: Open source cell phone projects.

« Last post by superboyac on September 19, 2012, 12:25 PM »

That article above is very interesting.  Does this mean that if enough local people build these hack cell devices, you can create a local cell network?
Los Angeles is pretty packed...what if, for example, one of these devices existed every 1/4 mile or so.  Would that allow LA to have an independent cell network?  And would govmt or other people be pissed about it?  Or is it illegal?