Recent Posts

2726

Living Room / Re: Make an original joke or riddle

« Last post by Renegade on August 20, 2013, 07:50 AM »

RISE! NECROTHREAD, RISE!

Got a riddle and a puzzle for the musically inclined, and the programmatically inclined out there.

RIDDLE #1

Here's a riddle for the more musically inclined:


Best Slayer song = Dissident Aggressor
Best Judas Priest song = Diamonds & Rust
<fill in this line>


PUZZLE #1

For the coders & programmers out there, create a recursive version of the above riddle.

Enjoy!

2727

Living Room / Re: silly humor - post 'em here! [warning some NSFW and adult content]

« Last post by Renegade on August 20, 2013, 06:23 AM »

For anyone that needs to say "^ THIS!", here's something to help you out.

THIS!

2728

Living Room / Re: Does anyone here use Bitcoins?

« Last post by Renegade on August 20, 2013, 06:08 AM »

Go on... gloat. Haterz gonna hate. 

http://www.telegraph...ned-in-Thailand.html

2729

Living Room / Re: silly humor - post 'em here! [warning some NSFW and adult content]

« Last post by Renegade on August 20, 2013, 05:13 AM »

Whilst it might make a lot of sense to some, I have to say that my old school never did anything as exciting as this ...   

-IainB (August 20, 2013, 04:17 AM)

Don't tell me... It's a field trip here. Lucky kids! 

2730

Living Room / Re: My Gadget Idea: "Timestamper Disc"

« Last post by Renegade on August 20, 2013, 03:50 AM »

No, gents, this ideally should be an always-on display, like a piece of paper with scribblings would be.
So it needs to be e-ink based.

-apankrat (August 20, 2013, 02:38 AM)

E-ink would be a lot better. Here are a few BCDs I saw that are smaller:

http://www.alibaba.c..._display_module.html
http://www.alibaba.c...ay_panel_128x64.html
http://www.alibaba.c...y_module_192x96.html

Seems to be a bit more expensive. Voltages all look good. Operating temperature ranges are a bit more restricted, but still pretty darn good.

There seems to be a lot less in that market, though some manufacturers seem flexible in configurations/customization.

But at $9 for a module... yikes... that's a LOT of cash for the display when thinking about 5 and 10 packs of the product. No idea what it'd be though - the price ranges are too broad. $3.50 could be doable. Dunno.

2731

Living Room / Re: Maybe Not Everybody Should Learn to Code

« Last post by Renegade on August 20, 2013, 02:36 AM »

In the past I've taught Digital Circuits classes at a local community college as part of a network administration AAS degree program. It's a sort of watered down version of a class I had to take myself which only the robotics/automation students take currently. My introduction to the class goes something like this.

Despite the name this is not an electronics class. Instead you should think of this as a foreign language class where you learn to speak computer. Although computers use binary numbers, their language is not binary. It's logic. If you don't understand logic computers will never make any sense. If you do understand logic, and specifically the mathematical representation of Boolean Logic you'll be surprised how many other things suddenly make a lot more sense.

-Vurbal (August 20, 2013, 01:58 AM)

Booleutiful!

2732

Living Room / Re: Maybe Not Everybody Should Learn to Code

« Last post by Renegade on August 20, 2013, 12:40 AM »

I disagree, but the reasons are too long for this margin. (Fermat!)

-TaoPhoenix (August 20, 2013, 12:32 AM)

Hahahaha!

2733

Living Room / Re: Knight to queen's bishop 3 - Snowden charged with espionage.

« Last post by Renegade on August 19, 2013, 11:24 PM »

Anyone want to see yet another one of the trillion examples of just how clueless TPTB are? This is damn funny! (Once you get over the overt criminality and Stasi tactics.)

http://www.smh.com.a...-20130820-hv1fx.html

British government officials ordered the destruction of hard drives at the Guardian offices in London that purportedly contained information relating to NSA leaker Edward Snowden, Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger has revealed.

They took the action even though Rusbridger explained it was pointless, he said. The Guardian's NSA reporting is written, stored and edited in New York, he told them, and journalist Glenn Greenwald, the lead reporter on the story, lives in Brazil.

The officials from GCHQ, Britain's equivalent of the NSA, were apparently unaware of the concept of information in the cloud – and seemed satisfied that they had been able to destroy something tangible. "'We can call off the black helicopters,' joked one as we swept up the remains of a MacBook Pro," Rusbridger wrote on the Guardian website.

Guess this is just more proof that there's an IQ ceiling for hiring police-thugs.

2734

Living Room / Re: silly humor - post 'em here! [warning some NSFW and adult content]

« Last post by Renegade on August 19, 2013, 10:13 PM »

2735

Non-Windows Software / Re: What Android apps do you use to read digital books?

« Last post by Renegade on August 19, 2013, 09:54 PM »

Some of the stuff I read isn't exactly mainstream, and I don't think I'd like to be profiled for it.

-Renegade (August 19, 2013, 06:57 PM)

I would have thought that anarchy had become mainstream in recent years.

-4wd (August 19, 2013, 09:43 PM)

Well, that and some other things that I read that I'd mention in person, but not publicly.

2736

Living Room / Maybe Not Everybody Should Learn to Code

« Last post by Renegade on August 19, 2013, 09:51 PM »

Slate has some good things every once in a while, but most often, it just seems like so much drivel.

http://www.slate.com..._to_code.single.html

But if you aren’t dreaming of becoming a programmer—and therefore planning to embark on a lengthy course of study, whether self-directed or formal—I can’t endorse learning to code. Yes, it is a creative endeavor. At its base, it’s problem-solving, and the rewards for exposing holes in your thinking and discovering elegant solutions are awesome. I really think that some programs are beautiful. But I don’t think that most who “learn to code” will end up learning anything that sticks.

And don't teach anyone history, because it won't stick. And they won't be professionals anyways.
And don't teach anyone math, because it won't stick. And they won't be professionals anyways.
And don't teach anyone geography, because it won't stick. And they won't be professionals anyways.
And don't teach anyone how to drive, because it won't stick. And they won't be professionals anyways.

Coding doesn't need to stick. The lessons you learn along the way are fantastic.

Just the most basic things in programming are valuable lessons. Loops. Cripes! Learning about loops is a brilliant lesson in logic. I can't imagine anyone not already exposed to that coming out from it and not being better for it.

I sometimes wonder if the purpose of Slate isn't just to make people a bit stupider every day. 

2737

Living Room / Re: My Gadget Idea: "Timestamper Disc"

« Last post by Renegade on August 19, 2013, 09:19 PM »

This might be close to ideal:

http://www.alibaba.c...ith_touch_panel.html

• 1. Display Type: 1.44  inch TFT
• 2. Display mode: Transmissive
• 3. Resolution: 1.44 128*(RGB)*128
• 4. Number of colors: 262K
• 5. Outline Dimensions: 30.05*33.82*2.3 mm
• 6. Driver IC: ILI9163 or eqv.
• 7. Interface Type: MPU-8Bit
• 8. Backlight: White 1 LED
• 9. Operating voltage: +2.6V~3.3V
• 10. Viewing Angle: 12  O'clock
• 11. Operating Temp: -20°C~+70°C
• 12. Storage Temp: -30°C~+80°C

It's about the right size, and priced at $1.50 to $3.50 with a minimum order of only 500.



The voltage is pretty low as well. But, it's a touch screen, which is good and bad - more power required, but adds to the "cool" factor.

1.44" was the smallest I could find. I didn't spend a huge amount of time though.

2738

Living Room / Re: My Gadget Idea: "Timestamper Disc"

« Last post by Renegade on August 19, 2013, 08:26 PM »

Do consider pricing on the display form factor as that will be a major consideration. Round screens seem to be more expensive than rectangular ones.

LCD/TFT modules vary in price, but you can get them for $1+, though I'd expect to pay more than $1, especially if you don't order a very large number of them. Here's a quick example:



(Keep in mind there that often "1 piece = 1 box/crate" and not 1 module.)

It also appears that there are some below $1, but those numbers are fuzzy (e.g. $0.1~$10.0) and volume is a major consideration. Do you want 10,000?

Round modules seem to be quite a bit more expensive. The cheapest I saw were $6.50+ (going MUCH higher). (A lot say $2, but they give a range of $2 to $100, which isn't useful, i.e. "call us".)

A very small form factor might be more difficult to start.

However, a larger form factor would likely make more sense for industrial/commercial use. e.g. an 8x5 cm unit to stick on the side of (or above) a machine that need to have a part replaced every so often, or be cleaned every so often. My guess is that smaller form factors make more sense for home use, e.g. an 8x5 cm module might be a bit large to stick on a counter-top water filter.

Anyways - just a few thoughts.

2739

Living Room / Re: Knight to queen's bishop 3 - Snowden charged with espionage.

« Last post by Renegade on August 19, 2013, 07:41 PM »

http://www.huffingto...rtner_n_3779667.html

"I will be far more aggressive in my reporting from now. I am going to publish many more documents. I am going to publish things on England too. I have many documents on England's spy system. I think they will be sorry for what they did," Greenwald, speaking in Portuguese, told reporters at Rio's airport where he met Miranda upon his return to Brazil.

"They wanted to intimidate our journalism, to show that they have power and will not remain passive but will attack us more intensely if we continue publishing their secrets," he said.

It seems unfortunate that he said "they'll be sorry". That will be used to attack Grenwald constantly.

Though I am wondering just how long before he joins other journalists/reporters/investigators like Andrew Breitbart, Michael Hastings, and Barnaby Jack, all of whom were about to release findings or were on a "big story".

Glen has painted an even bigger target on his back.

Any bets on how he dies? Car crash? Suddenly drops dead on his front steps? "Absolutely no foul-play here. Coroner's office has nothing to report. Nope. Nothing at all. This is not the murder you are looking for. Move along."

2740

Non-Windows Software / Re: What Android apps do you use to read digital books?

« Last post by Renegade on August 19, 2013, 06:57 PM »

I just found out that you can upload your DRM-free eBooks to your Google Play Books account and use Google's eReader to read your books.

-Deozaan (August 17, 2013, 02:52 PM)

I'd be a bit leery to use their reader. Some of the stuff I read isn't exactly mainstream, and I don't think I'd like to be profiled for it.

2741

Living Room / Re: silly humor - post 'em here! [warning some NSFW and adult content]

« Last post by Renegade on August 19, 2013, 08:54 AM »

Please support a petition to add carcinogens to the water supply...

 

2742

Living Room / Re: Manning Verdict in: guilty on all counts but one

« Last post by Renegade on August 19, 2013, 08:51 AM »

^^ I thought I was pretty calm.   (Dropping it either way.)

2743

Living Room / Re: Edward Snowden's Email Provider Shut Down Rather Than Comply With Feds

« Last post by Renegade on August 19, 2013, 08:48 AM »

Nah.. Forget all that...

Just figure out how much business they'll lose when they completely sell out,

-Renegade (August 19, 2013, 08:42 AM)

They've already totally sold out, so what's the point?

2744

Living Room / Re: Edward Snowden's Email Provider Shut Down Rather Than Comply With Feds

« Last post by Renegade on August 19, 2013, 08:42 AM »

So, knowing the certified/documented risks - post Snowden - under what circumstances would it make sense for The Wall Street Journal to outsource their email to Gmail?

...Hmm...tricky question...   

-IainB (August 19, 2013, 08:34 AM)

Not really. It's actually pretty simple.

Just figure out how much business they'll lose when they completely sell out, which is probably not a lot because they don't actually report on any real news anyways, but assume the worst case, then figure out their entire email volume, project those numbers into the future as you would normally for business forecasts, then charge Google a rate for handling your email that will guarantee you an increased profit over any potential business loss. There's still the insurance and other risk factors, but meh, it's all just math.

The long & short is that they just charge Google to let Google snoop.

Because it's not about ethics or legality or serving customers... it's about abusing anything you possibly can to make a buck without getting caught.

2745

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: H. P. LOVECRAFT Bundle! Pay what you want!

« Last post by Renegade on August 19, 2013, 05:10 AM »

^^ I just had a peek, and it doesn't seem to be on The Pirate Bay.

Do you have any links for Usenet? (I never use Usenet, and the last time I did was probably 15 years ago.)

2746

Living Room / Re: Knight to queen's bishop 3 - Snowden charged with espionage.

« Last post by Renegade on August 19, 2013, 02:56 AM »

"David Miranda, partner of Guardian interviewer of whistleblower Edward Snowden, questioned under Terrorism Act."

-dr_andus (August 18, 2013, 04:49 PM)

Glen has an article about the incident:

http://www.theguardi...anda-detained-uk-nsa

Glenn Greenwald: detaining my partner was a failed attempt at intimidation
The detention of my partner, David Miranda, by UK authorities will have the opposite effect of the one intended

...

They completely abused their own terrorism law for reasons having nothing whatsoever to do with terrorism: a potent reminder of how often governments lie when they claim that they need powers to stop "the terrorists", and how dangerous it is to vest unchecked power with political officials in its name.

I wonder what kind of fallout there will be. This is an obvious abuse of power.

2747

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: H. P. LOVECRAFT Bundle! Pay what you want!

« Last post by Renegade on August 19, 2013, 02:29 AM »

I'm fairly disappointed with the video streaming of the movie Die Farbe which was about the only thing in the bundle I bought it for.

Between the lags and freeze-ups, it's unwatchable.

Anybody else having this problem?

-40hz (August 19, 2013, 02:18 AM)

You mean "The Color Out of Space"?

I went to watch it, and it stalled. I still have to get back to it, but I'll let that wait until everyone is asleep.

And similarly, that's what I bought it for...

2748

Living Room / Re: Google Goes Dark for Two Minutes. Panic Ensues.

« Last post by Renegade on August 19, 2013, 02:24 AM »

Whether there's value or not in the Google service is a separate issue (and the value is often to the website, not the reader).

-mwb1100 (August 18, 2013, 11:49 PM)

It certainly helps web site operators. I don't think that's in dispute. I just can't see any net benefit to users.

2749

Living Room / Re: New thread for non-silly humor posts

« Last post by Renegade on August 19, 2013, 02:19 AM »

- humor at its core has a silly element, otherwise it would be Terrorism and a Felony.

-TaoPhoenix (August 19, 2013, 01:57 AM)

Umm... Apparently you didn't get the memo. Humour is now criminal and clowns get investigated by the DoJ and Secret Service. (Link goes into the Basement.) Meanwhile, posting jokes on Facebook can leave teenagers lingering in prison for months waiting for a court date with a $500,000.00 bail. (It's actually very unfunny.)

Because jokes are the new terrorism.

Now, how's that for some very non-silly funny stuff! I near laughed my butt off at the insanity!

2750

Living Room / Re: silly humor - post 'em here! [warning some NSFW and adult content]

« Last post by Renegade on August 19, 2013, 02:08 AM »

Munching Frakkin' Berry on a bullet-proof couch gun safe while sipping Cthul-Aid... Man, life couldn't get any better than that!