Recent Posts

5251

Living Room / Re: Perhaps About the Coolest Book EVER~! =D

« Last post by 40hz on September 09, 2012, 05:53 PM »

^Thank you! I was trying to remember the name of that book!

5252

Living Room / Re: It's about ... oldish films

« Last post by 40hz on September 09, 2012, 03:43 PM »

It's fun to watch

-barney (September 08, 2012, 04:42 PM)

Yup. But I want to shoot the director. Since this is a Balinese/Javanese/Indian "temple dance" inspired mashup, the intricate footwork is everything. And the cameras kept losing it until the director finally figured out (mostly) what the cameras should be focusing on about two-thirds of the way into it.

Same thing goes for most TV coverage of dance. Even with ballet, the directors often keep trying to turn a dance into a "drama" by doing tight closeups on the dancers' faces! Totally asinine since that deprives the viewers of seeing that all essential 'line' and overall movement that is the thing that makes ballet ballet. Jackasses!

Why is it 'old' Hollywood understood how to film a dance number, and so many of our modern directors - with all their film theory and technology - can't manage to get it together?

5253

Programmer Libs / Re: PythonProtoCards - Prototype Card Game Images - v1.5.01 - 9/9/12

« Last post by 40hz on September 09, 2012, 03:14 PM »

Appreciate the idea, but Python is not my strongest language and there's nothing very special about the codebase.

-mouser (September 09, 2012, 02:30 PM)

Understood. But it doesn't need to be particularly special. Or about Python per se.  All it would need to illustrate is how a code project/app gets designed and put together.  

But never mind. I was just thinking out loud anyway.

5254

Living Room / Re: Perhaps About the Coolest Book EVER~! =D

« Last post by 40hz on September 09, 2012, 03:10 PM »

^Not really. Maybe the most basic of core concepts is shared there. But the level of this implementation goes far beyond the old "speak & play" kid books. With those, the "multimedia" elements were merely bolted on. Probably more as a marketing gimmick than anything else considering all the worthless "educational software" that was being produced when those 'electronic' books came out.

This is more like wedding the concept of a tablet PC to a 'paper' book. Almost the antitheses of the whole ebook reader concept which attempts to eliminate the need for paper. This goes in the opposite direction and enhances the more traditional book format and materials to integrate and connect to the electronic environment.

Interestingly, doing it this way provides additional capabilities for both environments (i.e. electronic and print) without either being completely dependent on the other in order to be useful. That's a whole new way of looking at it. I'd characterize that more as a synergy than anything else.
 

5255

Living Room / Re: What books are you reading?

« Last post by 40hz on September 09, 2012, 02:40 PM »

If you liked Economix, checkout Steven E. Landsberg's sly collection of essays: The Armchair Economist: Economics and Everyday Life.



A fun and interesting book that shows how an economist views the world. (Not at all like most folks, it turns out!) Plenty of food for thought even if you find yourself desperately wanting to disagree with half of what he suggests.

And if economics really starts interesting you, grab a copy of Robert L. Heilbroner's now classic work:  The Worldly Philosophers: The Lives, Times And Ideas Of The Great Economic Thinkers, Seventh Edition

Now in it's 7th edition (I read the first editing when I was in management school) this is the book that introduces you to all the great thinkers whose ideas about economics shaped the capitalist society we live in today.



It's been said that in order to understand the present, and anticipate what the future will hold, it's essential to know the events and thought processes that led us here. Heilbroner's book does just that. It's a most excellent book that's written in a style that makes it as appropriate for college level study as it does for quiet armchair reading at home. Easily one of the most well-written books on the subject currently available. Grab a spare hour, brew yourself a good cup of tea (or a pot of coffee), get comfortable someplace, and get down with this book.

Seriously. If you're only ever going to read one book on economics - make it this book.

5256

Programmer Libs / Re: PythonProtoCards - Prototype Card Game Images - v1.5.01 - 9/9/12

« Last post by 40hz on September 09, 2012, 02:04 PM »

That's a much more elegant way to do things than the Quark Express template I once created to do something similar back in my graphic design days.

Ever consider doing a design analysis of how you created your codebase for this, and possibly turn it into a tutorial series or book? Learning something like Python by doing a working project with it would be a nice thing to see. That's always been a problem with most coding instruction IMO. You learn a lot of great stuff. But you're often left wondering what to do with it once you have learned it. Because it's one thing to learn all the the pieces and code small parts. But it's quite another thing to then be able to pull all those pieces together into an actual project or a full blown app. Most coding instruction teaches you how to do something. But it's not too often that it shows you why or where or when to do it.

Who knows? Maybe DC could even start it's own book series. Why should O'Reilly get to have all the fun? (Or make all the nickles?)
 

5257

Living Room / Re: Perhaps About the Coolest Book EVER~! =D

« Last post by 40hz on September 09, 2012, 01:37 PM »

I didn't completely get what the goal was until the last half minute or so. But what a concept!

It has arguably identified the missing link between print and electronic books. They should have called that video When e-Text Worlds Collide. Imagine... a print book that (when plugged in) can also present active text and media elements using the printed page as the control interface. Talk about the best of both worlds. That is just too cool! (It will only be a matter of time before this gets up on TED.)

I want it! Have them start with the Encyclopedia Britannica. Maybe that's what it will take to finally get that monster back in print.

(I wonder how long it will be before Apple, or some other troll, claims they already invented it and sue them? )

5258

General Software Discussion / Re: Windows Firewall (&co) headaches

« Last post by 40hz on September 09, 2012, 01:11 PM »

+1 w/Chris!

Most excellent find. Just read all the other parts of this series starting here and came away a lot more knowledgeable (and far less happy about) the Windows Firewall Service.

This info earned a permanent place in my personal knowledgebase. I bookmarked plus made a local copy just in case I ever need it.

Thx again for sharing.

5259

General Software Discussion / Re: Steal Windows 8 and Microsoft probably won't mind?

« Last post by 40hz on September 09, 2012, 03:55 AM »

^Umm...did you actually read the referenced article?

-40hz (September 08, 2012, 04:14 PM)

Yes, what parts of it I could before becoming nauseated. Still no mentions of Creative Commons Free Licensing. My points still stand.

-TaoPhoenix (September 08, 2012, 11:21 PM)

I see...

Well...I suppose one should never let what was actually said in an article get in the way of one's foregone conclusions. Or a good rant.

 

5260

General Software Discussion / Re: Steal Windows 8 and Microsoft probably won't mind?

« Last post by 40hz on September 08, 2012, 04:14 PM »

^Umm...did you actually read the referenced article?

5261

Living Room / Re: It's about ... oldish films

« Last post by 40hz on September 08, 2012, 04:03 PM »

This one is off topic and  for barny

Ok you old Juliet Prowse admirer, here's one not many people remember: Juliet doing her thing to the Hollies classic song Stop, Stop, Stop (All the Dancing).

This aired in the 60s on US television and just about pushed the absolute limits of what the TV network censors would allow - both for dancing and the amount of skin (even with a bodystocking) being shown. It received glowing compliments (and some protests to the FCC) for several weeks after it aired. Most people felt that if it were anyone other than Juliet Prowse, that sexy little dance (choreographed by Ed Kerrigan) would have never made the airwaves.

Thank goodness it did. It shows yet another facet of the versatility and talent that was Juliet Prowse.

5262

General Software Discussion / Re: Firefox 15 less of a memory hog

« Last post by 40hz on September 08, 2012, 02:02 PM »

Just installed the Memory Restart add-on. Hopefully on a temporary basis. This will let me keep better track of what FF is up to with RAM usage. It shows the amount used in the toobar and has some simple options you can configure including the option to auto-restart - although I can't imagine why you'd ever want to let it do that.

   

5263

General Software Discussion / Re: instant linux on winxp

« Last post by 40hz on September 08, 2012, 01:35 PM »

-rgdot (September 08, 2012, 12:02 PM)

@rgdot: Not easily. Because you'd need to install all the package 'dependencies' for Basket as well. Since Puppy and DSL are designed to be small and fast, and Basket Note Pad was originally designed for the KDE desktop environment, it's very unlikely you will have the requisite dependencies already loaded. And odds are good you'll need to get involved in compiling some pieces of software besides remastering the iso image in order to get Basket to run under either...

Not to say it would be impossible. But it definitely wouldn't be a project for somebody new to either distro.

5264

General Software Discussion / Steal Windows 8 and Microsoft probably won't mind?

« Last post by 40hz on September 08, 2012, 01:16 PM »

In a previous thread we were discussing Migiel de Icazza's analysis of why he felt Linux failed to gain more widespread adoption on the desktop.

Now, from the good folks over at MakeUseOf comes this op-ed piece that I think hits the nail on the head about something Microsoft could - and likely may do - to drastically increase Windows 8's chances for adoption and success in the same environment.

Thinking Of Stealing Windows 8? Microsoft Probably Won’t Mind [Opinion]
    September 7, 2012
    By Erez Zukerman

Stealing is wrong. Downloading software illegally, without paying for it, and then using it, is wrong. There are no two ways about it. That said, I can’t help but feel that some companies want you to break the law. Take Adobe for example, whose discriminatory international pricing scheme actively encourages piracy.

In truth, companies sometimes derive important advantages from users stealing their software — widespread adoption being just one example. And recently, I couldn’t help but notice a confluence of factors that made me feel that Microsoft really won’t be very sorry if you steal Windows 8. Here’s why
.
.
.

Right or wrong, the article does raise some important points about how having an app store, and gradually moving towards a closed (or at least more closely controlled) ecosystem, radically changes the business formula for Microsoft and its Windows users.

Read the full article here.

5265

Living Room / Re: Fake User Reviews...The unwinding scandal

« Last post by 40hz on September 08, 2012, 11:58 AM »

+1 w/iphigenie

There's nothing that is beneficial or advantageous that won't eventually attract someone who will attempt to game it for their own benefit. As Terry Pratchett observed, whenever two people get together, it's only a matter of time before a third person shows up and tries to sell them something 'onna bun.'
 

5266

General Software Discussion / Re: Firefox 15 less of a memory hog

« Last post by 40hz on September 08, 2012, 11:45 AM »

The thing about NoScript is the need to white list, I find white list useless in this sense. Look at the description of the plugin

It allows JavaScript, Java and other executable content to run only from trusted domains of your choice

My trusted domains are what exactly? Just because I like and trust a site doesn't mean the site can't some day be infected, what am I missing? (Unless one has no white list and let it protect/block every thing)

-rgdot (September 08, 2012, 11:25 AM)

FWIW I rarely ever whitelist anything in NoScript for exactly that reason. I just temporarily enable some or all of a site when I web over to it, and then disable any temporary permissions when I leave. True, it's extra steps, and a small inconvenience when browsing. But the added security and "no bad surprises" aspect is worth it to me.

Of course, if you're more the "50+ open tabs power-user" type, my dumbass approach won't work for you.

5267

General Software Discussion / Re: Firefox 15 less of a memory hog

« Last post by 40hz on September 08, 2012, 11:38 AM »

I always install these addons on FF

adblock, flashblock, quickjava, browser protect
scrapbook, session manager
download status bar, download helper
swiffout
qtl15

I'll check out Ghostery,
some recommendation for a rss reader ?

-kilele (September 08, 2012, 10:22 AM)

I've been generally happy with Sage, although it is very basic in what it does and has some minor quirks that drive some people crazy. If super-basic is what you're looking for, Sage will do it for you. I can't say there's any standalone reader I really like although GreatNews portable comes closest to what I'd use if I didn't have Sage.

5268

General Software Discussion / Re: Firefox 15 less of a memory hog

« Last post by 40hz on September 08, 2012, 11:29 AM »

About the only FF extension I'd absolutely call necessary is NoScript - although Ghostery is getting close to what I'd consider a second 'must have.'

-40hz (September 08, 2012, 09:21 AM)

I think I'd put AdBlock+ above NoScript - it gets rid of the most nasty (sources of) JavaScript, and ads as well. Security-wise, NS does do a bit more good, though.

-f0dder (September 08, 2012, 09:54 AM)

I agree about AdBlock which is the other extension I have always added to any new FF installation. But I held back on calling it essential because of the minor controversy regarding the ethics of blocking ads. And I really didn't want to open up that whole can of worms again. So I figured I'd just leave it up to the individual as to how they want to deal with that. If a 'free' access site has a reasonable ad policy I try, out of respect, not to block their ads - unless they're getting too distracting or obnoxious about it.

In general, I tend  to install add-ons only to enhance security rather than add features. Nowadays I'm like Renegade in that I need to be shown some clear and compelling benefit before I'll even consider installing anything new inside a browser. Ghostery is probably the first  addition to my add-on collection in the last two years.

5269

General Software Discussion / Re: Firefox 15 less of a memory hog

« Last post by 40hz on September 08, 2012, 09:21 AM »

About the only FF extension I'd absolutely call necessary is NoScript - although Ghostery is getting close to what I'd consider a second 'must have.'

(It is 'FF ' btw - no matter what the heretics may say. )    

5270

General Software Discussion / Re: Firefox 15 less of a memory hog

« Last post by 40hz on September 08, 2012, 08:43 AM »

^might be a function of the theme? On the FF default it shows as light gray on a black or very dark gray background on my machine.

-/-

Re: SessionMgr - Thx. Will definitely check it out. 

5271

General Software Discussion / Re: instant linux on winxp

« Last post by 40hz on September 07, 2012, 11:00 PM »

@PK - A couple of minor points...

Yes but since both Qemu and VBox don't need rebooting and are virtual machines, that's not the issue here.

-Paul Keith (September 07, 2012, 08:23 PM)

I was adding my +1 to skwire's comment about virtual being the "least invasive way" to go and reinforcing that virtual was actually the only way to do that. When you commented "Well it depends on what only virtual machine way means." I thought there was still some question as to whether there was another way to attain the goal stated in the OP. To which I gave a very blunt answer. If I misunderstood your comment, please excuse me.

Also I'd be careful with using the words fully.

-Paul Keith (September 07, 2012, 08:23 PM)

I'm using the word "fully" because I have no other way of expressing what I thought was meant by phrase "100% functional" in the original post. I don't need to be careful with it. It wasn't my request. Just my summary of one of the goals made by the requester.

And... I think I'd best leave this discussion for others since I'm beginning to suspect I no longer "get" what's being discussed at this point.  

------------

@kalos - Luck!

5272

General Software Discussion / Re: instant linux on winxp

« Last post by 40hz on September 07, 2012, 06:23 PM »

Well it depends on what only virtual machine way means.

-Paul Keith (September 07, 2012, 05:54 PM)

If I understand correctly, what he wants is a machine setup that can toggle between fully local and active instances of both Windows and Linux in realtime - as in: without rebooting.

Since you can only currently have one OS active at a time per machine (real or virtual), the only way to have two OS instances simultaneously active is to somehow provision for two machines - and do some techno-magic to handle the details of switching between.

There may come a time when you could routinely have each core in a multi-core CPU running its own OS instance. But even then you'd still need a hypervisor to move back and forth between the instances. So some flavor of virtualization would still be required to pull that trick off. Can't see any way of getting around it.
Since VMs work very well - and also provide a huge amount of 'bang for the buck' - I can't see any practical alternative to using a VM approach. Especially for what kalos is trying to accomplish.

If there's another "mo better" way to do it with currently available technology, it'll be news to me.

5273

Living Room / Re: It's about ... oldish films

« Last post by 40hz on September 07, 2012, 05:32 PM »

Dammit 40...I think you just ruined my weekend again!

-superboyac (September 07, 2012, 12:49 PM)

What can I say? I'm just trying to keep you out of bars unless you're gigging in them.  

Am I going to have to create for myself a Twilight Zone marathon weekend, followed by the Hitchcock marathon??!

Well...I've been told "chicks" dig that sort of thing. Why not invite a few brainy geek-goddess types over and make a long weekend of it? Sure beats making smalltalk with strangers in a room full of horn-dogs and loudmouths. Besides, like Irene Adler said in the new Sherlock series (A Scandal in Belgravia): "Smart is the 'new' sexy." (Oh yeah!)

I remember a couple of years ago making an effort to go back and watch the older shows and movies.  My first thought was "Boy, they talk a lot in these things."  Lots of talking, lots of explaining.

Yup. There was. We've since become more sophisticated in our viewing. We've learned a visual lexicon and grammar so things don't need to be spelled out quite so much any more. Time was, you needed to have pages falling off a calendar or see a moving line with an airplane on a map to understand the story was shifting to a new time or location. That trick gave way to "establishing shots," then to "quick cuts," and now to "jumps". (Hypertext and the web helped us get comfortable with discontinuous leaps and linking.) Our consciousness has evolved. We've learned to interpret cues and signals the old directors wouldn't have dared use for fear of losing the audience. Even the once avant-garde voice over technique is now seen as being old hat. No surprise. A voice-over is just a variation on the ancient Greek Chorus trick. Nothing new at all really.

Same goes for explanations of: technical, medical, economic, scientific, political, psychological, and legal terminology and scenarios. We don't need as many of them as we used to. TV and print news with international coverage; widespread literacy; mandatory schooling to age 16; public libraries; the web; special interest groups; inexpensive telecommunications; yadda-yadda-yadda...the average person's "infoprint" is miles wide even if most of it is only inches deep.

We're all much more "up" on things than many in the previous generations were. Not so much because we're any "smarter." It's more because we're exposed to more information than any preceding generation. Small wonder so many are of us are breaking under the constant stimuli.

Maybe we don't understand everthing that gets put in front of us on a screen. But it isn't too often we haven't at least heard something about what we're looking at.

That little bit of exposure goes a long way in a movie. Especially when it comes to "laying pipe" as the industry refers to it when informational or background footage is scripted into a movie purely to get the audience up to speed enough to follow whats going to happen next.

5274

Living Room / Re: Is there a non-Schwartzenegger Terminator in your future?

« Last post by 40hz on September 07, 2012, 04:59 PM »

I can imagine a near future scenario where the battlefields will start seeing real versions of Phillip K. Dick's small battle robots called  "Claws" in his 1953 post-nuclear apocalypse short story The Second Variety. If you haven't read it yet, you should. It's a great story. (Available to read or download free from The Gutenberg Project - link here.)

-40hz (September 07, 2012, 09:54 AM)

Thanks for the link. I just read it.

-Deozaan (September 07, 2012, 01:31 PM)

Glad you liked. Phillip K. Dick was awesome. Few ever hit as many high notes as he did in a career that spanned 44 novels and at least 120 short stories in the 53 all too brief years he lived. His influence is still being felt 30 years later.


          Phillip K.Dick
           1928 - 1982

5275

General Software Discussion / Re: instant linux on winxp

« Last post by 40hz on September 07, 2012, 04:49 PM »

kalos, I really think you need to go with the virtual machine route.  That's the least invasive way to do what you want.

-skwire (September 07, 2012, 04:43 PM)

I think it's more like the only way.