January 30, 2006
January 29, 2006
Traffic light manipulation
It's unlikely that anyone would want to do this sort of stuff. However, wouldn't it be fun if you could do this and get away with it?
Run Silent, Run Deep: Cheap MIRTS Afoot - Gizmodo
January 28, 2006
Mobile Wi-Fi hotspot
Another interesting DIY piece of technology. I imagine that the price point for this project is certainly reasonable.
The Mobile Wi-fi Access Point: Do-it-yourself cheap, easy Internet everywhere
January 24, 2006
January 22, 2006
Movie tickets on demand
Pretty interesting method of avoiding long lines at your favorite premier. I've often been frustrated with the broken automated ticket counters too.
The sad truth is that most theatres do not employ bar code readers to check each ticket holders. Most of them still take paper tickets for entry.
Forget Movie Tickets, Just Use Your Cellphone - Gizmodo
January 21, 2006
January 20, 2006
North American Auto Show Musings
Spent the better part of last Saturday at the autoshow. Actually, it had been several years since I'd paid any attention to the show. IMHO, there really have not been very many innovative and exciting technical advances in the auto industry in recent years. Besides, I wasn't afforded any tickets to attend the show in recent years. Typically, vendors drop me a few tickets for these and other noteworthy events. One of my buddies encouraged me to go, so I dropped $12.00 US, and checked it out.
As I spent time checking out the interior of most of the upscale vehicles, and reviewing the infomatics. I noticed that some of the automakers are beginning to realize that bluetooth and audio jacks should become standard features on all platforms. It appears that Acura are probably the leaders in getting the latest gear into their vehicles. According to an Acura product specialist (aka Traci), every Acura vehicle released in 2006 will include bluetooth and 0.125" audio jacks in the center stack. So, if you've got a portable mp3/ogg player, it should play through your car stereo speakers. Not bad, but probably a few years too late. The European autos are typically better equipped, and have had bluetooth for the past couple of years. Pushbutton ignition also seems to be the next big rage in the US.
Of course we're again late at recongizing the convenience in eliminating all of those ridiculous keyrings. During my last trip to Germany, I drove an Audi A4 (diesel) which was equipped with the pushbutton ignition. *Aside* - If you ever get an opportunity to drive on the Autobahn, _do it_. Mad fun.
Another item of note, was the stong hip-hop influence that was pervasive throughout the show this year. While I can't knock the hustle of Ford, Scion and others that are using the culture to push their products. To Toyota's credit, they seemed to always have their ear to the street. In fact, they have always catered to the hip-hop audience. You may recall that Xzibit's, "Hook up my ride", featured a few Scion kits. Their aftermarket revenue is pretty substantial.
Nonetheless, as a +30 native NYer, whose generation was largely responsible for the birth of the hip-hop culture, it saddens me to see how commercial interests have dumbed down the art form and bottled it for sale at every conceivable venue. Hell, companies can't even sell a biscuit without somebody beatboxin or droppin a verse or two. Curiously, you never see a graff writer (read graffiti) getting put on for potential millions. Obviously the corporate power movers have not figured out a means to profit off that element of the culture. Well I suppose Palm did, they stole the name graffiti for their shorthand writing application. None of that loot ever made it back to the ghetto tho.
Anyway, I digress. It was still pretty funny to see Funk Flex hawking the huge, oversized Ford Super-Chief concept Super-Duty pickup truck. I'm pretty sure that it will never see a production line of any volume. Gas prices are simply ridiculous.
I'll post photos in the usual places Photo Journal | my flickr.
Enjoy..
links for 2006-01-20
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Excellent reference card for those must have 'awk' and 'sed' commands
January 18, 2006
links for 2006-01-18
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Important info for wireless users. Especially if you travel outside the US.
January 16, 2006
January 15, 2006
links for 2006-01-15
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I'm always amazed at the plethora of Linux distros. Regardless slackware is always in the top five ;)
January 13, 2006
Bitten by the DRM bug
In an interesting turn of events.. Actually, it begs the question, is DRM good at any level? Supposedly, new previews of this sort lend themselves to easy piracy. Nonetheless, I am sure Spielberg was mortified.
Guardian Unlimited Film | News | Spielberg loses out at the push of a button
January 12, 2006
links for 2006-01-12
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Plethora of software for Slackware, my distribution of choice
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Good reference for my upcoming myth project
January 11, 2006
Maturation process
Perhaps an overused phrase is the 'maturation process' of an athlete. In the NFL, we often hear this term applied to young quarterbacks. I witnessed a very painful exhibition, as the Giants were defeated 23-0 by the underdog Panthers. The Giants had never been shut out at home in a Playoff game. In fact, the last time they had home playoff game, they crushed the Vikes, 41-0. The G-Men typically dominate teams in the Meadowlands during the postseason, but not on this day.
While I'm pleased about what the G-Men accomplished this season, I wasn't very happy with the coaching schemes or the leadership of Eli Manning. Yes, I know it was just his sophomore campaign, but it would've been great for him to have stepped up his game much like Steelers QB Roethlisberger in his 2nd year. I suppose that is too much to ask, even for a Manning.
Much of the poor play was a result of conservative play calling by the coaching staff. Everyone in America new that the opposing teams would be scheming to stop Tiki Barber. He's been phenomenal this year, and Carolina lined up nine in the box and dared Manning to go to 2nd and 3rd reads. Obviously he failed miserably. Why didn't Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey get more catches. Burress was thrown to once and had zero catches for the contest. Totally unacceptable. The guy was hired to be a play maker. He sulked and was visibly upset with the play calling and the inability of a 2nd year QB to get him the ball. Shockey caught one pass for a first down. Imani Toomer caught one pass early in the game. The Giants have offensive weapons but they were not utilized at all.
Why didn't the coaches setup quick slants for both Shockey and Burress? Where was the deep threat? Why didn't the Giants become less predictable by throwing on first down plays? Actually, the one play which Tiki was lined up in the slot, he caught the pass and ran for 21 yards and a first down. Passing on first down and stretching the defense with a deep ball threat would have eventually opened the passing lanes. The play calling clearly indicated that the coaching staff had zero confidence in their young QB. Hence they scored zero points, and made the Panthers look like world beaters. I respect the experience of that Carolina club, but they are not world beaters.
Manning didn't throw a pass down field the entire game, no wonder the Panther defense had such an easy time, as they simply pinned their ears back and clogged the running lanes. Tiki had no lanes to run through. Very poor game plan. Jim Fox and Tom Coughlin are both students of Bill Parcells (so is Pats coach Belichick), it certainly appeared that the Panther scouting was far superior. I wonder if Coughlin made a call to Parcells?
On the defensive side of the ball, it really wasn't much better. On a day where the great LT was honored, he must have been sick to his stomach. Decimated by injuries to their linebacking corps, defensive ends Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora were expected to carry the load. To their credit, they recorded 3.5 sacks, and they also did their share of yackin before the contest. The defense coudn't prevent the Panthers from converting 3rd down situations. The Panthers running back amassed 150 yds on the ground. The secondary was victimized by all pro Steve Smith. Very little went right for the Giants.
Looking into next season, we must address the talent depleted secondary and get some depth at the linebacker position. A G-Men constant has always been a stout defense that knock your fsck'ng head off. Especially in December and January..
Regarding the maturation process: I fully expected the growing pains of a 2nd year QB. Manning is no exception. However, he still needs to take responsibility and become a more vocal leader. If you see that your team needs some emotion, he should be able to provide it. I've seen veteran QBs jump in the faces of players like Keyshawn Johnson and Terrell Owens.
As a QB in the NFL, you must be on the same page as your wide receivers. One need only look at the Eagles as proof of this fact. The learning process could prove to be a painful, but necessary experience. Even the highly respected older brother, Peyton had mud stains in the crack of his ass during his early years. The Jets defeated Colts in Peytons playoff debut, 41-3 in the Meadowlands during Herm Edwards second season.
Bring on the Bx Bombers, I'm ready for baseball season.
January 10, 2006
links for 2006-01-10
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Excellent nuts and bolts description of Web 2.0
January 9, 2006
Death of Black Entertainment Television
Actually, BET died roughly ten years ago. I'm not attempting to rehash visions of Boondocks, but I am sure that most would agree the value content of that network is scarce at best. While I'm not much of a TV enthusiast, with the exception of Nature, ESPN, History, Discover, and PBS, I would rather watch NERD-TV. However, on the rare occasion that I decide to diverge from the usual lineup. I have discovered that newcomer TV-One is quickly absorbing market share and its doing it with circa 1990 BET broadcasting. That is insightful personalities (ie G.Garvin aka Kitchen LL), Sharp Talk ,Throwback Theatre, and something for the women (aka Patti Labelle).
TV-One has owned women on its management team, which is a perfect sedgway into my next statement.
I would argue that BET lost its female audience many years ago. No, T&A music videos are not for females ;) Well at least not _most_ of em. Trust me on that one.
Probably not a wise move since women watch the majority of tel-lie-vision. So, I suppose the obvious question is "How long will TV-One have sensible broadcasting?" Your guess is as good as mine. The change will probably occur when they have the majority share or when they get swallowed by Viacom.
It is also likely that their broadcasting would change if they decide to challenge BET for the 15-21 age group. We can only hope that their growth is sustainable with their current line-up.
If you're wise, you'll get a PVR and take advantage of the novelty. It definitely won't last forever.
January 8, 2006
Spycam for the doggie
Now this is why I love technology. Very good use of bandwidth and cheap image capturing device.
Mark K. Sullivan’s Blog » Blog Archive » Sneaky dog
January 7, 2006
Social Bookmarking
Recently discovered the world of del.icio.us, an effort to improve discovery of relevant links using Tags. I'll attempt to make an analogy to better explain the concept. For those of you who are familiar with graffiti or graff writing, the term 'tagging' (aka bombing) was an artistic expression of the artist. What they were thinking at the time or what moved them. They used spray paint or alcohol and carbon paper to express their views artisticly. So, if you 'tagged' the 5 train while in the railyards and it rolled from Dyre Ave (Bronx) to Franklin Ave (Brooklyn), you've instantly spread your story in three boroughs.
Well, fast forward to the internet and its collaborative and social network. You can share your most treasured bookmarks or favorites with the community at large. So when the technorati and del.icio.us sites work fevererishly to index these tags or bookmarks it essentially helps bridge the gap and fosters information exchange. Perhaps an even more practical use of the del.icio.us system is to quickly access your most helpful bookmarks anytime and anywhere.
For all the good that Google has bestowed upon us, it does not index tags at all. In fact, Google could probably care less about tagging in general, because their focus was to dominate the search engine market not index blogs and the thoughts and ideas contained therein.
I happen to agree with Doc Searls, as he stated in a recent podcast. It's probably a good thing that Google doesn't care about it now. Thus folks at Technorati and Del.icio.us can work very hard to get this stuff done correctly without getting swallowed. Healthy competition is essential to keep Google benevolent.
January 6, 2006
links for 2006-01-06
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Basic setup for myth box
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Upcoming PVR project
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Great way to share pics, no login req'd. Oh yeah, its free too.
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Good tools for Wi-Fi sniffing
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VmWare just got easier to install. Probably still a memory hog.
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Interesting idea, but it employs .NET methodologies. Only works on M$ platform. Wouldn't an RSS based system be much better and platform agnostic???
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GPS system in a box.
January 5, 2006
Tang Soo Do Training update
It seems that many martial arts schools are suffering a downturn. Not sure if its due to the economy or simply a lack of interest. Some instructors have suggested that they will be forced to use contracts in order to guarantee a consistent number of students. IMHO, contracts are not the answer. If a person is not passionate the arts, you will not be able to retain that student after the contract term has expired. At the end of the day your program will still suffer despite the monies collected by contracts. Schools need new students to continue the learning and teaching. It really is not much fun having a very senior class make-up. I happen to be the most junior student in our dojang. While I love and appreciate the senior instruction, it can be difficult to hone your teaching skills with senior members.
Yet another possible explaination to the dwindling interest in the martial arts training is the dearth of quality mainstream martial arts films. An instructor once told me that Bruce Lee was great for business. Flicks like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon were also cult favorites and helped peak the interests of potential students.
Clearly, I do not have all of the answers, but I am certain that retention is likely to be a problem in most schools.
On a more positive note, I worked out while I was home on vacation. Once again I visited, Pure Energy, and worked out with Ms Gordon's students. Dunno, what it is about jumping rope, but it definitely makes me look awkward. Nonetheless, I enjoyed working out both days. I even got to practice some of the kicking drills that are typically done with a hogoo. I can appreciate the skill of her students, as even the most junior gup member seemed quite comfortable with all of the drills.
While I am very much devoted to my Tang Soo Do training, it really is fun working out with students of other systems. I'll be back to my familiar training hall next week.
January 3, 2006
Latest craze in pop-culture
Not sure if I really care too much about this one, but I understand thousands of kids are getting connected to this third-tier social network. As I discussed in an earlier posts, schools are beginning to ban these sites and are aggressively disciplining school children who use these sites.
I suppose the threat of pedafiles will always be a concern regardless what sites youngsters choose to use. My biggest gripe about myspace is the crappy pages that most people make with them. I gather this is because most of the authors have never built a website before and these sites present a minimal barrier to entry.