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March 27, 2007
KuroBox PRO - The new improved kuro
I've been waiting for thw new improved kuro box since summer.
After having 4 of them for various backup and redundant uses, I've been waiting for the next generation.
I believe they will be released here in America around April.
http://www.geekstuff4u.com/product_info.phpmanufacturers_id=&products_id=498
I'm a bit disappointed. Although they've upgraded the hard drive interface to SATA, The box still only fits one.
This is where I thought the Thecus did better allowing two drives so you could mirror them.
Also, the second SATA port is not available externally. Dam. I was hoping to mirror two drives. Sigh.
Well hopefully the USB performs better with the later kernel.
Pics Here
http://www.ch1.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/
http://forum.linkstationwiki.net/index.php?action=vthread&forum=18&topic=2477&page=1
Posted by Me at 10:00 AM | Comments (0)
March 13, 2007
Linux, LIRC, X10 and the MR26A
Recently I've been playing with LIRC so I could control the MPD jukebox with a remote control.
I've had this old X10 MP3 Anywhere remote control for-eva but never used it with Linux.
Frankly, at the time LIRC didn't support it. I did however have an old HP IR control that was supported.
I dug out the serial IR sensor, but could not find the remote. dam...
Then I remembered the MR26A (serial RF receiver) and the X10 MP3 anywhere remote.
A lil research showed that it's supported in the later revs of lIRC.
This is a big plus as I have X10 modules around the apartment and having them accessible on the remote while also using it to control the jukebox would be a real boon!
So low and behold, I compile and install (Partially) the lircd and it pretty much works out of the box.
The only downside is the remote sensing from lircd is only for the multimedia buttons.
Although the receiver is capable of capturing the X10 appliance/sensors signals, the lirc daemon does not decode them.
After some research I've found the place where it is all decoded.
Although I still have work to do, I'm making good progress to have the driver decode all of the X10 signals.
There are many (house codes A-P and device numbers 1-16).
Why bother?
Well this brings me down to a new use I require for the office.
Over the past two weeks they moved me to a location where there is a lot of traffic behind me.
The new cubicle is much more open and people walk up behind me scoping my monitor (Shoulder surfing).
Normally not an issue until I overheard someone comment to someone else.
"Everythime I walk by he is on the internet." hahahahaha.
Wouldn't normally matter to me except I overheard the response.
Just keep walking by his desk and see what he's doing?
Hmmm.. were they talking about me?
Funny thing about that. My Boss knows and condones it.
In fact My review this week stated how I search out the latest technology and open source to bring within the group, which improves how we do things.
(I do this as I'm always trying to improve my C system programming skills).
This gave rise to a new need.
A warning system. Who the hell is walking up behind me?
Granted I have all sorts of rear view panoramic mirrors at my desk, but I need an earlier alert system.
Hence. X10 to the rescue.
With X10's photo electric sensor along with the remote lamp modules I can put a proximity alert system in place to light my lava lamps when someone approaches. OK, primitive but fun.
Frankly, I don't need the MR26A sensor and lirc, but I figured with IREXECD functionality from LIRCD, I could run a program that spits out a vocal alert with PROXIMITY ALERT, APPROACH FROM REAR LEFT...
hhahahaha.
Sure will freak out my co-workers.
The Age of Weebo-Trek is upon us.
http://www.lirc.org
http://www.x10.com/products/x10_ak11a.htm
Posted by Me at 04:00 PM | Comments (0)
Spammers ruin the internet
I'm so sick of spammers, I keep thinking how they ruin the internet.
From what was a free network of information, has turned into a shove it in your face mechanism of advertising.
Advertising is one thing, but when they search you out and stuff shit (i mean shit!) in your inbox, message boards, blogs and profiles it's just crazy.
Do people really think you want to purchase drugs from overseas vendors to make your male member larger?
Do these webcam girls on myspace really think I want to purchase views while they remove clothing?
I guess I'm particularly frustrated today when I received a friend request on myspace from a young gal.
Really, a 23 year old looking for a guy from 25 to 50ish.. gimme a break. I smelled webcam gal from a mile away.
I scroll down to look at the profile and WHAM, there it is, a view my webcam advertisement. OK, DENY.
That was fast.
5 minutes later, another friends request. Hmmmm...
Dam Same profile style, just a different picture, scroll down again, Oh Lookie, same advert.
DENY in lightning speed.
5 minutes later, another friends request. Hmmmm...
Again, same profile, different pic. Each one was of a different enthnic background, but the profile was the same.
I denied once again. Dam, just leave alone already LOL!
So later on the day, I got 3 other friends requests from young 23yr olds. OK, Seems like I have to do something different now, My blatent title is not good enough for these idiots.
I'm just so sad the way things are today with unsolicited crap.
Posted by Me at 11:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 07, 2007
http://www.freehugscampaign.org/
Got this from Tricia and thought it worth while to repost.
http://www.freehugscampaign.org/
Sometimes, a hug is all what we need. Free hugs is a real life controversial story of Juan Mann, A man whos sole mission was to reach out and hug a stranger to brighten up their lives.
In this age of social disconnectivity and lack of human contact, the effects of the Free Hugs campaign became phenomenal.
As this symbol of human hope spread accross the city, police and officials ordered the Free Hugs campaign BANNED. What we then witness is the true spirit of humanity come together in what can only be described as awe inspiring.
In the Spirit of the free hugs campaign, PASS THIS TO A FRIEND and HUG A STRANGER! After all, If you can reach just one person...
Music by Sick Puppies. (Visit http://sickpuppies.net or http://myspace.com/sickpuppies for the music)
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PS. The response to this video has been nothing short of overwhelming and touching. Hugs to every single one of you who messaged. There has been thousands of emails from all over the world by people seeking to participate in the Free Hugs campaign and asking for permission. You do not need permission. This is the peoples movement, this is *your* movement. With nothing but your bare hands you can make THE difference.
Imagine all the people.
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http://www.freehugscampaign.org
http://www.myspace.com/freehugscampaign
Press/media contact:
paul.stepanek@oninternational.com (more) (le
Posted by Me at 01:00 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Amazon CD Haul
Picked up a few new CD's on Amazon.com
More enigmaish ambient pop/newage style music.
Dancers of Twilight [Enhanced] [Audio CD] Zingaia
Gregorian Mystics [Audio CD] Magna Canta
Sanctuary [Audio CD] Magna Canta
I may consider doing a special seismic show on Sunday afternoons called "The Sunday Afternoon Chillout".
Posted by Me at 07:00 AM | Comments (0)
March 06, 2007
Regicide - Breaking the Silence
Thanks to Teri @ hardnheavy.com, I scored a copy of this Import.
Male/Female vocals along with Metal and a violin as a lead.
Quite an interesting disc.
I found myself still drawn toward the prior release viorus (Which can be had on eBay at a reasonable price).
Still, This is a great disc and highly recommended if you like metal with great melodic vox and a lil violin thrown in.
Posted by Me at 09:30 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack