Category: Technology

All things geeky.

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Like quicksand!

So today began with me frantically trying to complete one project so that I could try to finish another critical project and was interrupted with a client emergency which was put on hold until tomorrow. Part of wrapping up project 1 involved getting the data and structure out of a MS SQL 2k database and into a MySQL 5.03 database. Jumped some hoops on that one. The MySQL GUI Tools are fantastic! I still prefer SQLyog for developing queries since it uses the same shortcuts as MS Query Analyzer. Next I had to figure out how to get my CFMX7 server to actually connect a data source to the MySQL server.

Long and short I had to download the mysql-connector-java-5.0.6.zip then put the jar into the web-inf/lib directory. The CFservice had to be restarted of course. Worked like a charm!

Devpapers.com was invaluable although I skipped most of those instructions.

Ended up on a long tech support call trying to figure out why my Motorola v3xx has quit sending SMS text messages and will only send MMS messages. Seems the answer may be to empty everything from the inbox and outbox. That will take some doing!

Time to do more programming. What I’d really like to do is settle in with a scotch and a book or a movie and talk to Cathy.

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AT&T to Spy On Everything You Do

1984 finally arrives!

AT&T has decided to start targeting pirated content being moved across its network.
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AT&T has begun selling pay-television services, the company has realized that its interests are more closely aligned with Hollywood
[Source]

Don’t forget that AT&T already spies on the US citizenry for the government (see also).

Update: more words here

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What’s in your future?

How about wireless lightbulbs? Or perhaps a toaster with no cord? Charge your laptop simply by setting it on your desk? How about a child-safe house that has absolutely no exposed outlets?

Researchers at MIT have shown that it’s possible to wirelessly power a 60-watt lightbulb sitting about two meters away from a power source. Using a remarkably simple setup…they have demonstrated, for the first time, that it is feasible to efficiently send that much power over such a distance.
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Wireless power transfer is an idea that’s more than 100 years old. In the 1890s, physicist and electrical engineer Nikola Tesla proposed beaming electricity through the air.
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The [MIT] team has minimized [safety issues] by making sure that the power is mainly in the form of a magnetic field, a form of energy to which the body is almost entirely insensitive.
[Source]

They’ve applied for a patent. I bet its not long before we see some form of this in new home construction.

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Code Your Own Game!

So Tommy is a World of Warcraft addict. As a programmer, I think my children should know a little bit about coding. I have decided to install Visual Studio Express on their computers and letting them earn computer time by learning about programming. Write Hello World, earn some Youtube time. Write your own game and then play WoW. Actually, I don’t want to set this up as a drudgery so a carrot/reward system won’t work. I am hoping they just find it cool.

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Ist what cha arrrr

Has ye e’vr used some software widout payin’ fer it? Has ye e’vr extended a demo indefinitely perchance? Are ye on day 238 of that 30 day trial? Maybe that license agreement was fer one computer but ye installed it throughout the house. If’n so, ye should click this link. A bit of a warning. Albeit work safe, thar be sound ahead! Tis gonna be loud and the dastardly thang is a might addictive!

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Today’s Tech Note: Reset an A95 to defaults

If you own a Canon A95 digital camera (an excellent choice!), and need to reset it to the factory default settings, hold the menu button down for 5 seconds.

If you are looking to buy a digital camera and need the best review do not waste time on sites like C|Net. Instead go to DPReview.com and read their reviews as well as use their side-by-side comparison feature.

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Droids!

Heathkit Hero I

I want to work for iRobot. I’ve had a fascination with lasers and robots since I was a child (thank you hands-on museums) but never pursued these interests beyond getting to play with a Hero I in high school. I used to be allowed to skip out of English class to hang in the advanced electronics class (ergo the fantastic grammar you read here).

The iRobot Verro 300 is designed for use on gunite or concrete and features a powerful hydro-jet system that power washes iRobot pool scrubberthe pool, deep cleaning pores, cracks and seams. The iRobot Verro 600 is ideal for vinyl, tile and fiberglass pool surfaces and features sturdy PVA brushes that scrub and clean the pool, while the powerful vacuum and self-contained filtration system picks up and traps debris and microscopic bacteria. [Source]

I foresee underwater/webcam hacks a plenty!