RepRap

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Drums please!

We interrupt your regular broadcast for this special news bulletin.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please! I have an important announcement to make! I just spoke with the chair of the graduate selections committee here at uni. I have been recommended for admission to the Ph.D. program for Computer Science! Not only that, but I am also in line for a full tuition assistanceship program. Even better, one of the professors, who doubles as the sysop, is looking to get me as his TA and he has been told by the powers-that-be that he could recommend anyone he wants for the position...and he wants me! I confess that I am nearly faint with joy at this news!

Obviously, as a consequence of this joyous news, I am going to throw a party. Since a lot of you are working stiffs, this party will have to be scheduled around you. I'll let you all know the details once I know more. We now return you to your regular programming.

Russian Tunnel Video

You' think they'd have used salt...

And now your daily dose of news and views!

Welcome back folks! It's been a while since I last posted about anything of importance. Today, I have two articles to talk about.

First, let's look at this article from the Telegraph. While our going to war is bad enough, now the Bad Guys have created effective anti–tank weapons. These tank–killers will permanently disable an Abrams tank with DU (Depleted Uranium) armour. They will completely destroy the Humvees and other vehicles used by our forces. Terrifying. The question is: what can we do to fix this whole mess?

Just pulling out of Iraq won't do. We commited to being there, so we have to see it through. What we should do is demand a schedule from our leadership, showing us how much this will cost, what we'll gain for our lives and our money, and what we've done to and for the people of Iraq and the Middle East. It is very obvious that there are certain people in Iraq who would see us all dead. The article above supports this notion. The question is: are they the majority?

It is long past time for Iraq to take responsibility for itself. Perhaps we should remember that come November.

Now for something a little closer to home. Those who have heard of the TCM (Trusted Computing Module) almost universally decry it. They claim that it can make it possible for an OS to completely lock out the competition. Machines would be unable to boot GNU/Linux. People would not easily be able to rip their DvDs. That's all true. This article from Daring Fireball raises an interesting counterpoint: no one who is sane will actually do that to their hardware. Even if a TCM chip is installed, no one who claims to be open will actually use it.

The real question is: what about DvDs and other sorts of encrypted "content?" In short, TCM provides a very secure way to prevent you from playing movies that are encrypted with its technology. Should you be mad at the TCM system in your computer? No. It doesn't just screw your movie files up. It also has a lighter side. You can use it to protect your own information. TCM is a general service, just like the hardware clock, or the system scheduler. Who you allow to use it is entirely in your hands. You could use TCM to protect your address book, preventing viruses from being able to use it to spread themselves.

So if TCM is not so evil, then what do you do about the people who want to use it against you? I'm going to shift gears from the TCM issue to one that is much more abstract and more dangerous. Movie studios (and others who want control over your mind) survive on one thing alone: your money. Any of this stuff about them smashing your rights is utter nonsense. They can restrict your freedoms only because you pay them to!

Every time you buy a DvD, CD, Blu–Ray, or HD–DvD product from them, you are supporting their ideas and policies. Movies, like music, anime, comics, and most other forms of information are highly addicitve. Once you are hooked, it is very hard to quit "cold turkey." So, how do you send these people a message, telling them not to screw with you? Don't buy their shit!

Ok, that's all nice and idealistic, you're saying to yourself, but it's not that easy. Even if I stopped buying movies and DvDs and stuff, no one else will. The studios will keep messing with me, and I'll just get left behind while all of my friends get the latest new hawtness from Hollywood. True. If you stopped buying anything outright, and never mentioned it to anyone, chances are that the above scenario would result.

Having said that, there is something that we can all do that will work and will send a message. Don't buy into the new techology. Don't buy a PS3, Blu–Ray, or HD–DvD player or disk. Stick to plain old–fashioned DvDs and even—dare I say it—tapes. Most of your already have a DvD player, a DvD–ripping machine of some sort, or a VHS deck in your living room. These devices all work well, play a wide variety of movies, and will continue to work for a long time. The movie companies cannot phase out DvD until they saturate the market with HD/CRAP tech. This means that they will try every single trick in the book to get you to buy in. They will sell players at cost. They will sell movies at cost. Almost anything goes.

What they will never do is allow you to copy those movies and music to other places. They will continue to propagandize against the idea of information freedom until it ceases to exist as any sort of meme. Once they manage to saturate the market, they will stop making DvDs. Then everyone will be forced to "buy the White album again." Don't let them. Just say NO to Blu–ray and HD!

Some interesting things I saw:

First, these people have made a giant flag out of cars. Cute.

Next up, two very interesting flash programs that can amuse the mind for a little while.

And now for the vertical jet! (WMV)

Our final story: the creation of a rather terrifying precision munition by the Iraq insurgents.

View from my driveway

This is a snapshot of the basketball hoop in front of my driveway.

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Flock to flock!

I love Flock. It has so many features that make it worth using.Copyright ©2006 Toku Chan

Here's a question for you. Do you use online photo–sharing sites like Flickr or Photo bucket? Do you keep a blog somewhere? Are you the same kind of socialite as I? Do you find it annoying and difficult to get the damned pictures from your camera to your blog? Even more annoying when you want to re–use them or reference them elsewhere? If you said "yes" to any one of these questions, then flock might be worth looking at.

What is flock? In a word, social. Flock is a version of FireFox, already a great product, that has a re–designed interface intended for socialites. You can easily write posts to multiple blogs, add and edit pictures to any number of picture sites, including Flickr and Photo Bucket, and even drag and drop a picture into an HTML form. When you do, the system uploads the picture to flickr automatically, then inserts the IMG tag into your form, making it drop–dead easy to use and re–use pictures in any forum that accepts HTML. Cool, ne?

One other feature is worth mentioning: snippets. Flock supports the notion of grabbing a web page as a snippet. When you write a blog entry about that page, you need only drag and drop the snippet (like this http://lowroad75.comicgenesis.com/comics/20060610.jpg), and the system inserts the HTML code to point to it. If you just drag and drop the snippet, you just get the URL to it. If you right click and select copy HTML, you get this:



, (height and width tags are edited) which is a fully cited link to the resource. Nice trick, ne?

Living life to the Max!

I love this. I can't say that I remember this ad when it was new. I can say that turning my system up and listening to Dream Theater's Octavarium is a lot like this picture...incredible!

CIMG1196.JPG

I caught this photo with just the right lighting and my macro lens. I swear, it could be in a magazine if the fish was just a bit bigger. Copyright ©2006 Toku Chan

I went out with Jimmy to try out his new bass boat. Jimmy pulled up a small bass and I caught this photo with just the right lighting and my macro lens. I swear, it could be in a magazine if the fish was just a bit bigger.

Why Ruby?

Why do I use Ruby? What makes it different or better than other languages like Python or PERL or Java or C? There is no short answer. Java, PERL, and Python were all steps up from C since they incorporated things like garbage collection, which greatly simplifies the work of a programmer. But why should a python programmer switch to Ruby?

Two reasons spring to my mind. the first is that Ruby is completely functional, while still being object–oriented. That means that things that are usually statements in languages like Java or C or even Python like if, while, for, etc., are actually expressions in Ruby. So you can make use of the contents of an if expression without the need for spurious variables or funny return statements. Also, all functions return their last evaluation, which eliminates the need for most return statements.

The second important thing is that Python, while being object–oriented to an extent, is not as object–oriented as Ruby. Python numbers are merely numbers, requiring functions to manipulate them. Everything in Ruby is an object, even numbers, literals, and temporary things like parameters. So a statement like:

for each i in some_list
 puts i

in python becomes:

some_list.each{|x| print "#{i}\n"}

in Ruby. Notice that, while the statements are about the same length, there are several differences. First, Python makes heavy use of keywords. For, each, and in, are all keywords and are therefore part of a fixed syntax. Ruby's example, on the other hand, makes use of a method call. In fact, almost all "statements" in Ruby are in fact method calls. There are very few keywords. Also, Ruby makes heavy use of blocks, something it borrowed from Smalltalk. These make iterator programming so simple that it's fun.

What does this all add up to? Ruby is a language that—in my opinion—stays out of my way while I code. I can concentrate upon the program and the design, with only a minimal amount of compiler–worship. I can say from my own personal experience—programming in a plethora of different languages—that I have the most fun when I write in Ruby. It's the nicest and most expressive language I have used to date.

Das Keyboard - The Blank Keyboard for Demanding Users.

So, how do you get better at typing? Some of us try not to look at the keyboard, some of us try other keyboard layouts. The folks at Das Keyboard seem to have a different idea.

So, what makes Das Keyboard special? First, it has no key labels, which prevents you from cheating. Second, it's built tough. IBM model M tough. Finally, I hear that it uses breaking spring keys, not membrane keys. They don't even seem to want much for it, only $90. Not too shabby.

But, what if you aren't into Zen–like minimalism? What if you like having labels to stare at? Well, the Optimus might just do the trick. It uses OLEDs to make every key customizable. This means that, when you are using Photoshop, you can allocate keys to special functions, and have those keys display icons appropriately. Impressive, ne?

I don't usually post about hardware, but I felt that: these merit special mention, and that I wanted to be able to remember them. What better place to do that then in my blog?

10 Minutes to make your Macintosh incredible

I've decided to write this post about software—despite my normal reservations about writing boring articles about software. Despite these reservations, I truly believe that—provided you use a Macintosh computer—you can gain some great advantages in useability via the programs mentioned in this article. That mentioned, let's dive right in, shall we?

When one is using a machine to get things done, several problems usually obtain. All of these problems are related to the interface between the human and the machine. Many interfaces have been used in the past, each with it's own advantages and flaws. I'll not beat a thouroughly dead horse even further by expounding upon the tribulations one might face in using a command line interface, not to mention any others. That has already been done elsewhere. Instead, I shall focus on "modern" interface problems surrounding my beloved computer systems; namely the OSX operating system.

When a new user sits down to use his machine, he is usually full of anticipation. He thinks, "I'll really learn to use this thing. I'll become like a hacker from a T.V. show." Subsequently, this user is ultimately disappointed. Why? First, he has serious trouble trying to tell the system what he wants it to do.

A default installation of OSX provides several ways to access programs. The means depend upon whether the program is already running—a dangerous modality. The methods are these: The Dock, the menu bar, the command line, Finder. That last is the only way that one is expected to start OSX applcations. The idea is that you open a Finder window, then press Apple–Shift–A to open the /Applications, finally locating and double–clicking upon your desired application. Painful, isn't it? You Windows users out there are probably shaking your heads thinking, "thank God I have a start menu!"

What about output? Why should that be a problem for our poor, befuddled user? First, he has to know that the program actually output something. Most might say that sounds and flashing screens are enough. I cry bullshit. Nothing quite as maddening as trying to keep track of more than one application at once. It gets far worse when you start using more than one machine at a time. Half the time, you don't notice the Application trying to get your attention, and your friend's IM goes unanswered. So there is a problem with the way current programs let you know that something requiring your attention has happened.

So, how do we solve these problems? First, we stop using the Finder for tasks that it really wasn't meant for. Starting applications is not something that the Finder is really any good at. Trying to start Applications with parameters is simply impossible. Some might suggest Spotlight, and that can work, but Spotlight has problems too. Aside from there being no way to say, "search for Applications only" without having to open preferences, there is the issue of general interface idiocy. Spotlight also has no way for a user to pass parameters to a command. This is of paramount importance. You need to be able to tell your program what you want it to do.

Enter QuickSilver. QuickSilver is a program designed to make it simplicity itself to open and command programs. With QuickSilver, one need only type a brief key sequence to access any program or resource on the system. For instance, type option–apple–space on my systems and you will see a simple window appear in the center of the screen. Start typing your command, and the incremental search will show you results in realtime. When you see what you want, merely press enter. If you wish to add parameters, you need only press tab and type them in. So, to start FireFox, I need only type "fi" and enter. I can get the whole sequence out in the time it takes you to open your start menu or Finder window. And I can do that with every program, not just those few on the Dock.

So what about output problems? Traditionally, one could have programs do things like mail you when the program is done or produces output. This was ok in the old days when everything was command line and polling your mailbox every few minutes was routine. Today, you'd have to keep your mail window atop everything else. That's a bit annoying, not to mention the idea that it's like using a cannon to kill a fly. A far better solution can be had in Growl. What is Growl? It is a system notification service that you can run. Programs can send Growl messages, which it then displays as brief messages that fade away after a few seconds. So when a friend jumps onto AIM, Growl will put up a message letting you know. Even better, Growl can be setup across a network so that every machine on that network can alert every other machine when something happens. This makes it ridiculously simple to track programs. Growl even provides a command line tool, so your scripts can also use Growl to keep you abreast of things.

This next program is concerned with those who run more than one system. Perhaps you like to have your laptop next to your desktop. Perhaps you have several different desktops? All of those keyboards are probably getting to be a pain. How about that nest of mice and trackpads? You could go buy a KVM switch to make it easy to switch between systems. But that costs money, which I don't have. This is why I love SynergyKM, which is a wonderful PrefPane wrapper for Synergy, a virtual KM switch. Configured properly, you need only move your mouse to the edge of one screen, and it jumps to the next screen. Keyboard also follows the mouse. This makes it very easy to control many computers with just one keyboard and mouse. It even works on other systems besides the Macintosh, not that I really care.

Put these three programs, QuickSilver, Growl, and SynergyKM together; and you have the makings of a great system. It will be so easy to run and command your programs, so easy to see what they are doing, that you will wonder how you lived without them before. There is one more program that is worth mentioning. Adium X is a beautiful instant messaging and chat multiclient. With it, you can easily control all of your chat service accounts at the same time. You can even use it with MSN, Yahoo, AIM, Jabber. It even has a specific flavor for GoogleTalk that makes it drop dead easy to use your Google Talk accounts. Two other things make Adium X worth your time. One is the fact that it uses Growl to let you know when things happen. The other is it's support for Off The Record (OTR) encryption.

OTR encryption is a fully public key cryptography–based system, complete with message signing and the built in ability to disavow ownership of messages. It was designed with one purpose: privacy. It's totally automatic between supported clients. Simply click the lock icon to turn it on and off.

Although I seem pretty disconnected as I write this, I believe that I managed to relate the fundamental idea. I can only suggest that you try these programs. They are all free, and most are also open source. The worst that can happen is that you don't like them and remove them. If you do manage to do that, please feel free to drop a comment here and let me know what you didn't like.

Mountain Stream

I took this picture near my house. It is of a small mountain stream, complete with temple. Copyright ©2006 Toku Chan

I took this photo recently, when I went to this tiny mountain temple near my house. It was incredible. The sound of rushing water, the peace and quiet. You know those movies where the monk goes off to train in the mountains? This is one of those places.

Run Over by the RIAA Don...t Tap the Glass - The Tech

This is absolutely incredible. I don't usually write too much about politics here, but I felt this article warrants it.

If you are caught stealing, you deserve to be punished. The question raised by this article is not one of guilt—it's one of compassion. More broadly, does the punishment really fit the crime? For example, let's say that you downloaded 1,000 songs from an illegal site and were really dumb enough to turn around and share them back. Then—when you are caught—the RIAA will offer to settle with you out of court. The problem is that they ask so much of you—far more than you can in fact pay—and then expect you to make drastic changes in your life to support their untenable position.

Read the article. Then feel free to write a comment here with your thoughts. I'm curious to kow what people think about this…

What if?

What if Microsoft got to re-design the iPod package?

Hilarity ensues...

Mt. Fuji

Copyright ©2006 Toku Chan

This is the view that I had from my train's window as I was going to Tokyo. The train itself travels at over 260KmH, which is about 162MpH. Pretty fast. Anyway, I saw this out of my window and snapped a pretty good photo. I showed it to the Japanese fellow – Hideki was his name, and he sells motor oil for companies like Castrol – sitting next to me. He said that I was very lucky today; usually the mountain is covered in clouds and therefore quite impossible to see.

Well, today I go to the Imperial Palace and gardens. I understand that there is a part of the place open to the public. We shall see.

Dance, everybody! Dance!

Somsink joost hed to be zed, komrade.

Honda Steed

I found this Honda Steed modified motorcycle parked outside my dorm; and just HAD to take a picture. Copyright ©2006 Toku Chan

You know that moment when you realize that you REALLY miss your ride? No? Well, I do. I saw this baby, and I wanted to just hop on, kick the starter, and roll 'er off down the highway.

Although she's a little raked for my taste, I love her just the same. She's that pretty Japanese bike that I can oogle until I get home to Baby.

O Mamori

The busses and trains in Japan often have these protective charms installed to provide the passengers with that little bit of extra protection. Yes, that metal sleeve is actually intended for this purpose. Copyright ©2006 Toku Chan

When I ride the busses and trains around here, I am often amused by the differences between the way things are done here, and the way they are done at home.

When you ride a bus in Amercia, you need "exact change," which you must pay up front, or you can't get on. One of the big problems with this is knowing how much to pay. This usually involves talking with the bus driver and discovering how much "exact change" you might need. Cumbersome! I say.

The Japanese found a simple and – dare I suggest – elegant solution to the problem. Pay when you get off. Japanese busses have two doors. You always get on through the back door, where you either log in your bus card or K card; or take the little zone ticket if it is offered. Sit down and enjoy the ride. At the front of the bus is a display with lots of numbers. If you don't have a ticket, then the amount shown in box 1 is how much you must eventually pay. Otherwise, your ticket's number's box reflects the amount.

Oh, and don't worry about exact change, all busses in Japan are equipped with efficient change machines at the front. These are the same machines that you either drop money into or swipe your card through when it's time to get off.

People can get onto and off of busses in Japan very easily and quickly. They even went so far as to design protective charms right into the bus itself. See the photo for details.

The Moon over Hirakata

Oh yeah! This will make a beautiful desktop background... Copyright ©2006 Toku Chan

I was riding home from another day of grueling midterms when I spotted the red mood rising behind a building. I decided to go over to this spot I know where you can get a good view at night. This is the result. Personally, I think it makes a beautiful backdrop, but the photo dosen't do the real thing justice.Just an addendum: I have to say, I LOVE my new camera. This is an incredible shot, and I'm proud of it. Go on over to Flickr to see some more good photos taken recently...