Monday, July 14, 2008
Scour
I found this new website called Scour that aggregates searches from Google, Yahoo, and MSN and lets you vote on how relevant they are. You get points for voting, commenting, and referrals that you can cash in for money. I'm an engineer and I use Google all day long so I figure why not just get paid for it? Even if it's pennies, that's more than I was making before. Sign up by clicking here (Note: this is a link that will give me referral points. Just wanted to disclose).
Friday, July 11, 2008
iBrick
I have a 1st gen iPhone and have been waiting for 3rd party apps for ever now (I had it hacked for while, but I just hate that I can't get firmware updates without jumping through hoops). Today (July 11) everything was suppose to launch. And thus started my iBricking experience:
~ 5 p.m July 10th - Manually downloaded iTunes 7.7
~ 6 p.m July 10th - Started browsing apps
~ 7 p.m July 10th - After looking through all apps...found only 4 or 5 I want
~ 7:15 p.m Got all apps downloaded
8 a.m July 11th - Opened iTunes, plugged phone in and tried to update
8:01 - Tried to upgrade again
8:02 - Tried again
.
.
.
.
.
9 a.m - iTunes says there is an update...Yipeeee!!!
9:01 a.m - Started upgrade process
.
.
.
9:30 a.m - Everything got backed up, new firmware in place, all it has to do now is authenticate
9:35 a.m - Uh oh
I've been trying to get my phone back for about an hour and a half now and it seems I'm not the only one having problems: Digg
If I find a solution for this, I'll post it.
Update: It's now 11:12 a.m and I'm still without a phone.
Update # 2: 12:52 p.m - Still can't use my phone. I'm calling support listed at Apple.com
Update # 3: Still on hold, but I did find some info about it on the CNET Crave Blog
Below is what a user posted from his experience with Apple tech support:
Final Update: - I was just able to activate my phone and sync my new apps. I'll let you guys know how the 2.0 firmware is and give you my 2cents on the apps soon.
~ 5 p.m July 10th - Manually downloaded iTunes 7.7
~ 6 p.m July 10th - Started browsing apps
~ 7 p.m July 10th - After looking through all apps...found only 4 or 5 I want
~ 7:15 p.m Got all apps downloaded
8 a.m July 11th - Opened iTunes, plugged phone in and tried to update
8:01 - Tried to upgrade again
8:02 - Tried again
.
.
.
.
.
9 a.m - iTunes says there is an update...Yipeeee!!!
9:01 a.m - Started upgrade process
.
.
.
9:30 a.m - Everything got backed up, new firmware in place, all it has to do now is authenticate
9:35 a.m - Uh oh
I've been trying to get my phone back for about an hour and a half now and it seems I'm not the only one having problems: Digg
If I find a solution for this, I'll post it.
Update: It's now 11:12 a.m and I'm still without a phone.
Update # 2: 12:52 p.m - Still can't use my phone. I'm calling support listed at Apple.com
Update # 3: Still on hold, but I did find some info about it on the CNET Crave Blog
Below is what a user posted from his experience with Apple tech support:
Dear ,
Due to network congestion on the iTunes server, you may not be able to update or restore the software on your iPhone. Once the congestion has decreased the software should be available for you to update. It would be advisable to attempt the update later on today.
If you have attempted to restore your iPhone and it is currently in recovery mode, you will not be able to use your iPhone until the software has been restored or updated. A temporary solution may be to use your SIM in another AT&T phone or have your calls forwarded to a phone you have access to.
We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused.
If you would like to voice your concerns to Apple about this, feel free to visit apple.com/feedback
Thank-you for your patience on this matter.
Regards,
Your Apple Care Team
Final Update: - I was just able to activate my phone and sync my new apps. I'll let you guys know how the 2.0 firmware is and give you my 2cents on the apps soon.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Why people steal music
You want to know why people steal music? It's because the RIAA and bands DRM their music to all hell and make it harder to buy music than to steal it. Why buy music that I can barley play when I can just download it and play it on whatever device I want and on as many devices as I want?
I bought an album from Snocap directly from MySpace from a band that I like called Kill Switch Engage. I knew the album had DRM on it, but I wanted to support the band so I bought it anyway. I use Itunes as my player, but this album has Windows DRM. This means that I can only play the album with Windows Media Player. Fine. I like the band and I didn't want to "rip them off". I played it a few times, and then forgot about it because it wasn't in my Itunes library which is what I use. Then I got a new laptop and moved all my music over. All my music played fine in Itunes (because I strip the DRM with a third party app), but I was unable to play my KSE album. Here is what I get when I try to play it:
Simple right? Just download the nice executable and be on your way. Wrong. I'm still having problems. I'm sure I can get them worked out being that I'm an engineer, but that's not the point. I shouldn't have to work anything out just to listen to the music that I bought. I can't even put the shit on my Ipod. So I emailed the band telling them I won't be buying any more of their music, and because Apple just sent a C & D to my favorite fair play stripper, I won't be buying music from Itunes anymore. So where does that leave me? Well there is Amazonmp3.com which doesn't have all the major labels, and there's Emusic which is in the same boat and also has a subscription model that I'm not so hot on. So what is an honest person to do? Looks like the people that are trying to keep me from stealing music are pushing me to start exploring my options.
~ Rob
I bought an album from Snocap directly from MySpace from a band that I like called Kill Switch Engage. I knew the album had DRM on it, but I wanted to support the band so I bought it anyway. I use Itunes as my player, but this album has Windows DRM. This means that I can only play the album with Windows Media Player. Fine. I like the band and I didn't want to "rip them off". I played it a few times, and then forgot about it because it wasn't in my Itunes library which is what I use. Then I got a new laptop and moved all my music over. All my music played fine in Itunes (because I strip the DRM with a third party app), but I was unable to play my KSE album. Here is what I get when I try to play it:
Simple right? Just download the nice executable and be on your way. Wrong. I'm still having problems. I'm sure I can get them worked out being that I'm an engineer, but that's not the point. I shouldn't have to work anything out just to listen to the music that I bought. I can't even put the shit on my Ipod. So I emailed the band telling them I won't be buying any more of their music, and because Apple just sent a C & D to my favorite fair play stripper, I won't be buying music from Itunes anymore. So where does that leave me? Well there is Amazonmp3.com which doesn't have all the major labels, and there's Emusic which is in the same boat and also has a subscription model that I'm not so hot on. So what is an honest person to do? Looks like the people that are trying to keep me from stealing music are pushing me to start exploring my options.
~ Rob
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Land Rover DII washer fluid bottle relocation
After buying a new front bumper for my DII, I faced a new challenge: relocate the washer fluid bottle so that it doesn't hang below my new bumper. I first searched Discoweb.org and found a promising tutorial. I went to work, but then I realized I had extra hardware that wasn't shown in the tutorial. I went back to Discoweb, and found that others had the same problem. I saw that you could potentially use a D90 water bottle in substitution of the stock bottle. There was only one problem: I didn't want to spend the money to buy a D90 bottle that I may hack up anyway. After going back to the drawing board, I came up with a solution that was easy to install, holds lots of fluid, and most important only cost about $35 dollars in parts (You can probably get away with it for less than $15 if you have some parts around or you shop around).
It should be noted that this works with a ROVERTRACKS front bumper, and I would assume it would work with other low profile bumpers like the RoverTyme bumper, but I don't know for sure.
You will need:
Materials:
About 3 feet of poly tube to extend the stock hoses
About 3 feet of wire to extend the wire for the pumps
2 large hose clamps hose clamps
A 3" or 4" length of PVC
2 2" lengths of PVC
2 3" or 4" end caps (same as whatever size you got above)
2 2" 90 degree PVC bends
A 2" cap with screw top
A 3" or 4" coupler with 2" outlet
PVC glue
Tools:
2" hole saw
Saw to cut PVC
Screw driver
Drill and dremel (I used the dremel because I didn't have a bit big enough)
Small bit for vent hole, big bit if you have it for mounting pumps
Directions:
First of all this is what you are trying to make:
This is just pieced together and the up tube isn't cut to length yet.
1. Start by lining up the 3" piece of pipe under the bumper and measuring out how much you need cut off to create a tight fit. Make sure to leave enough space for the end camps and mounting of the pumps on the end of the container.
2. Cut the 3" tube in half a third of the way down the tube on the right side.
3. Put the coupler in between the new cut. (DON'T GLUE ANYTHING YET)
4. Put the new assembly back up to the bumper to make sure you still have room for everything. You'll probably have to cut the long tube again.
5. Now put the end caps on and cut the holes in the right end of the tube. I put the pumps up to the end of the cap and marked where I needed to cut. Try not to cut the holes too big. The tighter the fit the better. Try to put the pumps to as close to the bottom of the tube as possible (this will allow you to pick up more fluid).
Note: this picture has one of the small motors and the big motor (used for old bumper sprayers. You'll use both small motors when you're ready to glue). I was just test fitting.
6. Now assemble the whole thing and test fit it. This will allow you to figure out the length of your up tube and how far over you need to go over with the 2" pipe before you need to start your up tube. I went over far enough so the up tube wasn't in front of my fan. Mark out your hole that you will cut in the fender.
7. Cut your over tube and up tube to the right size. Cut the hole in the fender.
8. Put the whole assembly back in place and make sure everything lines up.
9. Now extend your tubes and wires. You should just need to cut a length of tube (about a foot) and it will fit right in to the stock connectors and then connect to the pump. Cut off the plug that plugs into the pumps and splice in about a foot of wire.
Here is a picture:
On the left is the stock length and the right is the new length.
The tubes will run from the stock connection point through a hole and into the new location:
Here is how they connect:
I actually heated the lines a little to slide them all the way on when I ready to put the lines in place for production use.
10. Once you are sure you have the right fit, glue everything together. Make sure to be liberal with the glue and when connecting two pieces of PVC twist the two peices together (You'll have leaks otherwise). You'll also need to use some silicone when gluing the pumps in place. Make sure you use the stock rubber grommets and let the silicone dry over night.
11. Drill a small hole in the cap on the up tube so that bottle can breath.
12. Now use the bar that runs in front of the radiator to attach the new container:
Here's a few pictures of it finished:
The finished bottle:
On the truck from below:
From the front squatting:
The spout:
After I was all done, I zip tied all the lines and had to add a few to the up tube to get it just in place. I also had a small leak, and had to add more silicone. I've been using the new system for a few weeks, and it works great. I used a 3" tube for the main container, and I can hold just under a gallon. If I used 4" tube I'm sure I would have been able to hold over a gallon. You can't even see the bottle unless you squat pretty low and look. Leave a comment if you have any questions, and I can help you with anything you need.
It should be noted that this works with a ROVERTRACKS front bumper, and I would assume it would work with other low profile bumpers like the RoverTyme bumper, but I don't know for sure.
You will need:
Materials:
About 3 feet of poly tube to extend the stock hoses
About 3 feet of wire to extend the wire for the pumps
2 large hose clamps hose clamps
A 3" or 4" length of PVC
2 2" lengths of PVC
2 3" or 4" end caps (same as whatever size you got above)
2 2" 90 degree PVC bends
A 2" cap with screw top
A 3" or 4" coupler with 2" outlet
PVC glue
Tools:
2" hole saw
Saw to cut PVC
Screw driver
Drill and dremel (I used the dremel because I didn't have a bit big enough)
Small bit for vent hole, big bit if you have it for mounting pumps
Directions:
First of all this is what you are trying to make:
This is just pieced together and the up tube isn't cut to length yet.
1. Start by lining up the 3" piece of pipe under the bumper and measuring out how much you need cut off to create a tight fit. Make sure to leave enough space for the end camps and mounting of the pumps on the end of the container.
2. Cut the 3" tube in half a third of the way down the tube on the right side.
3. Put the coupler in between the new cut. (DON'T GLUE ANYTHING YET)
4. Put the new assembly back up to the bumper to make sure you still have room for everything. You'll probably have to cut the long tube again.
5. Now put the end caps on and cut the holes in the right end of the tube. I put the pumps up to the end of the cap and marked where I needed to cut. Try not to cut the holes too big. The tighter the fit the better. Try to put the pumps to as close to the bottom of the tube as possible (this will allow you to pick up more fluid).
Note: this picture has one of the small motors and the big motor (used for old bumper sprayers. You'll use both small motors when you're ready to glue). I was just test fitting.
6. Now assemble the whole thing and test fit it. This will allow you to figure out the length of your up tube and how far over you need to go over with the 2" pipe before you need to start your up tube. I went over far enough so the up tube wasn't in front of my fan. Mark out your hole that you will cut in the fender.
7. Cut your over tube and up tube to the right size. Cut the hole in the fender.
8. Put the whole assembly back in place and make sure everything lines up.
9. Now extend your tubes and wires. You should just need to cut a length of tube (about a foot) and it will fit right in to the stock connectors and then connect to the pump. Cut off the plug that plugs into the pumps and splice in about a foot of wire.
Here is a picture:
On the left is the stock length and the right is the new length.
The tubes will run from the stock connection point through a hole and into the new location:
Here is how they connect:
I actually heated the lines a little to slide them all the way on when I ready to put the lines in place for production use.
10. Once you are sure you have the right fit, glue everything together. Make sure to be liberal with the glue and when connecting two pieces of PVC twist the two peices together (You'll have leaks otherwise). You'll also need to use some silicone when gluing the pumps in place. Make sure you use the stock rubber grommets and let the silicone dry over night.
11. Drill a small hole in the cap on the up tube so that bottle can breath.
12. Now use the bar that runs in front of the radiator to attach the new container:
Here's a few pictures of it finished:
The finished bottle:
On the truck from below:
From the front squatting:
The spout:
After I was all done, I zip tied all the lines and had to add a few to the up tube to get it just in place. I also had a small leak, and had to add more silicone. I've been using the new system for a few weeks, and it works great. I used a 3" tube for the main container, and I can hold just under a gallon. If I used 4" tube I'm sure I would have been able to hold over a gallon. You can't even see the bottle unless you squat pretty low and look. Leave a comment if you have any questions, and I can help you with anything you need.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
My new helmet cam
I recently bought an Oregon Scientific helmet cam. I bought it so that I could get video from my Supermoto. Well, I did get some video...on my first time out, I almost highsided my bike, and I got it all on video. Enjoy:
Look forward to seeing some sweet skiing video this year!!!
----------------
Listening to: Marilyn Manson - This Is the New S**t
via FoxyTunes
Look forward to seeing some sweet skiing video this year!!!
----------------
Listening to: Marilyn Manson - This Is the New S**t
via FoxyTunes
Friday, November 16, 2007
Add a seatbelt to your messanger bag
I found this on a blog called Evil (I actually found it through make). This seems like a sweet site and I dig seatbelt stuff (like belts, bags, and whatnot). Here is a quick tutorial on swapping your stock strap on a messenger bag for a seatbelt:
Hack my Bag
I have an old Timbuktu bag that I'll be doing this to...i'll update with pictures soon.
-- Rob
Hack my Bag
I have an old Timbuktu bag that I'll be doing this to...i'll update with pictures soon.
-- Rob
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Crack a padlock in no time flat
HOWTO force a padlock with a tin-can shim - Boing Boing
I've seen this before, but it's worth showing others...Enjoy!
--Rob
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Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Rip Audio from a DVD to MP3
Featured Windows Download: Rip Audio from a DVD to MP3 with Free DVD MP3 Ripper
Another great find from lifehacker. Start ripping your concert dvds!
-- Rob
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Tuesday, November 13, 2007
As many links as I could think of...
Kim mentioned to me the other day that I seem to know a lot of cool places to go on the net. That got me thinking..."How many do I actually know?". Turns out, I don't know too many "cool" websites. I do know a lot of useful websites and programs and a few cool websites, so instead of putting a list of "cool" places together, I decided to put a list of links to sites and software that I use/like/love or just think you might like. I use Ubuntu, so some of the stuff I listed only works on Linux, but I did try to make the links as cross platform as possible. Enjoy:
Audio/Video (12)
Amazonmp3
Anywhere.FM
Last.fm
Pandora
YouTube
Google Video
Yahoo Video
Break
Myspace Video
Metacafe
Yahoo Music Videos
EyeSpot
Photo related(2)
Flickr
Picasa
Social Networking/Community Driven(7)
Digg
StumbleUpon
Myspace
Facebook
Newsvine
Twitter
Slashdot
Podcasting(7)
Twit
Revision3
CNET
This American Life
Hak.5
DL.TV
Maccast
Podrunner
Blogs/Good RSS feeds(17)
--Comics
XKCD
Cracked
Dinosaur Comics
A Softer World
Questionable Content
Copper
Indexed
--Tech
Lifehacker
Make
Engadget
Hack A Day
Instructables
--Other
Boing Boing
Toolmonger
TurnYourselfIn
Blogger
WordPress
Bargain Shopping(7)
Backcountry.com
Woot
Steep and Cheap
Froogle (Google product Search now)
Ebay
Craigslist
FatFingers
Open Source Software(17)
Ubuntu
GIMP
TrueCrypt
Eclipse
Audacity
VLC
Pidgin
gVim
OpenOffice
Mplayer/Mencoder
FireFox
ThunderBird
Sunbird
FreeNas
Cinelerra
Pitivi
Knoppix
Utilities/Apps(10)
IMDB
Putty
Portable Apps
Wikipedia
Google - Search/Gmai/Google Docs/Google Maps
meebo
youconvertit
Security Tools
FileZilla
FeeNX
Questionable Legality(4)
QTFairUse
FairUse4WM
HandBrake
AcidRip
Audio/Video (12)
Amazonmp3
Anywhere.FM
Last.fm
Pandora
YouTube
Google Video
Yahoo Video
Break
Myspace Video
Metacafe
Yahoo Music Videos
EyeSpot
Photo related(2)
Flickr
Picasa
Social Networking/Community Driven(7)
Digg
StumbleUpon
Myspace
Newsvine
Slashdot
Podcasting(7)
Twit
Revision3
CNET
This American Life
Hak.5
DL.TV
Maccast
Podrunner
Blogs/Good RSS feeds(17)
--Comics
XKCD
Cracked
Dinosaur Comics
A Softer World
Questionable Content
Copper
Indexed
--Tech
Lifehacker
Make
Engadget
Hack A Day
Instructables
--Other
Boing Boing
Toolmonger
TurnYourselfIn
Blogger
WordPress
Bargain Shopping(7)
Backcountry.com
Woot
Steep and Cheap
Froogle (Google product Search now)
Ebay
Craigslist
FatFingers
Open Source Software(17)
Ubuntu
GIMP
TrueCrypt
Eclipse
Audacity
VLC
Pidgin
gVim
OpenOffice
Mplayer/Mencoder
FireFox
ThunderBird
Sunbird
FreeNas
Cinelerra
Pitivi
Knoppix
Utilities/Apps(10)
IMDB
Putty
Portable Apps
Wikipedia
Google - Search/Gmai/Google Docs/Google Maps
meebo
youconvertit
Security Tools
FileZilla
FeeNX
Questionable Legality(4)
QTFairUse
FairUse4WM
HandBrake
AcidRip
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Monday, September 24, 2007
Check out what I'm listening to
As anyone who works with me knows, I listen to music about 90% of my work day. It's the only way I can get any work done b/c of some...um loud co-workers...
Well I figured why not share with the rest of the world..?...From here on out, you'll be able to see a signature with some of the lame music/podcasts I listen to.
Rob
----------------
Listening to: Molly Wood and Kelly Morrison - Gadgettes 61: The Fall Season Episode
via FoxyTunes
Well I figured why not share with the rest of the world..?...From here on out, you'll be able to see a signature with some of the lame music/podcasts I listen to.
Rob
----------------
Listening to: Molly Wood and Kelly Morrison - Gadgettes 61: The Fall Season Episode
via FoxyTunes
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