en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/4938450 Comments by jserf http://atomictoasters.com/2015/02/shutdown-two-tvs/#IDComment948819618 You're a better man than I; I've inexplicably managed to acquire more televisions than residents in my household. Shameful, really. Although it does come in handy when the gang comes over to play Artemis. Sun, 8 Feb 2015 06:44:00 +0000 http://atomictoasters.com/2015/02/shutdown-two-tvs/#IDComment948819618 http://atomictoasters.com/2015/02/shutdown-two-tvs/#IDComment948819374 Aww, I miss my Compaq luggable. Sun, 8 Feb 2015 06:42:03 +0000 http://atomictoasters.com/2015/02/shutdown-two-tvs/#IDComment948819374 http://atomictoasters.com/2014/03/shutdown-alls-well-that-ends-well/#IDComment800799437 Yay! Tue, 4 Mar 2014 06:28:49 +0000 http://atomictoasters.com/2014/03/shutdown-alls-well-that-ends-well/#IDComment800799437 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/09/startup-box/#IDComment725757253 L'art pour l'art! Magnificent. Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:18:50 +0000 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/09/startup-box/#IDComment725757253 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/user-input-dream-works/#IDComment653850817 I'd probably build boats. Or houses; working as an electrician's apprentice during high school and college was one of the jobs I loved most. Or maybe be a long-haul truck driver; that always seemed appealing to me on a weird level. Some nice, honest, not especially academic work (unlike what I do now). Sat, 1 Jun 2013 11:58:26 +0000 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/user-input-dream-works/#IDComment653850817 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/startup-the-60s-were-kinda-awesome/#IDComment653340114 Not to mention the knitted vest. Ungh. Soooo hot! Fri, 31 May 2013 12:51:46 +0000 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/startup-the-60s-were-kinda-awesome/#IDComment653340114 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/user-input-one-thing-to-rule-them-all/#IDComment653130799 I kinda think you guys are looking at it the wrong way. Microsoft isn't selling a game/media console; they're selling a software ecosystem. This isn't "one device to rule them all" as much as it is a compatible chunk of hardware designed to integrate with software their customers probably already possess. They want your life to be enhanced by Microsoft--a Microsoft desktop environment, a Microsoft mobile smartphone environment, a Microsoft media environment, etc. It's a pretty effective business plan, in my humble and completely insignificant opinion. It worked extremely well for Apple, once they rose to dominance with their iPhone. It's working reasonably well for Google, though they've only taken tentative steps into the hardware world. It has not worked well for Sony; they have tried and failed to establish their own software ecosystem. Now that their tablets are running Android, it's probably not going to happen for them. Nintendo has never really tried to establish a software ecosystem (and that's fine; they do what they do pretty well... though I'm not especially impressed with the WiiU). I think think the Xbox One is a good indication of where we've come from and where we're going. It's basically just a half-decent PC running a very restrictive custom OS designed to integrate seamlessly into M$'s world. This is kinda how tech is working these days. We have more devices than ever... they can just do a hell of a lot more than they used to. When we get a new phone, we expect it to have a camera, a GPS, a web browser, an app for FaceSpace, a media player, an alarm clock, a news client, a remote link to a satellite that can scratch our ass from outer space, and, oh yeah, a phone. Devices are coalescing around software environments more than they're coalescing around hardware, though. We're more concerned with the quality of the Maps app than we are with the processor speed of a phone nowadays, 'cause that's what's really going to decide whether or not the phone is going to be as useful as we want. I'm rambling; please forgive me. The PS4 is probably also going to be a fancy PC with a restrictive OS--I expect it will actually be superior (possibly substantially) to the Xbox One, but I'm not sure that it will sell as well, because it isn't designed specifically to integrate with a software ecosystem (as far as I know). I think engineerd is right about the SYNC system being an indication of the future--the idea is that your hardware will be compatible with all the other tech in your life, that the software will behave in ways that you expect--useful ways that allow you to accomplish more things in less time with less effort. I already think about my computer in a "modular" sense. I don't give a crap about my hardware. "My computer" is not a piece of hardware, it's the amalgamation of the data, programs, and software environment. The hardware will be upgraded, will change completely, and will take different forms, but it's ultimately all a way of accessing my "exobrain" (if I might borrow a fantastic term). Will the Xbox One become a part of my exobrain? I'm not so sure. The Kinect will probably be great for Skype and possibly a couple of games, but motion-based control of the "Minority Report" sort only looks cool on TV. In reality, it is annoying as all get-out (currently have a Kinect, would far prefer to use my controller 99.9% of the time). Same goes for voice command. Looks and sounds cool when Tony Stark talks to his computer, looks and sounds idiotic when I'm doing it in my living room. Software ecosystem? We've got a mix in our home; an Xbox sits under the TV, but so does a Wii and a Raspberry Pi. My desktop is a Hackintosh but also has a Linux partition and a (completely unused, if I am to be honest) Windows partition. Our laptops and MG's iPad are Apple products, but our phones are Android phones. Currently, we manage pretty well with this mixed system... I kinda wonder if we'll go with "one" ecosystem at some point in the future. I don't like the idea, honestly; competition is good for consumers like me. As long as there's a bit of competition, we can generally be assured that most of our devices will be somewhat compatible with one another; every manufacturer has an incentive to allow their stuff to work with someone else' stuff. Ugh, kinda been all over the place with this post; my apologies. Tryin' to squeeze it in before I hafta run to my next class! Fri, 31 May 2013 02:30:44 +0000 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/user-input-one-thing-to-rule-them-all/#IDComment653130799 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/startup-sad-but-true/#IDComment651572268 If you absolutely have to spend time in front of a desk... I am typing this post while walking on a treadmill desk. It is awesome; I am addicted to the thing. I don't know that it's helped me lose any weight, but it's probably helped keep it off, and that definitely makes the thing all worthwhile. Only about $100 for a damned good used treadmill at the local thrift store (they call 'em "recycle shops" here); just add a modular shelf and a second monitor + keyboard an' mouse. MG uses it sometimes, too; she just pushes my keyboard out of the way and sets up her iPad while she runs. She likes to run on the thing, in short bursts (10-20min). I prefer to walk for longer periods (1-3hrs); I can type, do graphics work, pretty much whatever I want at around 1.8-2.4kph. I'd prefer to spend time outside, bicycling, swimming, snowboarding, hiking, or just goofing around... but, if nothing else... it's better than that horrifying one-person loveseat. Tue, 28 May 2013 13:44:21 +0000 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/startup-sad-but-true/#IDComment651572268 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/what-ever-became-of-mechanical-interfaces/#IDComment650680172 IBM Model M for the WIN! I still have one back in the 'States somewhere. There's a reason Unicomp can still sell the damned things for $80 a pop, despite not having backlights or fancy customizable buttons or any gibberish like that. Mon, 27 May 2013 01:36:14 +0000 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/what-ever-became-of-mechanical-interfaces/#IDComment650680172 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/startup-priorities/#IDComment643553507 Pro tip: Marry someone who's even more perverted than you are; never worry about it again. Thu, 16 May 2013 12:42:16 +0000 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/startup-priorities/#IDComment643553507 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/user-input-real-life-spy-gadgets/#IDComment642024109 MG and I were in a shopping center a few days ago, and we stopped by the kids' area/arcades. Japan has some pretty fascinating games and such, but I was immediately drawn to what appeared to be a large, elaborate HO train layout under a big plastic cover. Turns out, the damned thing was a video game (one of the best I've ever seen). There were four trains, each on an independent loop. The goal of the game was to reach certain speeds at certain points, to stop at the appropriate stops at certain times, and to stop at with a degree of required accuracy. The really fascinating part, though, was that these tiny HO trains had cameras built in, and the video feed was played live on a screen at the controls. It wasn't crappy video, either--not HD, but color, live, and quite good quality! It made for a fascinating (and fun!) game. I'm not sure how they were transmitting the video; the trains weren't hard-wired or anything, but free on the tracks. It was totally cool. I can't think of a more fun (legal) use for tiny cameras. Tue, 14 May 2013 12:17:52 +0000 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/user-input-real-life-spy-gadgets/#IDComment642024109 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/startup-holy-rocket-man/#IDComment639372748 Okay, MG and I just watched "The Rocketeer," having been prompted by this post, and... DAMN. This movie was very obviously the precursor of so many of the "modern" superhero movies. This is seriously an *excellent* movie. Even MG appreciated it (and she was only, what, four years old when it came out?); she's my barometer where excellent superhero/sci-fi movies are concerned. The Rocketeer doesn't get nearly enough credit. It's a f*ckin' kickass flick. Fri, 10 May 2013 13:12:31 +0000 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/startup-holy-rocket-man/#IDComment639372748 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/startup-the-scourge-of-the-seven-uh-highways/#IDComment637811847 Doc Terminus did it first! Wed, 8 May 2013 13:38:34 +0000 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/startup-the-scourge-of-the-seven-uh-highways/#IDComment637811847 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/user-input-stubborn-resistance/#IDComment637027503 Both. Digital for convenience's sake, analog for nostalgia's sake. My walls are covered with great LPs; they make for decent decorations when you're dirt poor in Japan. Later, when you're no longer dirt poor, you find that it's fun to buy an old turntable, take one of the LPs down, and rock out to Zepplin's Houses of the Holy on a sleepy Sunday afternoon. Tue, 7 May 2013 13:44:15 +0000 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/user-input-stubborn-resistance/#IDComment637027503 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/startup-holy-rocket-man/#IDComment637022525 Can't shake my childhood dreams. I'll be battling Nazis with my art-deco rocket pack and battlefield-acquired Mauser C96; just you wait. Tue, 7 May 2013 13:36:42 +0000 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/startup-holy-rocket-man/#IDComment637022525 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/toasters-reads-the-pilgrim-project/#IDComment636112917 I loved that book. It had an interesting ending, as I recall, though I don't want to spoil it for anyone. I should find out if the book is available for the Kindle; it could be worth a re-read. Mon, 6 May 2013 11:34:43 +0000 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/toasters-reads-the-pilgrim-project/#IDComment636112917 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/01/spoilers-sweetie-or-the-post-where-we-discuss-doctor-who/#IDComment636036654 My wife and I are relatively new Dr. Who fans. We avoided the series like the plague for some time--an odd move for us, because we enjoy experiencing science fiction media the way many folks enjoy activities such as eating delicious food or breathing clean air. The reason? The fans. The fans of Dr. Who often struck us as insufferable at best. We've met a great many awful people who are vehement Dr. Who fans... and if we were to start watching it... would that not make us one of them? I experienced a similar sensation several years ago, when I attended a small concert in which the Bloodhound Gang performed. I like their music; it's catchy, the lyrics are intelligent and amusing (well...), and they have an overall message of which I approve. At the concert, however, I was appalled at the behaviours of many of the fans. There were several violent fights, a great many drunkards, and at one point during the show, the bass guitarist downed what appeared to be a large bottle of Jägermeister, vomited on himself, then took his soiled shirt off and threw it into the crowd, where it was immediately donned by an enthusiastic fan. When it had ended, I left the show, rather unsettled. What did my participation as a fan mean? By buying a ticket, by enjoying the band's music... was I one of "them"? Likewise, Dr. Who fans had left me cautious about the show. I've watched all sorts of science fiction television programs and movies. I've enjoyed the less-popular series such as 'Babylon 5' and 'Space: Above and Beyond'. I've become a hard-core Browncoat, participated in discussions regarding the ecological effects of the destruction of the second Death Star above the forest moon of Endor and the politics resulting from the incident, and brushed up on my understanding of early Klingon mythology... but Dr. Who was too much for me. The fans had driven me to a point at which I openly denounced the show and refused to watch it. Ultimately, it was my wife who finally decided that we should give the show a chance. She, of all people, having been brutally wronged by a particularly looney Dr. Who fan during her university career, had every reason to avoid the program, but her best friend talked her into giving it a chance, so we did. The show is quite good! We started with the "new series"/the 9th Doctor, and have thoroughly enjoyed it. It's an excellent show. That said... it's the most masterfully-written Mary Sue I've ever seen. 'Mary Sue' is a literary term with which I have only recently become familiar. During my student teaching years, I once happened to receive an assignment from a young lady who had written the most peculiar story. In her story, a character bearing her name and description served as an odd sort of interloper in the universe created by popular writer Stephenie Meyer, the woman responsible for unleashing 'Twilight' upon our world. In this student's story, she appeared in the high school featured in 'Twilight', stole the attractive male protagonist's heart through her quick wit, kind heart, and unlikely abilities, and became the envy of every other character as she rose to popularity and success, finding the love she had always desired in this fictitious, damaged gentleman vampire. I found the story to be one of the strangest things I had ever read; none of my other students had written anything of the sort, and I had no idea what to make of it. I was discussing it with my then-girlfriend/now-wife, and she instantly laughed and said, "She wrote a 'Mary Sue'!" Being completely unfamiliar with the term, I had her explain it to me, then looked it up online and read all about it. Hilarious, and fascinating. Having watched the entire "new series" of Dr. Who, I feel I can, with some certainty, say that Dr. Who is a very uniquely-written, artfully-crafted, and somewhat amusing "Mary Sue", though I don't mean to detract from it in any way. It's amusing to watch, though I find myself oddly aware of the writers'/producers' manipulation of the "fangirl" audience... Mon, 6 May 2013 09:08:16 +0000 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/01/spoilers-sweetie-or-the-post-where-we-discuss-doctor-who/#IDComment636036654 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/user-input-rings-and-handshakes/#IDComment635482435 "No Homers" Sun, 5 May 2013 10:37:45 +0000 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/user-input-rings-and-handshakes/#IDComment635482435 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/user-input-slaves-to-technology/#IDComment635476985 Having just returned from a trip to the Philippines, I find this a thought-provoking question, to say the least. I turned off my phone's data and roaming--in fact, I disabled all wireless connections (and was amazed to find that my phone--fully charged the night before I left--retained a charge for the duration of the entire trip). It was a remarkably refreshing and satisfying five days. Technology that I really value after the trip: Consistent electrical power. Internal combustion engines. Especially engines that have electric starting mechanisms (though it is fascinating to see three young Filipino men starting a boat engine with a knotted pull-string). Whatever technology exists that provides us with cool chemical concoctions like shampoo. Seriously; shampoo is awesome. Water pressurization systems. Specifically, water pressurization systems that provide water at greater than around 17 psi (which is apparently the maximum pressure of showers in the Philippines). Water filtration systems that allow for drinkable tap water. Also, air-conditioning is a pretty cool invention. But, yeah... being separated from my phone, the internet, and the like was a pretty nice experience. I highly recommend it! Sun, 5 May 2013 10:22:33 +0000 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/user-input-slaves-to-technology/#IDComment635476985 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/q%c2%b3-hugs-for-everyone/#IDComment635471798 Looks like an old plastic handle and the plastic clip of a grade-school student's lunch-box, to me! Possibly something else, but the first shot is definitely a handle, the second looks an awful lot like a plastic retaining clip... Sun, 5 May 2013 10:08:15 +0000 http://atomictoasters.com/2013/05/q%c2%b3-hugs-for-everyone/#IDComment635471798