OK, as those returning can see, I no longer have the domain www.maximumword.com . I may have another soon, but now I'll just use the services of Blogger.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Sunday, August 22, 2004
Dick Van Dyke-- Computer Animator
Yes, I'm talking about the TV legend. And he isn't just playing around. He has been using computers to do animation for years. He even used his talent on his TV show to create a realistic wreck when they didn't have the money for it.
As amazing and cool as this is, this does lead me to a disturbing though...
Dick Van Dyke is a bigger geek than I am. sigh...
As amazing and cool as this is, this does lead me to a disturbing though...
Dick Van Dyke is a bigger geek than I am. sigh...
Friday, August 20, 2004
Ape Photographs... just like the Stars
A photographer who normally takes shots of the stars has a new hobby... apes. This isn't wildlife shots, but shots of apes just as one takes photos of the stars for People and other such media.
Apes are an interest of mine, but even I was taken by how different they look in this very different context. And besides making you think a bit, they are very lovely photos.
There is even humor... more than once I thought "Gee, that looks like ..." in referance to someone I know!
Apes are an interest of mine, but even I was taken by how different they look in this very different context. And besides making you think a bit, they are very lovely photos.
There is even humor... more than once I thought "Gee, that looks like ..." in referance to someone I know!
Monday, August 16, 2004
I'm Back!!!! sigh... again.
My computer was out for about a week. Just a power supply, but I didn't have the money to get a new one. Now I'm back, and I'm done with the normal 48 hour period of being locked to my keyboard surfing and playing computer games.
I'll be blogging soon. I have too... site visits have dropped to about 5 to 10 a day!
I'll be blogging soon. I have too... site visits have dropped to about 5 to 10 a day!
Thursday, July 29, 2004
FactCheck.org - Annenberg Political Fact Check
In this season of political ads, one needs to cut though the thick of it and find some reality. The fact is that both sides ... well, let's say they play a few games with the truth, and wouldn't let it get in the way of a nice sound bite.
Factcheck.org is a group that cuts though that, on all sides. And they just don't say "He lies! Lies, I tell you!", they source it, in detail.
I always treat all politcal ads just as I treat spam. I suggest you do the same!
Factcheck.org is a group that cuts though that, on all sides. And they just don't say "He lies! Lies, I tell you!", they source it, in detail.
I always treat all politcal ads just as I treat spam. I suggest you do the same!
The Trouble with Tethering - Features - features.engadget.com
This is an story writen by a geek writer, but it's very clear and easy to understand, and it's about an important subject... tethering.
The story explains it better than I could, but the example given was a coffee machine that was very good. They considered buying it, and it seemed like a good buy, but they didn't. Why? Becuase the machine required 'pods' of coffee to make the coffee.
So, that means they would never be able to use the flavor they wanted. They would also be stuck if the price of the 'coffee pod' (love that phrase) was raised. And most importantly, if the company went out of business, they would have a very useless nothing machine.
This is an important topic, becuase we will be seeing more and more of this in the near future. Today, we take for granted that we can get after market items like priter ink and car parts from where ever we want. That is changing. Even now, the larger printer makers are considering or already doing this, by adding chips in the ink holders that tell the printer that they are company made. And new laws make it illegal for other companies to even try work out what the chip does, making third party inks impossible.
"Hey, that is just computer stuff... I don't care!" I'm sure some of you are thinking that. But I've got news for you. Chips can be put anywhere. It would be quiet simple to make a shaving razor that only took blads from 'chipped' blades made by the same company. And don't you doubt they are considering this right now.
As computers and electronics become smaller and more flexible, some amazing things are happening. Unfortunately, some of the worst practices of the computing world are coming to the regular world right along with those amazing things. So things that just geeks like me had to worry about will soon be facing you at the grocery store.
One of these days, you may be wondering what all that 'open source' talk was about, becuase you'll be looking for an open source razor.
The story explains it better than I could, but the example given was a coffee machine that was very good. They considered buying it, and it seemed like a good buy, but they didn't. Why? Becuase the machine required 'pods' of coffee to make the coffee.
So, that means they would never be able to use the flavor they wanted. They would also be stuck if the price of the 'coffee pod' (love that phrase) was raised. And most importantly, if the company went out of business, they would have a very useless nothing machine.
This is an important topic, becuase we will be seeing more and more of this in the near future. Today, we take for granted that we can get after market items like priter ink and car parts from where ever we want. That is changing. Even now, the larger printer makers are considering or already doing this, by adding chips in the ink holders that tell the printer that they are company made. And new laws make it illegal for other companies to even try work out what the chip does, making third party inks impossible.
"Hey, that is just computer stuff... I don't care!" I'm sure some of you are thinking that. But I've got news for you. Chips can be put anywhere. It would be quiet simple to make a shaving razor that only took blads from 'chipped' blades made by the same company. And don't you doubt they are considering this right now.
As computers and electronics become smaller and more flexible, some amazing things are happening. Unfortunately, some of the worst practices of the computing world are coming to the regular world right along with those amazing things. So things that just geeks like me had to worry about will soon be facing you at the grocery store.
One of these days, you may be wondering what all that 'open source' talk was about, becuase you'll be looking for an open source razor.
Sunday, July 25, 2004
I'm a Linux Geek Now
I've been playing around with live CDs (more on this later) that turned my computer into a Linux system long enough. I've finally taken that geek step too far... I now have a Linux computer.
OK, maybe not too far... my system can still boot into Windows XP. I've set up a dual boot system. When I turn my machine on, I get an option to go into windows or linux. The best of both worlds.
I'm using the Suse disto (geek for distrobution.. it's the Linux that Suse puts out). I had a few in mind, and then though I was just overthinking it, and picked one.
Why Linux? Well, I'm a geek for one! Beyond that... it's nice. Lots of free programs. My free CD (downloaded from the net, though you can buy it too) cam with the operating system and just about every kind of program you can think of. Word processing, games, spread sheets, media playing, media editing, chat, IM, browing, web pag editing, picture editing, vector... ok, you get the idea. Usually more than one each. And I just picked the one CD one! Next time, I'll get a box version I buy which will have more, just for fun.
It's also fast. The system itself takes much less of the resources of the computer, leaving more for other stuff... like the programs you use the OS for. It was so snappy, I had to get used to it. Many things that I'm used to getting a slight delay on when doing now happen very quickly.
And, overall, it was pretty easy. The install had some issues... I couldn't boot into windows without some changes.. but once installed, it's pretty much as easy as windows to use, for the most part. When using the programs that come installed, it's as easy as windows. But installing programs are an issue sometimes. And at a basic level, some things work differently... not harder, just different. But that is enough to throw you off at times. Even me, the sort of geek. You even have to use the command line at times, like the days of DOS.
Another plus is that it's very stable. I got NO system crashes at all so far. No program crashes either. I never notices the system slowing down over use, and never had to reboot the system to clear things up. That was very nice!
Now, I'm not suggesting you all go give up windows and install Linux. I'm also not suggesting you all go though the possible headaches of setting up a dual boot system. I'm just saying you need to know there are alternatives.
Once excellent use of Linux is for older machines. They may be too old to run current programs, but most of them will have no problem with Linux. So a useless machine becomes useful again.
Again, don't go out and make any drastic changes... just think about there being options.
Later this week, I'll talk about the live CDs out there, where you can play with Linux without making any change at all. Beyond playing around, it can be very useful in many ways. And I'll also talk about some possible uses for it that I haven't seen so far, but could be a nice model for someone to make some money off a 'free' live CD.
Later, and I hope you all had a nice weekend.
OK, maybe not too far... my system can still boot into Windows XP. I've set up a dual boot system. When I turn my machine on, I get an option to go into windows or linux. The best of both worlds.
I'm using the Suse disto (geek for distrobution.. it's the Linux that Suse puts out). I had a few in mind, and then though I was just overthinking it, and picked one.
Why Linux? Well, I'm a geek for one! Beyond that... it's nice. Lots of free programs. My free CD (downloaded from the net, though you can buy it too) cam with the operating system and just about every kind of program you can think of. Word processing, games, spread sheets, media playing, media editing, chat, IM, browing, web pag editing, picture editing, vector... ok, you get the idea. Usually more than one each. And I just picked the one CD one! Next time, I'll get a box version I buy which will have more, just for fun.
It's also fast. The system itself takes much less of the resources of the computer, leaving more for other stuff... like the programs you use the OS for. It was so snappy, I had to get used to it. Many things that I'm used to getting a slight delay on when doing now happen very quickly.
And, overall, it was pretty easy. The install had some issues... I couldn't boot into windows without some changes.. but once installed, it's pretty much as easy as windows to use, for the most part. When using the programs that come installed, it's as easy as windows. But installing programs are an issue sometimes. And at a basic level, some things work differently... not harder, just different. But that is enough to throw you off at times. Even me, the sort of geek. You even have to use the command line at times, like the days of DOS.
Another plus is that it's very stable. I got NO system crashes at all so far. No program crashes either. I never notices the system slowing down over use, and never had to reboot the system to clear things up. That was very nice!
Now, I'm not suggesting you all go give up windows and install Linux. I'm also not suggesting you all go though the possible headaches of setting up a dual boot system. I'm just saying you need to know there are alternatives.
Once excellent use of Linux is for older machines. They may be too old to run current programs, but most of them will have no problem with Linux. So a useless machine becomes useful again.
Again, don't go out and make any drastic changes... just think about there being options.
Later this week, I'll talk about the live CDs out there, where you can play with Linux without making any change at all. Beyond playing around, it can be very useful in many ways. And I'll also talk about some possible uses for it that I haven't seen so far, but could be a nice model for someone to make some money off a 'free' live CD.
Later, and I hope you all had a nice weekend.
Zazzle.com - 'MaximuWord Logo Shirt' T-Shirt
Speaking of Zazzle.com, I thought I'd give it another look see. My account was still active from doing that really silly poem poster I used as an example last time (and yes, it's still there, and yes, nobody ever bought it!), so I jumpped right in.
I took a fancier version of my logo and I dropped it in on their tee shirt template. It was fairly easy, and I think anybody could do it. That's assuming you have a design already. They even drop your logo on a tee shirt so you can see what it looks like, and even let you place it exactly where you like it.
You have lots of options, and even can have front and back grahpics. And from each one, people can order all sorts of shirts, including mens and women, and even hoodie pull overs. Over all, very nice.
Now, I didn't do this becuase I expected the dozen people that will look at migh site today to go "Gee, I NEED a MaximumWord shirt... NOW!!". If it happened, I'll take the money and be happy, but I'd definately have my doubts about the general public! OK... I'd have more doubts.
I did this becuase it's a great way for small groups to make money and feel good about themselves. If you have a small group, here is a cheap way to have shirts and posters with your group logo on it, or even for events. School boosters, sports clubs, church groups... just spend 5 minutes playing around a web site, spend NO money, and pass out the web page among the group, and put a link to it on your web site.
You aren't going to make tons of money, but it won't case you a dime to set up, either.
Check it out at www.zazzle.com .
I took a fancier version of my logo and I dropped it in on their tee shirt template. It was fairly easy, and I think anybody could do it. That's assuming you have a design already. They even drop your logo on a tee shirt so you can see what it looks like, and even let you place it exactly where you like it.
You have lots of options, and even can have front and back grahpics. And from each one, people can order all sorts of shirts, including mens and women, and even hoodie pull overs. Over all, very nice.
Now, I didn't do this becuase I expected the dozen people that will look at migh site today to go "Gee, I NEED a MaximumWord shirt... NOW!!". If it happened, I'll take the money and be happy, but I'd definately have my doubts about the general public! OK... I'd have more doubts.
I did this becuase it's a great way for small groups to make money and feel good about themselves. If you have a small group, here is a cheap way to have shirts and posters with your group logo on it, or even for events. School boosters, sports clubs, church groups... just spend 5 minutes playing around a web site, spend NO money, and pass out the web page among the group, and put a link to it on your web site.
You aren't going to make tons of money, but it won't case you a dime to set up, either.
Check it out at www.zazzle.com .
Stuff...
I'm normally a 'link poster', in that I post about stuff I see on the net. I mainly see this as a blog to point towards interesting things for my family and friends to check out... and as a record of stuff I would like to save, too, I guess.
But today, I thought I'd talk about the blog itself. I've got a counter on the page, mostly to keep track of what's getting attention and where people are coming from. It's always a kick seeing where people are when they read what I say. Also, I can always tell when Mom checks out the site! I'm watching you, Mom!
I get on average 17 hits a day. CNN.com certianly isn't worried about me, that's for sure. But I'm actually surprised at it. I think it has to do with the nature of the web more than my writing skills. It also has to do with coming up in the first few pages of Google and other search engines on some odd searches.
For instance, I got to wondering why I got so many hits on my few firework related postings. Try this... type "firework movie clips" in google. As of today, I'm the number one hit! What does this amazing feat get me? Well... um... 3 hits, it seems. Again, odd searches. If you use the more normal "fireworks movie clips", I come up on the second page, with most of the sites before it being bigger name sites that would be more likely to attrack a click or two. Actually, I'm surprised that I come up even that close.
My site counter has limits, becuase I'm using the free version. I only get the stats off my last 100 visitors. Of my last 100, 80 have been from the good old USA! But I've also got 4 from our neibors of the north in Canada. And 2 from Oman... um, how did that happen?
The most popular page (of the last 100 visits, keep in mind) is the Camp Granada story. In a few different searchs on that, I'm on the first few pages of Google, sometimes even the first page. Seems to be my niche... odd stories that the huge sites don't talk about much, but which someone in Ohio (or Oman) might thing "hmm... what's up with that song? Let's Google it". The zazzle.com story is second, but Zazzle seems to be in the new more with some interesting corporate pairings, and I expect that to be less popular later on.
Seems to be lots of talk about traffic for a site that only gets 15 or so hits a day, but I'm not bragging. I find this stuff very interesting. If there is any bragging involved, it would be about the net. My little nowhere, nothing site has had visitors from Oman, Japan and other places. And the most expensive, most read big sites have to fight for google placement with me... and about a million other small time posters.
The big sites will always be big, but the cool thing about the net is that the small guys still have a chance. I'll never have an ad running in the Super Bowl, but I'll always have google...
But today, I thought I'd talk about the blog itself. I've got a counter on the page, mostly to keep track of what's getting attention and where people are coming from. It's always a kick seeing where people are when they read what I say. Also, I can always tell when Mom checks out the site! I'm watching you, Mom!
I get on average 17 hits a day. CNN.com certianly isn't worried about me, that's for sure. But I'm actually surprised at it. I think it has to do with the nature of the web more than my writing skills. It also has to do with coming up in the first few pages of Google and other search engines on some odd searches.
For instance, I got to wondering why I got so many hits on my few firework related postings. Try this... type "firework movie clips" in google. As of today, I'm the number one hit! What does this amazing feat get me? Well... um... 3 hits, it seems. Again, odd searches. If you use the more normal "fireworks movie clips", I come up on the second page, with most of the sites before it being bigger name sites that would be more likely to attrack a click or two. Actually, I'm surprised that I come up even that close.
My site counter has limits, becuase I'm using the free version. I only get the stats off my last 100 visitors. Of my last 100, 80 have been from the good old USA! But I've also got 4 from our neibors of the north in Canada. And 2 from Oman... um, how did that happen?
The most popular page (of the last 100 visits, keep in mind) is the Camp Granada story. In a few different searchs on that, I'm on the first few pages of Google, sometimes even the first page. Seems to be my niche... odd stories that the huge sites don't talk about much, but which someone in Ohio (or Oman) might thing "hmm... what's up with that song? Let's Google it". The zazzle.com story is second, but Zazzle seems to be in the new more with some interesting corporate pairings, and I expect that to be less popular later on.
Seems to be lots of talk about traffic for a site that only gets 15 or so hits a day, but I'm not bragging. I find this stuff very interesting. If there is any bragging involved, it would be about the net. My little nowhere, nothing site has had visitors from Oman, Japan and other places. And the most expensive, most read big sites have to fight for google placement with me... and about a million other small time posters.
The big sites will always be big, but the cool thing about the net is that the small guys still have a chance. I'll never have an ad running in the Super Bowl, but I'll always have google...
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
nbc13.com - News - Mystery Animal Possibly Spotted Again In Maryland
OK, let's just make this strange animal day... here is an odd beast showing up. Most likely a dog/wolf with a sickness causing hair lose, but it's strange looking reguardless.
Yahoo! News - Monkey Apes Humans by Walking on Two Legs
A monkey, after recovering from a critial medical contion, now walks on two legs. They say it might be some form of brain damage.
Love those weird animal stories...
Love those weird animal stories...
Monday, July 12, 2004
Backwards City: Our Brains Don't Work
I've always liked optical illusions, btu this one is a great one! One of the most dramatic ones I've seen. Just imagine using it for background on your computer!
Just below it is a link to another one, also good. Also at that site is one of the best presentations of the classic illusions I've seen. Check it out.
Just below it is a link to another one, also good. Also at that site is one of the best presentations of the classic illusions I've seen. Check it out.
Saturday, July 10, 2004
PCWorld.com - The Best Free Software
Some good advice about 'free' software you find on the net. Take a look.
Monday, July 05, 2004
BBC Motion Gallery - Home Page
This is amazing, folks. The BBC (the state run TV network in England) have released thousands of video clips from their decades of archives for free. You have to regester, but it is so worth it!
It's just clips. I've only just started to to explore, and I haven't heard any with sound. It's just a clip, with a bit of text explaining what you are seeing.
There is a project to get all the BBC's programing on the web for free, but that's years ahead of use.
It's just clips. I've only just started to to explore, and I haven't heard any with sound. It's just a clip, with a bit of text explaining what you are seeing.
There is a project to get all the BBC's programing on the web for free, but that's years ahead of use.
Stranded at the Airport
Urban Legends Reference Pages: Travel (Stranded at the Airport)
You might have heard of the movie "The Terminal". It was very loosely based on a true story. Only that story is much deeper and much sader than the movie. It's a very interesting read, and an interesting insight to the human condition in extremes.
You might have heard of the movie "The Terminal". It was very loosely based on a true story. Only that story is much deeper and much sader than the movie. It's a very interesting read, and an interesting insight to the human condition in extremes.
Saturday, July 03, 2004
It's Hard to Get Away From Mom...
I don't want to ruin the story, but let's just say.... even with a space ship and a whole solar system to hide in, you just can't get away from Mom's advice.
PYROSAMM'S Fireworks & Pyrotechnics Movie Clips!
PYROSAMM'S Fireworks & Pyrotechnics Movie Clips!
More firework fun. If you are tired of the virtual works, then try these clips of real fire works going off.
OK, I think I've run that into the ground... for today, at least! Have fun!
More firework fun. If you are tired of the virtual works, then try these clips of real fire works going off.
OK, I think I've run that into the ground... for today, at least! Have fun!
Fireworks Show - Shoot Phantom Fireworks Online!
Fireworks Show - Shoot Phantom Fireworks Online!
And speaking of fireworks, here are some more. These you can control if you want, and they come for other cities, too! Including Denver, but somehow Merryville didn't make the list. Sorry, Mom.
And speaking of fireworks, here are some more. These you can control if you want, and they come for other cities, too! Including Denver, but somehow Merryville didn't make the list. Sorry, Mom.
Lady Liberty Fireworks
Lady Liberty Fireworks
I pointed to this page a year ago, and I'm getting hits on it again. Seems on google I'm on the 4 or 5 page depending on how you word it. So I'll bring it up again... and for those that found me though google, thanks for reminding me of this fun bit of firework fun!
I pointed to this page a year ago, and I'm getting hits on it again. Seems on google I'm on the 4 or 5 page depending on how you word it. So I'll bring it up again... and for those that found me though google, thanks for reminding me of this fun bit of firework fun!
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