Archive for May, 2008


RSS – some things you can do

Check out this post on a few RSS feeds that might interest you..

I like #32 – Lean a new word every day.

Micro Persuasion: 35 Ways You Can Use RSS Today

Vegas

I’m headed to Vegas for a week.  When I return I’ll get the posts flowing again.  For my US readers, have a great long weekend!

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image I have been hearing a lot over the last year or so how the honey bees seem to be disappearing suddenly.  I hadn’t heard any reasons why this may be until now.  According to researchers from the University of Virginia, air pollution levels have climbed to a high enough level to impede the bee’s ability to follow the scent of flowers.  They found that the distance is cut by more than a fourth when pollution levels are high.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/04/AR2008050401737.html?hpid=topnews 

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Master Magician

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2rwgn_le-magicien-kevin-james-au-americas_creation

The first 30 seconds of the trick should be a clue how he did it..

Wow.  This is impressive: Microsoft released a new “Google sky” killer..  This is something you DON’T want to miss!   It’s an interactive view of the sky like you have never experienced before.  It shows changes in real time, has amazing tours, and is easy to use.   Take it for a test drive and let me know what you think!

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image Last week Microsoft released RSAT (previously called admin pack) for Vista.  Service pack 1 is a requirement, and the install is a pain because you have to add the feature afterwards.

DownloadDownload the Microsoft Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 32-bit Edition (KB941314) package now.
DownloadDownload the Microsoft Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 64-bit Edition (KB941314) package now.

To install RSAT, follow these steps on a computer running the final release of Windows Vista with SP1:

1.Download the RSAT package from Microsoft Web site.

2.Double-click the downloaded package to start the Setup wizard. Follow the instructions in the wizard to complete the installation.

3.Open Control Panel, click Programs, and then click Turn Windows features on or off under Programs and Features.
If you are prompted to provide permission by User Account Control, click Continue.

4.In the Windows Features dialog box, select the remote administration snap-ins and tools that you want to install, and then click OK.

5.Configure the Start menu to display the Administration Tools shortcut. To do this, follow these steps:

a.Right-click Start, and then click Properties.

b. On the Start Menu tab, click Customize.

c. In the Customize Start Menu dialog box, scroll down to System administrative tools, and then select Display on the All Programs menu and the Start menu.

d. Click OK.

6.For a complete list of tools included in the RSAT final package, installation instructions, and other help topics, see Remote Server Administration Tools Help in the Administrative Tools list on the Start menu.

The Discovery Channel has done a deal with NASA to enhance old film footage from the space program up to the standards of HD. Discovery will air, in HD, a 6-part special called “When We Left Earth,” beginning June 8. Judging by the trailer it should be pretty spectacular, a good introduction to the wonders of space exploration for a new generation. After the show airs, NASA gets the improved footage for their archives.

http://science.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08/05/11/0159239&from=rss

image    How about a projector that is built into a R2-D2 unit, with a Millennium Falcon remote control?   Take a moment and see what obsession has done to to an incredible gadget. No Bull$hit.  http://gizmodo.com/386007/r2+d2-projector-in-action-video-verdict-a-must-have 

(thanks Lawrence for the heads-up!)

37-part Cello Song

A Cellist recorded himself multiple times to put together an interesting piece.   I like the first movement best, but it’s still fun to watch.

For a windows administrator, there have been several choices for automating tasks.  The most powerful and most recent shell to be used is Powershell.  A new version of Powershell was released on 5/2 that brings the new language some much needed features.  Check it out here:

https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=7c8051c2-9bfc-4c81-859d-0864979fa403&DisplayLang=en

image It’s the fourth basic element of circuits.  Can you name the other three?  Resistor, capacitor, and inductor.  HP has produced a new device called the memrister.  It’s memory that does not require refreshes and in fact retains information after being switched off.  It could allow computers to be instantly turned on or off.  http://www.physorg.com/news128786808.html

image I sync my windows mobile phone to two computers.  It works fine, EXCEPT deleting a contact is next to impossible.  Example: create a contact, sync with each computer.  Delete it on any of the three devices, and it recreates it: the first sync removes it from both devices.  Upon syncing with third computer, it comes back.   I’m not sure how dupes are created, but I suspect it is similar: edit a contact in one place, and eventually it is seen as a new record, not a modified record.    Here is a small app to help:

http://msmvps.com/blogs/nunoluz/archive/2008/04/24/remove-duplicate-contacts.aspx

imageWow, I just spent an hour of my life on this game, and I don’t mind one bit!  This WILL drive you crazy, but it is also very satisfying to play.  I dare you not to try it!

http://www.addictinggames.com/theimpossiblequiz.html

If you get stuck, add a comment.. I will provide hints!

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Guitar Hero Mod

Unless you have been living under a rock, you’ve seen the sensation that is called Guitar Hero.  I have it on my Wii and I beat the game on medium in two days.  I haven’t touched it sense; I think it rewired my brain.  I ran across this video of a mod someone did to play drums as the guitar.  It’s actually mesmerizing to watch.

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