April 2012
2 posts
1 tag
CDJ'er project retired.
CDJ’er was a site I started in 2010 to help DJs print track lists for their CD booklets. Each CD usually contained about 10 songs, and making a list for each disc was time consuming.
The site allowed DJs to automatically print labels using iTunes playlists or albums and saved a lot of time. I used it, and it was great!
Nowadays, I don’t really DJ for fun anymore … and also,...
4 tags
How to import Tasks/To-Do items into iOS'...
The Reminders list on iOS is actually pretty good. I’d been using Wunderlist but the service was really unstable (multiple extended downtimes) and their site wasn’t even secured by HTTPS! Unacceptable.
The easiest way to import tasks into the Reminders App is through iCal on your Mac. Unfortunately, as far as I can tell, getting tasks from one to the other isn’t exactly...
December 2011
1 post
5 tags
Google is the only thing saving the software...
A while ago I posted about how Apple does nothing to protect developers from people cloning their application’s name, functionality, and often even their intellectual property. This has been a widespread topic since Apps became popular, and the overall response has been “tough luck” as the distributors (Apple, Google) mostly care about the platform boost in having a strong App...
November 2011
3 posts
7 tags
How to get Tethered Internet on your iPhone for...
OK, so it’s not exactly free. And it’s not exactly the same as paying for it either. — But, it does give you tethered internet (“tethering”), and it works on iOS 3, 4, and even iOS 5.0!
First off, you have to be a developer. Being an iOS developer (costs $99/year) lets you run unapproved Apps on your iPhone … such as iProxy, which lets you setup a proxy server for...
3 tags
The reason I finally cancelled Netflix.
A few days ago, I made the decision to cancel Netflix, before my account renewed on the 12th … meaning I now have to mail my two remaining movies back within the next 7 days and then, receive no more.
Why would I do this?
The main reason is: movie fatigue. I’m generally pretty busy, and do a lot of different things at once. Whenever Netflix gets setup for me, I’m always excited...
3 tags
I've just built a Google Reader (OPML/RSS) to...
If you’re like me, you completely ignore all of your RSS feeds (yet still continue to add more) … and, religiously follow Twitter on a day-to-day basis.
…Why can’t everything just be on Twitter?
This simple tool I’ve built will help you migrate from Google Reader, to a “Twitter-only” setup … by analyzing your feed collection’s exported OPML file, and...
October 2011
1 post
3 tags
"Will Dropouts Save America?"
“If start-up activity is the true engine of job creation in America, one thing is clear: our current educational system is acting as the brakes. Simply put, from kindergarten through undergraduate and grad school, you learn very few skills or attitudes that would ever help you start a business. Skills like sales, networking, creativity and comfort with failure.”
Read more at the...
September 2011
2 posts
3 tags
eBay vs. Amazon Trade-in: Duel!
So, recently I traded a few things into GameStop (mostly old cables and accessories) and used the rewards to buy L.A. Noire for PlayStation 3, which was just under $40 USD and a phenomenal value to the casual gamer. I applaud both Rockstar and Bondi for this title.
I’d planned on trading it into Amazon Trade-In for $15 (they buy used books and video games), but figured I’d try my...
7 tags
Attack of the iTunes App Store "name-squatters"!
A new spam-tactic is being used on the iTunes Store to score downloads sourced from your competitor’s predating traffic. That tactic (which is against Apple’s Terms of Service, but extremely difficult to enforce) … is adding trailing punctuation.
It seems the rules only apply specifically to exclamation marks or spacing at this point, but I’m expecting that to change very...
August 2011
2 posts
4 tags
eBay is no longer a viable way to flip old stuff...
Recently, I’ve tried selling things I don’t need on eBay. I’ve done this off-and-on for the past 10 years, without much change. However, in the past two weeks, selling $800 worth of merchandise has generated a whopping $85 in fees. “How is this possible?”
Turns out— In the past year, eBay has secretly increased their “final value” fees to a...
14 tags
Hawaii ✈ Taiwan ✈ Tokyo (Summer 2011)
Yesterday, I finally had the chance to edit together a video of my summer vacation from June. Special thanks to everyone I visited, and hello to all of the friends I made in so many places!
See you all again soon. じゃ、ね。
May 2011
1 post
6 tags
Studio Ghibli, Inc. (株式会社スタジオジブリ) productions...
I stumbled upon this link to a Minecraft map that mimics the worlds from various Ghibli anime films, including My Neighbor Totoro (となりのトトロ), Howl’s Moving Castle (ハウルの動く城), Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し), and several more. Having watched many to study Japanese (日本語), I found this to be a great introduction of exploring user “seeds” in this sandbox building game.
Download the Map —...
April 2011
1 post
5 tags
When choosing roommates, 3 is the magic number.
Having lived with both a single roommate, and between 3 to 5 roommates at a given time, I’ve found that 3 total occupants creates the best fit in a home. Why?
Whenever there’s a disagreement, there’s always majority in a vote. — Odd number of people = no inevitable ties!
Negative energy does not get focused on a single person. — If you’re upset with your roommate, the...
February 2011
2 posts
2 tags
The tale of the Whitesoap T-shirts.
Every major project I’ve developed at one point had a “t-shirt venture” of some sort, and Whitesoap was no exception. However, Whitesoap was a short-lived project and even though I promised t-shirts to the staff and others, it never happened. I *had* the shirts… but…
They were all mis-prints.
For some reason, we just couldn’t silkscreen the design properly....
8 tags
Apple's Remote Desktop software is secretly...
I’d always used Apple’s built-in VNC server for remote system administration via Chicken of the VNC, but today I learned there is a better option based on what Apple includes with their “sold separately” Remote Desktop software. Ironically, it’s essentially the same product (including Clipboard sharing and Image scaling) … just less bloated and hidden for free...
January 2011
2 posts
6 tags
The new Flip cameras. (Review; with image...
So, I am a big fan of Flip video cameras … and brought one along on my trip to Japan. However, what was a minor nuisance was the lack of an image stabilizer. It caused action footage to come out a bit “jagged”.
This is no longer an issue on the new Flip cameras with image stabilizers. I ordered one, and decided to try it snowboarding this weekend.
Much better, even without...
5 tags
Mobile17 v3.0 released
So, I’ve spent the past year working on this third, and final version of Mobile17.
It’s pretty cool. Really simplifies everything and streamlines the “make your own ringtones” process. Very easy to use, fun, and with less clutter! Check it out, and be sure to tell your friends or post your ringtones to your Facebook wall. :)
December 2010
1 post
11 tags
New wheels/tires for the $1400 Jetta!
So, including the car, I’ve barely even spent $3000 total at this point. This includes the stereo upgrade, new wheels/tires (below), all maintenance/repairs, etc. Insurance is roughly $100/mo, and I barely even use a single tank of gas in that time. The car’s in great shape and the project is going very well.
In the past, I installed a new stereo (Sony CDXGT550UI MP3/WMA/AAC Player...
November 2010
3 posts
Pull passwords from any webpage with one line of...
Try this out.
Go to any page with a login prompt, such as Facebook.
Type your information (including your password)
Without anyone looking over your shoulder, paste this line of code into the address bar of your browser, and press ‘Enter/Return’:
javascript:var e=document.getElementsByTagName('input'),l=''; for (i=0;i<e.length;i++) { if (e[i].type=='password') {...
3 tags
Mobile17 Android App released!
The App is available on the Android Market! To download, search Market for “Mobile17”. Or, check out the Mobile17 site: http://mobile17.com/android/
October 2010
4 posts
5 tags
Goodbye Flickr? Yes, sorry. :)
I literally never used my Flickr account. For anything except to host pictures for this blog. So, I deleted it. Some of the pictures in blog posts here no longer work. But all of the recent posts since the transition to Tumblr have been updated.
Why did I do this? Because back when Flickr was new (in 2004), Facebook wasn’t available to most people. Flickr was the “social” way to...
11 tags
My video project from Japan is finished!
As I tweeted earlier, my video project from Japan is finally finished! If you’re not friends with me on Facebook (if I don’t know you, that’s probably why… haha) — check it out on Vimeo. わたしは、ことしの5がつから6がつまで にほんにいきました！
There are three parts, all mixed to different music:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3 (my favorite)
Enjoy! And if you’re a Vimeo member, leave a...
3 tags
Mobile17 iPhone App released.
So, you knew it was coming. It took a bit longer than normal, but it’s finally here. We’re finally in the App Store! http://mobile17.com/iphone
The App is going to cost $2.99, but initially… it’s just $0.99! (For a very limited-time only!) Here are some Promo codes for those lucky enough to get here first: (the App is free with these!)
R3M9R6LPMYRF
A9YRJFFNRK9L
...
Dubspace project retired.
Throughout my teenage years and early 20s, I became fascinated with modified Volkswagens. However, I am no longer. I love my new car (1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL, the story) but my heart just isn’t in running a site like this anymore. So, I’ve closed it down.
Life goes on.
Sorry guys! I will forever miss this project. … The good times.
September 2010
2 posts
6 tags
The $1400 Jetta project.
So, I sold my car. The modified, twin-turbo’ed Volkswagen R32.
The car was really fast, but in reality I couldn’t really use it for anything and it was not much of a “winter” car. So, it sat in storage and I was forced to use Zipcar 5-6 months out of the year. Not very economical… also not even factoring the terrible gas mileage resulting from 600+HP!
The car...
2 tags
"Gorgeous Packaging Designs and Concepts"
It’s rare that I’ll “reblog” something. But these caught my eye.
“Packaging design is all around us. On a day-to-day basis we probably see hundreds of different packaging designs, a high percentage of them being food or drink products; especially when making breakfast, lunch and dinner. Walking through the grocery store we’ll see thousands of different packaging...
July 2010
4 posts
4 tags
iPhone 4: I'm keeping it!
So, I’ve had the new iPhone for a few weeks now. It replaced my BlackBerry, which I’d grown to both love and hate.
After a thorough trial, and all of the updates Apple made from the original “iPhone OS” (which I didn’t like) and the present “iOS 4.0.1“… I’ve deemed the platform “bearable for those with high technical demands”. For...
8 tags
iPhone 4 "bumper" cases suck; buy this instead!
So, as you know, I’m experimenting with an iPhone 4 opposed to my BlackBerry right now. I think I’m going to keep it. One of the things I dreaded was buying one of the overpriced “iPhone cases” that every third-party is making huge money from. Prices average $20-30…. for plastic, perhaps with a bit of “soft-touch coating”.
I purchased a green...
7 tags
Original iPhone Dock works perfectly with iPhone...
Following on the heals of the $1 iPhone 4 bumper, I refused to pay $29 for an iPhone 4 dock. However, on a whim, I tried a dock from the original iPhone. Not the 3G or 3GS, the 2G that redefined all mobile-phones.
It works great! And it fits the phone perfectly. And it was free… it came with the original iPhone! Charging works fine as well. What’s not to love?
Update: John Adams...
3 tags
RelayRides: Why they won't make it.
A few weeks ago I was at a seminar for new web startups, and one in particular caught my eye: RelayRides. It’s a person-to-person car sharing service, much like Zipcar… without big-brother managing the vehicles themselves.
Basically, take Zipcar, and subtract the provided vehicles. You drive your friend’s (or a complete stranger’s) car for an hourly rate.
Much like...
June 2010
2 posts
6 tags
How to keep "Facebook for BlackBerry" from driving...
Facebook for BlackBerry is a great way to drive yourself insane if you’re constantly receiving “Notifications” of activity from your friends and relatives on Facebook. Since not all of the notifications on the website are supported by email and BlackBerry in the first place, here are the settings I recommend to only alert you of things that might actually affect your life between...
May 2010
3 posts
12 tags
Upgrading a MacBook's hard-drive!
I have a 2006 MacBook for school and travel … base-model. It came with a 60GB hard-drive (5400RPM), and it’s time for an upgrade. So, I bought a 320GB 7200RPM Seagate drive (for about $60) to replace it before my upcoming trip to Japan! :)
Swapping it was pretty easy. The new drive is shown below in a static-proof bag, which is now in a drawer with my MacBook’s original drive...
23andme genetics analysis kit arrived!
Last week 23andme had a sale in which their $499-kit for DNA/Genetics analysis was just $99 for a day! …Naturally I jumped on this! I’d been considering the analysis for a long time.
I received the package a few days ago:
One thing I was fascinated by is their attention to privacy and detail with this kit. For example, the lab doesn’t receive your name or personal...
7 tags
Flip UltraHD video camera review
I love making videos. Sometimes.
I’ve had a Sony video camera sitting on my desk ever since my roadtrip from Vancouver to Los Angeles in 2008. I’ve used it on random occasions to film events, and not much thereafter.
Recently, I decided to replace this rig (the Sony HDR-HC9, a AC-VQH10 charger, and four massive NP-FH100 “Actiforce” batteries) with a single handheld camera...
April 2010
1 post
4 tags
Why I gave up drinking, and never plan to start...
Disclaimer: I will occasionally have a glass of red wine with dinner. But only if it’s offered by the host.
While I was never an alcoholic per-say, do still have alcohol around the house, and still often provide it to others… I don’t drink at-all anymore. I realized shortly after quitting about a month ago that alcohol literally never did anything for me except create blurred...
March 2010
1 post
5 tags
"Anamanaguchi makes loud, fast music with a hacked...
Yes. It’s a Nintendo Entertainment System. Plus, four guys with instruments.
Anamanaguchi opened for a band I saw last night called “PEELANDER-Z”. While the latter was more entertaining, the music of Anamanaguchi was actually really good. 8-Bit “Chiptunes” mixed with traditional instruments (guitar, drums, bass)… it’s a winning combination for any past...
February 2010
2 posts
2 tags
Román Cortés' "Pure CSS Coke Can" →
Using a bit of cleaver CSS (for advanced web-styling) .. Román has created a fascinating effect utilizing the scrollbar in your browser as a control.
18 tags
Things that have made my life easier lately.
Mandatory post. Keeping you “posted”.
Zipcar (Use this link for $50 in free driving-credit) Having owned two or more cars at a time for the past few years (since I can’t drive my Volkswagen R32 in the winter due to all of the modified components on the motor) … Zipcar has been true blessing. Rent cars for as little as $7/per-hour via a toll-free number, text message,...
November 2009
2 posts
What is up with the Bing logo...? Why is the font...
Bing’s logo is so tacky. Why did they stretch the font so much?
Maybe they’re trying to hide the fact that they’re trying to be like…..
It’s not like it’s obvious or anything….
3 tags
Verizon Elves
I’ve never had an issue with AT&T but I’m always amused that Verizon thinks they’re amazing for having more 3G coverage in areas that aren’t as inhabited by actual humans. Eventually everyone will catch-up and it’ll be a non-issue.
October 2009
1 post
2 tags
Demo Mix (Vol. 1)
I did a trance/house mix last week and figured I’d post an MP3 album for everyone to enjoy. I’ll be making more of these , I promise.
Download the MP3-album (zip file)
Track list
Brazil by Deadmau5
Losing Gravity (Martin Roth NuStyle Mix) by Martin Roth & Bartlett Bros
For All I Care (Spencer & Hill Mix) by Above & Beyond
I Will Be Here (Wolfgang Gartner Remix) by...
May 2009
2 posts
4 tags
Dubspace in Public Beta... The community of...
I’ve wanted to start this site for years, so this week I decided to not only do just-that, but also release it ASAP and develop it as people use it. This way, I wouldn’t waste my time if things started going poorly, and all of my friends could help test it.
Everything’s going well so far, check out Dubspace right-now.
“Community of modified-vehicle enthusiasts. — For cars,...
This is what a totaled Dodge Challenger looks...
I saw this parked at my friend’s body shop today. Apparently someone was doing a drift or a burnout (trying to be a smartass outside the shop) and ended up totaling his ride. Not sure what he hit, but the damage is more than obvious.
Take a look at the photo below.
…Something else worth viewing is the integration of the Volkswagen Radios (in the new 2010 cars) with the Climate...
April 2009
1 post
3 tags
Why I now love to listen-to/DJ/mix Deadmau5' music...
They were brand-new, now I can’t wear them. :D For those not familiar, it’s pronounced “Dead mouse”. [Wikipedia]
March 2009
1 post
1 tag
Opinion: You should be able to return lousy...
Before I knew to check the game-review websites for reference of whether something was worth buying, I always just bought whatever game I thought looked the “coolest”… literally judging a book, err… video-game…, by it’s cover.
I think that the main reason stores like GameStop still exist is the fact that you simply can’t return most of their merchandise...
February 2009
2 posts
2 tags
Bitsmash project retired, as well.
Today I made the end-all decision to cancel the Bitsmash project. Reasons being:
The project was making basically no-income, yet cost $1300/month to run.
Lack of public-awareness. Lack of my own dedication as well.
Needed a lot of work, and couldn’t justify it since there was just no money in it. (this also ties-into the lousy economy we’re presently stuck with)
Need to consolidate...
4 tags
"i like b-sides." .... do you need a new mix-tape?
I launched this site today, it’s pretty cool. Basically it suggests songs to you that you wouldn’t normally have or listen to, but are still good. It’s kind of like a reversed iTunes Genius… it actually more of a iTunes Librarian that can help you find interesting books to read by just showing up to the library with a list of what you already have… except, for...
January 2009
2 posts
2 tags
DiggSuggest retired. New projects coming.
Hi guys, I retired DiggSuggest today due to dwindling traffic. It got a huge amount of press when it first launched and was a success, but since Digg has since launched their own tool (as I’d hoped they would), there’s no real need for it. :)
So, bye bye DiggSuggest! I’ll release something new soon.