Reed It 'N' Weep

3D Faces from 2D sources

2008-06-24T23:12:00Z

http://youtube.com/watch?v=nice6NYb_WA&feature=related

I saw this a while back and was thinking about it the other day. It's probably one of the coolest things on the web; the video is a bit long but well worth the view while you're eating your sandwich at lunch. It's a program that can create 3 dimensional faces from pretty much any 2D image and it's wickedly amazing! I want it!

Hilarious Amazon Comments about the Denon AKDL1

2008-06-24T15:50:00Z

I found this post the other day about these people ripping apart this $500 cable and thought the comments were comedy gold. Check it out, I think you'll get a kick out of it too, here 's the link and some sample comments:

"If I could use a rusty boxcutter to carve a new orifice in my body that's compatible with this link cable, I would already be doing it. I can just imagine the pure musical goodness that would flow through this cable into the wound and fill me completely -- like white, holy light."
“A caution to people buying these: if you do not follow the ‘directional markings’ on the cables, your music will play backwards. Please check that before mentioning it in your reviews.”
"The first time I downloaded a picture to the printer over this cable, the bits moved so fast the printer collapsed into a naked singularity, right there in my office.”
"I accidentally dropped one end of my Denon cable into a glass of Tuscan whole milk I was drinking. Later when I finished my milk (yeah, I still drank it; should I not have done that?), my right arm (lost in an accident in 1987) spontaneously grew back. Is that normal?"

I saw the Hulk sequel

2008-06-16T18:38:00Z

So I saw the Incredible Hulk this weekend and overall I thought it was a pretty fun movie to watch in the theater. I think the Hulk seemed a lot angrier in this movie which was pretty cool; I think he was a bit too fluffy in the last one. I also was glad that the Hulk didn't 'fly' around like he did in the last movie, I thought that was pretty cheesy. However, I was particularly disappointed in some of the nuances of the film that made me ask myself what the people who made this movie were thinking.

First: QUIT SHOOTING THE HULK WITH MACHINE GUNS!!! Man, this ticks me off more than anything. Can the military portrayed in the movie be that stupid??? Why do they keep shooting him with guns when the bullets just bounce off, IT DOESN'T WORK - JUST STOP IT!!!

Second: There's this one scene where the Hulk takes Liv Tyler to this cave and he bumps his little Hulk head on the roof of the cave and then seems to act like he really hurt himself. Seriously? He gets an ouchie from bumping his head? He's been blown up about a billion times already throughout the movie and a bump on the head is going to hurt him?

Third: They were trying to capture poor Mr. Banner to dissect him and figure out how to make super solders, when they go ahead and make one of their own to go and capture the Hulk. Hey military, you've figured it out, you don't need to waste your time chasing the Hulk down and making a big mess everywhere you go. The dude's just trying live his life man; leave the Hulk (and Britany Spears) ALONE!

Well, I'm going to stop there for now. Look, I know when I go and see a movie about a dude who turns into a big green dude and is pretty much invincible to everything, that I'm going to see some stuff that's probably stupid; but come on. Other than those things, I'd recommend seeing it for something fun to do. It's a movie about a big green guy smashing things in a cool way, with a little bit o' love mixed in so your date doesn't get bored.

Seriously, I'm not obsessed with Transformers

2008-06-14T00:31:00Z

I think Transformers are cool and all, but I'm a bit more impressed with the real thing. I happened across these two videos recently that are pretty dang cool and the closest thing we've come to 'real' transformers yet.

LINK TO TRANSFORMER 1 VIDEO

LINK TO TRANSFORMER 2 VIDEO

A real-life transformer - kinda

2008-06-12T17:36:00Z

I'm pretty sure this thing will kill us all one day, but for now, it's cool to look at. It's a Japanese-designed modular robot that can shape-shift and adapt to its surroundings. The first time I saw it I was immediately reminded of transformers and that's when I realized that it could probably destroy us one day. I don't really see any practical applications for this robot other than the destruction of humanity; but then, I've been know to be short-sighted at times.
LINK

BMW makes a car with clothes

2008-06-11T15:52:00Z

Looks like the folks over at BMW have made a very interesting car that is covered with cloth and can shape-shift. I kept going back between cool and stupid as read about this crazy thing. The car looks pretty cool and I love how the headlights close up like little eyes - creepy/cool/crazy.

Instead of steel, aluminum or even carbon fiber, the GINA Light Visionary Model has a body of seamless fabric stretched over a movable metal frame that allows the driver to change its shape at will. The car -- which actually runs and drives -- is a styling design headed straight for the BMW Museum in Munich and so it will never see production, but building a practical car wasn't the point.

Chris Bangle, head of design for BMW, says GINA allowed his team to "challenge existing principles and conventional processes."

"It is in the nature of such visions that they do not necessarily claim to be suitable for series production," company officials said in unveiling the car Tuesday. "Rather, they are intended to steer creativity and research into new directions."

LINK

Migrating Wacom preferences to another computer

2008-06-02T16:18:00Z

Ok, I've had a heck of a time trying to transfer my preferences on my Wacom Cintiq over to my laptop so that when I plug the Cintiq in, I can have all my precious customized preferences that I've worked so hard to compile! Wacom's website offers no solution which is awesome, since I know there is a solution and I figured it out once before. But there's a new driver out and it seems that it has been thwarting my attempts at copying over my preferences! The key is a little file called "tablet.dat" for the older driver version (4.93-3) and it usually sits in your "C:\WINDOWS\system32" folder if you are using Windows. With the newer driver (6.05-7) the .dat file is called "Wacom_Tablet.dat" and is now located in your application data folder in its own little folder called "WTablet". I was racking my brain this morning trying to figure it out and found this blog post that worked like a dream. Now this should work for any of Wacom's tablets, Cintiq, Intuos, etc. The only thing that I did different than this method suggested is that I had to rename my old "tablet.dat" preferences file to "Wacom_Tablet.dat". Then, after stopping the "TabletServiceWacom" as suggested, I deleted the current "Wacom_Tablet.dat" in the WTablet folder and simply pasted MY newly renamed "Wacom_Tablet.dat" preferences in the folder. Then I restarted the service and it worked instantly! So good luck if you have been struggling with this in the past.

Sunday, December 09, 2007
Wacom Tablet success!

Yay!!!!

Since i've had the Cintiq I've been trying to work out how to back up the preferences. All my google searches had come up negative in finding a solution to doing it. Even the wacom forums weren't clear about the many questions asked about this very topic.

Finally at long last I found the solution.

First.. I have ver 6.04-7 as the driver version running on Windows Vista Home Premium. With the help of google, patience and a few tools I've discovered the preference file is none other than a file called wacom-tablet.dat located in my C:\Users\Geoff\AppData\Roaming\WTablet folder. The folder is normally hidden so you need to unhide it first.

To unhide the folder, press the Organize button on the Windows Explorer window, then Folder and Search Options, and then View. Tick the option that says Show hidden files and folders.

Now.. it's not just a matter of backing up this file and then expecting it to work. This is why it's taken me a long time to work it out. Basically, you need to stop the TabletServiceWacom in the Services control panel. Go to the Control panel, and double click on Administration tools, and then Services. Find the TabletServiceWacom and stop it. Now copy over the backed up file on top of the existing one and restart the service.

Now when you double click on the Wacom Tablet control panel icon, it will load with your old preferences.

Note: Older versions of the driver will mean the preference file is called tablet.dat and the Service is called 'TabletService'. The directory where you find the tablet.dat or wacom_tablet.dat may be in a different location on Windows XP or other Operating Systems so you may need to search your machine for the file. If the modified time changes when you open/close the Wacom Tablet control panel then you have the right file.

Also note that this should work for the Intuous 3, Cintiq and quite probably other tablets by Wacom asuming they follow the same convention.

Now I can finally start building my preference file knowing I won't lose it when I re-format etc.

Source

A weird creature

2008-05-24T17:12:00Z

Every now and then I like to draw something really weird. Usually I do these by hand with pencil, but I think it's a lot more fun to do them with a Wacom tablet or Cintiq. This was done in Photoshop using some custom brushes I built to achieve the skin texture and shading. This was finished in about 3 hours and that's pretty normal for sketches like this, however, I was able to get a TON more detail in Photoshop than by hand because I usually draw on an 8.5x11 sheet of paper whereas Photoshop lets me ZOOM in and really put some detail in there. I'll post any other stuff like this up here as I finish them. I actually have another project I'm working on that should be done this fall that I will for sure post here.

Screengrab! for Firefox

2008-05-03T16:14:00Z

Just to let you know, I'm not one of these guys that installs every single add-on or extension out there to my browser. I'm very picky and only like to add things that are practical. Well, I've found one recently that has been a HUGE help and best of all, it's very simple. It's called Screengrab! and here's what they say about it on their site:

"Basically Screengrab! let’s you take what you want from a web-page: the entire scrollable document, just the visible bit, or a draggable selection. Screengrab will even save just the contents of an individual frame."

It actually does what it says, it allows you to take a screen shot of just the browser contents while eliminating the surrounding browser. It has basically three options under two categories. You can copy the complete page or frame, just the viewable area or select a specific portion of the page to copy by drawing a simple box. The other section gives you the same options but instead of just copying, it saves them straight to a .png so you can skip pasting them into Photoshop altogether!

My old trick was using "ALT+prt sc" instead of just plain old print screen. In case you didn't know, that allows you to copy just the active program you are in instead of the entire screen. It's pretty helpful, but you still have to go and crop out the browser window or whatever. I got frustrated the other day and thought, "You know, some dude out there has to have made some kind of plug-in or something to let me just copy the content of the browser instead of the whole dang thing." Sure enough, the people, or person at Screengrab! made my day.

Give it a shot, I highly recommend it. Here's the link again: http://www.screengrab.org/home/

The incredibly cool Cintiq 12WX

2008-02-13T00:01:00Z

Check out the site and be sure to watch the video

Ok, I've written before about how much I love the Cintiq 21UX, now there's a new Cintiq that is causing me to drool; it's the Cintiq 12WX. It's quite a bit smaller than the beast of a Cintiq that I'm currently using, but it looks like it's light years easier to tote around. I'm also guessing that it's a lot easier on the lap than the 23lb 21UX, because it only weighs 4.4lbs! What's great is the price; while not exactly cheap, it rolls in at $999, much less than the $2,300 21UX. I am a huge, huge fan of these devices and cannot say enough about how easy they are to use, how efficient they make your work flow and how cool they are to look at. My Cintiq 21UX is by far the coolest gadget that I own. So I'm looking forward to picking up one of these little guys and and giving it a whirl!

"Jessica" the Sprint/Nextel Robot

2008-01-05T18:48:00Z

So basically I was interested in adding some services to my phone this morning. I've got a Treo 755p and have been interesting in using Google Maps on it. So I go to Sprint.com to check their rates and a little chat window opens up and I'm greeted by a person or robot named "Jessica". All I want is a price - what does it cost to add the features I'm interested in. Seems like an easy question. The whole conversation took about 30 agonizing minutes. Some of my responses may seem pretty harsh, and I probably shouldn't have taken out my rage on poor little "Jessica". So if "Jessica" is reading this, I apologize, you were probably trained wrong or were, in fact, a robot. Those of you who appreciate the great customer service at your local mobile provider may appreciate this conversation. Enjoy.

----------------------------

Jessica says: Hello, I'm a Sprint products and services EXPERT (emphasis added). May I help you pick the plan that is best for you?

You say: I'm interested in adding Vision services to my phone and was wondering what the price would be?

You say: I'd just like to get Email and use google maps. I have a Treo 755p.

Jessica says: I can help you with that (I wonder how Sprint defines 'help'). First; may I move this chat to the top of the window? It will be out of the way and I can stay with you in case you run into any problems or if you have any questions, okay? (That's reasonable, thanks Jess)

You say: sure

JESSICA SENDS A PAGE

Jessica says: Can you see the page below?

You say: I don't see anything below, all I see is the chat section. (The page was gray for about five minutes until she replied)

Jessica says: I'm going to send a Web page to the bottom of your screen showing our great Sprint Wireless Plans. OK? (If at first you don't succeed...)

You say: sure. (I'm still trying to be reasonable)

(about five minutes passes)

You say: You there? (did you fall asleep, Jessica?)

Jessica says: Yes.

JESSICA SENDS A PAGE

Jessica says: Are you currently a Sprint or Nextel customer?

You say: yep

Jessica says: Would you like to upgrae your phone, add a new phone to share minutes, add a new phone with a new plan, or modify your services?

You say: well, I'd like to just use the google maps feature on my phone and maybe receive Email

Jessica says: Yes yu (not a typo) can do that. (DUH)

You say: ok, how much $$$

Jessica says: How much for what? (Uh, Star Wars collectibles on Ebay, what do you think?!)

You say: ok, do you understand what I am trying to do here? I am a customer. Customers pay money for services. I would like the features that I mentioned. There is a price you company charges for the services. I, as the customer, would like to know what they cost. (This was probably a little harsh)

Jessica says: Would you like to upgrade your phone, add a new phone to share minutes, add a new phone with a new plan, or modify your services?

You say: Look, am I talking to a computer, or someone who doesn't speak English? (This wasn't harsh, I was serious)

Jessica says: No you are not. (Well, that's a relief)

Jessica says: The Sprint website currently allows customers to modify their existing plans and services online by logging into your account.

Jessica says: I'm going to send the Sprint home page to the bottom of your screen so we may begin this process, OK?

You say: I tried logging in before I started this chat and my account said that it was currently not available. This happens a lot. (This is true, my account is unavailable about 80% of the time)

Jessica says: Unfortunately, we're unable to do that online. You can either visit a local Sprint Nextel store or contact Sales Support at 1-800-777-4681.

Jessica says: Is there anything else I can help you with today? (I swear Jessica is a robot)

Jessica says: Again, my name is Jessica. Thank you for visiting Sprint.com today. We appreciate your interest and look forward to meeting your wireless needs in the future. Have a great day.

You say: Wow, I can't believe what a waste of time this was. No offense.

Sprint: Thank you for your time.

(No Sprint, thank YOU)

----------------------------

So there you have it. It doesn't look like I'll be adding any services soon, so I'll probably just wait until I get to the office or home to check my Email. I'll probably just use a real 'map' in the mean time as well. Thanks, Sprint!

A Brand New Christmas LoadToon is on the Way!

2007-12-12T18:54:00Z

Just to let the LoadToons fans know, we are currently in production of a new LoadToon that will be appearing shortly before Christmas. We hope everyone will get a real kick out of it. There hasn't been a new toon for quite a while and we apologize for that; we will try to do better in the future. We do not plan on stopping the toons anytime soon or in the future so don't go getting all concerned about it and letting it add to your holiday stress. Find some zen in knowing that a LoadToon is coming soon to give you a good laugh that will stay with you through all the long lines at the malls while you're surrounded with screaming children and cutesy animatronic characters singing the same song over, and over and over...

Great bag for air travel

2007-12-12T18:17:00Z

This is a really great idea for a carry on bag that you can take with you to the airport. I'd love to get one and just see what the reaction is. Although I'm not sure I'd want to risk the cavity search. Get one for your friend and see what happens to them next time they fly the friendly skies.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/interests/giftsunder20/9856/

Transformers...cool, but...

2007-07-09T21:53:00Z

Ok, so I went to go and see Transformers this last Saturday and it was pretty much what I expected, which disappointed me somewhat. In certain key plot points I had flashbacks to the other end-of-the-world flick "Independence Day". You know, we get suddenly attacked by aliens, the military gets involved, there's been a cover up for years and we have one of their ships/robots hidden in a secret base under the Earth/Hoover dam.

Then there's the love story. Yeah...the geeky dude that gets the hot girl. No, that's never happened in a Hollywood film before.

For those of you who haven't seen it, I don't want to ruin the movie, but there were so many just absolutely childish parts that it was really distracting from the coolness of the Transformers. Like the scene where Optimus and Co. are hiding from the kid's parents like a bunch of teenage hooligans up to no good.

I also loved how the Decepticons are coming to destroy them, they're running out of time, and Mr. Deed's butler decides that it would be a good idea to give the other characters the grand tour of their secret base under the Hoover Dam. Not only do they get the tour, he goes above and beyond and gives them a demonstration of how the cube turns everyday objects into evil robots. Thanks, Mr. Sneaky Sneaky.

Then there's the part where Megatron is chasing the kid, has him stranded on a roof and actually asks him to hand over the 'allspark' cube thing. Ok, dude, you're a fifty foot tall evil robot that hates humans, just grab him, squish him and get your cube deal. But no, he has a conversation with the dude and then, instead of grabbing him he tries to hit him and misses, losing the cube deal in the process.

There were other problems, but those will do for now.

Now I might be reading too much into some of these things, but the special effects WERE really cool. I thought they did a fantastic job on the animation and pulling off the transformations. They didn't have that cool sound effect enough though. I think I heard it maybe twice. C'mon guys. All together, it was a pretty cool flick to see if you don't take movies about giant robots too seriously like I apparently do. But if you haven't seen it, just ignore the weird parts and enjoy the giant machines beating the crud out of each other and have a great time.

Transformers and a Manatee

2007-06-14T20:25:00Z

Ok, so I'm pretty stoked about the new Transformers movie. No, I was never really too 'in' to those crazy robots as a kid, but seeing how they are going to pull of the special effects on this one should be impressive. The theatrical trailers look cool; I'm sure the plot will stink, but hey, you get to see some crazy computer animation, and hear that awesome, classic mechanical transformer noise (it's no "Life of Guy" but it'll probably be alright). I'm a total special effects guy with movies. A good plot helps, but man, I want to be blown away. Remember seeing Jurassic Park for the first time and how real that T-Rex looked? See, that's what I'm talking about. So this is one I'm kinda looking forward to, and maybe I'll write a review about it after I see it, but don't hold your breath.

Manatees Are Weird Things
So I recently went on a vacation to Florida and we took this little boat down the Weeki Wachee river. As we were floating along we saw these signs, "Watch out for manatees" everywhere. To tell you the truth, I really wanted to catch a glimpse of and snap a shot of one of these elusive and rare creatures. Several folks floating down the river were telling us there were some up ahead, but we didn't see any; plus we thought they were messing with us. Maybe it had something to do with me looking like a freak standing up on the bow of the boat with camera-in-face looking for manatees. But then, all of a sudden, we saw a big grayish blob floating along in the water...'twas the beast! We floated by and got some good shots of the weird-looking tuskless walrus-type critter. So that's the story. I badly wanted to go and ride it or something, but that's pretty dang illegal out there. Floridians love their manatees and they'll have your hide if you go getting 'em all riled up.