console-kit-daemon x60

If you run 'htop' you might see over 60 processes named 'console-kit-daemon'.  This seems to be a bug. On a mostly-single-user system one might as well uninstall 'consolekit' package (seems to be used for fast user switching).

For more see:

http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=3609863&postcount=10

P.S. Alas, some other packages depend on 'consolekit'; not removing for now.

changing CapsLock to Ctrl in XFCE4

From:
http://serverfault.com/questions/10437/how-do-you-swap-the-caps-lock-to-control-in-xfce

Run this on startup:

  /usr/bin/setxkbmap -option "ctrl:nocaps"


This can be placed in XFCE's startup (Settings > Session and Startup > Application Autostart tab > Add button).

favourite wallpaper sites

These are my favourite wallpaper sites, ranked by preference:

• http://nik.bot.nu/browse.fu
• http://wallbase.net/
• http://4walled.org/
• http://www.reddit.com/r/wallpapers

BenQ W9000 service menu / overscan

I found that on my BenQ W9000 projector, when feeding it 1280x720 signal from my computer (for when my gfx card cannot handle the full 1900x1080 at reasonable framerates), and using the Anamorphic mode to scale image to full display area, a fair bit of the image was being cropped. Turns out this has to do with "overscan" setting, which alas is not accessible from regular projector menu. However, it is modifiable if one enters a secret "service menu". For this projector, to enter the service menu press:

• Menu
• Up
• Down
• Up
• Down
• Up
• Down
• Menu

[the above is from http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=799576]

The setting is under Video Signal option ("overscan rate"). When showing the 720p image, the overscan rate was originally only 93%! I've set it to 100% and now there is no longer any cropping. Yay!

FYI, to get back to using the regular OSD menu once you're done with the service menu, select the first option Factory > Return User OSD.

HP 1022n on Linux

Installation instructions from:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-software-2/cups-unable-to-discover-an-hp-1022n-network-printer-710492/

Here are the essential instructions:

1. Configure the printer with its own facility, getting into its web page: http://the-actual-ip-address.
2. There, assign a static IP address of your choice.
3. You would have to (recommended) restart the printer with the new assigned static IP.
4. Configure manually the printer within CUPS.
5. Follow instructions up to the point where you are asked to specify the URI. There, write socket://the-new-ip-address
6. Specify it is an HPLIP printer, and when prompted to specify the type of printer, scroll down and find the "HP LaserJet 1022n Foomatic/hpijs, hpijs 2.8.10.33" (for example, version is actually the one shown in my system, could be some other).
7. Choose Add Printer.
8. Print a Test Page and...
9. Voila...!!

using multiple routers at home

http://forums.linksysbycisco.com/linksys/board/message?board.id=Access_Points&thread.id=11089 The above forum thread discusses how to setup multiple routers at home. In particular, the thread is by someone in a similar situation to my own, where the cable modem comes with a wireless router already, which are setup in the basement, and wants to add a second router on second floor of house for better connectivity. The solution:

There are 2 ways this can be done.

1. Use the WRT54GS as a router and cascade the routers.
2. Use the WRT54GS as an Access Point (AP).

Solution for option 1.
Set the LAN IP of the WRT54GS to 192.168.2.1
Set the WAN IP of the WRT54GS to 192.168.1.2
Set the Gateway and DNS to 192.168.1.1
Set the DNS server IP range to suit the new IP
Connect the Ethernet cable from the WAN port of
the WRT54GS to the LAN port of your choice.
Clients will get an IP from the WRT54GS.

Solution for option 2.
Install DD-WRT for the WRT54GS
Turn off the WAN port.
Turn off the DHCP server
Set the LAN IP to 192.168.1.2
Set the Gateway and DNS to 192.168.1.1
Connect the Ethernet cable from the LAN port to
of the WRT54GS to the LAN port of your choice.
Clients will get an IP from the TRENDnet device.

This was done from the top of my head as I was
to lazy to check my WRT54G for the settings, but
I am sure they are correct.

The difference between the 2 setups is that your
network will appear as 2 different networks under
option 1. In option 2 everything will appear as a
single network. As far as function is concerned
I don't think you will realistically notice the
operational difference.

As for the wireless side of things I suggest setting
a different SSID and channel to the primary router.
Try to use WPA security if the option is available.

Regards

Fred

Morrowind map

The following is a fantastic map of Morrowind. It uses GoogleMaps.

http://www.uesp.net/maps/mwmap/mwmap.shtml?centeron=Pemenie&

great explanation of nib sizes

According to:

http://www.thewritingdesk.co.uk/reference.php?id=5

• NP (needlepoint). A very small point to give an extremely fine line. Sometimes referred to as XXF or EEF (extra-extra-fine).
• EF (extra-fine). A nib that will give a line width of around 0.4mm. Suitable for those with very small writing.
• F (fine). A nib that will give a line width of around 0.6mm. Suitable for those with small writing.
• M (medium). A nib that will give a line width of around 0.8mm. Suitable for those with average-size handwriting.
• B (broad or bold). A nib that will give a line width of around 1.0mm. Suitable for those with large writing or for signatures.
• BB (extra-broad). A nib that will give a line width of around 1.2mm. Suitable for those with very large writing or for signatures.
• BBB or 3B (extra-extra-broad). A nib that will give a line width of around 1.4mm. Will give large flowing lines and usually good variation between down-strokes (wide) and side-strokes (less wide).
• OM, OB etc (oblique). A nib ground so that the tip slopes to the left, rather like your left foot. Designed for those writers that either rotate the pen anti-clockwise or hold the pen at an unusual angle. Note that oblique nibs do not normally give more line variation than a standard rounded point unless specifically stated otherwise.
• ROM (reverse-oblique medium etc). A nib ground so that it slopes to the right, rather like your right foot. Sometimes suitable for left-handed people. Sometimes confusingly called right oblique. Uncommon.
• LH (left-hand, eg Pelikano and Lamy). A medium nib but with the point shaped so that it may be more suited to left-handed writers, particularly those who hold their above the line of writing ("over-writers").
• MK (rounded medium). A special nib made by Lamy with a more rounded point such that the orientation of the pen relative to the paper is less critical than a standard point and therefore easier for beginners. The designation is no longer used but the current Lamy medium nib is made to the same specification as the MK.
• A. A rounded point made by Lamy for the abc school pen. Between fine and medium.
• Italic (eg IM, IB, 1.1mm 1.5mm etc). A nib ground so that the tip is flat instead of rounded. Designed to give extreme line variation between wide down-strokes and narrow side-strokes in the manner of a calligraphy pen. Often specified in terms of width (in mm). Most factory-produced italic nibs are actually stub- or cursive-italics meaning the corners of the nib are rounded so allow continuous writing unlike a proper calligraphy nib that requires much greater care.
• Stub. A more rounded, gentle version of an italic nib such that good line variation is produced. Like italic nibs, these are usually specified in terms of width (in mm). Less demanding in terms of angle to the page than an italic or stub-italic nib.

places to get Lamy nibs / sections

• swisher store : sells stand-alone nibs, converters (if link doesn't work, select "Lamy" button, then "Safari collection)
• Lamy USA : sells Safari sections, although they don't have orange!
• The Writing Desk : sells nibs

link: A Simple Guide to Keeping Your Counters Clutter-free

http://zenhabits.net/2009/06/a-simple-guide-to-keeping-your-counters-clutter-free/

OmniOutliner annoying binding

When I try to use Meta-Ctrl-< in Emacs while there is some text selected, OmniOutliner pops up and tries to insert the text as a "Default Clipping", which is terribly annoying, to say the least. After some looking around it seems to be a "Service" that can be turned off:

You need to remove the OmniOutliner Professional.service file from ~/Library/Services If you want to use OmniOutliner, you can changed the clipping shortcut through the OS X keyboard prefs or using some other app that will modify service shortcuts for you.

and also

Yes, I did restart after deleting the .service file. I did however find a .plist file (as your colleague suggested) related to OmniOutliner somewhere and once that was gone I am now rid of error messages as well.

Links:

• http://forums.omnigroup.com/archive/index.php/t-9800.html
• http://www.mactech.com/articles/mactech/Vol.20/20.12/OSXServices/index.html

fountain pens

Went on a "fountain pen bender" this past weekend. Found tons of interesting things. Here is a bag of them:

• http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=8175 : index of pen reviews
• http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=39354 : index of ink reviews
• http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=58316 : fade test of inks
• http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=11808 : Fountain Pen Network FAQ
• http://www.richardspens.com/ : Richard Binder's fountain pen site
• http://www.richardspens.com/?page=ref/anatomy-vac.htm : Anatomy of a Vac.

Lamy Safari pics:

• http://www.flickr.com/photos/36829683@N04/3452679206/ : orange
• http://www.flickr.com/photos/animalsoup/2045291870/in/set-72157610232874613/ : white
• http://www.flickr.com/photos/dowdyism/3019460841/ : lime green

interesting vid: open-mindedness

http://www.dailymotion.com/user/totocacapouet/video/x8uei4_openmindedness_tech

Ian's Shoelace Site

A colleague at work, who also happens to be called Ian, mentioned this excellent site about lacing and tying shoelaces: http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/index.htm

lawnmower trouble

Ran into lawnmower trouble today. After priming the engine and firing it up, it runs for 2-5 seconds and dies. It sounds like carburator trouble. Some links I checked out in the process, which are worth saving:

• http://en.allexperts.com/q/Small-Engines-Lawn-1746/mower-starts-stops.htm
• http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/85019

Vista wifi troubles

• great thread: http://www.vistax64.com/vista-general/113351-help-dependency-service-group-failed-start.html
• http://social.technet.microsoft.com/forums/en-US/itprovistanetworking/thread/bf4f3d94-09ca-4549-abe1-bfa3aae90458/
• http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/how-to-delete-a-system-file-in-windows-vista/

go to start menu and type cmd in the search bar and open cmd with administrator rights 1.type netsh winsock reset and hit enter....nevermind if it sais something about an error 2.type netsh int ip reset and hit enter.... 3. restart you computer...and the error should be gone and the internet working what you just did was a TCP/IP stack repair

"hot pixels" in digital cameras

After playing around with my new Nikon D90, I noticed that some of my dark pictures have a red spot near upper right corner. It turns out this is a "hot pixel". Further research led me to the following interesting pages:

• http://www.shutterasia.com/forum/showthread.php?s=15d8e681214727cd9818820599fc1f45&t=24484
• pixelfixer - a tool for filtering out hot pixels from images
• good intro to hot pixels

proper exercise technique

Bryan pointed out this interesting link:
http://www.crossfit.com/cf-info/excercise.html

research notes from DSLR hunt

Camera reviews at dpreview.com:

• http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond80/
• http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond90/
• http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos450d/ (Canon EOS Rebel XSi)

Lens reviews:

• http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-17-85mm-f-4-5.6-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx
• http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/181-canon-ef-s-18-55mm-f35-56-is-test-report--review
• http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/355/cat/all (Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II ...)
• http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/349/cat/31 (Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro)
• http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/136/cat/11 (Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM)
• http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Tamron-17-50mm-f-2.8-XR-Di-II-Lens-Review.aspx (Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8)

Shopping links:

• http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0926INGFS10101163&catid=20222&logon=&langid=EN
• http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10082166&catid=26562
• http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/HenrysItemSearch?type=2&departmentId=10404&categoryId=10852&catalogId=10001&filter=manufacturerFilter:Canon:CANON| (Henry's Canon DSLRs)
• http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/HenrysItemSearch?keywords=canon&sort=price&type=1&departmentId=&filter=categoryFilter:DSLR%20Lenses:c11802|&imageField.y=15&imageField.x=6&pageNum=2 (Henry's Canon DSLR lenses)
• http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ItemsDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&departmentId=10404&categoryId=11802&itemID=166701# (Henry's SIGMA 17-70)
• http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ItemsDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&departmentId=10404&categoryId=11802&itemID=174602 (Henry's Tamron 17-50)
• http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ItemsDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&departmentId=10407&categoryId=10416&itemID=37135 (Henry's Canon EF 50mm f/1.4)
• http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ItemsDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&departmentId=10404&categoryId=10429&itemID=233858 (Henry's XSi w/18-55)
• http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ItemsDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&departmentId=10404&categoryId=10429&itemID=246103 (Henry's Nikon D90 w/18-55 VR Nikon)

Focal length comparisons:

• http://www.tamron.com/lenses/learning_center/tools/focal-length-comparison.php
• http://www.usa.canon.com/app/html/EFLenses101/focal_length.html

Other links:

• http://web500.us/best-canon-lenses-for-canon-digital-slr/

inline images in Gmail

Officially inserting inline images in Gmail is not possible. However, there is a workaround:

Open Google Docs in a new window, open a Word Doc. Insert the picture you want from your computer. This converts it into rich text format. Now you can click on the picture in Google Docs, Copy it, then paste it into your gmail compose screen.