I can think of so many applications where a tiny PC like this one could be used for. "The picotux 100 is the world's smallest Linux computer, only slightly larger (35mm×19mm×19mm) than an RJ45 connector. Inside, there is an ARM7 CPU at 55 MHz running uClinux kernel 2.4.27 and Busybox 1.0. Two communication interfaces are provided, 10/100 Mbit half/full duplex Ethernet and a serial port with up to 230.400 baud. Five additional lines can be used for either general input/output or serial handshaking." |
Thursday, July 26, 2007
TIny Computer
Awesome Garden Monitoring Hack
This is a system the monitors light, humidity, water, etc all with off the shelf items hacked together.... pretty awesome.
from the site:
This whole thing started with the idea of monitoring the moisture of the soil in my garden so I would know when to water it. (It's actually my girlfriend's garden, but it's in my backyard... don't ask.)
I figured I could measure the resistance between two probes and get an idea of the moisture content from that. So I set up a little "Test Unit" by filling a flower pot with moist soil and measured the resistance between two nickels (I chose nickel because it doesn't corrode easily) and got about 2K Ohms. Wondering if temperature would affect the measurement, I put the "Test Unit" in the refrigerator overnight and the measurement went up to about 3.5K Ohms (did the soil loose some moisture overnight?) Next I put it in direct sun light for several hours to heat it up and the measurement went down to about 1.5K Ohms. Sure enough, not only does temperature affect the reading by approximately 7.5% per Degree C, but it appears that moist soil (at least the sample I'm using) has a negative temperature coefficient! (Almost all known conductive materials have a positive temperature coefficient where the resistance goes up with temperature, moist soil, however, goes down making it somewhat of a rarity.)
So a few brain cells fired and I got the idea that I could put a little Microprocessor out there in my garden with a wire running in to the house and remotely monitor the soil. Then I figured that as long as I'm doing that, I may as well add other sensors too. Eventually (after even more brain cells fired) the idea blew out of control to become a Multi-Drop Network with an array of Addressable Microcontrollers each scanning an array of Sensors and reporting the data back to a master PC which will archive the data and graph it. What started as a single soil moisture measurement became an automated network measuring...
Friday, July 06, 2007
For that trip I will never take
First-Time Around the World
Best guide to the ultimate trip
The ultimate trip is a slow transverse of the globe on very little money with lots of time. I've recommended two guides for this way of traveling in the past: The Practical Nomad (for budget travelers) and World Stompers (for those with almost no money). While both of these books still have some good tips in them, they are both a bit out of date and have been superceded by this great new information-packed volume from Rough Guides.
First-Time Around the World is the book I would write if I had to give my advice on how to travel cheaply and globally. It's smart, current, wise, and true. And worth reading even if you are only traveling for a few weeks.
-- KK
A Map for Saturday
How it feels to vagabond
Don't watch this documentary unless you are ready to quit your job. It's about the joys and woes of long-term traveling. It's impossible to watch this fun film and not confront the fact that you are here instead of there, out on the road, soaking up the mysteries of the world, with all-you-can-eat $3 dinners and $5 rooms, backpacking around the world for a year, as the filmmaker himself did. This kind of vagabonding is more a state of mind than a state of motion. Something weird happens when you travel longer than 10 days, and that wonderful transformation (which no one can explain to their family when they return) is what this superbly written, fabulously edited, deeply personal and wonderfully likeable documentary is all about.
This film explores the mellow subculture of (mostly) young people who trek along an invisible international traveler's circuit. There's a kind of endless distributed global party going on every day of the year (plainly visible here), and to join it all you need is a ticket to any country and the address of the local hostel. I was part of this mind-set for many years and boy, does this film nail the peculiar delights of perpetual cheap travel. Not just the highs (everyday is Saturday, each new person an instant best friend), but also the lows (always saying goodbye, and loss of connection).
This DVD won't give you the how-to specifics of vagabonding. For that I recommend First-Time Around the World. A Map for Saturday works best as an orientation course, offering inspiration on why to tackle this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. It's the next best thing to having a good friend come back and tell you what really happens when you find yourself at the other end of the road.
-- KK
Advice I wish I had known in college
How To Initiate Conversation
The hardest part of socializing, for many people, is initiating conversation. However, it is a big mistake to go about life not making the first move and waiting for someone else to do it [in conversation or anything].
This isn't to say you must always be the first in everything or spark up conversations with everyone you see. What should be said, though, is once you get good at starting conversations, a lot of other things will progress in the way you want; such as networking and your love life.
The Benefits
First thing is you should acknowledge why it is a good thing to be able to initiate conversations with strangers or people who you don't know well.
1. You're not a loner with nothing to do.
2. You look more approachable if you are comfortable approaching others.
3. Meeting new people means developing a network of friends or peers which leads to more knowledge and experiences.
You can only learn so much alone, and I'm sure you're aware of the benefits of learning from others. Being able to distinguish the 'good from bad' amongst a group of people will help in building a suitable network, or making a fun night.
Good Vs Bad
All people are good in their own way. Being able to have a good time with anybody is a worthy trait and something to discuss another time. However, if you have a specific purpose while in social situations you may want to stick with people who are suitable.
This means distinguishing between people who might suit you and your 'purpose' from those who probably won't. This can require some people-judging, which I am generally very opposed to. However, this does make approaching people all the more easier.
It helps to motivate the conversation if you really want to know this person. Also, you'll find your circle of friends and peers grows to something you really like and enjoy.
The Rules
I don't have many rules in this life, for conversation or anything; but when it comes to approaching strangers, there are a few I'd like used.
1. Be polite. Within context, don't be a creepy, arrogant loudmouth or anything. Acknowledge that you are in the company of strangers and don't make anyone feel uncomfortable. First impressions mean something.
2. Keep it light. Don't launch into a heartfelt rant or a story of tragedy. We're out to have fun.
3. Don't be a prude. This just means relax. This isn't a science and conversation isn't a fine art. Talk to people like you're already friends.
4. Be honest. Be yourself. People can tell.
Who To Talk To?
I'm of the ilk that likes to talk to everyone and anyone. Everyone has a story and good personalities. Some are harder to get to than others, but if you're on a people-finding excursion, like I usually am, then everyone is pretty much fair game.
That said, if you're out at a function and you want to build a network of people in your niche, you will want to distinguish those people from the others. Find the 'leaders' in a group of people or ask around for what you're looking for.
In a more general environment, like at a bar, you will want to do the same sort of thing. Acknowledge what you actually want and try to distinguish suitable people. Once you find someone, or a group of people, that you want to meet and talk to, hop to it.
Think of a few things you might have in common. What did you notice about their dress sense?
Confidence
The most important part of initiating conversation is, arguably, having confidence. It should be obvious that without any amount of self-esteem you will struggle. Having confidence in yourself and who you are makes this job very easy.
If you find yourself doubting your worth, or how interesting you are, make a few mental notes of why you are interesting and worth talking to. There is no question you are. You just have to realize that.
What do I do? What is interesting about it? What are my strong points and what are my weak ones? Confident people succeed because they play on their strengths.
Across The Room Rapport
This is rapport building without talking. It's as simple as reciprocated eye contact and smiles etc. Acknowledging someone else's presence before approaching them goes a long way to making introductions easier. You are instantly no longer just a random person.
As discussed in last week's How Not To Suck At Socializing article, there are things you can do to make yourself appear approachable. This doesn't necessarily mean people are going to flock to you. You'll still probably need to initiate conversations.
People notice other people who are having a blast. If you're that person, someone will acknowledge it and will make the 'across the room rapport' building a breeze. If you're that person that is getting along great with their present company, others will want to talk to you. This will make your approach more comfortable for both parties.
The Approach
When it comes to being social, the less analytical and formulaic you are the better. Try not to map out your every move and plan too much. Although we are talking about how to initiate conversation, these are really only tips. When it comes to the approach, though, there are some things you should keep in mind.
Different situations call for different approaches. Formal situations call for something more formal and relaxed ones should be relaxed.
At a work function, for instance, be a little formal and introduce yourself. People will want to know who you are and what you do right away. This isn't to say you should only talk about work, but an introduction and handshake is appropriate.
If you're at a bar then things are very different and you should be much more open to unstructured introductions. Personally, I don't like the idea of walking directly to someone to talk to them. It's too direct. I like the sense of randomness that comes with meeting new people.
However, if there is rapport already established, go for it. If not, take a wander, buy a drink and be aware of where people are. If there is someone you would like to talk to, make yourself available and not sit all night etc.
When someone is alone and looks bored, do them a favor and approach them. No matter how bad the conversation might get, they should at least appreciate the company and friendliness.
Briefly, Approaching Groups
When integrating with an established group conversation there is really one thing to know. That is to establish the 'leader' and introduce yourself to them. I mentioned that before, but here is how and why.
The Why is the leader of a group conversation is probably the more social and outgoing. They will more readily accept your introduction and then introduce you to the rest of the group. This hierarchy in a group conversation is much more prevalent in formal situations where one person is leading the conversation.
A group of friends out for the night is much more difficult to crack. This may even be another topic for discussion, but one thing I know that works is initiating conversation with a 'stray'. It sounds predatorial, but it works.
More often than not this occurs without intention, but if you do really want to get into a group of friends, your best bet is approaching one of them while they are away from the group and being invited into the group.
It is possible, like everything, to approach a group outright and join them. However, this is almost an art and requires another specific post.
Topics Of Conversation
Other than confidence, the next thing people who have trouble initiating conversations lack is conversation! So here are a few tips to get the ball rolling.
1. Small talk sucks. It's boring and a lot of people already begin to zone out when questions like, "What do you do?" or "What's with this weather?" come up. Just skip it.
2. Everything is fair game. If you are in the company of someone and a thought strikes you, share it. "This drink is garbage! What are you drinking?" "Where did you get that outfit?"
3. Opinions matter. This is any easy way to hit the ground running in conversation. Everyone has one, and when you share yours, another will reveal itself. The great thing about this line of thought is that you are instantly learning about the other person and what they like, dislike etc.
4. Environment. The place you're in is full of things to comment on. The DJ, band, fashions; start talking about what you see.
5. Current Events. Unless it's something accessible or light-hearted, forget it. Don't launch into your opinion on the war. If your city has recently put a ban on smoking inside venues, like mine has, ask what they think about it.
6. Speaking of smoking. If you are a smoker in such a city, you are in luck. Although there is the inconvenience of being ostracized outside to smoke, you are instantly thrust into a group of like-minded people. Consider this possibly the easiest forum for flirtation and new conversation.
Exiting Conversation
Although I'd like to write a full post on exiting strategies for conversations you don't want to be in, here are some tips.
The first thing is don't stay in a conversation you're not interested in. It'll show and will be no fun for anyone. Be polite and excuse yourself. You're probably out with friends, go back to them. Buy a drink. Most people will probably want to finish the conversation as much as you.
Likewise, you could start another conversation.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Next time I renovate a kithcen:
I will use this (from popgadget)
Move your power plugs around with Eubiq
Many devices may be going wireless or Bluetooth, but you almost always still need an electrical outlet to keep them powered up and chugging along. Not to mention the fact that you may have more electronic devices to plug in, than enough outlets to safely plug them all into.
So I can appreciate the simplicity of Eubiq, an electrical power outlet solution that provides an electricity-supplying track and separate power point plugs that can be jacked into the track wherever and whenever you need them. Once a room's been fitted out with these power tracks, it's just a matter of inserting the plugs anywhere along the track with a simple insert-and-twist motion.
Each track comes in a maximum length of up to 3.6 meters, and multiple tracks can be linked up to wire up a whole room. You can't slide the power plugs along the track (it's not designed to work that way in terms of conducting electricity), but twisting them in and out of a track position is easy enough, as I found when I used the Eubiq system installed at Singapore's Geek Terminal. There's Eubiq tracks running through the entire wireless cafe and the waitstaff just hand out power plugs to whoever needs them.
The system would be great to have at home too. No more unsightly overloaded power sockets or cables running untidily across the room. The system comes with a grounded safety shutter, so that even if curious children poke their fingers into the track, they won't shock themselves.
Eubiq is designed and made in Singapore, but is available internationally and can be installed for an incoming voltage of 110V or 230V.
For those who claim a cat-filled-future
(From POPGADGET)
If your birthday is coming up and you find yourself unwrapping one of these Crazy Cat Lady figurines, we here at Popgadget apologize for being the catalyst of your feline-addict intervention.
Your friends and loved ones aren't suggesting that this disheveled woman with cats coming out of her pockets and hair is you. And none of the six free-standing cats included in the £9.95 set are supposed to be exact replicas of your precious Princess, Fluffy, Tiara, Whiskers, Princess II, or Snowball either.
But, um, maybe it's time to reconsider that cat theme you've got going in your apartment, at work, and in your closet.
Via Coolest Gadgets.
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