Hero Inc.

where heroes are an everyday occurrence

Oct-14-2008

Netflix Quick Movie Reviews

I’ve had a Netflix account for about two months now and I figured I would share a quick review of the movies I have seen so far. I think I will try to post a quick review for all of my Netflix movies by keeping to the Twitter concept of posting only 140 characters per review. It will be short, sweet, and hopefully most of the detail will be presented in the stars and less in words.

Enron
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
For a couple of guys that brought ethical issues to the forefront of business, they were the smartest guys.
[Rating:4.5/5]
The Prestige
The Prestige
I believe in magic and Christopher Nolan. The man can make a great movie.
[Rating:4.5/5]
Illusionist
The Illisionist
There was magic and some decent actors but I didn’t get much else out of it. It is no Prestige.
[Rating:3/5]
Bigger Stronger Faster
Bigger, Stronger, Faster*
It all started out strong and looking like it could pull it off, but somehow seemed to shrivel up in the end.
[Rating:3.5/5]
Speed Racer
Speed Racer
This was a true live action cartoon that was better than expected. I didn’t get a seizure, but it was close.
[Rating:3/5]

Next up on my Netflix queue are: The Untouchables, Pan’s Labyrinth, Alien…………..

Posted under Movies
Oct-11-2008

Google has bad drivers

Earlier today I was looking at directions and I decided to use Google’s Street View.  I’ve used this feature before but I never paid too much attention to it.  Well, today something caught my eye and that is bad/illegal driving being displayed by Google.  Maybe they can be evil.

The first screenshot shows the Street View and the fully available turn lane on the right side of the image.

If I’m turning right, wouldn’t I need to use the turn lane?  Apparently not.

Way to go Google. I’m willing to bet you didn’t use your blinker either.

Posted under Internet
Oct-5-2008

iMacro and its many uses

A few months ago, one of the guys at work (“Sugar” Ray) sent me an email about a new FireFox extension I might find useful. iMacro is quite simply a way to “automate firefox.” Have you ever found yourself wanting to automate certain activities you perform daily within your browser? Or are you unsure what you would need to automate? Here’s a quick sample of ways I have used iMacro to simplify my life.

  • Testing for Web Applications – At work, I often have to build new capabilities into a web application. For these capabilities I need test users that sometimes can become a very repetitious task to create. Instead of taking 30 minutes or longer to create maybe 4 users, I use iMacro. I record my actions, save the macro and then set it to run for about 20 times. I then “set it and forget it.” I can walk away for lunch or attend a meeting while my users are being created.
  • Entering a daily contest – Recently there was a contest for the chance to win a newly designed/decorated house. The contest allowed you to enter daily for more chances to win. I didn’t want to enter the form information every day so I made a quick macro to fill out the form for me. Instead of the 2 minutes to fill out the form, I was filling out the form daily within 10 seconds.
  • Wachovia / Quicken – My biggest and favorite use of iMacro is with my bank accont. Wachovia earlier this year determined that it would charge users a monthly cost for using programs such as Microsoft Money or Quicken. Anytime these programs were used to pull account information the monthly charge would be instituted. For the record, I know Wachovia would enter you into the monthly charge even if you stopped using the program. To prevent the charge from appearing, one would need to stop using Money or Quicken as well as call and have yourself removed from the monthly charge. In order to keep the simplified way of using Quicken, I created a simple macro that would quickly login to my account and download the latest account information. By “manually” downloading the information, the charge would not apply. I was once again back on top of my finances and performing the same task I was before but now it was for free.

For advanced users, iMacro can utilize javascript for more programatic features but for simple every day use, it isn’t necessary. iMacro also comes with many sample macros to help you enhance your current macros or learn the capabilities of what iMacro can do for you. If anyone has any great macros they would like to share, please let me know. I’d love to hear them.

Posted under Internet | Tagged as
Sep-29-2008

Linux Pot Luck v1.0

It’s been quite a while since I have posted anything concerning my computer and with the new purchase I made a few weeks ago, maybe I should share a pot luck of computer related news.

  • After two years of threatening, I finally broke down and purchased a new computer. I was mainly looking for something that was better than my old Dell, which by this point is about 6 years old. The new machine, dubbed Black Panther, is running Mandriva Spring 2008 and is turning out much better than I had hoped it would.
  • The new computer was minus a few extra PCI slots so I had to purchase a new wireless device. I went with the Linksys Compact Wireless – G USB Adapter. I had read on a forum before purchasing that it worked well with Linux distrobutions. The forum was right and the Compact G worked out of the box with Mandriva.
  • With the new install, I was missing many commercial and non-commercial components that I would need to return my new machine to the way I had my old Linux desktop setup. One of the key items was the libdvdcss library which allows me to burn the DVDs I have purchased in order to watch my movies on the road. Of course, with libdvdcss, I would need transcode so that K3B could correctly rip and encode the files. I think I might be getting better at this search online for linux answers thing.
  • Compiz Fusion running on a faster system is simply a must. It provides the great visuals that all of those Mac fanboys rave about. I personally love the cube and ring effects. The beauty of it all is that it is FREE!!!!
  • Once my system was up and running I wanted to setup Amarok with MySQL instead of SQLite since I had heard of the amazing speed one would gain with the change. However, when I tried to install MySQL via the RPM in Mandriva I encountered a problem every time. It seemed my root MySQL account was already given a default password and I didn’t know it. I tried numerous installs but received the same issue. After a few searches, I came to discover that the MySQL RPM for release candidate 2008.1 release candidate 1 contained an issue if the computer was labeled “localhost”. I read up on the bug and followed the wonderful instructions of one Oden Eriksson and my problem was solved rather quickly. First stop MySQL and Amarok, next stop MythTV.
  • I found a great website when I was searching for how to record my desktop. The website has many web videos that show you how to do different things. I was even fortunate to see one about asterisk which I was looking to work with at work in a few days.

I think I got a little link happy in this post but I did warn from the start that it was going to be a pot luck of sorts.

Posted under Linux
Sep-23-2008

Ready 2 Rumble

The other day at work, I received a random message over IM from a user I did not know. The user in question was someone I had met in a previous life on the internet when I was part of the e-fedding world. I know I’m going to regret this post later but oh well.

What is an e-fed?
Well, before there was fantasy football, fantasy baseball, or fantasy anything, there was fantasy wrestling. That’s right. Wreslting. I’m talking about Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, and Sting. That kind of wrestling. According to wiki, an e-fed is a fictional wrestling promotion where the basic premise is that a player creates a character and manages his or her career.

Over my e-fedding career, there were two different ways to play but both shared a common aspect. The first e-fed I joined utilized a piece of software that would simulate wrestling matches. That’s right people. There is software out there that would simulate a wrestling match based on the type of match and the wrestlers that were placed into that match. You could setup all different types of matches (ladder, four way, Last Man Standing, etc.) as well as wrestler types (grappler, high flyer, technician, etc.). Most of the matches were very redundant due to the limits of the software. It was still cool at the time. The second type of e-fed I joined did not use the software. For each weekly event and monthly “PPV” writers would scribe the entire match and any other aspect of the show. This could be attacks in the backstage area, interviews, or vinettes. As you can imagine (if you are even trying), shows were constantly postponed due to the amount of time it would take to write these events. I tried to write a few here and there but I wasn’t any good.

The overall common component of both types was the aspect of role playing. Once you created your wrestler, you had to bring the wrestler to life through promos or interviews. These are just online postings where you build up your fight for the week or whatever feud you are currently involved in. There were limitations on what you could say or do in an interview to keep the fantasy as “real” as possible (i.e. no using wrestlers that were not your own). There was a point in time where I was having to write a promo a day for 4 days a week to prepare for my weekly match. Each promo could have taken me about 2 hours to write, which isn’t fun when Word suddenly crashes on you and you have to type it up again from scratch.

Who were my characters?
When I first started out, I created a tag team known as Snakebite (Viper and Venom). They basically had no personality and died rather quickly in my eyes but thanks to the software of the e-fed they were slightly above a jobber. Soon I began a feud with the resident outsiders of the federation and I needed a new “big guy” to combat the size of this wrestler known as Oz. I, therefore, created X who was almost 8 feet tall. I wasn’t very creative in the beginning. There was also Mondo for a short period of time but I actually ended up killing him off to make way for another character.

By killing off Mondo, I was able to create a storyline where Mondo’s brother would enter the federation in order to enact revenge on those responsible for Mondo’s overdose. Mondo’s brother was originally known as Cryus “The Virus” Fury. For those movie buffs out there, yes I did steal the name from Con Air. Cyrus was a loner who was more of a homeless bum. I modeled him after another real wrestler, Saturn. His style was hardcore and it allowed me to write for a darker style character.

Around the same time as Cryus, Buddy “Man of Action” Lee was born. This single moment is probably the start of the hero complex, but that’s an argument for another day. Buddy Lee was the hero everyone wanted and needed. He was the ultimate face that the crowd would love. With entrance music by Foo Fighters “My Hero,” I had finally found a character that I could really get into. After a few months, I was tired of writing for a face because of the limitations. When Buddy Lee moved to a heel status, he took on an arrogant, “I’m better than the entire world” attitude as well as the moniker “Mr. Hero.” On occasion Buddy Lee would use Cryus as a lackey and a tag team was formed, The Hero Selective. Both Buddy Lee and Cyrus held multiple tiles with Buddy Lee coming out ahead in the singles category with World titles in more than one federation.

Name Buddy Lee
Hometown Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Wrestler Type All Rounder
Entrance Music Foo Fighters “My Hero”
Catchphrase I am the Hero of All Heroes, your Paragon of Virtue, and the TRUE Man of Action.
Finisher(s) Buddy Lee Bomb, (Gut-Wrench Powerbomb), Herosault (Moonsault), Herovation (2 Powerbombs and a DVD)
Name Cyrus Fury
Hometown Chicago, Illinois
Wrestler Type Hardcore
Entrance Music Chevelle “Family System”
Catchphrase Feel my FURY!
Finisher(s) The Fatality (Reverse Inverted DDT that drops the opponent’s back onto a knee)

Now to make sure those videos from the TWF never show up. Man, how old was I?

Posted under Sports
Sep-14-2008

UGA vs. USC

For those west coast readers, I’m talking about University of South Carolina and not University of Southern California.

Yesterday, I made my way to San Francisco to visit May knowing that I would be missing some of the UGA/USC game. I was hoping the game would be locked up before I had to get on the plane but that was not the case due to being televised on CBS and the fact that we always play USC close. While riding MARTA, I’m getting game updates via the blackberry and text messages from my buddy David. This is not the ideal way to watch a UGA game but it was working better than nothing.

By the time it was set to board my flight, the game was just beginning the 4th quarter with UGA up 14 to 7. When I found my seat, the flight attendant asked if I needed anything. I jokingly responded that an update to the game would be nice. She responded by saying that she’d check with the pilot but I might also want to see if it could be found on the XM radio system. I quickly found the SEC channels and the channel for the game. However, since we were still on the ground, they had not switched the audio system over to the XM system due to possible pilot announcements. I was hoping that once we pulled away from the gate audio would begin, but that was not the case. Before we were forced to turn off electronic devices, I was given one uplifting moment when David informed me that we had recovered a fumble in the endzone to prevent USC from scoring.

As the plane pulled away from the gate, I stared intently at the flashing XM radio system. With no audio playing in my ears, all I could read was:

199 SEC            UGA14 USC7            4TH QUARTER

Heading to the runway I kept hoping audio would kick in. When we were about 10th for take off, I knew that I would not make into the air with a result.

199 SEC            UGA14 USC7            4TH QUARTER

Every time the message flashed, I had a heart attack in fear that it would say UGA14 USC14. The message continued to flash and I’m hoping to see any kind of news but at least good news.

199 SEC            UGA14 USC7            4TH QUARTER
199 SEC            UGA14 USC7            4TH QUARTER
199 SEC            UGA14 USC7            4TH QUARTER
199 SEC            UGA14 USC7            4TH QUARTER
199 SEC            UGA14 USC7            4TH QUARTER
199 SEC            UGA14 USC7            4TH QUARTER
199 SEC            UGA14 USC7            4TH QUARTER
199 SEC            UGA14 USC7            4TH QUARTER
199 SEC            UGA14 USC7            4TH QUARTER
199 SEC            UGA14 USC7            4TH QUARTER
199 SEC            UGA14 USC7            4TH QUARTER
199 SEC            UGA14 USC7            4TH QUARTER
199 SEC            UGA14 USC7            4TH QUARTER
199 SEC            UGA14 USC7            4TH QUARTER
199 SEC            UGA14 USC7            4TH QUARTER
199 SEC            UGA14 USC7            FINAL

Man, that was a close one. I’m hoping my flight back next week during the start of the UGA/Arizona State game is not as detrimental to my health.

Posted under Sports
Sep-13-2008

Ultimate Inspirational Playlist

Sitting at work struggling to complete your day? Looking for something to inspire you. I’m not talking about the speech from Braveheart or a motivational poster that lacks motivation. I’m talking about the ultimate playlist. A playlist designed to help you conquer the world. Just listening to each song will create that fire you need to do ANYTHING.

In no particular order, here is the Inspirational playlist I’ve built as it stands today:

  • “Your Most Valuable Possession” by Ben Folds Five
  • “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)” by Baz Luhrmann
  • “We’re So Far Away” by Mae
  • “The Final Countdown” by Europe
  • “Holding Out For A Hero” by Bonnie Tyler
  • “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
  • “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
  • “Hearts On Fire” by John Cafferty
  • “Carry on Wayward Son” by Kansas
  • “Life” by Our Lady Peace
  • “My Hero” by Foo Fighters
  • “Everlong” by Foo Fighters
  • “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay
  • “Family System” by Chevelle
  • “Right Now” by Van Halen
  • “Hallelujah” by Paramore
  • “Theme from Superman” by John Williams
  • “O Fortuna” by Carmina Burana
  • “Pioneers” by Bloc Party
  • “Song 2” by Blur
  • “Stronger” by Kanye West
  • “Foreplay/Long Time” by Boston
  • “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” by Daft Punk
  • “Remember To Breathe” by Dashboard Confessional
  • “Yellow Brick Road” by Raine Maida
  • “One Day More” by Colm Wilkinson (Les Miserables)
  • “Handlebars” by Flobots
  • “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson
  • “We Are The Champions” by Queen
  • “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen
  • “Let Go” by Frou Frou

Listen. Inspire. Conquer.

Side Note:  Why do the great songs of the 80s offer such great inspiration?  Was the great montages?

Posted under Music
Sep-4-2008

Easy Gate Access

The other night I headed to a friend’s apartment to watch the Alabama/Clemson game. My friend’s apartment complex has an access gate like most complexes do these days. The problem here, which is probably the same problem at most gates, is that they are often broken or refuse to call. I always struggle to get this gate to open and I usually have to wait for someone else to go in so that I may follow them into the complex.

I knew from my own gate that the gate would open with the correct four digit combination. Most complexes allow individuals to create their own code for cases where they do not have their gate beeper with them. Well, on this night I decided to try something new. I decided to try basic combinations to see if any “default” codes would open the gate. I only needed to try two basic combinations before the gate would open for me. After telling my friend this, I was informed of two other combinations that I might want to try on other gates as well. The next time I went to his place, I tried one of the two new combinations and the gate opened with ease, yet again.

I tried the combinations on my gate and found one that worked as well. It seems that probably most apartment complexes that are surrounded by a gate will either have a default code or they allow their renters to put in a very basic code that is easily guessable. Currently, I’ve only tested this theory on two different gates (from two different apartment renters). I want to expand this theory to see if one of the four “default’ codes will let you past most gates.

The following codes are the default codes I have been trying:

  • #0000
  • #1234 (Worked on one gate)
  • #5555 (Worked on two gates)
  • #9999

If you happen to try the codes and they work, please let me know.  I understand why “default” codes and passwords exist in the world, but I struggle sometimes with the common sense that is needed to get people to change them.  I’ve never believed in apartment complex gates, but now I really think they are worthless.

Posted under Other
Aug-25-2008

MOVE on Alzheimer’s

Another year passes and that means it is time for the Alzheimer Association Memory Walk. The following is a quick email I sent out to many people concerning the event. With only a day passed from sending the email, I’ve already raised $315. I hope the donations continue and I reach my goal as well as help my team reach their goal ($10,000) as well.

With this yearly email, I’m starting to feel like the IRS requesting money each year. However, I’m hoping all of you who have received this email do not have a negative feeling to this cause and to what I’m about to say.

For those who have not receive this email previously, let me give you the fresh perspective The following quote was copied from the Memory Walk website.

Millions of American families are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association, the world leader in Alzheimer’s research, care and support, is dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for the disease.

For all of those millions of people fighting this disease, I’m participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®. I hope to be able to raise at least $1000 to support the Alzheimer’s Association, which provides research, support and education for those living with the disease, their families and caregivers.


I am now going on my third Memory Walk. Each year I’ve looked forward to this event more than anything else. Throughout my life, I have encountered many events that have helped shape me to be who I am today. However, I feel that no other event has impacted me more than when I had to deal with my grandmother who had Alzheimer’s. I was able to see first hand what Alzheimer’s does to a person and to those loved ones who care. From that point forward, my biggest fear was/is Alzheimer’s. Every day no matter where I am or what I’m doing, you will find me wearing my Alzheimer’s “Mindstrong” bracelet. This item is both my crutch and reminder that helps me to keep strong in the fight against Alzheimer’s as well as anything else that I might face in my daily life.

Now, what I’m asking of each of you is one of two things (or both). Please either make a donation or pass this email on to someone that you know has been affected by Alzheimer’s in some way. You don’t have to donate because I’m asking, even though that would be nice. I want you to donate because you care. I want you to donate because you believe in the cause. I just want you to help in whatever way you feel that you can.

Thanks.
http://atlantachastainmemorywalk.kintera.org/btrice

Posted under Internet, Other
Aug-24-2008

Tropic Thunder

From the first moment I saw this trailer, I knew I would love the movie. I trust a written, directed, and starring movie by Ben Stiller. The supporting cast couldn’t hurt too much either (Robert Downey Jr., Steve Coogan, Nick Nolte, Tom Cruise, etc.).

Tropic Thunder is a movie about a war movie being made. It is basically a lets make fun of all facets of Hollywood and how they make a war movie. Let’s have “full of themselves” actors, “don’t give a crap” producers, “I want to be artistic yet successful” directors, and “stay true to my script or else” writers.

Before the movie even hit the theatres groups were already yelling about a white actor playing the black male lead and the constant jabs the movie makes at the mentally handicapped. Well, all of those cries of disgust had their reasons, but it made me enjoy the movie that much more. My personal philosophy is if you can’t laugh at all groups, including your own, then it isn’t fair. Anyway, Robert Downey Jr. steals the show and you quickly forget you are watching an actor playing an actor playing another person. You just start seeing one messed up actor who can’t leave the roles he pushes himself to become.

Overall, it is the quotes and cameos that keep this movie funny and the visuals that make you believe this could have been a great war movie if it didn’t have all of the problems that most normal movies probably have. I left the theater with a headache from laughing so hard and not being able to breathe at times. I’d say that’s a good movie.

[Rating:4/5]

Posted under Movies