Friday, September 4, 2009

OHS word cloud

So the Ozark School District publishes a calendar of events at calendarwiz It's a really nice way to see what's going on at the school. I noticed very few events other than sports ...so I created a word cloud for the next month or so. What do you think:



Wordle for a larger version.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Table is getting close.

Arkansas gymnastics camp

Hannah and Katie at the University of Arkansas Gymnastics Camp.
July 1, 2009





Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Converting DVD's to view on mobile devices.

Want to watch that new DVD on your mobile device? Here is a list of software/encoders to make it happen.

I use anydvd to remove the encryption from the DVD. It's not free but IMHO it's the best and easiest available. They have a free trial too. It just sits in the background and lets all the other DVD software think the inserted disk is not encrypted. I give it five stars.

If all you want is a back up copy of the disk in an easy to burn back to DVD format then use DVD Shrink along with anydvd. Here are a list of download locations. It also gets five stars.

If you want to create an .mp4 or .avi of the movie then Handbrake is the way to go. It has various presets that will encode the main movie direct to ipod/iphone/iTouch format. You can also tweak the format to encode to more generic formats. It gets 4 stars because it's a bi*** to get the formats correct if you don't have an ipod.

Apple folks are good to go at this point. The Handbrake conversion is all ready to be played on the device. If you have the HTC phone your not out of luck though. I've recently discovered Kinoma. It's an all in one media player/facebook/twitter/youtube/podcast/streaming radio/etc. player. Quite cool with a constantly updated library. They have a free version that's mostly the same as the paid version. Five stars too.

When all done the movies are about 400 MB in size so several will fit on your device.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Alltel Touch GPS enable

This post is copied from ppcgeeks where all the credit lies:

Alltel GPS with A-GPS - super fast lockon

*UPDATED 3-1-09*

This is a tutorial to get your Internal GPS to work much better. This fix Now Applies to Alltel, Bell, Cricket, MetroPCS, Sprint, Telus, and Verizon, Iusacell Mexico. It will work on the 6800/mogul/titan and the 6900/vogue/touch.
It will:
1. Lock on to satellites MUCH quicker (5-30 seconds)
2. Acquire more satellites (5-11)
3. Don't need to prime the GPS anymore (There are still a few appz that will need Priming)

IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS SEE THE TROUBLESHOOTING SECTION IN THIS POST BELOW!

I ADDED VIDEOS!!!!! SEE BOTTOM OF THIS POST!!!!!


----------------------------------------ACKNOWLEDGMENT------------------------------
Some credit goes to this thread by gc14:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=423231
This is a slight modification of his tutorial. (I got agps working a day before him. )
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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----------------------------------------OVERVIEW------------------------------
We will:
Install a PC software package called QPST that allows us to edit a portion of our phone that contains gpsOne settings.
Install drivers on the PC to allow it to detect our phone running in diagnostic mode.
Put the phone in diagnostic mode, connect it to the computer, run QPST on PC, edit the gpsOne settings on the phone.
Edit the registry, soft reset, and test it out.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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-----------------------REQUIREMENTS---------------------------------------------------
1. Windows XP computer (Vista should work, but may or may not. If the drivers install and QPST runs, your good to go.)
2. USB cable to connect Titan to PC (duh)
3. This Software Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=3...4e75f6e8ebb871
4. A PPC Registry Editor: http://www.dotfred.net/TM/TaskMgrv3.1_WM2005.zip (Not needed if you use the cab file at the end of post #2)
5. Your GPS must already be enabled.
-If you run WM 6.0 see this thread to Enable GPS: http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread...l+gps+easy+way
-Or flash the Official Alltel WM 6.1 ROM that is already GPS Enabled, 6800 Only here: http://216.139.227.226/alltel/RUU_TI..._PPST_Ship.exe
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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----------------------CONNECTING OUR PHONE TO QPST---------------------------------
1. Run Wmodemdriverinstaller.exe on your PC (This will install the DIAG driver)
2. Click install drivers, wait, once it says completed just close window
3. Install qpst_2.7b215.exe on your PC, next click through it
4. On Phone dial ##3424 , then plug it into USB port, WAIT TILL ALL DEVICES ARE INSTALLED (WAIT A GOOD 60 SECONDS)
5. Open Windows Device manager (right click on My Computer, click 'Properties', Click 'Hardware' Tab, 'Device manager' Button) on PC
6. Expand the item called 'Ports (COM & LPT)' on PC
7. Look for an item called 'HTC Diagnostic Interface' record what COM PORT it is. (see PIC below) Your COMM Port may not be the same.
8. On PC click start\All Programs\QPST\QPST Configuration. Click 'Ports' Tab. Click 'Add New Port' Button in lower right.
9. Click on the Device with the same COM port from as the 'HTC Diagnostic Interface' then click OK. (You may need to manually enter it. use COMX, i.e. COM6. description is COMX, i.e. COM6) see pic
10. Click 'Active Phones' tab. click 'Start Clients' drop down, then click 'SERVICE PROGRAMMING'
11. Click 'OK' in 'Phone Selection' window (code is 000000) see troubleshooting if it fails
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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-------------------------APPLY THE FIX-------------------------------------------------
1. Click 'Read from Phone' button in bottom left corner
2. Click 'Save to File...' button don't change name and save to your desktop. (just to have a backup)
3. Scroll over to 'gpsOne' tab (upper right corner)
4. Click all the check boxes on the left hand side so they are all blank. (all 9, See pic)
5. THEN Click all the boxes so they are checked. (all 9) (yes it's strange)
6. At 'PDE IP Address' enter: 205.142.19.100 ---See post #2 if your not on Alltel!
7. At 'PDE Port Number' enter: 8888 ---See post #2 if your not on Alltel!
8. At 'PDE Transport' select: IP
9. At 'Position Calculation' select: mobile
10. Click 'Write to Phone' (lower left corner)
11. Once completed, enter ##3424 on the phone again
12. Tap exit, then 'Yes' button on the phone
13. Unplug phone and soft rest
14. Exit QPST. DO NOT SAVE CHANGES
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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-------------------------EDIT THE REGISTRY--------------------------------------------
*UPDATE* There is a cab file at then end of post #2 that will create these registry settings automatically.

1. Open a PPC Registry Editor
2. Navigate to the folder [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\HTC\SUPL AGPS]
3. Set these values:
---------- GPSMode = 2
---------- ServerIP = 205.142.19.100 ---See post #2 if your not on Alltel!
---------- ServerPort = 8888 ---See post #2 if your not on Alltel!
4. Exit, Save
5. Soft Reset
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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--------------------------------TROUBLESHOOTING------------------------------
- The New Alltel WM 6.1 ROM erased my PDE IP and PDE Port settings in QPST. If you flash this ROM you may need to redo this fix. (regardless if you let the customizations run or not.)
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- If ##3424 Does NOT work for you then follow these steps:

Try ##3424#, #3424, or #3424#. (If that doesn't work see next)

- Download Task Manager (if u haven't already) Here:
http://www.dotfred.net/TM/TaskMgrv3.1_WM2005.zip.
Put it on your phone. I don't think it installs. so run it from where u copied it to.
Once u get task manager loaded up on your phone:

1. click on 'actions'
2. click on 'run a program'
3. under 'Open:' click the '...' button to browse for a program
4. expand the 'Windows' Folder
5. scroll down and click 'DmRouter.exe' then click 'Done'
6. under 'Extra parameters' enter /DIAG
7. Click 'Done'
Do this whenever the tutorial asks you to do the ##3424 step.
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- Sprint and Telus may need to use GetSPC if 000000 is not their code
here: http://rapidshare.com/files/44874437/GetSPC.zip.html <-- Run this on the Phone.
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- Make sure you are at the gpsOne tab when you click 'write to phone'. Changing tabs can cause the settings not to be written properly to the phone.
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-If it takes more then 2 minutes to get a lock. Then you arent using AGPS check the PDE IP and PDE Port number, Check your registry.
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-If your registry settings are reseting back to default on softreset. Then use the cab file from post #2 that pertains to your carrier.
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-Check Your ROM
start\settings\system\Device Information
PPC6800 > ROM ---3.35 or greater
PPC6800 > Radio --3.37 or greater

PPC6900 > ROM ---3.04 or greater
PPC6900 > Radio --3.37 or greater
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-Location Setting must be ON.
Phone\menu\options...\Services\Location Setting
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-Check Your GPS setting:
start/settings/system/external gps
Program Tab: Com 4
Hardware Tab: gps hardare port= none, baudrate = 4800 baud
Access Tab: check 'manage gps automatically'
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-Test Using Google Maps:
Open Google Maps, Click 'Use GPS'
-------If you get 'Initializing GPS...'
Then your Gps Com ports are wrong in google maps, you didnt soft reset, you didnt let windows manage gps.

-------If you get 'Seeking GPS satellites (0)...'
Then your location setting is set to OFF, your com ports are set wrong in windows, you didnt let windows manage gps, didnt wait long enough, obstructed view to satellites.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




************************NOTES*******************
- If you HARD RESET or FLASH a new ROM, the settings in QPST COULD be lost. The Registry settings WILL be lost. You will need to redo this fix.
-MetroPCS users will need to use position calculation = PDE
-Sprint users may need to use position calculation = PDE (if u have poor results with 'mobile')

- The reason we now use position calculation=mobile and gpsmode=2 is:
1. We rely MUCH less on the cell towers (less evdo data used and works well in areas with no coverage)
2. Less battery power used
3. Better for Turn-By-Turn software (like TomTom)
4. We don't rely on the Cell phone companies to give us our position. (greater anonymity. they already know what tower we are connected to regardless of this fix, but they don't need to know our precise location)
5. Only bad thing is that it will take a few seconds longer to get the initial fix (5-10 secs longer) and it won't work AS well indoors. But trust me the Pros outweigh the Cons.

Test it out, indoors and outdoors. you will probably not notice a difference, Which is good.

- Wifi will not work with the PDE Server. It will prevent the agps data from being downloaded if it is on.

- This requires a data connection. It will use 100 bytes (1/10 of 1Kilobyte) when accessing the PDE servers.
*************************************************

HowTo videos:

Part #1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UNJi1ufazM
Part #2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTrouf_s3aE
Troubleshooting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y25bSH-eorA


DO NOT CHANGE ANYTHING ELSE IN QPST. YOU WILL MOST LIKELY BRICK YOUR PHONE.
no warranty included. this is for educational purposes only.

Weather is coming

From Pocketmarks Album Copy

Monday, June 1, 2009

Monday, April 27, 2009

Text only versions of news pages

Skweezer News

BBC

Google

NPR

US News

USA Today

NY Times

Hannah Yates Level 8 Regionals Reception



Hannah had a great time at the 2009 Region IV Championships in Wisconsin Dells. She finished 5th All Around.

Dynamics had a really nice reception party when she arrived back in Springfield.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Youtube url hacks

10 Youtube URL Tricks You Should Know About

Apr. 18th, 2009 By Varun Kashyap

youtube url tricks Youtube - You know that site with videos and all. Yeah! It turns out that its quite popular and you happen to visit and use it quite often. Instead of just searching and playing here are some top Youtube URL tricks that you should know about:



See the makeuseof post of all the skinny.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Level 8 State Championships



Hannah took 3rd place in the All Around and was just 0.025 points from first. She finished as the 6th place Level 8 gymnast in all of Missouri and qualified to represent Missouri at the Regional Competition in Wisconsin Dells, WI on April 25th, 2009.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Space mountain lights on.

We're a bit broken down right now.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Well we finally made it.

Flight was delayed 90 minutes.

Temp is in the mid 70's. Nice!

Later,

Chris

Well our flight was delayed.

We're stuck at the airport in Springfield for a couple of hours. Flight from SFB was delayed.
http://mobile.flightview.com/TrackByFlight.aspx?al=G4&dpdat=20090322&loc=fndflt Says we'll wait another 30 minutes of so.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Zucchini Cake




Here is a favorite of mine made by Lisa Yates.



Zucchini Cake
1/2 cup margarine, softened
1/2 cup oil
1 3/4 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 cups grated unpeeled zucchini

Topping
6 oz. miniature chocolate chips
1/2 cup brown sugar
Pecans (optional)

Cream margarine, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk. Stir in zucchini and vanilla.

Pour into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Sprinkle on the topping. Bake at 325 for 55 minutes.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Allison pens a story about Spring.



It rained and stormed a bit today so Allison thought a story about Spring was in order.

Backwards Bars




Hannah and I were playing around with the video from the St. Louis Classic meet and happened to reverse it. Pretty funny...enjoy!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

St. Louis Classic



Another great meet. This is the fourth 1st place AA this year!
Be sure to click the HQ link for the high quality video.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Dragon Invitational Blue Springs, MO



Hannah had another great meet with a first on floor and a second in the all around.

Oh yeah, don't miss the first 5 seconds of beam. She plays spidergirl.

Click through to the youtube page to watch in higher quality.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Gateway Challenge Level 8 Meet




Hannah was first all around on the January 31, 2009 Level 8 Gateway Challenge with a score of 37.4

If the embed isn't working you can watch the video on Vimeo or at Youtube.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Fast Food Maps


Have you ever traveled to a new city and need to know where the retail business district is? How about using the fast food restaurants as a guide.

This is where Fast Food Maps comes in handy.

You can see just where to drive to.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Disney vacation video

Here is the video and slideshow from our January 2009 Disneyworld vacation. We also attended the New Years Invitational at Coronado Springs Resort and Hannah competed.

She won first place on Bars, Beam, and Vault. She was fourth on Floor and First on All Around.

To view the hiquality version just click through to the youtube page then select view in higher quality.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Windex wipes photo

These work great on my laptop screen.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

A few photos from Disneyworld vacation

These are from our January 2009 vacation.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Swimming together.



This was the last day we were able to swim and the second to last day of our vacation. Weather was great. Low 80's during the day and low 60's early in the morning.

Last swim.


The pool at Disneyworld All Star Sports.

Last bus ride from the parks.

Here we are returning from the parks on our last day before our flight home...so sad.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Day of the gym meet.

After the competition we met up with Hannah's team mates for a swim at Coronado Springs pool.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Toy Story Pizza Planet

Not as busy today. Rode the new Toy Story Mania ride this morning.

We've been at rope drop for the past three mornings straight...I'm ready for more sleep.

Ate Spoodles last night at the Boardwalk. Beef kabobs we're a 10.