TIL About the High ISO NR Setting on a Nikon D90

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13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi - Official Trailer

Every American needs to see this move when it's released on January 15, 2017.

80s Music

I came of age during the eighties. As such, I'm a fan of 80s music.

Calculating Elapsed Time with MySQL

These MySQL functions will calculate the difference between two date/time stamps.

SEC_TO_TIME(TIMESTAMPDIFF(SECOND,max(startDateTime),now()))
 as "Time Delta"

The inner function, TIMESTAMPDIFF, calculates the difference between the current date/time and the date/time field named, startDateTime, in seconds. The outer function, SEC_TO_TIME, converts seconds into hours, minutes, and seconds.

Problem Printer Fixed

I ran out of black ink for my HP Photosmart 5510 printer, so I replaced it. Nothing black printed. Hmmm... tried using the utilities to clean the heads and re-calibrate the printer, but no success. So thinking that the ink cartridge was bad, I bought a new one. Same result. Did some Googling and one guy posted a video about pulling the carts and cleaning head with a damp paper towel. Did that, but no joy. Did some more Internet searching and came across where someone said to disassemble the printer and pull the cart carrier to clean it. So I did this, but it wasn't easy. HP does not want you disassembling this printer. They'd rather you throw it away and buy a new one. Two screws where under the control panel that has to be popped out from behind its mount and another screw is under the name plate (label). To take the cart carrier out, you have to undo two high tension springs. Took a picture before I did it. Pulled it out and washed it. Let it dry overnight and luckily, I got it all put back together without ending up with an extra screw. Fired it up. Nothing shorted out despite a small circuit board getting wet when I washed the carrier. Put the ink in and ran some diagnostic tests. Voilà! It worked! Now I have extra black ink. Oh well, better to have extra than none. I thought I was going to buy a new printer today.

Last word, inkjet printers are so expensive to use, they (HP, Epson, anyone who makes printers) should just give away the printers. Black XL, Cyan XL, Magenta XL and Yellow XL cost about $91 with tax at Staples. That's about the price of a new printer. Oh well, I guess it is cheaper printing photos with inkjet than getting film and prints. Nothing is free.

To JayW on HP's Forum...

I would just add as prep, the lid to the scanner should be taped down so it doesn't fly back if you raise it to a verticle position. Other than that, thanks for the detailed steps. It made all the difference. I disassembled mine, cleaned the cart carrier and printheads last night, reassembled it this morning and it works again.

I thought I was going to Staples to buy a new printer today. This saved me about a $100 and a trip.

Boy, HP doesn't want you openning this printer. I say that because of 4 things:

Hidden screw under printer badge (label).

The difficulty of popping the control panel off. Luckily you described what to do. If it hadn't been for your instruction, I probably would have broken it.

The difficulty in unhinging the top scanner assembly. I tried hard not to break it, but a small plastic nib broke off the shaft that the hinge was hooked on. Oh well, it wasn't critical. Hinge still works.

Hiding 2 more screws under the control panel.

This printer could have been designed better.

Why didn't they just make the printer head like a supply item where it could easily be popped out and replaced? They could have charged $30 for a new printer head and I bet people would pay that rather than buy a new printer. As it is, I thought about switching from HP to Brother had this not worked. HP risked losing a customer just because they think a consumer would just replace the printer with another HP.

HP makes a lot of printers. To me, it creates confusion. I think they need to reduce the number of SKUs considerably and just focus on making a small number of models that last. The days of print are dying. (No pun intended.)

Texas Drivers License

So I got my new drivers license today and I noticed a real long number with a label of DD. Being the curious guy I am, I wanted to know what that meant. A Google search instantly showed a lot of wrong answers. Some people answered with authority that it was a Defensive Driving number. Hmmmm, I've taken defensive driving, but it as been more than 2 years. Looking further, others said it was a DPS audit/tracking number and is used to help you replace a DL that's lost or stolen. Hmmm, that didn't necessarily make sense to me.

I kept searching and searching, and I think I got the answer. It is a Document Discriminator. A what? Well, I looked for the definition of that and found this in relation to REAL ID.

Document Discriminator
Number must uniquely identify a particular document issued to that customer from others that may have been issued in the past. This number may serve multiple purposes of document discrimination, audit information number, and/or inventory control.

OK, I'm an IT guy who has worked with databases most of his career. In DB terms, this is a unique record ID. It is used for the drivers license. This is the record ID of the DL and if you look at an old DL, you'll see a long number printed along side your photo. That's the record ID of that DL.

So I guess as long as DPS has been computerized, everyone has had a DD for the DL. I wonder how long they keep this info. My old DL has an 11 digit DD. My new DL has 20 digits. In six years, if they stick to digits, I guess it might be 25 or 26 digits.

I wonder why they haven't mixed letters into the DD. It would help reduce the length. I guess they think it is better to 10 key, but that's not necessary since DLs have magnetic strips.

Another change I've noticed is they now have two bar codes on the back instead of just one like they had back in 2008. One looks like Code 3 of 9 and the other might be PDF417. Hmmm, I need to see if I can decode these and see what they represent.

Also, when I got my license renewed, they scanned my finger prints. I don't remember doing this the last time. Is it really necessary to have someone's fingerprints to get a DL?? So I guess the only way to stay annonymous and fly under the radar is to never get a SSN, which I think you are required to do for your child after they're born so you can claim them on your taxes, never work at a school where they require your fingerprints, never get arrested and booked, and never get a DL. I'm sure there are other situations where the gov gets your fingerprints, but those are the ones off the top of my head.

Anyway, if you've read this far, I hope this was interesting.

Table Backup in MySQL

Here's what I believe is the most efficient way to backup a table:

Through Navicat, open a console window on the server/database you are backing up to.

Then do this:

mysql>; create table backup.errorCdrs_20140309 like clover.errorCdrs;

Query OK, 0 rows affected

mysql> insert into backup.errorCdrs_20140309 select * from clover.errorCdrs;

Query OK, 5260808 rows affected

Records: 5260808  Duplicates: 0  Warnings: 0

I don't have a timing to support my claim that this is the most efficient, but I think it is because it is done at the server, so the traffic should be within the server. You could just go to the file system and make a copy the table files and maybe that would be more efficient, but I think it is better to work within the MySQL system.

What is the Trivium?

In medieval universities, the trivium comprised the three subjects that were taught first: grammar, logic and rhetoric. The word is a Latin term meaning "the three ways" or "the three roads" forming the foundation of a medieval liberal arts education. This study was preparatory for the quadrivium, which consists of geometry, arithmetic, astronomy, and music. Combining the trivium and quadrivium results in the seven liberal arts of classical study.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trivium

Definition of a Human Being

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an inva­sion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
 – Lazarus Long, Time Enough For Love

Really Get Paid to Shop

Everyone likes rebates, right?

Well, Ebates really does pay you back. I've received a couple of checks for the purchases I've made. If interested, click the link below:
ebates

Formatting Numbers in MySQL

I like SQL output to align properly for numbers, so I did some digging and came up with this:

lpad(format(seconds/60,2),9,' ')

The lpad function will pad the output from the left with whatever the 3rd argument is. In this case, I set it to ' ' (a space between quotes) for 9 characters.

The format function will round the output to the number of decimals specified. The example is set for 2 decimal places.

The "seconds/60" is obviously a math equation to convert seconds to minutes. The seconds is the data field I am formatting.

In Navicat, under Tools>Options..., I set the Grid Font (found under Appearance>Font) to DejaVu Sans Mono at 8 pt. This is nice, smooth mono-spaced font.

Pay Attention to Your Receipts

Fast food and restaurant receipts usually offer some kind of discount for your next visit if you answer their survey.

Pie Five will give 20% your next order.
Panda Express gives you a free entree item with a purchase of a 2-Entree Plate.
Sonic will give you a free 44oz drink.
Long John Silvers will give you a free 1pc. fish & fry basket.
El Fenix will give you a free cup of chili con queso on your next visit.
Outback will give you a 15% discount if you come back within 10 days.
Black-eyed Pea will give you $5 off your next order over $25.

Some are not so great.
Taco Bell just gives you a chance to win $500.
Five Guys gets your contact info and gives you a chance of being one of 10 people to get a $25 Five Guys Gift Card.
Raising Cane's Rocks Concert Getaway 2013. Win an international rock flight. Ugh! You have to figure out two captchas to enter.
Olive Garden has a drawing for $1,000 upon entry of a survey.

As I come across more, I'll add to this post.

99 Bugs in the Code

Found online, tune of 99 bottles: 99 bugs in the code in all/99 bugs in the code/take one down/patch all around/117 bugs in the code in all.

— HDWP (@KeyAlly) July 22, 2013

Being a Hacker

Eric S. Raymond defines being a hacker right HERE.

The Linux Server Hacks book by Rob Flickenger can be found HERE.

Fortune Cookies

A distant friendship could begin to look more promising.
A distant relative will phone you soon.
A diversity of friends is a credit to your flexible nature.
A dream you have will come true.
A financial investment will yield returns beyond your hopes.
A friend in the market is better than money in the purse.
A great honor will be bestowed upon you with the coming year.
A great man never ignores the simplicity of a child.
A lifetime of happiness lies ahead of you.
A man can fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he gives up.
A passionate new romance will appear in your life when you least expect it.
A secret admirer will soon send you a sign of affection.
A solid challenge will bring forth your finest abilities.
A sound mind and healthy body bring many happy events to your family.
Accept something that you cannot change, and you will feel better.
Act boldly and unseen forces will come to your aid.
Action is the proper fruit of knowledge.
Advancement will come with hard work.
Adventure can be a real happiness.
All the world may not love a lover but they will be watching him.
An hour with one friend is worth more than ten with strangers.
Be assertive when decisive action is needed.
Be both a speaker of words and a doer of deeds.
Be careful! Bees with honey in their mouths have stings in their tails.
Be careful and systematic in your business arrangements.
Be on the lookout for coming events; They cast their shadows beforehand!
Be prepared to accept a wondrous opportunity in the days ahead!
Be prepared to receive something special with no strings attached.
Be sensitive, but not overly sensitive.
Be yourself and you will always be in fashion.
Bide your time for success is near.
Big journeys begin with a single step.
Borrow money from a pessimist -- they don't expect it back.
Don't be afraid of opposition; remember, a kite rises against the wind.
Don't be surprised by the emergence of undiscovered talents!
Don't pursue happiness -- create it.
Don't put off till tomorrow what can be enjoyed today.
Education will never be as expensive as ignorance.
Endurance and persistence will be rewarded.
Enjoy life! It is better to be happy than wise.
Every person is the architect of his or her own fortune.
Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.
Executive ability is prominent in your makeup.
Forgive the action, forget the intent.
Fortune said a palm can say a lot. Especially when it smacks.
Getting together with old friends brings new adventures.
Give time and thought to all that you do.
Good advice jars the ear.
Good food brings good health and longevity.
Good news of long-awaited event will arrive soon.
Good news will be brought to you by mail.
Happier days are definitely ahead for you.
Happiness is not a reward, it's a consequence.
Hear with your ears but listen with your heart.
Honesty and friendship bring you fortune.
Hope is the most precious treasure to a person.
Hungry is the man who finds salvation in a cookie.
If the cake is bad, what good is the frosting?
If strength were all, tiger would not fear scorpion.
If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before.
In order to capture a city, first capture the heart of the people.
It is much easier to be critical than to be correct.
It is sometimes better to travel hopefully than to arrive.
It's tempting to make promises, but can you fulfill them all?
Keep a cool head and bide your time: a chance is bound to come.
Keep true to the dreams of your youth.
Keep your feet on the ground even though friends flatter you.
Learning is a treasure which accompanies us everywhere.
Life always gets harder near the summit.
Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well.
Love is a present that can be given every single day you live.
Love lights up the world.
Love yourself first and everything falls into line
Luck happens when hard work meets opportunity.
Luck will visit you on the next new moon.
Make two grins grow where there was only a grouch before.
Many pleasurable and memorable adventures are in store for you!
Many successes will accompany you this year.
Modify your thinking to handle new situations.
Money is not everything. You can buy a doctor but not health.
Never argue with a fool.
Never chase a dog into a dead-end ally.
Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.
Now is the time to call loved ones at a distance. Share your news.
Opportunities surround you if you know where to look.
Past experience: He who never makes mistakes never did anything that's worthy.
Put the data you have uncovered to beneficial use.
Reach for the high apples first; you can get the low ones any time.
Relax and enjoy yourself.
Remember three months from this date. Good things are in store for you.
Seeing your smile always brings msiles upon others.
Set the right example. It will inspire others.
Soon you'll have a chance for a profitable transaction.
Stay close to your inner-self, you will benefit in many ways.
Success is a journey, not a destination.
Success is when you get what you want. Happiness is when you want what you get.
Success walks hand in hand with failure.
Take no risks with your reputation.
The best times of your life have not yet been lived.
The important thing is to express yourself.
The limit to your abilities is where you place it.
The love of your life will appear in front of you unexpectedly!
The near future holds a gift of contentment.
The real test in life is not in keeping out of the rough, but in getting out after you are in.
The secret to good friends is no secret to you.
The simplest answer is to act.
The situation is changeable, yet you cannot push the river.
The world will look a little better with some love given by you!
There is beauty in simplicity.
There is never any harm in asking an honest question.
There's a good chance of a romantic encounter soon.
To climb the ladder of success, work hard and you'll reach it.
Tomorrow your creative side will shine forth with exceptional ideas.
Treasure what you have.
You are a lover of words, someday you should write a book.
You are a practical person with your feet on the ground.
You are never selfish with your advice or your help.
You are talented in many ways.
You can't expect to be a lucky dog if you're always growling.
You cheerful outlook is one of your assets.
You find beauty in ordinary things. Appreciate its gift.
You have a chance to help someone out right now in a big way.
You have a heart of gold.
You have an unusual magnetic personality.
You have the ability to touch the lives of many people.
You should have a talk with a friend today.
You were born with a "sixth sense" and superb insight.
You will be recognized as a leader.
You will find hidden treasures where least expected.
You will get what your heart desires.
You will receive a surprising gift very soon.
You will soon have the opportunity to improve your finances.
You would be wise not to seek too much from others at this time.
Your ability to find the silly in the serious will take you far.
Your ambitious nature will help you make a name for yourself.
Your co-workers take pleasure in your great sense of creativity.
Your dearest wish will come true.
Your dreams will bring you into a profitable venture.
Your happy heart brings joy and peace where there is none.
Your love of life can carry you through any circumstance.
Your love of music will be an important part of your life.
Your luck will completely change today.
Your mind is filled with new ideas, explore them.
Your smile is a curve that can get a lot of things straight.

Chart of the Day

The gulf between Republicans and Democrats
One sees the glass half empty and the other half full. The reality is the glass is near empty.

Successful Business Women

Nice to see that women are running major corporations.

Marissa Mayer, CEO of Yahoo!

Quote of the Day

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” — Carl Sagan

iPhone 5 Cases

Here is my research of manufacturers that have iPhone 5 cases:

Case-Mate
Otter Box
Cygnett
Seidio
Marware