Displaying post 1 to 50 of 866
Hurf Durf Data Eater
The
infodump is nice and all, but what the world really needs is a script to download the dump automatically and put it into a structured DB. This is meant to be a tool to get the boring stuff out of the way of more awesome researching.. Dynamic graphs! Fast queries! Pants! Flash files with singing hamsters! On re-run the script doesn't download files that haven't been changed, nor does it re-insert most data into the database. cron lovers rejoice. Favorites not supported yet (lazy lazy).
This is mainly for xnix. Some of the system calls may need de-idiotizing (replacing).
Enjoy!
posted to Projects by xorry
at 9:46 PM on July 13, 2008
Exploiting noise in quantum computers
Noise is generally considered to be a bad thing in a quantum computer,
in any electronic system in fact. A group of researchers in Europe and
the US has figured out
a way to exploit this noise to implement cryptographic
protocols between two parties, without resorting to assumptions about
factoring or relying on a trusted third party.
This can even be done using the quantum cryptography hardware that is
available on the market today. Maybe one day we'll use quantum identification
to withdraw money from an ATM with our cards. First we'll have to equip
our debit cards with freakin' laser beams though...
posted to Projects by Djinh
at 11:49 AM on July 17, 2008
Any one has great suggestions for inexpensive GPS photo finders / photo trackers / geotaggers?
posted to Ask Metafilter by remi
at 5:36 AM on August 2, 2008
(6 comments)
I'm looking for examples of sci fi films that focus primarily on a conflict/relationship between a human and a self-aware computer/artificial intelligence (such as HAL in "2001," but NOT the computer in "War Games" because it wasn't self-aware.)
posted to Ask Metafilter by np312
at 4:22 PM on August 1, 2008
(38 comments)
"One of the largest and most beguiling works of art on the entire continent." So said Brendan Gill In the March 1989 edition of
Architectural Digest. What was he describing?
This place.
posted to MetaFilter by essexjan
at 6:22 AM on August 1, 2008
(15 comments)
For
certain reasons, I need to get the time of birth of a certain web page on another company's site, down to the minute.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Anonymous
at 2:02 PM on July 29, 2008
(10 comments)
Does there exist a web-based tool that tracks open source projects and informs subscribers (by email, RSS etc.) about major developments, e.g. when they release version 1.0?
posted to Ask Metafilter by wodow
at 2:09 PM on July 29, 2008
(6 comments)
(Paging All Linux Masters) Suggestions for making a Linux boot flashdrive
posted to Ask Metafilter by coolguy#1
at 10:29 PM on July 27, 2008
(6 comments)
How do I make code LOOK beautiful? Occasionally, I see these snippets of code where everything looks very aligned and orderly, the variables all seem the same length, the functions are all neatly aligned.
My code on the other hand always looks rough and shoddy. What do the people with neat code do to make it look so neat?
posted to Ask Metafilter by markovich
at 9:24 AM on July 28, 2008
(13 comments)
Linux software or distribution for running a kiosk-type slideshow screen?
posted to Ask Metafilter by odinsdream
at 1:13 PM on July 29, 2008
(7 comments)
What's-the-worst-that-can-happen-filter: Say I douse the protective wadding in a model rocket in gasoline... what's the worst that happens?
posted to Ask Metafilter by disillusioned
at 1:17 AM on July 27, 2008
(14 comments)
I'm looking for books and graphic novels that are meant to be read multiple times.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spec80
at 2:54 PM on July 25, 2008
(49 comments)
There's a specific website I once visited. You could post your ideas for anything - a product, a new technology, a book, etc. Other users could comment and critique your idea. The website had a large picture of a fortune cookie on it.
Does anybody know the name and URL of the website I speak of?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Jimmie
at 2:00 PM on July 25, 2008
(7 comments)
Fantasy cartography
collects scans of maps and charts from video games, comics, and novels. Take a look at the doll-house like maps of the
Fantastic Four's Baxter Building from various comics (a Trophy Room and a "TV Sending Room"!), the Legend of Zelda's
Hyrule, Asimov's
Foundation galaxy, lots of
Lovecraft locations, the lands of the
Princess Bride, the
Discworld, and lots of
Star Trek maps and ship schematics. Also,
some thoughts on how "serious fiction" writers often start with maps, from Joyce's use of the ordinance maps of Dublin to Pychon's use of aerial photographs. More fantasy maps (many in German) are available from the
Fantasy Atlas. Also, from my
previous post on the subject of maps of fantasy worlds, see the extensive listings in the
Dictionary of Imaginary Places.
posted to MetaFilter by blahblahblah
at 10:13 AM on July 25, 2008
(20 comments)
How to Run A Business Providing Freelance Home Tech Support?
posted to Ask Metafilter by kandinski
at 4:36 AM on July 25, 2008
(15 comments)
Are there any good website where they analyze a movie thoroughly just as though you are in a film class (from cinematic, philosophical, psychological, etc. perspectives)?
posted to Ask Metafilter by clueless22
at 8:26 AM on July 25, 2008
(7 comments)
What are some examples of sci-fi movies that are "unofficially" based on books or stories, to the point of blatant rip-off? Heinlein examples encouraged-- all examples welcome.
posted to Ask Metafilter by [NOT HERMITOSIS-IST]
at 8:37 AM on July 25, 2008
(40 comments)
Fallout 3 (trailers) and BioShock both have a strangely appealing music they play for mood in places. I'd like to hear more of it. Any idea what I'd call it, or how I'd find more of it?
posted to Ask Metafilter by frwagon
at 11:50 PM on July 24, 2008
(15 comments)
In about six weeks I expect to have a technical interview for a graduate position with MS. What can I do between now and then to be as well prepared as possible?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Anonymous
at 4:50 PM on July 22, 2008
(7 comments)
For years,
Wired magazine has tapped a bevy of designers and artists in the tech field to craft detailed visions of futuristic objects for a monthly showcase at the close of each issue. Now, after
hinting as much in the July edition, it is clear that that the tradition of FOUND
has been brought to an end. What better way to say goodbye to this whimsical feature than by taking a look back at the full archived run of the series?
posted to MetaFilter by Rhaomi
at 5:42 PM on July 22, 2008
(29 comments)
How can I get rid of my dishwasher's funk?
posted to Ask Metafilter by odi.et.amo
at 7:05 AM on March 20, 2008
(7 comments)
I'd really like to be able to browse the meta* sites on my brand spanky new
Pocket PC mobile phone gps thing, but IE keeps squishing all the text into a very very narrow column.
Is there a plain formatting version of the meta sites? Or some other mobile friendly alternative?
posted to MetaTalk by lemonfridge
at 1:39 PM on June 11, 2007
(12 comments)
Most people are familiar with welding metal, but it’s entirely possible to weld
plastic. There are a
surprising number of ways to weld plastic, but first you will need to identify what kind it is. The
smell of burning plastic is a particularly effective diagnostic.
This man is welding with hot air. Many instructional videos are made by companies whose products are featured in the video, like this
somewhat surreal demonstration of speed tip welding. Perhaps the most low-tech method is with a
soldering iron.
posted to MetaFilter by Tube
at 2:57 PM on July 19, 2008
(42 comments)
Tiled Background Designer
is just a small, useful tool to create patterns. Experiment with pictures, colors, textures and transparency to get best result.
posted to MetaFilter by Dave Faris
at 1:38 AM on July 17, 2008
(37 comments)
Looking for good books on the history of technologies.
posted to Ask Metafilter by pombe
at 4:33 PM on July 16, 2008
(17 comments)
I've been coerced by a client/employer to start using HTML email messages for communications with our customers. Please help me do this in the most net-responsible way possible (or tell me to burn in the special hell reserved for people who put markup on the SMTP wire)
posted to Ask Metafilter by alan
at 10:38 AM on July 16, 2008
(9 comments)
What kind of work is being done inspired by Wolframs New Kind of Science?
posted to Ask Metafilter by jouke
at 11:12 AM on July 16, 2008
(7 comments)
I'm looking for music that has "pop" mass appeal and lyrics that are ironic/post-modern. In other words, intelligent, but not intelligent at first glance. Some acts that I've found which fit this criteria are: Steely Dan, Scritti Politti, and Beck. Any other recommendations?
posted to Ask Metafilter by matkline
at 11:52 AM on July 16, 2008
(47 comments)
Two college friends and myself are looking to put together a mobile application start-up. We have the business end of the startup covered, but we need to find a developer to help us out. We need some financial guidance on what to do and what not to do. Should we pay a freelance developer, or bring someone on board with us as a partner?
posted to Ask Metafilter by drkrdglo
at 12:25 PM on July 16, 2008
(15 comments)
Why shouldn't we use Flash? Why should we use AJAX (DHTML/Javascript)? Should we support IE6? I'm wrestling with these questions for a new web product, and I'd like insight from others.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Good Brain
at 1:13 PM on July 16, 2008
(29 comments)
I just opened up my box of pork bellies (to cure my own bacon, duh) and discovered that the skin in still on. This wasn't mentioned in my recipe and I can't find any real info about it! Do I leave the skin on? Remove it? Remove it before it's been cured (wet-cure), before it's been cold-smoked, or before I eat it? I'm using the recipe from
this episode of Good Eats.
posted to Ask Metafilter by arcticwoman
at 4:20 PM on July 16, 2008
(22 comments)
Where can I find a list of "prank" websites that use customization to put the name of the victim somewhere within the site?
posted to Ask Metafilter by newfers
at 11:23 PM on July 15, 2008
(9 comments)
I didn't think
this would be cool but after seeing the video I am converted. Experience the original Super Mario in 3d... with a shotgun?
posted to MetaFilter by ignorantguru
at 5:43 AM on July 15, 2008
(35 comments)
What's the name of that peak over there?
Can my HDTV antenna see the broadcast tower?
Can I see
that fixed wireless base station?
See viewsheds and labelled horizons from where you're at, with a list of what other people are looking at,
and all done with someone else's computers.
posted to MetaFilter by the Real Dan
at 11:03 AM on July 15, 2008
(21 comments)
How do I create and manage a few hundred user accounts on Windows a Windows box without hiring an intern to point and click all day? Difficulty: can't buy expensive third party tools.
posted to Ask Metafilter by mrgoldenbrown
at 8:17 PM on July 14, 2008
(12 comments)
Looking for community building tool to create a family website. I have family all across the US and would like to create a website where each family member could create their own profile, make posts, share photos. Like a MySpace or Facebook but something more private and to a degree less complex. Something that is just for invited users, something that is easy to use for non-technical users and something that I can host and administer. Open source solutions would be preferred. I have used wordpress, drupal, and joomla but each requires tweaking and modules, and lots of research to setup. Just wondering if there are any prepackages solutions or easier to use modules for WP, drupal, or joomla. Thanks.
posted to Ask Metafilter by mountainfrog
at 8:24 AM on July 15, 2008
(6 comments)
I'd like to try a graphics tablet for the work I do. I know Wacom is the big dog in the field, but am unclear on what the real differences between the models are (too much marketing spiel).
posted to Ask Metafilter by defben
at 8:39 AM on July 15, 2008
(13 comments)
Happy Birthday, MeFi, here's a fun free* game!
Ikariam is sort of like a Skyrates version of Civ, with the real-time MMO combat and diplomacy that might bring to mind. Also, it's set in Olympian Greece, but only kind-of. Enjoy!
*Batteries not included. Some registration required. Suggested age: 8-and-up. Some implied violence and consumption of alcohol (wine). Expansion materials may be purchased but are not necessary to enjoy the game and are, by the judgment of this MFGA (MetaFilter Gaming Authority) member: "some kind of bullshit."
posted to MetaFilter by Navelgazer
at 6:41 PM on July 14, 2008
(20 comments)
An Interactive Space Simulator
"Smash planets together, introduce rogue stars, and build new worlds from spinning discs of debris. Fire a moon into a planet or destroy everything you've created with a super massive black hole. You can simulate and interact with our solar system: the 8 planets,160+ moons, and hundereds of asteroids, the nearest 1000 stars to our Sun, and our local group of galaxies."
[31Mb, Windows only, sorry, but see inside for similar Mac and Linux apps]
posted to MetaFilter by stavrosthewonderchicken
at 11:44 PM on July 11, 2008
(27 comments)
