Let us become more organized

We use the reminders app on iOS for sharing to-do's at home, along with a small white-board on the fridge.  This works great for the kinds of things we do at home, and let's be honest, Lisa keeps things up to date, like a Boss.

But, at work it makes more sense to keep notes and to-do lists in text form.  I work on multiple operating systems and I like to enter notes on whatever system is more convenient at that particular time.  A while back I switched to Markdown for these documents.  It lets me keep the files on Dropbox, and share them between Linux, Mac OS X, and iOS with little hassle.  I thought I would share what I'm doing currently on each of these platforms.

Linux

• Node JS:  I have a simple Server running on my Work Desktop that serves up all files in my share folder.  One of the files in this folder is a symbolic link to a folder in Dropbox where I keep my work related markdown files.  This server will serve up HTML versions of all my Markdown files.  This lets me share and view these files easily.
• Sublime Text: I have a licensed copy of Sublime I use to edit my notes. I'm working on some Sublime plugins to help me with repeatable tasks.

Mac OS X

• Sublime Text: Works on all major desktop operating systems.
• NVAlt: I'm taking a look at this, but I'm not sure if I like the way files are managed.

iOS

• Drafts: Gives me the ability to quickly create and append to markdown documents stored on Dropbox.  If I have a quick thing I need to add to a to-do list I can type it and choose where I want the text to go.
• ByWord: A simple Markdown friendly editor for iOS.
• Editorial: A great programmable editor for the iPad. I've created scripts for Editorial to add tasks to todo lists, mark them as complete, and even timestamp when they were completed.

General

• Mingle: We use Mingle to manage stories and tasks. I try not to duplicate the information stored here.

My Ever Changing Workflow

• I keep a separate directory for each sprint. Something like 'Work/2014/Sprint 7'.  I have a script that creates a new directory and places empty files for things like a to-do list, planning notes, retrospective notes, and demo notes.
• If I need to add something to my to-do list for a sprint. I use Drafts, ByWord, or Sublime-Text. Which I use depends on where  I am, what platform, and whether its a quick addition, or something more involved.
• If I need to share these notes with someone, I can simply give them a link to my desktop Node server. That way they will always have the latest version of the file.
• As I complete tasks I just add DONE.

I mentioned above that I'm writing some Sublime Text plugins to match what I have on Editorial.  I don't always bring my iPad to work.

I hope this helps in some small way.  I'm still trying to be more disciplined about updating my notes. I hope to evolve and update the tools I use while keeping it simple.

Angular Js and the New World Order

JavaScript is Dead, Long Live JavaScript.

Over the last couple of months my day job has been undergoing a transition. We decided to change our thinking about Web Applications. We realized just how far behind we were. Web Applications have changed. The wild west is being tamed. the structured MVC world we are used to in the back in, has moved into the browser. Instead of single pages being rendered after each request to the server, we have full featured stateful applications running in the browser. Meanwhile the servers, where much of this logic and state used to exist, have now become reusable restful data providers.  The whole stack has shifted.

None of this is new of course. It's been going on for years, but I've only just poked my head out of the trenches and realized. In a broader sense it's the same transition that has been going on for years. So if like me you had not been paying attention Start Here:

• Angular JS
• Angular UI
• egghead.io
• Joel Hooks
• Bower
• Grunt JS

Update

Well so much for Angular. I know many people are still using it. I personaly have become very into using React for small reusuable components. But, Angular was not at all popular in my company, very few people liked working with it. It was also very difficult for us to admit that there was any real benefit to using it for the projects that we had at the time.

Must have iPhone Apps

I have hundreds of 3rd party apps on my phone. I use a few of them all the time.

Drafts

The Drafts app gives you one place to quickly type or paste text, and then do something with it.  You can create custom actions to send that text to almost any service like Twitter or Facebook, or you can do something more complex like append the text with a time and a date to a specific file in your dropbox account.

Twitter

Many people like to use alternative Twitter clients, but I find the main Twitter app to be more than sufficient for most of my twitter usage.

Vine

I don't create many Vine's myself, but I can waste a great deal of time watching other people get really creative with 6 seconds of video.

Riposte

The Riposte app is a great App.Net client, a twitter like service.

Google+

I use the Google+ app to read posts on Google+.  Not much else to say here.

Facebook

Love it or hate it, Facebook is the only way I communicate with some of my friends.  The Facebook app gets the job done.

Yelp

Restaurant reviews and information.  The Yelp app gets better with every update. Why don't more people use it?

YouTube

I watch an amazing amount of content on YouTube.  I often use the YouTube app to stream videos to my Apple TV.

1Password

Store your passwords securely. Generate new passwords. Keep the data sync'd across your devices and computers.

Argus and Nike+ Move

The M7 chip in the iPhone 5s made has replaced the Fitbit.  Argus and the Nike+ Move app can read the data stored in the M7 and show me that I should be exercising way more than I am.

Java

import javax.crypto.Cipher;
import javax.crypto.SecretKey;
import javax.crypto.spec.SecretKeySpec;

import org.apache.commons.codec.binary.Base64;

public class WordsToLiveBy {

	public static void main(String[] args) {
	
		String value = "2UEnLAFR7aICwCQ8q6LfE2b7EGNZLExRtOb7FbI6R-0let8dqHnTB-R" +
			"dIwM82gKaEwBzOhvyI2e7oqGWTTwbx2Krb54txM6juMH5FNpwNxbKCM" +
			"scaqf3N2G5kglXPMhzONnaWfp0Wxf5Kk7NZF0yAcLiPPkK3CTSbUDAk" +
			"PLVa7kbZGjbTG1cjM0-1rvEB8mvwbPEH-GDcLg8uU7v-EzBAblRMovk" +
			"_olXAklRo4AKNuikee7MPldNQf3zmWL2WsIyDOmgMc9LWKR1cq9rAyB" +
			"744xfsxFLB1FYueyhTBKeezynxuLuYd5UUovXSUEbk8DL";
		
		try {
		
			SecretKey key = new SecretKeySpec("Rush2112FreeWill".getBytes(), "AES");
			Cipher cipher = Cipher.getInstance("AES/ECB/PKCS5Padding", "SunJCE");
			Base64 coder = new Base64(32, new byte[] {}, true);
			cipher.init(Cipher.DECRYPT_MODE, key);
			byte[] decrypted = cipher.doFinal(coder.decode(value.getBytes()));
			System.out.println(new String(decrypted));
		
		} catch (Throwable t) {
		
			t.printStackTrace();
		}
	}
}

Replicator 2 Update

Well MakerBot support has been great. They sent me the filament tube, they sent me a replacement Thermocouple and instructions on how to replace it. So after a small surgery my printer is up and running.  I do have a new support issue with them, wondering what I should do with a squeaky pulley. But, I'm sure they will help me with that as well.

Here's a short video of my printer running, hear the squeak? - Note: Video no longer available.

So far I have printed sample files, and things I have downloaded.  My iPhone is sporting a printed case, and I have started printing a few X-Mas gifts for a friend. The quality I can get on the Replicator 2 is way beyond what my Printrbot was capable of.

Now I need to get working on some of my own designs.

What kind of programmer are you?

While listening to the latest episode of Build & Analyze this morning. Marco Arment mentioned this post over at Joel on Software.  This article really hits home with me. I like elegant reusable code, but most of the time it's more important to "Just get things working."  You can always clean it up later.

What kind of programmer are you?

Now where's the duct tape?

Experiments in Wet Shaving

I (used) to hate shaving. Electric razors suck. Disposable razors make me feel ill every time I throw a used one away. So how can I get a better shave, take better care of my face, and not waste money?

An article in the first issue of "The Magizine" clued me in to Wet Shaving. This is basically the way we used to shave. All you need is a brush, shaving cream, double edged razor blades, a good razor, and some aftershave. For the details go to the article I mention, or any of the great websites that talk about Wet Shaving.

I'm still learning how to shave this way. I don't always get a great shave, but I'm working at it.  The most important thing is I'm willing to shave more often, and I'm enjoying the process.

3D Printer Stuff

I learned a bunch messing around with my LC Printrbot. But to be honest I got tired of the constant tweaking, and the looming need to print new gears to keep it running. So, I ordered a MakerBot Replicator 2. Expensive but still less costly than professional 3D printers. I hoped that I would get the Replicator 2 and with minimal maintenance I would be be able to print with no fuss.

UGH, so far not going well. The plunger based extruder is causing me problems. I'm getting an unexplained heat read error. And I think my Y axis belts are loose. I will have to perform some emergency fixes to even get started. This is not the experience I expected.

So far MakerBot support has been helpful and I hope that I'll be able to work through the issues and start using the printer like I want to. I'll update with more information once I get pass these issues. Hopefully I'll be able to give a better review then.

Update

I used the Replicator a bunch, but eventually Makerbot fell apart and was sold to a bigger company. They switched their focus to larger buisness needs and gave the low end market away. All of the effort that was spent on growing a community was wasted. Now I'm unable to update my printer easily and I'm likely to get something differnent. Maybe a Prusa.

Printrbot - Build and use.

It took longer than expected but the fine folks at Printrbot.com shipped my Kickstarter Printrbot LC a few weeks ago.

It took me 2-3 days to finish building my printer. Including a quik trip to Home Depot for some extra screws and nuts I was missing.  I followed the construction videos that were posted on Youtube, and the guides available at Printrbottalk.com.

Without the Printrbot talk forum I would never have completed the construction.  Towards the end of the build I ran into a couple of major problems.

First, the cable for the extruder stepper motor was too short to reach the controller board.  I had to solder in 4 extension wires to make the connection.

Second, the main extruder gear was very wobbly and kept getting stuck at the same point.  I emailed the Printrbot folks and they sent me both extruder gears, and replacement pulley gears. Great tech support.  Looking back I think I could have gotten the original extruder gear working with a little careful grinding with my Dremel.  I will still be printing another set of gears as backup. It seems these pieces are the most likely to fail over time.

After fighting the software used to communicate with the printer, I finally was able to make the bot move. Several days of tweaking later, and I'm starting to be able to print half way decent items.  You can find an amazing assortment of things to print at Thingiverse.com.

I still have one major problem I have not been able to figure out. Occasionally, my bot locks up. It can happen when simply moving an axis or when I'm in the middle of a print. Thats a scrapped print.  I'm still trying to figure the problem out. I may have to send another email to Printrbot for suggestions.

Things I've learned.  This kit is very much a hobby kit, with all the little gotchas that you might not expect till you start using it.

• I really need to flat the shafts on the X,Y, and the Extruder steppers.  I've already had problems with the Extruder loosening, and ruining a print.
• I need to add a fan to cool the plastic quicker, and make the prints more precise. Ordered from amazon, and printed a fan mount.
• I need lubricant for the threader rods.  Ordered from Amazon.
• Every few times I print I need to check the various belts and pulleys to make sure they are tight and in the correct positions.
• I really need a spool for the plastic, and a way to mount it.  My plastic filament is very tangled at the moment. Printrbot has a solution for this that I may get.

Things I think Printrbot could do better:

• Better instructions, more detailed if possible. Include getting through the first print.  I was able to find the info I needed, but not everyone will. I would hate to see people give up in frustration.
• Include glass for the print bed.  It shouldn't be that hard to buy and ship glass with the packaged.
• Include a mechanism for mounting glass on the print bed.

Conclusion:

• So far I have had a blast getting my printer running, and there are bunch of things I still need to learn and do to take advantage of this awesome tech.
• Using the bot is way more complicated than I realized it would be.
• If you have the money I might suggest getting the Replicator from Makerbot instead.  However, it is 4 times the price.

Nike Fuel Band - Part 2

Been using the Nike Fuel Band for a few weeks. I strongly recommend the Fuel Band or a similar product if you are having trouble staying active.  I am much more aware of how active I am on a daily basis.

I thought I would add some additional pros and cons. What I stated in my previous post is still valid.  These are from using the device for about 3 weeks.

Pros:

• Provides an incentive to be more active. I check the "Fuel" amount regularly and actively attempt to improve it.
• Syncing with my iPhone is easy and convenient.

Cons:

• It would be great if the Fuel Band had an api that food tracking apps could use.
• I'd also love to see a sleep tracking feature like the Fitbit has.