Posting will be slow here the next couple of weeks

I will not be making many post over the next couple of weeks, due to my sinus surgery. I had the Surgery yesterday Saturday May 31st. I have created a new blog to document my healing process, and to give some information to other individuals looking to have Sinus Surgery. Be sure to visit my new blog and leave me comments, especially if you have had this type of surgery.

www.postsinussurgery.blogspot.com

Just a quick note

Just wanted to let all my readers know I have (well my son has) a new flash arcade site that is free to play and there are some great games there. He adds new games everyday so be sure to subscribe to the feed at the bottom of the page.

Play free flash games at Throttlegames.com

Sony HandyCam c31.23 , 31.23 error easy fix

Ok this might be old knowledge but I just found out about it and wanted to share this bit of knowledge with someone that may have had the same problem as me. Here is the scenrio, I was at my son's first Motocross race. I decided it would be cool to video tape his first race, since the way my nerves were that day it might have been his last race. Anyway I proceded to video tape his holeshot with my Sony DCR-TRV250 I have had this camera a while but really only used it a couple of times. All of a sudden I got a small arrow type icon similar to the eject icon, and the error code c31.23. What a crappy thing to have happen while it was a milestone of my sons racing career.

Well I manage to find a quick fix, the technical tap or rather smack. In my frustrations I smacked the camera pretty hard and low and behold it worked. Well it was a big pain to wack my camera all the time, so it pretty much retired to its bag. Where I did not pull it out very often except to see if it by some miracle was working normal again.

Today I decided to throw it on the charger and try to see if I could find a fix, and I found this Thread after alot of reading about how everyone wacks their handycam, I found a post from a user named Meredith. The suggestion was to open the tape deck of the camera and look to the right. Below are the steps to follow.

Open tape deck, make sure there is not a tape in it....

About midway back there is a black rubber roller in the middle of 2 metal guides.

In the center of this black roller you should see a white plastic tube, this is a bushing to allow the roller to move with out wobbling.

If you do not see this white tube yours has fallen out, so the search for a new one begins. Don't freak out a straw for a can of compressed air will work, or from a can of WD-40 will aswell. Simply push the new straw firmly into the center of the black roller.

If you see the straw take a small flat head screwdriver and press down on the top of the bushing firmly, I heard a click but you may not it just depends. Anyway this should fix the problem it did mine, and I am happy one my camera works and two I am smarter than Sony :)

Note if this does not fix the problem your bushing may be cracked find a pair of needle nose pliers and pull out the old bushing and replace it using the straw from a can of compressed air.

I hope this fixed your Sony Handycam 31.23 error code, now you are free to archive your lifes great adventures.

My thoughts on Ubuntu 8.04

Well I installed 8.04 today, and I thought I would share some of my first impressions with you. First off my hardware, it is a out of the box Compaq Presario v6000 Running Amd Turion 64 processor with 1gb ram (yea I know I need more)

I chose to install 64bit version and since I have always had trouble with the live cd, I downloaded the alternate install disk. I am running a Windows free Laptop so I decided to just install Ubuntu on the whole disk. I popped in the install disk and let it work its magic. Installation was smooth, it took about 20 mins. First booting into Ubuntu I had to run a couple of restricted drivers one for my video card, the other for my Broadcom wireless adapter.

After a quick reboot, I have full wifi and full use of my video card. I tweaked a few settings in Compiz after installing Compizmanager ( I always wondered why that is not installed out of the box). I ran through and installed what was about 60 updates for various software etc.. Then installed my favorite apps like Thunderbird, Deluge, the new Gtwitter, and a few more.

Well everything is great, I have to say I really enjoy Ubuntu and always have. There appears to be less bugs with the display than there was in Gutsy. So I highly recommend that you download Ubuntu 8.04 and install it. Liberate your desktop, run opensource.

PSP Custom Firmware 3.93 ** warning ** Use at your own risk

This just recently popped on the scene, by an anonomous party. It appears to be based off of Dark Alex's m33 firmware, I am basing this solely on the implementation of the recovery menu with some extras and some other cues. I have not personally tried out this release yet (no charger for my psp thanks dog), but many have and said it works, but there are some complaints of bricking so I must insist use this at your own risk.

Here is an awesome new feature

VSH Recovery

The principal innovation of this Custom Firmware is the VSH Recovery. This tool is formidable is. It enables you to launch the Recovery instantaneously, to make the changes, and to return to the VSH as if nothing were not.

• No reboot is necessary, the changes are made "one the fly" (except for activation/deactivation of the plugin of the VSH.TXT, which requires a reboot).
  
  
• To start the VSH Recovery since the VSH, support simply on Select. To leave it, choose exit to VSH or press on R.

You can even hide your MAC address on the system information screen.

To be able to change the MAC address, it is necessary that the plugin Sysconf is changed. For that, go in your parameters systems (for example), that will change it plug-in, and thus will allow you to activate, or not, MAC protection. If you do not do it, that will not function (but will not make plant the PSP).

Note: this warning has come from PSP-Hacks.com

!WARNING! Press “X” when the official updater finishes; if not, you will have a brick.

You can learn more here (note: Language is French)
You can get all the files over at psp-hacks.com

Getting a Beta Test Invite

Becoming a Beta tester for video games, software and even hardware is not as difficult as you might think. There are a few things that you need to know before you will even be in the running to beta test the latest video games or software.

First you need to know what a beta is, it is really the second release of the software but it is not the official final release. This is for example a game designer creates a video game, but his first draft would be considered the Alpha release. Most developers will not release the Alpha due to the multitude of bugs. When the developer decides that his or her release is stable enough for testers, this is named Beta.

Most beta releases are either Open or Private. To join in a private beta you have to be chosen. This can be as easy as putting your name on a mailing list, or as difficult as being a major player in the gaming or software industry. But start with the easiest, put your name on the list. Go to the sign-up page of the software or gaming company and sign up. If you are wanting to be part of the more difficult version. Try to participate in forums, and other communities. This will help build your reputation as an individual who is reliable to test their software and give your trusted opinion of the game or software you are testing.

Psystar Selling Not so Mac's OpenMac

Looks like a rather creative vendor was discovered selling a desktop computer that it labeled open Mac. Though it is not an Apple endorsed machine. The site was down shortly after the discovery. Lets take a look at what you would have gotten if you purchased and Open Mac.

Psystar Corp

• Intel 2.2 Ghz Core 2 Processor
• 2 GB RAM
• 250 GB HardDrive
• Nvidia Gforce 8600
  
• DVD +/- R
  
• Copy of OS X Leopard (already installed)
  

All that for only $714.99 (what a deal right)

Quote from their site:

Options You can buy it in black without having to pay more. You can buy it with Firewire. You can buy it with a GeForce 8600, if you like. Psystar gives you options that Apple does not. If you want something different then let us know and we'll work it out for you.

There are some problems with this company and what they are doing. For starters it is against Apples TOS to install OS X on any hardware other than Apples. So what the company is doing is borderline illegal. They can sell you all of the hardware, and even sell you a copy of OS X, but they are not allowed to sell you all the hardware with OS X already installed. According to their site you can get it already installed.

If you are not familiar with the OSX86 Project it is where users run OS X on software that is not supported by apple, with a couple of patches and trial and error it is very possible to intall OS X on an Intel, and even some AMD based machines. Why Apple has not acted on what is obviously a cry for help from the PC community?

If apple won't offer affordable computers that users want, then we will have to find other ways to get our OS X fix.

Enjoy this little video of OS X Leopard running on a PC

Are we ever going to see 3.95 m33?

With the release of Sony PSP firmware version 3.95 the m33 team has been absent with the a m33 version of the last update. Does this mean that Dark Alex and the team are finished? I doubt that, if you have notice that the recent updates have not been anything spectacular to warrant DA from spending his precious time working to liberate the latest release.

As I have mentioned in a previous post I believe that Sony still has a few tricks up it's sleeve for firmware version 4.00 I just hope that they do not leave us fatty owners out. Then again my dog ate my PSP charger so have not been able to charge my PSP for about a month, the battery is dead. I had better get this fixed soon before some cool new features pop up.

PS3 Firmware V 2.30

With the release of 2.30 firmware for the PS3, there are some great new features of the Playstation store. The interface has been updated and the Playstation store has been completely redone. Making the whole experience much more enjoyable with an easy to navigate user interface.
The update will also add DTS-HD master audio for Blue-ray movies, giving the already high quality movies excellent high quality audio to match.

DTS-HD Master Audio is a lossless audio codec created by Digital Theater System. It was previously known as DTS++ and DTS-HD. It is an extension of DTS which, when played back on devices which do not support the Master Audio extension, degrades to a 1.5 Mbit/s "core" track which is lossy. DTS-HD Master Audio is an optional audio format for both Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD.

So it looks like the Sony is starting to do things right and literally making the ultimate console. Giving users the best gaming, video and now excellent studio quality audio.

For the complete walk thru check out the video below.

What in the World Is Webkinz?

Ok call me slow or just not checking up on this phenomenon, well my child has discovered Webkinz. So I started on my research I was amazed at how popular these little toys are. If you are not familiar with what Webkinz are. They are simply a stuffed animal that has a special tag that you use to register your Webkin online. The kid or playful adult can adopt their Webkin online and play with their new friend in the virtual world. You child can play games, listen to songs and much more.

I have to say that this is a wonderful idea, kids and even many adults love Webkinz. It is a simple and entertaining way to keep your child occupied, and the site is simple for your young child to navigate. You child can earn Kinzcash that is used to build your Webkin a home, purchase clothing and food. If you have a small child in the age range of say 3-5 they are sure to enjoy one of these toys.

End of the week update.

This post is going to be on a bit more of a personal note. I am again contemplating a move to Florida. Just time for a change in my life and to live as much as I can. You never know when it will be your last day to live. I have a lot of projects going on that will probably have to be put on hold for a bit. Not to mention I have a strange spot on my head that my wife thinks is Melanoma, but I have tried to tell here it is nothing. Still she is making me go get it checked. I guess better safe than sorry.

On a better note I am going to get back on the news posting kick again this week coming up. I will be doing a new post everyday. So be sure to check back often, or better yet subscribe to my feed so you won't be left out of the loop.

Until then good day.

Welcome The OpenSocial Foundation

Looks like there's a trouble stirring for Microsoft, with the creation of OpenSocial Foundation. Yahoo, Google and even Myspace have banned together to create The OpenSocial Foundation. Created to promote opensource programs that will work accross many websites. Giving the users an experience that is seamless and non-cumbersome. The Non-Profit is scheduled to ofically start within 90 Days.

You can read the whole story here

T-mobile SDA running Windows Mobile 6.1

Should Dark Alex make a psp 3.93 custom firmware?

I know this is an upgrade many custom PSP owners are waiting for, but do you need it? I myself am not real excited for a 3.93 m33 version. I will probably skip this upgrade, and wait for a more significant update with some use full features. Like my previous post I don't really use the PSP radio, and well I sure as the hell don't want the security update.

Personally I am still pissed that they left us fatty owners out of the mix on the Skype deal but I guess I have complained enough about that. I am in the market though for another GPS unit for the PSP I had one a while back and really did not use it all that much, but I have decided to get another.

Well enough of my ramblings for today. I will be posting on a more regular basis so besure to subscribe or check back often.

Mesothelioma

Sony PSP Firmware 3.93 released *Please read before upgrading*

There is an offical Sony Firmware release today.

Firmware version 3.93

There are not many changes to mention, but if you are a fan of PSP internet radio you will be happy to hear 20 new channels have been added. Also the players are arranged in a more specific genre making it easier to find you favorite station. Also some upgrades and improvements on expanding support for the Playstation network titles.

Now I do not see much reason in updating unless you just can't live with out the 20 extra stations. I personally have not used PSP internet radio that much so it is not going to help me much. Be aware that if you are running a custom firmware like m33 firmwares this will break your psp's ability to play homebrew software and games.

I hope that Sony has some big plans for version 4.0 and that they do not leave us fatty owners out of the mix like they have with skype for the slim versions. Sony listen up if you want more users, buyers, money etc.. Just give us what we want, and don't leave us early adopters out of the mix. It just manages to piss us off.

Download the official update here.

PSP Firmware 3.90

Well we now have a new firmware from Sony for our beloved PSP. There is nothing real exciting in this update atleast for us fatty users, but the slim owners get a small treat. You get Skype, thats right you get Skype on your PSP. Why Sony has left us fatty owners out in the cold with this feature. We won't be left in the dark though, as one of my earlier post eludes there is a PSP Sip client called Furikup. You can learn more about that below. Other than some worthless security fixes that is all there is in this update. I am anxiously waiting for 4.0 I am sure there will be some cool new features atleast for PSP Slim owners. Damn you Sony I will not give you anymore of my cash to buy a new PSP Slim so just release these goodies for both versions.

Fix Windows Errors and Speed up your Computer

I have been using vista for about a year now, and I have noticed like all Windows operating systems that my performance has decreased and really really slowed down. Due to regular use Vista, and XP gets errors which really makes the computer run slow and even crash often. I went on a searching mission to find a software that will fix these errors and increase my ccmputers speed. Well I found it, the software is from a company called ErrorSmart the software worked great. It was easy to install and get running, the scanning process was fast and simple. You would not believe the errors that came up after the scan. Not to mention you do not have to be a computer genius to fix the errors ErrorSmart does all the work for you. So I thought I would share this bit of information with you.

So if you are having some performance issues with your computer and need a fix up and do not want to loose all your valuable information by doing a complete reinstall. Then ErrorSmart is the software for you.

Click here to get ErrorSmart

PSP Voip Phone Sip

It is finally here, Noobz has released in beta a voip software for the PSP. Looks like sony has been beatin to the puch by the PSP community (Again)

It is in Beta so it is still a bit buggy, but has been confirmed to work though I could not get mine working as of this writing. The UI is a bit basic but functional. They have released the source so I am sure over the next couple of days we will see a new easier to use UI. I have been asking, begging, searching for almost 2 years for the ability to make phone calls from my PSP. Now it is a reality. I can see a shortage on PSP Socom Headsets...

I will post up some more updates as they come available. As well as a full tutorial that will explain how to set this up and make calls from your PSP.

In the mean time you can download FuriKup Here
Visit the Noobz Forum and join the fun.

Back From Vacation

Well I am back from vacation. Boy I needed the break that is for sure. I took the family to Florida for a week. We spent time on Sanibel Island and in the Fort Myers area. It was alot of fun, and the warm weather was nice. It is a welcome change from the cold rainy weather we have had here in WV for the last month. Now I just have a lot to do. I have to take down the Christmas decorations, Get everything unpacked and then get ready to go back to work :( I guess that is life you can't sit and play all the time. I will try to get some pictures uploaded soon so everyone can see how beautiful that place is.

Taking a bit of a break for Christmas

Well I am taking a bit of a break for the Christmas holiday. I am going to be taking off to sunny south Florida for a week. So there will not be any updates, atleast for a week. Unless I just get in the typing mood. I will be adding some pics to my flicker page. I will post the link to my flicker images when I get back. I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday season.

Remember to not drink and drive.