How to properly import Audiobooks into iTunes
It took me a couple of days to get all of these steps figured out, but I’ve finally figured out how to take any audio files and create a “chapterized” single file that will even put itself in the “Audiobooks” section of your iPod or iTunes (with version 7+). It involves several steps (all of which are free), but once you get the workflow down you’ll be able to make yourself a nice “audible library” for your computer. Hit the jump for the full, professional Audiobook rundown.
Couple interesting WiFi tips
Dave over at the Asterisk Blog wrote up a few interesting tips for building home wireless networks. I’d like to point people who ask me questions about wireless networks to lists like this. His tips can deal with the questions like “why can’t I get a signal even though I’m not that far away?”, or “how come I can’t pick up my wifi signal in my shed 200 yards away?” Here’s a couple good ones:
If you?re using a cordless phone, replace it. Cordless phones are among the worst sources of interference for wireless networks. They tend to transmit at a higher power output than Wi-Fi gear, making them louder and therefore harder to talk over, and they tend to transmit frequently, especially when the handset and base station are separated.
The farther you are from your wireless router, the greater the potential for interference to block or to slow your connection. You can strengthen the connection with antennas or repeaters. Or, try using a power-line bridge to import the connection from your router, and feed it into a power-line access point.
[link]
Heading to Atlanta tonight
We’ll be heading out to Atlanta tonight for the weekend for the 900th annual Herndon Family Reunion. It’s actually been a while since I’ve been to one of our family reunions, but this year the whole family is going. I’ve got the last few episodes of The Wire season 2 on my laptop ready to go, so that’ll be sweet for time killing.
Here’s a clip of Bunk and Lester interrogating some foreigners… what a great show:
ArcGIS 9.3 Features
The All Points Blog has a short post highlighting some of the features slated for release in the next version of ArcGIS Desktop, 9.3:
- Better printing support
- “Map Tips” - for adding information to maps
- Enhanced interoperability - will support Web Feature Service, Web Cover Service for raster, KML, and GML
- APIs for REST and JavaScript
- Caching and performance improvements
- Security for web apps and services
- ArcGIS Server 9.3 will be packaged with Windows Mobile-based client
[link]
Product Props: Lightwedge
While reading the swissmiss blog today (an amazing design blog), I saw a post about the Lightwedge, so I thought I’d just give my accolades to this awesome product, as I’ve owned one for over a year. The ‘wedge is a flat, glass book light that comes in a couple different sizes (depending on the size you’d like or the size of the books you most often read). It’s amazing because it serves as both a light and a bookmark at the same time, just close up the book with the light between the pages. It’s also incredibly bright, thanks to LEDs, and much more comfortable to sit with while reading than most competing products.
[link]
Steampunk mods
The Wired blog has a cool post about steampunk gadgets and mods. steampunk, for those unfamiliar, refers to sort of 19th century antiques crossed with any futuristic technology, like computers, lasers, etc. Jules Verne is the prototypical reference when it comes to examples of steampunk. Lately there seems to have been a resurgence in steampunk-related art and writing, probably because retro style is becoming cooler and cooler… even 200 year old Victorian style.
[link]
No more stale chips! This is awesome.
via Unclutterer
Installing some shelving
This weekend I’m planning on building some simple bookshelves for install into this useless edge of the closet of our master bedroom. The right side of our closet (which is not a very deep one) is completely consumed by ductwork or something in the whole corner. So I’m using that limited depth to build some shelves for my beaucoup novels that I’ve gotta do something with. Here’s the plan (via my mad AutoCAD skillz):
I’ll try to post some pics when the shelves are painted and installed. By the way, has anyone ever had success with Google Sketchup? Every time I try using it, I just get fed up. Nothing seems to work anywhere near as well as the full ACAD suite (it costs thousands, so I understand… I guess).
The Grillslinger
Uncrate has a summer-apt post about the “Grillslinger.” This looks like something any hardcore BBQ fanatic should own. For a single Benjamin ($100), you can carry your knife, spatula, and tongs, and the belt is machine washable. Do grilling accessories get any cooler? If I owned this, I’m sure I’d find myself grilling everything from fruit, to steaks, to dessert… any excuse to strap that baby around my waist. A perfect complement to my “CULINARY COLEMANATION” apron. Though if I was manufacturing this, I’d add a compartment to fill with sauce and a basting brush, just to take it to the limit.
Lego Key Rack
Here’s a cool Lego key rack found on the Make Blog. I use a regular hook right now, but I’m plenty nerdy enough to have a Lego block on my keychain at all times. It just remains to be seen if it would support my metric assload of keys.