"Yay James" written by Jim on estrip.org

09/09/08 11:07 - ID#45620

Yay James

Congrats, (e:James), you spent three months kicking ass and being
awesome. Sam Hoyt won!

jason writes at 06:13:59 09/10/08 - Comment #38751: Congratulations, (e:James). I don't have a problem with people voting based on values but I thought the TV ad was really, really low, and not too far off from saying "If you wouldn't trust him alone with your daughter, why would you trust him in Albany?" Ish.

I remember roadblocks on Delaware by the Wine store not too long ago. I just know it seems like there have been way more than usual this summer, right after work when everyone is leaving for the burbs. I can't recall if it was an election day the last time I saw one. They've been policing the Square pretty tightly as well and setting up drunk checkpoints.

drew writes at 02:31:41 09/10/08 - Comment #38745: My vote is for "not coincidence," especially as this is the second time it has happened on an election day and I am feeling particularly pessimistic about our government today.

janelle writes at 12:09:31 09/10/08 - Comment #38741: I think it's a coincidence. They've had roadblocks at that very same location recently checking for inspection stickers. I've been through it twice now. It was usually in the late afternoon/early evening. And it did back up traffic a lot.

I think I would still be tempted to complain though. Events in the city should be somewhat orchestrated to avoid such issues. The last time I voted, the city moved some of the voting places around. My voting location was at the fire station on Essex, but sometime in the early evening they moved it somewhere else.

jim writes at 11:53:21 09/10/08 - Comment #38740: Between Forest and BuffState there was a road block, where the police were checking inspection stickers. North Elmwood area voters vote at McKinley High School, and had to drive through the heavily congested road block to vote.

Maybe it's just a coincidence that the only time I can possible remember a mid-week roadblock like that happened to occur the night of the primary where City Hall was desperately trying to knock out someone like this, but I think that's just little bit too unbelievable. I think it was on purpose. Sam's heaviest support is in that area.

drew writes at 11:41:50 09/10/08 - Comment #38739: they did?

mrdeadlier writes at 11:16:50 09/10/08 - Comment #38737: I am a father and I am demanding answers, lol.

jim writes at 11:13:11 09/10/08 - Comment #38734: Now Sam Hoyt just has to make it worth it by being as good this next term as he was last term. He talked about fighting for WNY last night, and I think he meant it, so I'm OK with voting for him. Better him then City Hall puppets.

I still can't believe they set up police road blocks on Elmwood to keep people discouraged from voting, yuck.

janelle writes at 09:37:40 09/10/08 - Comment #38732: Good work, James!

libertad writes at 07:35:57 09/10/08 - Comment #38731: Just for the record, I voted for Hoyt when I got a pamphlet from him with his picture on the cover and upside down pink triangles all around him. I thought now that is someone I can trust! Congrats James! That is such great experience for you.

james writes at 03:43:26 09/10/08 - Comment #38729: I have been up for 24 hours now, but I am so wired from a victory. Even though a Republican millionaire dumped more than twice what an expensive assembly race usually costs, even though they used slimy tactics, even though they used illegal practices we won and we won by over 15 points! Despite what you think of Sam Hoyt we showed that you cannot buy an election with the right candidate.

Even though i am unemployed I am very excited for both myself, the team, and the city of Buffalo. Way to go everyone!

tinypliny writes at 03:11:08 09/10/08 - Comment #38726: COoooonnnnGRAAAATTTTZ!

Permalink: Yay_James.html
Words: 21
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: electronics

09/06/08 08:33 - 63ºF - ID#45595

Microcontrollers Part 4

OK!

I was able to program / animate the LED matrix. Basically, there are 8 pins on each axis, and you scan down one column at a time shifting bits out to off/on states for each LED in the row.

Each LED is only light 1/8th of the time so I need to boost the brightness a bit, see if I can lower the resistors maybe.

Now that I have it working I can get it all permanently soldered into place, and then work on the sensor components.

And of course, come out with some nicer animated faces :)

::Download Flash Video::

Permalink: Microcontrollers_Part_4.html
Words: 100
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: work

09/05/08 03:37 - 81ºF - ID#45588

UB Faculty/Staff LOL!

Finally, finally, took the time to go get my UB Card (need to be prepared for buying CS4 when it comes out in October). Bad hair day, for sure, with the wind. Hard to read, but I am technically in the staff category at UB.

The company I work for is just somewhat related to UB, I am not actually teaching or anything crazy.

I am eligible for staff parking on campus though :)

Permalink: UB_Faculty_Staff_LOL_.html
Words: 75
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: electronics

09/04/08 10:05 - 75ºF - ID#45577

Progress

Have the matrix hooked up to the LED driver chip and that to the microcontroller. Will figure out how to program it tomorrow. Mmm, bitshifting.

Permalink: Progress.html
Words: 27
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: politics

09/04/08 10:52 - 68ºF - ID#45561

Election

This is a freaking 4 hour news cycle election.

I usually try very hard to stay out of commenting on politics on (e:strip), and confine my anti-religion rants to 2 or 3 per year, but I'm falling under the weight of an urgent need to talk about every little detail of the political season.

Aaargh. 2 more months to go.

Permalink: Election.html
Words: 57
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: politics

09/01/08 09:30 - 70ºF - ID#45534

Republicans Flailing

So, after a couple days of revelations about Sarah Palin, the nail in the coffin comes: she was a member of an organization that sought Alaskan sovereign nation status.

Yes, that's right: John McCain choose a secessionist for his running mate, and his slogan is "Country First". Clearly they didn't check Palin out at all. He just sort of panicked, I suppose.

Can you imagine if Obama had belonged to a 3rd party that in any (even minor) way challenged the US's legitimacy?

Alaskan Independence Party. Source:

Permalink: Republicans_Flailing.html
Words: 94
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: electronics

09/01/08 03:18 - 80ºF - ID#45531

Microcontrollers Part 3

I'm building a DIY version of this Tengu thing (

) for my first full project.

I've got the LEDs for the eyes in and programmable, and have the face matrix assembled but that's not yet programmed. It will eventually be hooked up to sensors to react to the environment as well.

So far this weekend I've spent a lot of time relearning C and especially pointers. Matrix and timings for the rest of the animations will be challenging, too. Trying to fit everything in a few Kb of space brings me back.

::Download Flash Video::

Watching myself on video makes me realize I really need to work on my um's. :(

Here's a video of what it should end up looking like, although mine won't look so polished:

Permalink: Microcontrollers_Part_3.html
Words: 136
Location: Buffalo, NY

08/25/08 03:03 - 67ºF - ID#45453

How To Break A Window

On a slight tangent from yesterday :)

Don't break a window with a brick and your bare fist. I'm an idiot.

Next time I'll wrap a shirt around my hand! I think taking a photo of my hand afterwards is due to Paul's blogging influence. He's my blogspiration.

Permalink: How_To_Break_A_Window.html
Words: 51
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: life

08/24/08 04:15 - 80ºF - ID#45439

Sad Day

So, my boss has been on sick leave for 6 weeks or so with cancer. It was actually treatable and I think his prognosis was at least somewhat hopeful. Last night was the first night he was home alone, and today no one could get in touch with him on the phone.

I volunteered to go to his house to check on him, but there was no answer and he is not well enough to drive so eventually I broke in through the window. He'd committed suicide last night and I found him on the floor.

I guess it was better that I found him instead of a family member, but still... not the way you want to last see someone. Too late for me to do anything about, I wish there was more I could do.

He was the best boss I've ever had, and a friend.

Goodbye, Luke.

johnallen writes at 05:39:16 08/29/08 - Comment #38342: Sorry man, My heart goes out to you.YOu did what you had to, and kudos for that. Fear is a very powerfull forces that drives mankind to the extreme - sorry you had to stumble upon this.

museumchick writes at 02:07:29 08/27/08 - Comment #38215: I'm so sorry Jim. It must have been so difficult to find him there.

jim writes at 11:23:08 08/26/08 - Comment #38164: That's why I held the brick and bashed the window instead of throwing it, so I wouldn't accidentally hit him inside since I didn't know if he was in there or where he would be. Turns out if I had thrown it I probably would have hit him since I ended up breaking into his bedroom :(

paul writes at 11:08:21 08/26/08 - Comment #38162: You don't have to answer this but I am curious so I am going to ask. How did he die? Hope not a brick injury to the head.

fellyconnelly writes at 06:01:22 08/26/08 - Comment #38153: Remember him for the great guy he was, and not for his last days.
I'm sorry for your loss and all you have been through.

metalpeter writes at 06:56:30 08/25/08 - Comment #38149: I really can't imagine thinking that Sure I'll go check on the guy and then finding him dead. I really can't. I Know I couldn't handle it, and I hope you are dealing with it the best you can. If it was me I think I would need professional help after that. If it was someone I really liked to I know I couldn't handle it. I wish you luck and all I can really say is it fucked up, it really is.

jim writes at 03:06:54 08/25/08 - Comment #38143: Enknot, you're giving me too much credit - I was just the guy who was there.

enknot writes at 02:52:03 08/25/08 - Comment #38142: That was brave and valiant Jim. I hope I would have acted with as much valor as you had I been in your shoes. I'm sorry for that poor mans and his loved one's loss as well, but I'm moved by your character.

dcoffee writes at 02:04:32 08/25/08 - Comment #38138: oh my god. I hope you're ok.

carolinian writes at 09:44:18 08/25/08 - Comment #38132: I'm sorry for your loss. The world needs good people and it's a shame when we lose them.

jon writes at 09:25:18 08/25/08 - Comment #38131: Sorry to hear this Jim. Such a terrible thing all around.

mrmike writes at 09:29:16 08/24/08 - Comment #38127: A good thought for him, and a few for you too. I can't imagine.

jim writes at 08:37:11 08/24/08 - Comment #38124: Thanks!

heidi writes at 08:02:18 08/24/08 - Comment #38123: My thoughts are with you.

libertad writes at 05:34:07 08/24/08 - Comment #38118: Very sorry Jim. I can't even imagine what this must be like for you. I'll keep him in my prayer tonight.

tinypliny writes at 04:41:34 08/24/08 - Comment #38115: Cancer is very stressful and hope is emotionally expensive. :(

jim writes at 04:39:02 08/24/08 - Comment #38114: Thanks, everyone.

tinypliny writes at 04:37:48 08/24/08 - Comment #38113: How sad!! :( I hope his family finds the courage to get through it all.

drew writes at 04:37:27 08/24/08 - Comment #38112: I've lost friends to suicide. It sucks. You have my sympathy.

jbeatty writes at 04:21:53 08/24/08 - Comment #38111: That is really terrible, I'm so sorry.

Permalink: Sad_Day.html
Words: 149
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: electronics

08/23/08 04:14 - 84ºF - ID#45424

Microcontrollers Part II

So, this is just the getting started lesson from this page:

although I did deviate in the programming a bit to use functions instead of nested if-blocks. It's supposed to be a bike safety light (although not in a pretty / finished package).

Nothing special, but it is flashy and blinky so I made a video of it working.

::Download Flash Video::