New Blog

http://mikeluby.com/

Lets post to twitter via command line!

If you find your self not truly satisfied with filling out a form or by sending a text you can post your twitter statuses via command line/curl:

curl -u USERNAME:PASSWORD -d status="MESSAGE" http://twitter.com/statuses/update.xml | grep truncated

AS3 Code Snippet: Covert seconds to simple time stamp

What this code snippet allows is the ability to pass the number of seconds and return a simple time stamp in the form of “Weeks:Days:Hours:Minutes:Seconds” with the minimum return of “Minutes:Seconds”. A good use of this snippet is in media players to convert the duration of the media to a more readable time stamp.

/**
* Converts seconds to minutes and seconds
* @param number Number of seconds
* @return String of minutes and seconds (00:00)
*/
public function convertTime( number:Number ):String {
	number = Math.abs( number );
	var val:Array = new Array( 5 );
		val[ 0 ] = Math.floor( number / 86400 / 7 ); //weeks
		val[ 1 ] = Math.floor( number / 86400 % 7 );//days
		val[ 2 ] = Math.floor( number / 3600 % 24 );//hours
		val[ 3 ] = Math.floor( number / 60 % 60 );//mins
		val[ 4 ] = Math.floor( number % 60 );//secs
	var stopage:Boolean = false;
	var cutIndex:Number  = -1;
	for(var i:Number = 0; i < val.length; i++ ) {
		if( val[ i ] < 10 )
			val[ i ] = "0" + val[ i ];
		if( val[ i ] == "00" && i < ( val.length - 2 ) && !stopage ) {
			cutIndex = i;
		} else {
			stopage = true;
		}
	}
	val.splice( 0, cutIndex + 1 );
	return val.join( ":" );
}

Code snippet: tinyurl link creation api

Here is a quick code snippet to use the tinyurl link creation api.

< ?php
//tinyURL function, needs url to be passed to tinyrul
function tinyURL( $url ) {
	//Initializes a new session and return a cURL handle
	$curl = curl_init( );
	//Sets an option on the given cURL session handle.
	//request url
	curl_setopt( $curl, CURLOPT_URL, "http://tinyurl.com/api-create.php?url=" . urlencode( $url ) );
	curl_setopt( $curl, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, 1 ); //return transfer
	curl_setopt( $curl, CURLOPT_CONNECTTIMEOUT, 10 ); // connection timeout
	//Execute the given cURL session.
	$tiny = curl_exec( $curl );
	//Closes a cURL session and frees all resources. The cURL handle, $curl , is also deleted.
	curl_close( $curl );
	//return result from curl
	return( $tiny );
}

echo tinyURL( "http://strategicv.com/" ); //echos: http://tinyurl.com/3r4j8c
?>

Twiddeo.com Beta now up and running.

For those of you who haven’t noticed, an updated version of twiddeo has been released.

“Twiddeo is a powerful but simple service that let’s you do one thing very well: Twitter updates with Video.  Upload from the web, your cameraphone and record from your webcam. That simple, that straightforward, that great!”

Along with a well overdue design update comes a couple of neat new features. You can now record video from your webcam directly on twiddeo. Good news, there isn’t a silly 12 or 15 second limit to how long your webcam rants go. So go ahead, feel free to tell all of your twitter followers exactly what you’re thinking with out staring at the clock.

Twiddeo also uses the Disqus Commenting System. Disqus easy enhances the ability for users to directly discuss specific videos right on twitter.

“Disqus, pronounced “discuss”, is a service and tool for web comments and discussions. The Disqus comment system can be plugged into any website, blog, or application. Disqus makes commenting easier and more interactive, while connecting websites and commenters across a thriving discussion community.”

Another feature that will be coming soon to twiddeo will be the API, currently it is still in the testing stages but will be ready soon enough. It will allow 3rd party applications the ability to use twiddeo’s services.

To get started using twiddeo just go to http://www.twiddeo.com/ enter your Twitter username and password and you’ll be on your way to adding video to your twitter updates!

So check out my twiddeo page http://beta.twiddeo.com/user/view/mikeluby for some of my video twitters.

For more information about Twiddeo check out the about page.

(Note: I’m one of the developers on twiddeo)

Adobe teams up with Google and Yahoo.

Today Adobe announced (press release) that they will be teaming up with Google and Yahoo to enhance search engine indexing of flash files. Until now, sites using flash where unable to expose content to search engines directly from the flash. This new technology will give websites, that are primarily in flash, better rankings for relevant search terms.

With 98 percent of the computers today connected to the Internet have Adobe Flash installed I think this may be good move. But it brings up 3 concerns:

1. Will this technology take in account for flash developers that use dynamic text areas to display content in flash? Does the content have to be in the first frame of the flash application?
2. If Google/Yahoo will be able to somehow decompile the swf files to extract the strings within, whats stopping them from browsing the flash’s source code of competitors flash products? As you may know, I’m a senior developer at vSocial, I mostly deal with the flash development there and I find it a little unsettling that youtube (Google) may have the capabilities of seeing how I built the vSocial Social Media Player (which is awesome by the way). (insert sky-net reference)
3. I think this will give some developers the nod to develop their sites entirely in flash; sure go ahead and make your anime fan fiction sites entirely in flash, it doesn’t bother me, but there goes the usability on sites that are moderately usable. For most sites being entirely in flash isn’t the best decision, some sites just don’t need to be in flash, there just isn’t a point.

If you listen closely you can hear the simultaneous groan of developers around the world. They know that as soon as their customers read this they are going to demand their site to be something “flashy”. So I both praise and shun you Adobe for allowing this.

Mark/Space Missing Sync 4.0.3 Problems

For those of you out there using Missing Sync to sync your Windows Mobile device with your Mac I would hesitate to update to the recently released version (4.0.3). I found that the application is having problems connecting to Windows Mobile phones. I’m running on OSX 10.5.3 and WM6. Now I’ve tried connecting through the USB (which I normally do) and Bluetooth but it dies in the first few seconds of a connection attempt. I’ve gone through and done all of the basic technical support found on the website with no solution. Hopefully the company fixes these issues soon.

For those who wish to downgrade to 4.0.1 here is the link: http://mirror.markspace.com/missing_sync_winmobile4.0.1.dmg

4.0.2 (thanks Lola): http://mirror.markspace.com/missing_sync_winmobile4.0.2.dmg

Email correspondence with Bruce St. James Program Director

I received an email about some email correspondence with Bruce St. James the Program Director for the Edge And Melissa G. (“former loyal listener”). Here is what they had to say:

Melissa G:

Bruce,

Please feel free to pass this along to the rest of those who should hear this, but won’t care any more than you do. I am a fiercely loyal fan of The Edge. Or, I was, until Riviera came in and begin to systematically wipe out all that the INDEPENDENT Edge stood for. Since then, programming has steadily dropped in quality. And my husband and I, both loyal listeners, have begun to drift among the other valley stations when The Edge isn’t offering quality music. Sadly, this has been happening more and more often.

But the final nail in the coffin of what was once right up at the top of my list for best radio stations I’ve ever listened too (and I grew up in California, mind you), was getting rid of Chuck Powell and the Morning Ritual. He was a great man and a great DJ and has kept me entertained every morning for years. His show was the only thing I still consistently listened to on your station. Getting rid of him is an atrocity and an insult to your loyal listeners.

To add insult to injury, you are bringing in Adam Corrolla of all people. He and his inane show have already failed here in the valley on more than one occasion. He has done nothing to better himself or his appeal (or lack thereof) since his last failure here. What makes you think we, as the listeners, have changed so much since then as to even want to give him another try?

I have a personal blog that I use to keep in touch with family and friends. This morning I posted my own heartfelt farewell to Chuck Powell and The Morning Ritual, as well as my official farewell to The Edge. My husband and I will no longer listen to your station, buy tickets to your events, or have anything to do with 103.9 KEDJ. The funny thing is, we are far from alone in this. I have had hundreds of hits on my blog this morning from places all over the Phoenix valley, from people I don’t know who found my blog while searching for info on Chuck. Many have left comments about how they, too, are appalled by your stations actions and will follow Chuck wherever he may end up. Many also have agreed with my sentiments about boycotting The Edge 103.9 in search of greener pastures.
What a shame. In fact, shame on you! Shame on all of you corporate sellouts who are only interested in the bottom line and could care less about loyalty or local talent or the feelings of your fan-base. For your sakes, I hope your little business venture with Corrolla turns you the profit you are hoping for. However, in the interest of justice, I hope your station tanks as your listeners all leave you and your sponsors stop writing those big checks to a dying station, one more in the long line of great radio stations killed off by corporate “formula” radio that no one with any semblance of taste cares for.

Most Sincere Regrets,

Melissa G, former loyal listener

Bruce St. James – Program Director:

Melissa,

We are in the business of gathering the largest possible audience. Obviously, we wouldn’t make any change if we thought it would be a step backwards. Chuck Powell’s Morning Ritual has a loyal following and we respect that. Unfortunately, it’s not a large enough following for us to build a station upon. I’m sure you’ve heard the definition of insanity; doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. We need some different results and hope you will give Adam a chance.

As for Adam failing, 1 year ago he was ranked 4th while we were 12th. I guess success is relative, but we would take 4th any day of the week.

I’m not sure what you mean by “Independent”. If you mean small and unprofitable, then we would like no part of “Independent”. We do not have the luxury of a large corporate owner to carry us through the hard times. We must succeed on our own and do it now.

We all like and respect Chuck and hope he finds a new home quickly.

Thanks for your e-mail,
Bruce St. James
Program Director

Has my favorite morning show lost its spark?

This morning Molly showed me an interesting link from the Phoenix Business Journal:

Adam Carolla is bringing his crass humor back to the Phoenix airwaves. The Comedy Central and MTV personality will anchor the morning drive shift for KEDJ-FM 103.9 starting May 5.

His new employers couldn’t be happier.

“We are all excited to bring Adam back to Phoenix. It is our belief that he is the piece of the puzzle required to take The Edge to the next level, despite his performance on ‘Dancing With The Stars,’” said Bruce St. James, KEDJ’s program director.

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2008/04/21/daily55.html?f=et73&ana=e_du

Now this is very interesting since my favorite radio personality Chuck Powell hosts the Morning Ritual. Does this mean he is no longer employed for the edge? If so I want to know where he went so I can listen to him. Now I know Adam Carolla has a large fan base but I really think Chuck made the morning show his own. If you’re gone chuck, I’ll miss you, we will all miss you.

Update 2: It’s official Chuck Powell is no longer on the Edge 103.9. At 8:00am today he said his goodbyes. I don’t think I can listen to the edge anymore.

Update 3: BOO! http://theedge1039.com/content/adam/index.php

Update4: Chuck’s Final message

Contact the edge and tell them how much of a bad idea this is. http://theedge1039.com/contact.php

Chief Executive Officer: Tim Pohlman – tim@rivierabroadcast.com

Program Director: Bruce St. James – bruce@rbgphx.com

Update5: A response from Bruce St. James

Out for the weekend.

This weekend I’ll be in California for Coachella and knots berry farm! But you can follow my twitter and twiddeo updates on the right side of this page! Luby out.