365 Discoveries

So, you’re using WordPress and you just spent hours looking for the perfect theme to fit your new hybrid kitten-and-knitting blog. You upload the theme’s files into the appropriate folder, navigate to the themes page in the  administrative interface, and click “activate.” So far, so good, right? Later, you notice that anytime you save a page, post, or option, you’re greeted with an error much like the following:

Warning: Cannot modify header information – headers already sent by (output started at /home/user/public_html/ccc/wp-content/themes/broken-theme/includes/theme-options.php:172) in /home/user/public_html/ccc/wp-includes/pluggable.php on line 237

The exact nature of the error and line numbers will vary. The point is, your frilly new theme is broken or there’s a plugin conflict with it. Here’s a funny thing that happened with my situation and I suspect others may benefit from this tip. If you’re receiving these errors, and you’re still logged into your WordPress admin panel, activate a different theme you know works. The real problem begins if you log out.

If you are unable to access any portion of your site, or most importantly, the log in page, you’re going to need to get your hands dirty.

1. FTP into your WordPress themes folder, then to the folder for the offending theme (i.e. wp-content/themes/broken-theme).
2. Copy everything within that theme’s folder to another folder on the server, or to your hard drive (or just delete if you plan on installing fresh).
3. Copy the files from a known-good theme (like the included “classic” or “default”) into the folder you just emptied.
4. You should now be able to access your log in page. (www.yourdomain.com/wp-admin/)

You could just leave it as is and set out to fix or replace your bunk theme, however, I recommend “officially” activating the theme you wish to revert back to, then deleting the duplicate you created in step 3.

It should be noted right off that I intend to research information regarding unconventional wireless networking use. You probably won’t find much here that’ll help with day-to-day wireless networking. Unless, of course, you’re desperate and don’t care that your setup looks ridiculous.

Probably one of the most popular things I’ve run across when looking into wi-Fi antennas is what’s called “WOKTENNA” or “WIFRY.” Admittedly, these names aren’t used as often as the concepts that are derived from them, but I think the names are funny, and you should too.

The idea is to use any metallic parabolic device (think about what you have in your kitchen right now that fits this bill) and to place a wireless USB adapter at the focal point of the selected parabola. Its been found that Asian cookware, like various types of WOK cookware work very well for this purpose. Here is a site that shows a number of examples when people combine USB WiFi adapoters with DIY antennas to make a “poor man’s wifi,” including several variations of the WOKTENNA idea.

Another cheap option is the parabolic reflector antenna. The one I used is called the Windsurfer; a template is available at freeantennas.com. The site claims that a 1:1 scale of the template will net you about 9dbi of gain, double the size and you’ll see 12dbi of gain.

But, how do the cheapies compare to the “proper” devices available for increasing gain?

Using a stock Fonera (from FON) version 1 wireless access point with DD-WRT firmware I attached various antennas and performed simple signal trials using a laptop and Netstumler. Below, you can see a screencap of Netstumbler’s output. The first section on the left was just some testing before running the trials. The stock Fonera antenna provides a mere 1.5dbi of gain, and at approximately 111 meters, gets a signal to noice ratio of -70 to -60 dBm. A large 5dbi omni-directional antenna attached to the Fonera provides a solid -60dBm rating at 111 meters. The same antenna with a Windsurfer parabolic reflector provides slightly more gain. Using a 10dbi directional panel antenna — the “proper” way to direct wireless signals — performs equally with the 5dbi omni-antenna with the Windsurfer attatched.

WiFi Signal Stregnths of various antenna methods. (Click to view full image)

Approx. range of trials. (Click to view larger) Tests were performed at ground level, folliage was not an issue.

The most surprising result, however, is the result seen with the stock 1.5dbi Fonera antenna and the Windsurfer parabolic reflector. As Netstumbler reports it, this arrangement provides just as much gain, even a pinch more, than all previous antenna combinations, including the 10dbi directional panel and the much larger 5dbi omni-directional antenna!

So, if you’re trying to get a signal outdoors or to the other side of your home, try throwing a parabolic reflector antenna on your current setup before laying down any cash on inferior solutions!

Coming soon… additional tests with the same antennas at a larger distance, new antennas, and a dual-antenna setup (Linksys WRT-style).

Domino's Pizza Tracker (click for larger view)

Filing under the “learn something new everyday” category, I’ve found that not only can you order Domino’s pizza online, but you can “track it.”

The Pizza Tracker will keep you up to date with the status of your order as it passes through the order, preparation, baking, boxing, and delivery stages. Not only will you know know where the dough is, it’ll also tell you the name of the employee man-handling your order each step of the way, including the “delivery expert.” The application updates without the need to refresh so you can plug your laptop into your big screen LCD TV and give the whole family something utterly unproductive to do while you wait.

Now, if they could only stream video of the whole process taking place, it’d be just like being there! It’s a nice toy, but I’m okay with ordering pizza without the need to stalk it.

What do you think? Is this just a neat toy or the best thing to happen to world since sliced…. pizza….?

Google Voice Interface

Without getting into a long description and history of Google Voice, I simply offer this: The basis for the Google Voice service was originally a independent project named “Grand Central.” Google acquired Grand Central, kept it public for awhile, then it disappeared into the abyss to emerge over a year later as Google Voice. The idea is simple: One phone number, tied to one person, not a device. Using your Google Voice number, you can receive phone calls and route them to any other phone (work, home, mobile, voicemail) based on who is calling, or the time of day, among other options. Additionally, voice mail is handled by Google, which treats voice mail like email; it’s recorded and retrievable by phone, as well as SMS or available online thanks to a transcription feature.

Once I heard that Grand Central, now, Google Voice had reemerged from the Google Cave, I signed-up to receive an invite. Now, several months later, I received an invite… much to my surprise!

I might very well be one of the worst testers for this service.  I know I won’t use it regularly, and if it weren’t for my overactive curiosity with all things nerdy and new, I wouldn’t pay it any attention. I have one phone number, a personal mobile, and that pretty much takes care of it. Currently, I don’t see how Google Voice can add any real value to my communication experiences. But, again, I love playing with this stuff, so as soon as I received that invite, I clicked through and started the process of securing a new phone number.

After all the initial set up is complete, you’re taken to your “Inbox.” Those familiar with Gmail will feel right at home because the GUI closely resembles that of Gmail. In your inbox you can see all voice mail and text messages listed much like messages in Gmail. There are even options to select conversations to be Starred or sent to Spam. “You can spam callers” you ask? Indeed. When you mark a message as spam, you mark the caller as spam. From that point, when the caller dials your Google Voice number he/she will hear ringing, but none of your phones will ring. Any voice mail left will be sent to the spam folder. Additionally there are options to send callers straight to voice mail, or tell callers your number is no longer in service. That’ll get ‘em to stop calling!

The transcription feature is neat for short calls; you’ll get the idea of what your caller is trying to convey, but don’t expect to avoid listening to minute-long messages. My fiance left me three messages of about 50 seconds each to test the transcription. Our friends got a kick out of listening to Voice translate my name into everything but “Justin.” In one of the messages, she said “I’m also very excited that you love me.” Google transcribed it as “I’m so excited that you left me.” Ouch.

The idea behind Voice isn’t brand new. However, in typical Google fashion, they’ve brought together several features of a call-screening system, voicemail system, infused it with already-existing Google technology, and made something that’s really neat.

But, that’s about it… for now, the idea is neat. Personally, I won’t get any heavy use out of it. I’m considering simply using it to handle my voicemail only (giving out my cell number, as usual, then changing my carrier settings to send voice mail calls to my Google Voice number). Once the wedding invitations go out, I want to use it as a RSVP line.

First off, I’m not saying that someone should create a video every time they’ve been wronged, but if the story is compelling enough, and the music is fun enough that it becomes viral, well darnit, I’m okay with that!

Last spring, Dave Carroll of the band “Sons of Maxwell” witnessed baggage handlers from United Airlines mishandling his guitar case resulting in the $3,500 Taylor guitar becoming severely damaged. After a year of United giving him the run around, dozens of phone calls, emails, and letters, they finally said they’d do nothing for him. July 6th, 2009, he posted a music video about the experience on YouTube and on July 8th, United responded. They said they’d pay for the $1,200 repair job. Dave, instead, tells United Airlines to donate the cost to a charity of their choice.

YouTube - United Breaks Guitars

The full story is here.

Within 4 days the video “United Breaks Guitars” received nearly 2 million views. Dave has written, and promises to release two more music videos on the subject. What blows me away, though, is the incredible amount of trouble United gives Dave in an attempt to discourage him. Then ultimately, once they find he won’t be disuaded, they dismiss the whole matter. Now, he creates a video, a little bad press, and United comes knocking on his door to make it right.

YouTube - Statement

SR4CharGen Splash

Trying to generate some Shadowrun character sheets? You could use the spreadsheets that are floating around, all over the intertubes, OR you can try out the Shadowrun 4th edition Character Generator by DaisyBox software. The SR4CG is a fully functional (beta) program, dedicated to creating characters for Shadowrun. The program defaults follow all SR4’s standard rules and regulations, but you can customize the program’s data files to create custom categories and items!

The SR4CharGen creates, prints, and saves your Shadowrun characters with an easy-to-use interface completewith detailed drop-downs and tabbed sections for  greater organization. Most selections come with a description of what you can and cannot do, and errors are explained to minimize frustration!

The world is full of fail; my slice of the world is no different. I found this fail door at Vintage Gardens in Modesto. I don’t want to give them any bad press, though. They’re running an awesome venue over there, but it seems there is some confusion regarding entryways. Click the image to vote for the photo. Give it a 5, and if I’m lucky, it’ll make it to the front page of the Fail Blog.