Category: research

Setting one space tabs for textmate

Sometimes you might want to set the tab width to one space in textmate. For example, perhaps you’re working on the XML files that power the PHP manual (don’t complain, it’s been in the coding standard since the 90’s for well over six thousand files). Because the minimum tab width offered by the textmate GUI is 2 spaces, you may use the command-line like so:


defaults write com.macromates.textmate OakTextViewScopedTabSize -dict-add 'text.xml' '{ tabSize = 1; }'

There, tab size now defaults to one space for XML files.

communication 2.0 is lame

Today I experienced an enormous flashing light above my head so will write about it now. Communication 2.0 is chaotic and lame. I write to blogs (this one, comments on others), micro-blogs (twitter), social networks (facebook), mailing lists (e.g., php docs), forums and other places yet it’s all scattered and lost as opposed to being together and remembered. Why so Weak?! A new TODO: Change this. How? One route: Locate APIs of utilized resources, mash them together, then do stuff with it like display. Also, research this and related topics like privacy.

Integration that already happens for me today (automagically):

  • Tweets are shown in this blogs sidebar (via a blog plugin)
  • Blog posts are shown in facebook (as notes)
  • Tweets (some) are displayed in facbook (when appending #fb to tweets, using the selective twitter facebook application)
  • iPod touch apps display facebook/twitter info

Obviously this situation can be improved a ton, both by simple means (currently existing applications) or customized (like designing how to gather and use all of this raw information) with the latter being on the ever-growing TODO.

Whatever the case, the current situation is weak and will change. Google wave should help.

simple lock bumping unlocks most of our locks

Today I stumbled upon information about Bump Keys and am worried. Two main concerns:

  • Most every keyed lock on the planet can easily be opened by anyone
  • I was totally ignorant on the subject, and assume I’m not alone

Basically a Bump Key can be created and used by anyone (you, me, anyone) to open most locks including the dead bolts on our front doors. Others have explained these details for years so I feel it’s my duty to relay the information to my friends. Here are a few of the zillion resources on the subject:

In summary: This problem is real but a few companies are starting to take notice. The Kwikset SmartKey looks like a worthy (and affordable) option and a few other high quality/cost possibilities are also available. A few anti-bumping products exist for current locks but I doubt they are as effective as locks designed with lock bumping in mind. Or, simply play the numbers game and hope the bad guys don’t mess with your stuff. Unfortunately, most of us will choose the last option.

Learning to take photographs

Today while stumbling around digg, I ran into an article titled 34 Essential Tutorials To Get Started With Digital Photography and plan to study them all later, and think you should too. Especially before heading to Nicaragua next month (also something you should do :)

Admittedly I’ve been taking photos at random angles with random settings/lighting just hoping that a few would turn out well, so now is the time to change that philosophy. Woohoo!