I have always loved Keats, but I hate poetry. What I liked about him was that he was trying to find the essence of what made poetry good. Sometime in my youth, I grabbed onto that idea and I never could quite let go of that concept. I find that I will analyze things without knowing it, just to determine what makes it good. It's one of my happy actions.
I have decided that I the best two examples of good percussion in rock are Kashmir and Lost in the Supermarket. Percussion has a history of directing musical traffic, and thankfully jazz and the big band remedied that; however, people often run a beautiful musical piece with poor percussion. It's like directing traffic in China. It works, but it's not pretty. In the case of Kashmir, the slightly shifted signature perfectly carries the melody. In the case of Lost in the Supermarket, the beat changes with the mood of the measures. The most important part is the the transitions. Both songs have perfect percussion transitions. The percussion is what makes the song in both cases, and if you play either without it, you have nothing note worthy.
I love music.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Atlanta Startup Scene
This article is about the start-up scene in Atlanta. The one thing that I noticed was that the Atlanta scene seemed a bit software focused, but more to the point, the Atlanta money likes software because it is comfortable. I have reviewed and seen many business presentations over the years in and around Atlanta, and very promising businesses are often ignored for the hope of another Google. The good news is that often these companies that are ignored have real, tangible goods, and that allows them to succeed without the angle money.
When not given a silver spoon, bootstrap yourself to success.
When not given a silver spoon, bootstrap yourself to success.
Friday, October 21, 2011
AT91SAM7S SPI
There seems to be a huge bug in the AT91SAM7S documentation regarding SPI. When you do a software reset via the control register, it resets the mode register.
So, after a AT91C_BASE_SPI -> SPI_CR = AT91C_SPI_SWRST;, you need to do a AT91C_BASE_SPI -> SPI_MR = 0x00000001;
Here's code to get the SPI transfer working:
The fact that a software reset changes the mode register is a pretty important thing to include in the documentation. It took me a week to figure out what was going on. I looked at the ATMEL SPI example, and it has the bug as well. Perhaps there was change between the Rev B and Rev C processors, such as the FLASH issue.
So, after a AT91C_BASE_SPI -> SPI_CR = AT91C_SPI_SWRST;, you need to do a AT91C_BASE_SPI -> SPI_MR = 0x00000001;
Here's code to get the SPI transfer working:
inline void spi_configure()
{
AT91PS_SPI pSPI = AT91C_BASE_SPI;
static unsigned int perphA=
((unsigned int) AT91C_PA11_NPCS0 ) |
((unsigned int) AT91C_PA13_MOSI ) |
((unsigned int) AT91C_PA12_MISO ) |
((unsigned int) AT91C_PA14_SPCK ); // Peripheral A
AT91C_BASE_PIOA->PIO_ASR = perphA; //set the SPI pins to the periphial functions
AT91C_BASE_PIOA->PIO_PDR = (perphA); //disable GPIO from changing SPI pins.
AT91C_BASE_PMC->PMC_PCER = ((unsigned int) 1 << AT91C_ID_SPI); //enable SPI clock
AT91C_BASE_SPI -> SPI_CR = AT91C_SPI_SWRST;
AT91C_BASE_SPI -> SPI_CR = AT91C_SPI_SPIEN;
AT91C_BASE_SPI -> SPI_MR = 0x00000001; //Enable the MASTER mode
You can then see the transfers on the MOSI pin with:unsigned int spi_test()
{
AT91PS_SPI pSPI = AT91C_BASE_SPI;
unsigned int data=0x55555555;
data = data & 0x010FFFFF; // mask non-used bits
pSPI -> SPI_TDR = data;
return(data);
}
The fact that a software reset changes the mode register is a pretty important thing to include in the documentation. It took me a week to figure out what was going on. I looked at the ATMEL SPI example, and it has the bug as well. Perhaps there was change between the Rev B and Rev C processors, such as the FLASH issue.
Straight outta Dunwoody.
I used to live near Dunwoody.
Straight Outta Dunwoody on youtube.
The one thing that I will give them is that they are indeed correct, it is clean. In south Fulton, people seem to think that everything else is someone else's job. I find that I would pick up trash at the bus stop, whereas in south Fulton, I would not even consider it.
Straight Outta Dunwoody on youtube.
The one thing that I will give them is that they are indeed correct, it is clean. In south Fulton, people seem to think that everything else is someone else's job. I find that I would pick up trash at the bus stop, whereas in south Fulton, I would not even consider it.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
It's China.
There has been a buzz on the Chinese boards about the
toddler hit by a car. Having spent over a year on the ground in China, I can say that I completely understand the response. The problem that I have found in China is that it is a liability to take on any responsibility as the government or people will use it against you. As a non-Chinese that travels off the beaten path, the only thing that I am afraid of is the police and military. They want my money, they want my passport, and the only thing that has saved me this far is that I do not look like I will hit you the throat and run. I would also walk by a bleeding child. I have walked by the new born females on the streets of Harbin in the winter because it would bring attention to myself, I would be forced to pay a bribe, and explain where I got the child because "children are not disposed off on the street" (that's a quote from the police officier to which I mentioned what was down the streets).
I'm terribly sorry China, but you think that you are great, and you are actually a scary place. The 'win at all costs' culture just means marginalization of those who are willing to accept responsibility. My Chinese friends will disagree with that statement, but I will point out the possibly underaged olympic team, the milk, and my favorite: "My father is Li Gang!"
toddler hit by a car. Having spent over a year on the ground in China, I can say that I completely understand the response. The problem that I have found in China is that it is a liability to take on any responsibility as the government or people will use it against you. As a non-Chinese that travels off the beaten path, the only thing that I am afraid of is the police and military. They want my money, they want my passport, and the only thing that has saved me this far is that I do not look like I will hit you the throat and run. I would also walk by a bleeding child. I have walked by the new born females on the streets of Harbin in the winter because it would bring attention to myself, I would be forced to pay a bribe, and explain where I got the child because "children are not disposed off on the street" (that's a quote from the police officier to which I mentioned what was down the streets).
I'm terribly sorry China, but you think that you are great, and you are actually a scary place. The 'win at all costs' culture just means marginalization of those who are willing to accept responsibility. My Chinese friends will disagree with that statement, but I will point out the possibly underaged olympic team, the milk, and my favorite: "My father is Li Gang!"
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Nature calls! Please check the map!
If you must hastily tinkle, you might as well know how to efficiently use your time. The toilet has map that indicates open stalls.
Friday, October 14, 2011
This woman is not well informed, but she probably does not know that...
This is scary: HPV vaccines and her fears. This woman does not know her chemistry, and I could talk her through it, but I do not believe that she would take me up on it. I could write for hours and hours regarding her terrible analysis, but as an example:
The New Jersey government has this listed in their "Right to Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet." (16) Reactivity: Aluminum Phosphate reacts violently with STRONG BASES (such as SODIUM HYDROXIDE and POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE) and STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC). FIRST AID AND DECONTAMINATION: Remove the person from exposure. Flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if worn. Immediate medical attention is necessary. Remove contaminated clothing and wash contaminated skin with soap and water. Begin artificial respiration if breathing has stopped and CPR if necessary. Transfer to a medical facility.
Super, so something in the vaccine is reactive, and even corrosive in high molarity. I wonder how she feels about Aluminium Phosphate as the flux in her dental fillings, or pharmaceutical gels.
Potassium Chloride would be a challenge for her as well. She can complain about toxicity though ignorance while her nerves fire via ion transfer across a lipid layer.
Science with an agenda is very concerning thing.
The New Jersey government has this listed in their "Right to Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet." (16) Reactivity: Aluminum Phosphate reacts violently with STRONG BASES (such as SODIUM HYDROXIDE and POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE) and STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC). FIRST AID AND DECONTAMINATION: Remove the person from exposure. Flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if worn. Immediate medical attention is necessary. Remove contaminated clothing and wash contaminated skin with soap and water. Begin artificial respiration if breathing has stopped and CPR if necessary. Transfer to a medical facility.
Super, so something in the vaccine is reactive, and even
Potassium Chloride would be a challenge for her as well. She can complain about toxicity though ignorance while her nerves fire via ion transfer across a lipid layer.
Science with an agenda is very concerning thing.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Invest in whomever licenses this patent.
I have a soft-spot for catalyst chemistry. My Science magazine from 8 July 2011 fell behind my desk and I just read through it and found something very exciting. The abstract is below, but also here.
"Palladium-Catalyzed Aerobic Dehydrogenation of Substituted Cyclohexanones to Phenols"
Aromatic molecules are key constituents of many pharmaceuticals, electronic materials, and commodity plastics. The utility of these molecules directly reflects the identity and pattern of substituents on the aromatic ring. Here, we report a palladium(II) catalyst system, incorporating an unconventional ortho-dimethylaminopyridine ligand, for the conversion of substituted cyclohexanones to the corresponding phenols. The reaction proceeds via successive dehydrogenation of two saturated carbon-carbon bonds of the six-membered ring and uses molecular oxygen as the hydrogen acceptor. This reactivity demonstrates a versatile and efficient strategy for the synthesis of substituted aromatic molecules with fundamentally different selectivity constraints from the numerous known synthetic methods that rely on substitution of a preexisting aromatic ring.
Why is this paper important? Firstly, the work is low-temperature, by the benefit of the catalyst. Also, phenols are the most important group of industrial chemicals. What this means for a company is that you can make more of a chemical, faster, cheaper and more efficiently. If I had money (well, some to spare) I would hedge on whomever licenses the patent for this work. I really applaude the authors for this phenomenally relevant work.
"Palladium-Catalyzed Aerobic Dehydrogenation of Substituted Cyclohexanones to Phenols"
Aromatic molecules are key constituents of many pharmaceuticals, electronic materials, and commodity plastics. The utility of these molecules directly reflects the identity and pattern of substituents on the aromatic ring. Here, we report a palladium(II) catalyst system, incorporating an unconventional ortho-dimethylaminopyridine ligand, for the conversion of substituted cyclohexanones to the corresponding phenols. The reaction proceeds via successive dehydrogenation of two saturated carbon-carbon bonds of the six-membered ring and uses molecular oxygen as the hydrogen acceptor. This reactivity demonstrates a versatile and efficient strategy for the synthesis of substituted aromatic molecules with fundamentally different selectivity constraints from the numerous known synthetic methods that rely on substitution of a preexisting aromatic ring.
Why is this paper important? Firstly, the work is low-temperature, by the benefit of the catalyst. Also, phenols are the most important group of industrial chemicals. What this means for a company is that you can make more of a chemical, faster, cheaper and more efficiently. If I had money (well, some to spare) I would hedge on whomever licenses the patent for this work. I really applaude the authors for this phenomenally relevant work.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Ready Reckoner
From the "Encyclopedia of Universal Knowledge" circa 1904.
How to Find the Contents of Barrels and Casks
RULE. -- Add the diameters of the head and bung in inches and divide the sum by 2, and this will equal the average diameter. Then multiply the square of the average diameter by the length in inches and multiply this result by 34, and cut off the four right-hand figures. This is the number of gallons.
As interesting as this is, it still does not enlighten me to the contents of the casks.
How to Find the Contents of Barrels and Casks
RULE. -- Add the diameters of the head and bung in inches and divide the sum by 2, and this will equal the average diameter. Then multiply the square of the average diameter by the length in inches and multiply this result by 34, and cut off the four right-hand figures. This is the number of gallons.
As interesting as this is, it still does not enlighten me to the contents of the casks.
Avoirdupois Weight
Just a reminder of why the English systems of measurement are terrible.
Avoirdupois Weight:
Troy Weight:
This system seems to be designed to cheat people by overlapping labeling. There are 7000 grains in an avoirdupois pound, and 5760 grains in a troy pound. This means that if you were in 19th century England and purchase tea, a dishonest seller has one pound by troy weight you are cheated, but he sells you an ounce by troy weight he cheats himself out of 42.5 grains.
Avoirdupois Weight:
| 437.5 grains | = | 1 oz. |
| 16 oz. | = | 1 lb |
| 2000 lbs. | = | 1 ton |
| 2240 lbs. | = | 1 long ton |
Troy Weight:
| 24 grains | = | 1 pennyweight |
| 20 pennyweights | = | 1 ounce |
| 12 ounces | = | 1 pound |
| 480 grains | = | 1 ounce |
This system seems to be designed to cheat people by overlapping labeling. There are 7000 grains in an avoirdupois pound, and 5760 grains in a troy pound. This means that if you were in 19th century England and purchase tea, a dishonest seller has one pound by troy weight you are cheated, but he sells you an ounce by troy weight he cheats himself out of 42.5 grains.
Monday, October 3, 2011
so many options...
I need a new pan. Look at this catalog!
Highland Restaurant Supply
Highlights from items that I never knew existed:
#55975: Easy Chicken Slicer
#35SSA: Hot Dog Steamer w/Juice Tray
Tankless Electric Booster Heater
Page 202 is the best. There seems to be some implied correlation between fluid ounces, weight ounces (I had to look these up honestly), and gallons and cups. I cannot fathom what use that information has considering it's uncoupled from any reality of density. I assume that water is considered to be the medium of measurement; however, I would still likely have difficulty explaining to anyone in the food service industry that Saturn would float on the oceans of the Earth due to density.
Highland Restaurant Supply
Highlights from items that I never knew existed:
#55975: Easy Chicken Slicer
#35SSA: Hot Dog Steamer w/Juice Tray
Tankless Electric Booster Heater
Page 202 is the best. There seems to be some implied correlation between fluid ounces, weight ounces (I had to look these up honestly), and gallons and cups. I cannot fathom what use that information has considering it's uncoupled from any reality of density. I assume that water is considered to be the medium of measurement; however, I would still likely have difficulty explaining to anyone in the food service industry that Saturn would float on the oceans of the Earth due to density.
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