coleman

Zomg Virtual Reality is so Cool (HTC Vive Demo)

November 6, 2016 by coleman Leave a Comment

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Now I may be *ahem* late to the game, but I got the chance to try the somewhat new HTC Vive virtual reality headset last night at the Microsoft Store in a palce called the Domain Austin, Tx. The reason I had been at the MS Store was to attend and show my support for a really awesome charity called Extra Life. Extra Life will put on gaming marathons to raise money for various children’s hospitals around the country. Please check them out at http://www.extralife.org . It was a lot of fun and a great experience.

In any case. the store happened to have a demo of the HTC Vive and I hadn’t really planned on testing it out until later in the night since I was pretty busy with gaming day. This is probably the reason I had not demoed much of the later virtual reality offering recently at SXSW or what not. I simply did not want to wait around in any lines or schedule a time that I would have to give up work to attend.

Now I wish I had.

In order to participate you were required to sign up on a waiting list and agree to a waiver that I did not read. It probably had something to do with not suing Microsoft in case I fell dead with the head set on or ran through the glass wall. My spot was not up for 30 minutes, so I filled the time sketching an image of Jennifer Lawrence from a Mockingjay poster on the Microsoft Studio- which is AWESOME AF! Describing that experience calls for it’s own blog post in total. At some point a small crowd started observing me and I have to admit I got a little self conscience. Unfortunately the sketch was cut short and the employee running the demo was a little upset I wouldn’t be finishing the sketch. I felt a little bad, but really I was more excited to try out the Vive finally.

The headset fits nicely with a noticeable, yet tolerable black ring within your peripheral vision. Vision and focus are a little fuzzy. I wondered if this was because of my contacts. After mentioning this the employee instructed me to adjust a focus control which didn’t seem to do much of anything. Tightening the headset seemed to help a bit and most of the objects specifically the controllers viewable on the screen were sharp enough to enjoy.

You got to pick two demos from a list of about 7 or 8. I had seen some of these before in youtube videos. My choices consisted of one less interactive, but environmentally stimulating deepblu or something and the other space pirates which was highly interactive. Deepblu was interesting and somewhat immersive. The whale was really cool and it was a brilliant feeling to be in a 3-d underwater environment. Looking upwards you could see school of fish and the sun rays from the water surface peering below towards you. You are seated at the top of a shipwreck when all of the sudden a huge blue whale comes swimming by and waves his or hers huge fin above you. Graphics are sub-par to what you see in most displays today, but good enough to give you a memorable pleasure to see in total 360.

At this point I realize that the most amazing part of the experience , or the most influential piece was not the graphical quality but the head tracking and of the controllers. The response was completely real and it was easy to find yourself lost in the ocean world. Now at this point I could still feel myself within the store and hear those about so I was not completely re-oriented. This would not be the same experience which required more physical involvement like Space Pirates.

Space Pirates, oh man … this game, as simple and dumb as it is was really cool. Although the graphics were simple enough the physicality and gameplay along with the responsiveness of the headset really got you in the game. At the first matrix like slow mo shot of a laser I moved my around in quick action to dodge it while I saw the beam of the laser fly right in front of my eyes. I was the Last Space Pirate and would be damned to settle for anything lower than the highest score.

This might be the most phone I have spent playing a game since my days of cross-university Halo matches on campus LAN or the first day I played Quake 3. It was real.

When the game was over I was so un-oriented and immersed that I had no idea of which direction I was standing. I just stood there with my hands held out while the Microsoft Store associate grabbed the controllers.

The future is coming and I am VR ready. so ready.

Thoughts on the near future

September 30, 2016 by coleman Leave a Comment

We live in strange times don’t we? I’m sure every generation has said that, but of course I’m fully convinced we are the exception. I’m 32 years old. The last of a group of people who grew up in a time where it was not common at all to have a cell phone in high school. We had to do stuff like make plans to meet in advance and deal with this awkward moment – when a love interest’s dad picked up the phone after making that first phone call to their land line. That was a thing, like cassette tapes were a thing.

There is no research to back up what I am going to discuss. At least nothing that I am directly aware of. It is all just stuff I’ve picked up along the way because of my own enthusiasm.

So what do we have to look forward to? Well foremost, the disruption of the auto industry and public transport. This is needed so much now and I am not sure most people appreciate the amount of change self-driving vehicles are going to bring. Imagine using an app, much like Uber to signal a driverless car to pick you up at any time.

There will be no need for personal transportation. Towns and cities will pass ordinances outlawing non-commercial vehicles within city limits since self-driving vehicles will communicate with each other to alleviate any traffic issues which are mostly caused by human response.

Transport and shipping will become cheaper as we move goods across countries with self-driving trucks. This will hopefully make goods cheaper and will complement the cost gains we achieve by moving completely away from non-renewable resources for energy.

Solar power and advances in fuel cells will allow us to capture power freely and store it to any capacity for much longer amounts of time. Already today, homeowners are enjoying negative power bills. This is something I would never have imagined 10 years ago.

As more people move away from the country and into urban centers, the smart city will hopefully become commonplace. This is where I see a lot of focused effort sooner than later to bring into reality as old technology and ideas of city planning may not evolve as much as communication and information technology have recently. At some point we will be users of cities, as well as citizens.

What I would like to see are more centralized cities with less urban sprawl. Gardens and farms that thrive as part of skyscrapers with whole neighborhoods that have a strong sense of community within these residential towers. Cities should use more of their land for leisure and park space to decrease urban blight with the residential centers incorporating as much natural essence as technologically possible. The land should be left natural and beautiful with only small footprint residences in rural areas for those who really do want to live outside of the city.

A more centralized city will allow for more efficient waste management and especially traffic control. You should be able to live downtown very close to where you work in living spaces that are large enough for a family, unique enough to want to own, and space close enough to enjoy the same activities you would with your own yard. The schools and communities in these places would be the most desirable for anyone to start a family. You will no longer have to worry about commuting in and out of town while fighting traffic for hours per day. We don’t have anything like this in any inner city today. As the population gets higher and urban sprawl becomes more of a problem for daily life, we will then see development generally head in this direction. The sooner we do this the happier I will be.

Now the most recent and probably interesting social and vocational development will be the ubiquity of augmented and virtual reality. Users, I mean people, will be able to exist as any avatar or character of their choosing in a seemingly real world. We are going to see real enrollees in Hogwarts School of Magic, developing different spells that they may use in this virtual world based on Harry Potter. This character will follow them as they grow older and develop their skill sets. Some may never leave their house at all as virtual pornography and completely online relationships become more commonplace. This is already happening.

Using augmented reality, people will be able to query our linked in account as they pass by and glance at each others face. If someone is in the job market, they will expect to be approached while out and about on a Friday night with a job offer. We may carry a virtual whuffie score, that accumulates your accomplishments and character traits, vetted by colleagues and friends. This with the availability of free energy and a basic income will lead to an economy of accomplishment where work is conducted only in hopes of recognition and badges much like that in gaming.

It will be more common to work less and practice leisure more. Gradually we will work towards a 4 day work week of 6 hour work days. We can then use or new found time for continued education, enjoy enriching but non-vocational activities like art and writing, go to the beach to surf every week or simply do nothing.

What a wonderful time to live in. Let’s not screw it up allowing ridiculous politicians to continue play us like they are. 😛

How to be happy and win at Pokemon Go

August 6, 2016 by coleman Leave a Comment

The other post I was working on considered a good amount of sources and putting stuff together so I’m going to write about something subjective that I don’t require evidence to support. This is going to be about me right now, thirty years old and the happiest I have ever been in my life.

I’m not sure there is any magic bullet, or any way to feel happy and content all the time. Religious convictions or beliefs in any manner can bring purpose or some sort of understanding, but those are not the answers for me.

When I was younger there was this perfect idealism I had about the self I was going to achieve later in life. Much of my twenties were spent realizing the cracks in the foundation laid for this comprehensible yet unattainable and un-human version of myself. I didn’t sell out, I didn’t even become realistic. I just lived on my own.

Certain events, whether achievements or failures led me to appreciate and realize my own skin. I think this diaspora of yourself is endemic to contemporary American culture. That is why we find our fulfillment in compulsions we don’t really understand and found in so much variety. Workaholism, perfect cosmetic appearance, status are all encouraged and even glorified our entire lives.

All of these things can be had or lost in a mere moment. Same with life. So what is your average well intended millennial to do? At the risk of esoteric, so much and nothing. I won’t say keep it simple, but take it slow. Do what old people do and value time in the scale of life, not accomplishments.

This will keep you from catastrophizing the events and decisions that are ahead. Stay in the present isn’t enough, the past and future are helpful. The right direction in my mind is the compromise between two extremes. Take risks, but be careful. Have fun, but don’t be careless. Always heed good advice and keep loving people around you.

Other than that, don’t worry. I know this is easier said than done. My entire life before the last few years had been spent ruminating on fears I had no control of. Time after time, I find out later everything ends up okay. Even in the end, everything will be okay.

Humblebrag Weight Loss Post

March 17, 2016 by coleman Leave a Comment

We are doing a biggest loser contest at work and I took the opportunity to share about how I lost 50 lbs two years ago. Not being the one to gloat…, yeh I know I have a personal blog so I’m working on getting over always getting over myself, anyway I never shared the story before but it could be inspiring. Also my emails were written pretty well so it would make for a decent blog post.

The photo below is my brother, sister and I taken 4 years ago. 2 years ago I lost 50 pounds using myfitnesspal to log calories and run on an elliptical for low impact cardio everyday. It really helps to have a tablet and your favorite show, movie or music to jam out to while exercising.

I forget exactly how long it took, but I want to say I lost 25 pounds in 3 months and the rest in 6. It may have been sooner, but I was counting calories more than pounds! This is going to be my same routine, but with a little more jogging when the weather is agreeable. 🙂

I think logging the calories was the hardest thing to do other than putting gym clothes on, because even though it doesn’t take long it’s one of those little things you would rather not do. Myfitnesspal is great for pre-packaged stuff and restaurant food since those are already in their database in easily scanned with the barcode reader. My own meals were easy since I knew what I was putting in the meal and what portions. Also, over time you build up a list of your favorite sandwiches/or meals and just re-use those. You don’t need an app for any of this either, but the barcode reading thing was cool.

That’s all great, but doesn’t work well with our catered lunches. When this happened I would find a comparable restaurant or prepared meal and use that meal in place. The salads should be easy and any other portions for sides since they are mostly raw veggies. Then add a good amount of butter because I suspect the veggies/etc can contain a decent amount 😛 . For the most part the same ingredients are rotated around and the app makes it easy to at least get an estimate. Then when I have to estimate I just kind of shoot high. It’s not really a perfect science, but the feedback you get daily that makes you think twice about eating that extra few girl scout cookies. Also you’ll notice your meal portions get a little smaller, the salads larger and over time you kind of just estimate in your head.

After awhile you don’t need to log, but for me this last a few months before I’m eating too many cookies again.

Don’t want to leave out how I exercised, which was wayyy simpler. The hardest part was getting started and sticking it through the first two weeks. After that it gets easier and I gradually increased the intensity and time, mostly time of exercising. I started at 10 minutes of elliptical for one week, then went up to 15 the next … so on until 45 minutes. The most important thing was just to do something every day, if only for 5 – 10 minutes and not get discouraged. If you skip a day, it’s cool but once you skip 2 and 3 it’s hard to get back on.

Guess an after photo would be helpful for anyone who doesn’t know me lol. Here’s me with a shovel.

So there you go. Now I just added my own post to the tons of how I lost weight blog posts out there. Looks like I’m making progress giving up keeping from doing something to be terminally unique or worry about advertising something cool I did. Think it’s because I’m getting old and the not giving a shit is settling in.

Cheers!

Ol’ Dirty Motorcycle

January 9, 2016 by coleman Leave a Comment

There’s no type of loss that compares to when I am without two wheels. Other motorcyclists know what I am talking about. Every encounter with another bike whether passing one parked in anticipation of it’s next ride, or the resonance of a bike’s howl traversing the particles of the atmosphere within the near distance. Booming and groaning down the pavement. The sound carves out a piece of your heart and leaves the mind in a fantasy of what could be at that moment. To have the freedom and the thrill again.

Well luckily I don’t have to feel that way any more. It’s a recurring part of my life and probably anyone else who makes a hobby of only acquiring used motorcycles. The feeling is great because when I get back on the road I get so happy I shout as I ride. This time I did really well. See you have to keep some cash on hand because you never know when a good deal may be revealed. Same with guitars or anything else really. So I planned for this. I saved my money and when the right bike had been posted on Craigslist I pounced on it. I acted fast. Familiarly and impulsively fast.

I thought the bike was ugly as all hell when I first caught the photo. Didn’t matter. It was a 550 Yamaha for $500 and they said it ran with a clean title. Also it was a cruiser style street bike. New for me, but I was looking forward to riding something that may be more comfortable for some time over an hour. Going across Texas on a sport bike can hurt around the knees.

The bike didn’t start when I first got to the dealership. My heart sunk. Turns out it was just out of gas. Ha! So they try to crank it. Still didn’t start, lol. We bypassed the solenoid after putting a jumper box on it and she started right up. This took some time you know. In my mind this took about $100 worth of time. Once we got inside I told the dealer that I want to know about dropping the price down to $400 since I obviously will need to put some work in it. He looked up for a second and obliged. Score.

Having the bike is great, but really the coolest thing about how this all turned out was that I got to surprise a best friend by showing up at Kingsfest unexpectedly. Shortly before that the fuel pump went out in my Chevy and I did not have any transportation out to Spicewood Springs for the party. After riding the bike around the city for a day, I felt comfortable chancing a trip out of town about 30 miles and had a great time. The surprise was successful. Badass.

In time the solenoid became a problem. Starting the bike with a screwdriver was getting pretty old pretty quick. Once started the bike is fast as all hell though. Someone decided to put high flow air cones directly on the carburetors. Nuts! Getting used to the different center of gravity has taken sometime, but I am starting to feel more comfortable on it. I used to think I didn’t have a preference, but I think I can say I am officially a sport biker. The bike just feels so much more a part of you, at least in my opinion.

Nothing beats riding in the hill country outside of a cage. Nothing really beats being in the hill country in whatever you’re in, but I am sure glad to be back on the road. Every time I ride I am as stoked as the first time I cranked the throttle and thrown forward to fly down the road at an acceleration never experienced before. There is nothing like. It is dangerous, but there is nothing like it. Life is good.

Hello Izzy!

December 30, 2015 by coleman Leave a Comment

Hittin up the dog park at Auditorium Shores, Austin

What better way to kick off the new blog than with puppies. Okay, Izzy is not a puppy truthfully. She is 2 yrs. 8 months old according to the Austin Humane Society where I adopted her just a couple weeks ago. Izzy still acts like a puppy at some times, but I am extremely lucky that she is almost the perfect dog.

The bio given to me by the volunteer was lengthy and you could tell the previous owners, who were the sole owners since the dog was actually a puppy, loved her a lot. AHS was extremely busy that day. That was probably due to the holidays. While I waited I talked to Chicken Nugget, a black and white cat born with a congenital defect that left her rear legs rotated so that they were backwards from the knee. One of the volunteers told me that she would definitely be taken home soon. People have a soft spot for animals with special needs.

According to her bio, Isabeau, means “beautiful”. She is a sweet friendly dog who loves to play rough because she was taught that way. Friendly with dogs and playful with cats. The latter which is important because there are cats at the apartment and I wouldn’t want them to get eaten.

In person Izzy seemed a little timid, but right away her tail would start perking up gradually after spending time with me in the run outdoors. The volunteer outside let me know that she seems very adaptable and well-mannered, that she would adjust easily.

Did she ever. After making it back from Petsmart Izzy acclimated herself immediately. She became an entirely different dog and made herself right at home. Her eating habits started off a little funny, but that only lasted a couple of days.

Adopting a new pup had been something I planned for awhile and I had wanted a boxer even longer. It was only the opportune time since I had been at my new job for about half a year now and my life is out of flux for awhile. Also I believed a myth that I needed a large yard for a dog to be happy and apartment life would not suit one.

Turns out a dog can become bored and frustrated even in a yard if they are not walked regularly. Apartment life actually works quite well because people will not be inclined to leave their pups in the yard without walks. New Yorkers apparently have very happy dogs, as well as homeless folks since they often walk.

At first I was nervous when she first got home. Mostly about losing time having to take care of her and also about any surprises in bad behavior, stuff torn up, or angry neighbors who can’t stand constant barking. It has been a couple weeks, but I am a lucky dude to have such a great pup.

She has boundless energy, but she minds, she is quiet, great with kids and other animals. Everyone remarks at how pretty she is, and she certainly is, just look at the pictures.

There are a few things to work on, she is a dog. A crazy stroke of fortune happened today though. My roommate kept bringing up getting a full body harness and I was skeptical about it. I fell in the camp that believed harnesses are silly and probably trigger dogs instincts to pull. I couldn’t have been more wrong. She used to pull frequently while using a normal collar, but with the harness she hardly does at all. Tonight we just ran 45 minutes and I hardly had to control her. It was like instant training. I’m blown away.

Here’s to a long life with my new companion. A lot of time has to be dedicated to her, but really it has only done me benefit. Caring for her helps me manage my time because although I am crazy productive, I always found it annoying that the days seem always too short. Especially in the winter. With Izzy around I get to chill out. Our walks are a time that I do not have to take care of anything but her and that feels liberating. Watching her fly around at the dog park is a thrill.

To anyone thinking about getting a pup, go for it! Do it now…they bring all the happy feels all day.