It would be great if the automakers would create a helper app or background service that would allow the iOS/Android app to communicate with the car's computer, so that the info that's normally displayed on tiny LED readouts in the console can be shown on the larger and maybe customizable tablet/phone display. Low…

Re: Smart TVs - just like other unused features like 3D and "TruSurround", so-called "smart" capabilities are just another thing that comes included on a TV that you want to buy for other legitimate reasons like its superior video processing. Not only is it hard to find "dumb" TVs anymore, it's even harder to find…

+1 to the referral business model. If you can get to the point that you can keep your cash flow up and not have to spend it on marketing to keep going (marketing is for GROWTH), then you have "made it."

I've been to Denver a few times since I moved to Colorado, and I assure you that every Uber driver there was at least twice as high as I was. But in a good natured chatty kind of way.

I agree with using a dedicated mini PC as a local home player for your main TV; you'll get the best performance that way. I went as far as to transcode downloaded movies to natively supported formats so my Plex/Roku setup would work without that on-the-fly transcoding delay. My primary desktop PC is less powerful than…

That's great - probably not the same path you're talking about, but one of the richest guys I know started out 10+ years ago by creating in-game advertising platforms (e.g. product placement, virtual billboards in the game level) for popular console games like GTA. Probably a whole different wold now.

On the contrary, I would submit that it allows you to consider things you might not have otherwise. In my case, I design and install high-end theaters and integrated "smart" homes. AV is/was a passion of mine, and I still enjoy it both personally and professionally to an extent, but I've been doing it long enough to…

Game testing is one of the worst jobs ever for someone who loves playing games. "Coordinate x,y allows player to stand partially inside the wall" and other awesome excitement, all day long.

While the specific example cited here is related to movie piracy, the same concepts apply to corporate & government whistleblowers, political dissidents and the like as well. And yes, those people absolutely do have to worry, unfortunately.

Not using a studfinder is a great way to puncture ductwork, conduit, gas/plumbing pipes, or electrical lines. Magnets will help, but if you aren't *really* confident that you know what is behind your wall you should save yourself some future money & heartache and go get a proper tool.

If you're in a place where you are worried about infrared in the first place, then someone is watching - could even be the cashier. A better idea is to shop using a low limit credit card and pay it off every month or even every week if you're the irresponsible type; the consequences of that data being stolen are far…

I think it would be easier to guess the code because I could observe where the tip of the pen is pointing on the keypad. Either end - if you hide the keypad with your hand while you poke it with the pen, I can still see the other end of the pen that is pointing away and have a good idea what button is being pushed.

That's how you get your furniture moved, but in my experience your walls will look like shit with that same approach.

That's a good tip for non-textured walls. For removing the tape, I usually run along the edges with a razor beforehand to make sure that the paint will break off in a clean line.

Came here to say exactly that. I'm in the process of painting my entire house room by room, and many of the corners are out of plumb JUUUUUST so, making edgers or similar tools more of a pain than a benefit.

That's an OK solution for a temporary repair or relatively low-powered gear, but the solder method will hold up better in the long run and maintain a similar amount of contact area for electrical current, which can make a difference for gear that draws a lot of power (e.g. heaters, hammer drills).

That's a good solution if you cut or damaged the cord right near the plug, but if it was in the middle you would want to repair/reconnect it otherwise it would be way shorter than before.

I think those two are very different and that describes me pretty accurately: confident introvert. I'm not shy when I have something I feel needs to be said or if I have something meaningful to contribute, but I would much rather avoid giant social situations where the primary purpose is bullshitting with other people…

This is something I have struggled with myself. As an introvert you are probably less prone to selling yourself so your body of work has to largely speak for itself, but you have to take credit for it and find ways of subtly making your peers and management aware of your accomplishments and abilities. You also have to…

Grow it out brother; I get a yearly haircut give or take