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How to download streams using mplayer

My first assumption is that you already have mplayer and mencoder and that you use Linux. Also, you need to know the source url of the media you want to download.

If you don't know about Linux, try searching for Ubuntu Linux and go from there.

This is a simple tip so it won't take long.

The command is as follows:

yoyar@lazyd0g:~$ mplayer -noframedrop \
> -dumpfile <name_of_the_file> \
> -dumpstream <url_of_the_stream>

Example:

yoyar@lazyd0g:~$ mplayer -noframedrop \
> -dumpfile /home/yoyar/Desktop/masters2.wmv \
> -dumpstream mms://some.broadcast.com

In this example, I'm downloading the mms (Windows Media) stream which I've specified via the -dumpstream switch. I've indicated where I want the output stored via the -dumpfile switch. The -noframedrop switch makes sure that the stream is continuous even if my internet connection is slow from time to time during the duration of the stream.

Later on, I can use mplayer to watch the video.

yoyar@lazyd0g:~$ mplayer /home/yoyar/Desktop/masters2.wmv

If you want, you can even start watching the stream via the wmv file before the stream has been completely downloaded but you should probably allow the download to proceed for several minutes before starting to watch the local copy since buffering won't work well. If you want buffered input, just watch the original stream.

Science Vs. Faith Flow Chart

Mungo sent this to me:

http://stupidevilbastard.com/Images2/sciencevsfaith.png

The flow chart is a simple and compelling way to show that the two modes of thought do not mix or intersect.

So, next time someone tries to sell you on the idea that 'Intelligent Design' is good science you can just refer them to this picture.

It's also a good way to illustrate the scientific method.

If they can't figure it out then you can just give up. They're not that smart and you are just wasting your time.

Dell Supports Linux on the Desktop Big-Time

I've been using Linux (Slackware) as my primary OS at home for quite some time now. I'm a hacker so I like Slackware because I can configure it exactly the way I want.

If you aren't a hacker but want to try Linux, just check out Ubuntu. You can try it simply by burning the ISO image to a CD, configuring your computer to boot from the CDROM drive, and then restarting the computer after inserting the CD. Ubuntu will load itself and run right from the CD. It will not touch your existing installation. After you reboot and remove the CD, Ubuntu Linux will be completely gone and your existing install will be exactly the same as it was before.

If you chose to install Ubuntu, you will have options. You can dual boot, or overwrite your existing OS. It's entirely up to you.

If you still think that Linux on the desktop is some distant far off in the future dream, consider that Dell is taking steps to make sure that it can satisfy the demand for non-Windows, Linux-workstation installs. This is despite the fact that Dell will almost certainly face a punitive response from Microsoft that could impact Dell's bottom line. Nonetheless, Dell is looking to the future.

Think about it, in the time it takes you to download a CD ISO image, burn it, and reboot the computer, you could be trying out a free (as in beer) operating system that could change the way you use computers. Well, maybe that is a bit dramatic, but at the worst, at least you would have had an interesting experience in a few short minutes.

Dell acknowledges the strength of demand for Linux workstations.

Still don't think its time to give Linux a try on the desktop? That's OK, you will.

Ubuntu Download Page 

Microsoft's CEO

Well, just watch this post if you'd like to know more about Microsoft's CEO.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqUcTvfWgoM

Arizona Pictures

I opened up a Flickr account. I've posted a number of pictures there. My trip to Arizona was awesome and relaxing. My Dad really liked it too. He needed a vacation.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lazyd0g/

Goats in Trees You don't need to wonder any more.

There are some who don't believe that goats climb trees.

I have been doing some research because it was difficult for me to believe that this wasn't some sort of hoax propagated by Photoshop experts.

I want to believe.

Goin' to Arizona.

I just purchased this camera: Canon A530.

I'm going to Arizona. I've never had a proper camera before so I plan to take lots of pictures. If I'm not too lazy, I'll post some here.

The camera was under $200. It's takes 5 mega-pixel pictures. I'm amazed that the technology is so good for the money these days.

Arizona is Bugs Bunny land. There are road runners, rabbits, cacti, and coyotes.

Here's a picture of an actual road-runner. Road-runners are in reality about 8 inches tall.
I also picked up some eneloop batteries on the advice of a friend.

Plus I picked up a 2gig memory card. The memory card doubles as a usb mass storage device so that you can simply take the card out of the camera and then plug it into a usb port.