s4b3r6's recent activity
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~comp
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Comment on Introducing reCAPTCHA v3: the new way to stop bots in ~tech
s4b3r6 Link ParentIs this going to make using Tor or other means of anonymisation even more painful than it needs to be?Suppose that v3 then scores the user low. Would this tor user then have no option to access the website? This makes me uncomfortable.
Is this going to make using Tor or other means of anonymisation even more painful than it needs to be?
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Comment on How old is too old for trick-or-treating? in ~life
s4b3r6 Link ParentBit of both, in my very limited experience. Though, the festivals around October tended to be somewhat Wiccan in nature, and they are well outside the average Australian culture.Bit of both, in my very limited experience. Though, the festivals around October tended to be somewhat Wiccan in nature, and they are well outside the average Australian culture.
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Comment on Has Australia finally been won over by Halloween? in ~life
s4b3r6 LinkI think there's something missing from their expert's analysis - the problems that come with Halloween, and Australian culture mixing. I've only seen trick-or-treaters the last three years. Every...here we have kids, tweens and young adults getting together, face to face, and out in the community. I'd pick something else to fight."
If people enjoy doing it, what's the problem," he says.
I think there's something missing from their expert's analysis - the problems that come with Halloween, and Australian culture mixing.
I've only seen trick-or-treaters the last three years.
Every year, there have been multiple groups of teenagers who turn up at my un-decorated, unlit, house. If I answer the door, they threaten me with property destruction if I don't hand over chocolates and lollies that I don't have. If I don't answer the door, they proceed to the property destruction.
Five smashed windows, in three years.
The sense of entitlement given to people by this celebration is the problem I have with this holiday. Entitlement isn't something that belongs in Australian culture - we strive and work for everything, to a fault. There are problems with it. But entitlement isn't something I think many Australians welcome.
It isn't that the holiday is American - it's that it's stereotypically American (sorry guys), believing you deserve something, without having done anything to get it.
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Comment on How old is too old for trick-or-treating? in ~life
s4b3r6 Link ParentSmall difference of experience - harvest festivals can be common in some farm areas, but they tend to just be bonfires and BBQs. But Halloween? That's a new thing, and god-awful, to be honest.We never had harvest festivals here
Small difference of experience - harvest festivals can be common in some farm areas, but they tend to just be bonfires and BBQs.
But Halloween? That's a new thing, and god-awful, to be honest.
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Comment on How old is too old for trick-or-treating? in ~life
s4b3r6 Link ParentI've only ever had trick-or-treaters the last three years.Is trick-or-treating just not as common in Australia or something?
I've only ever had trick-or-treaters the last three years.
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Comment on Programming Challenge: Build an Interpreter in ~comp
s4b3r6 LinkOkay, this is a not-quite Brainfuck language. It's unoptimised, because I span it up in ~15mins. To prove you can. It takes input from the first commandline argument. I'm pretty sure it's portable...Okay, this is a not-quite Brainfuck language.
It's unoptimised, because I span it up in ~15mins. To prove you can.
It takes input from the first commandline argument.
I'm pretty sure it's portable C, but probably ISO, not ANSI.
Plenty of style problems, like using int over size_t.
I also expect it has a couple bugs.
#include <stdio.h> #include <string.h> // Set up our stack to be operated on. #define STACK_LENGTH 3000 int stack[STACK_LENGTH] = {0}; int pointer = 0; // Increment, but stay in ASCII range. void inc() { if(stack[pointer] < 255) stack[pointer]++; } // Decrement, but stay positive. void dec() { if(stack[pointer] > 0) stack[pointer]--; } // Move unless we're at the end of the stack. void next() { if(pointer < STACK_LENGTH - 1) pointer++; } // Move unless we're at the top of the stack. void prev() { if(pointer > 0) pointer--; } void display() { // Woot, easy. printf("%c", stack[pointer]); // Make sure it prints. fflush(stdout); } // Read a single character. void readch() { int c = getchar(); if(c != EOF) stack[pointer] = c; // Clear input buffer on some systems. while((c=getchar()!=EOF)){} } // The guts of our interpreter. void parse(char* program) { // No for loop, we need to be able to control // our position for our language to handle // looping. int pos = 0; int length = strlen(program); // Handle the current position in code. // Simple case switch because single char values. // Invalid characters are simply ignored. while(pos < length) { switch(program[pos]) { case('+'): inc(); pos++; break; case('-'): dec(); pos++; break; case('<'): prev(); pos++; break; case('>'): next(); pos++; break; case('.'): display(); pos++; break; case(','): readch(); pos++; break; case(']'): if(stack[pointer] != 0) while(program[pos] != '[') { pos--; } break; } } } int main(int argc, char* argv[]) { // Read the program if it works. if(argc > 1) parse(argv[1]); else // Complain the user didn't give a program. printf("%s\n", "Please provide a program."); }Every character is either a command, or ignored.
+Increments the current value of the stack cell. It won't increase beyond 255.-Decrements the current value of the stack cell. It won't decrease beyond 0..Prints the current cell value as an ASCII character.,Reads a single character from stdin, and replaces the cell with it's value. Characters with values greater than 255 are undefined behaviour.[Marks the beginning of a loop.]If the current cell is not 0, jump backwards to the previous[. Otherwise, continue processing.
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Comment on What is your ideal work environment? in ~talk
s4b3r6 Link Parent... With LISP? Would that be the goal?If I can ultimately land a research & teaching job in academia
... With LISP? Would that be the goal?
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Comment on What is your ideal work environment? in ~talk
s4b3r6 Link ParentI need to see this gorgeous thing.I custom built my desk using aluminium pipe, Kee-lite fittings. It's 3 2x10s deep and 5' 5" long. Now that I have a planer I need to refinish the top because despite doing my best with an orbital sander its not even close to flat.
I need to see this gorgeous thing.
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Comment on What is your ideal work environment? in ~talk
s4b3r6 Link ParentI've required notebook-only meetings when teams have become overly attached to laptops. It's about us talking, and whatever you need to demonstrate can usually be printed out beforehand. I've also...My husband (a pure engineering manager) makes fun of me for my obsession with notebooks, but has remarked that our design team in our company is obsessive about only using notebooks during meetings.
I've required notebook-only meetings when teams have become overly attached to laptops. It's about us talking, and whatever you need to demonstrate can usually be printed out beforehand. I've also been hated for it.
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Comment on What is your ideal work environment? in ~talk
s4b3r6 LinkA three-person office was my ideal when I was working in a team. I had my direct overseer, and my more creative colleague within chair-sliding distance, but we all had our own desks, headphones,...A three-person office was my ideal when I was working in a team.
I had my direct overseer, and my more creative colleague within chair-sliding distance, but we all had our own desks, headphones, and a long list of things that needed to get done yesterday.
I was able to get a serious amount of work done in that environment, especially as we were all comfortable with switching between working shoulder-to-shoulder or by ourselves without any help or supervision.
However, when I was doing 3D modelling work for an architect, I would have adored a private office. So. Many. Interruptions. I was the only computer artist in the building, and everyone wanted their work, and expected me to pull a TV-ready rendering of their particular building out in ten minutes or so. Sorry, converting your CAD drawings to 3D takes a little bit more time, especially when you don't make the CAD drawing exact, and instead add an annotation.
In that kind of space, I needed a door I could close, announcing to the world, "Sorry, I need to actually work hard right now."
However, working remotely, or as an individual contractor, all I've needed is:
- A comfortable chair
- A decent desk
- A laptop
- A notebook
- A whiteboard
- A continuous supply of coffee
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Comment on Child-sized train in ~creative
s4b3r6 LinkChild-sized, ride on trains are somewhat expensive in my area, by which i mean $200-300. Dimensions are about 1200mm x 400mm x 420mm. However, I did managed to find an older one for $20 at a...Child-sized, ride on trains are somewhat expensive in my area, by which i mean $200-300.
Dimensions are about 1200mm x 400mm x 420mm.
However, I did managed to find an older one for $20 at a market.
What you see here, is post-sanding (lead paint is awful), and half-way through re-painting (or the first layer of many).
This one will probably go to my daughter, and yes, I said 'This one'. It's a really simple design. So, as I have several nieces, I've acquired the wood, and already had the tools, to make one for each of them for this Christmas, or that's the hope.
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Child-sized train
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Comment on Hey ~comp, what's your current project? [2] in ~comp
s4b3r6 Link ParentI've just started rebuilding again, today. One of the core concepts I'm forcing myself to keep to, is that the computer should be able to be put together by just about anyone, and cheaply... So,...I've just started rebuilding again, today.
One of the core concepts I'm forcing myself to keep to, is that the computer should be able to be put together by just about anyone, and cheaply... So, as much as it pains me, I'm using an Arduino Uno, and a simple 2x16 matrix shield, with 5 useable buttons.
The top row of the screen is used for output, the bottom row is input. To compensate for tiny screen, the software extends it with several extra buffers (8 currently). The first character of a row represents what position of input or output you're in, and you can scroll between each buffer. I may have to reduce the number of buffers, to provide enough memory for everything else.
I'm a bit stuck on storage at the moment, as I really don't like using EEPROM because of stability issues long-term, and the Uno only has 512-1kb available. I could just add a flash chip, but then it becomes a difficult project for the average person. I could add a nodeMCU-flashed ESP01 (easy for most people to acquire), and use it's filesystem, over a serial connection, or add an SD card reader.
But... Being myself, I'm trying to work out how to record/read cassette tapes (yay for nostalgia!), and if there are enough cassette systems around that the average person would find it easy enough to source.
As for the inbuilt software - it needs a serious redesign. I'm looking at creating a bigger language for it, rather than a shell-style language, at the moment, but currently is has a handful of inbuilt commands: off (finish everything, become safe for power to be removed), ed (a simple line-editor), ec (echo), and pin (manipulate Arduino pins).
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Comment on NaNoWriMo Starts Next Week! Who's Participating? in ~creative
s4b3r6 Link ParentSmall idea: Release a collection of short stories. It's a little less effort, and might give you the boost you need to move towards something complete.Small idea: Release a collection of short stories.
It's a little less effort, and might give you the boost you need to move towards something complete.
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Comment on If you could start a conversation about anything you'd like, what would it be? in ~talk
s4b3r6 LinkThere is something on my mind, and it's hurting me badly... But I just can't talk about it in any depth legally, which bugs me just as much. I'm depressed, and hurting. I didn't need a shit hand...- Exemplary
There is something on my mind, and it's hurting me badly... But I just can't talk about it in any depth legally, which bugs me just as much.
I'm depressed, and hurting.
I didn't need a shit hand in life as well as being born into a chronic illness. One or the other, that's what I can handle, not both simultaneously.
Not much cheers me up these days. Stuff like stupid programming languages and competition helps, but only so much.
Being unable to get up and go for a walk just compounds everything. I tried harder the other day, and ended up collapsing in the middle of a mall.
It would be easier if I could hate the people putting me through hell, but I can't. I can see each of their fears and desires, and understand why they're making their choices. I think their choices are crap, and making this worse for everyone, but I can understand why they would. That makes it worse.
All of this makes every engagement with others, like lively debate here on Tildes, take an enormous effort, and I do find myself more irked than I should be at times.
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Comment on If you could start a conversation about anything you'd like, what would it be? in ~talk
s4b3r6 Link ParentThat's an emergency room. You've already waited a week. There are quite a number of things it could be... But it isn't worth waiting to see which it is, when some of them may cause you serious harm.That's an emergency room. You've already waited a week.
There are quite a number of things it could be... But it isn't worth waiting to see which it is, when some of them may cause you serious harm.
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Comment on What are you doing this weekend? in ~talk
s4b3r6 Link ParentAutoimmune. I've got limited muscle control and mostly numb on most days, but on bad days, I get nothing.Autoimmune. I've got limited muscle control and mostly numb on most days, but on bad days, I get nothing.
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Comment on What are you doing this weekend? in ~talk
s4b3r6 LinkSpent the last two days with temporary paralysis... So trying to take things easy. Though, I'm already halfway through my weekend, and spent the day with my daughter, which was awesome. Warning:...Spent the last two days with temporary paralysis... So trying to take things easy.
Though, I'm already halfway through my weekend, and spent the day with my daughter, which was awesome.
Warning: Incoming father-happy-rant.
My little girl is two years old.
She's getting really good at helping with cooking, and we made our traditional banana bread - and she can now say "banana bread", which is awesome.
She also built a train track, and managed to assemble the crossing bridge herself, which is kinda impressive, it's fiddly.
And finally, a bouncy ball was flying up and down the hallway between her grandfather, herself, and myself for most of the day. Accompanied by copious amounts of laughter.
Though, she didn't want to do any gardening today, which was different, because she usually soaks all the plants with her own watering can. Probably because her grandfather made her stand around for an hour and help with potting plants a couple days ago, when all she wanted to do was go inside. I'll have to show her it doesn't have to be awful and boring again somehow.
And she's developing a pretty good relationship with the dog. He's a red heeler, so fairly full of energy, and a little unpredictable because of the dingo, of which he has a fair streak. However, he usually does what I say, and he's learning to do what my daughter says. (She loves giving him a treat or pat.)
The dog has a fairly strong protective instinct too, which is nice. He takes on a defence stance if a little distance appears between me and her.
Wouldn't leave her alone with him ever, but nice to see she's starting to fear him less, and he's starting to obey her when she growls out a little, "Stop."
End father-stuff.
I'm probably not going to be able to stand up til midday tomorrow, the last day of my weekend... So probably watch some Brooklyn Nine Nine, and maybe a little more programming, though my brain is starting to go to fuzz.
Be nice if I got either that thing or WiFi working on my homebrew computer, then I could start to use it for more stuff than just math.
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~tildes
s4b3r6 Link ParentThey were in the DSM IV, the psychological diagnosis guidelines. When they released the next revision, DSM V, they were all rolled into 'Autism Spectrum Disorder', and the guidelines are much...I'd be curious for an entry about Asperger's syndrome / ASD, they're not classified as mental illnesses or disabilities afaik, but to see how many other people here have it.
They were in the DSM IV, the psychological diagnosis guidelines. When they released the next revision, DSM V, they were all rolled into 'Autism Spectrum Disorder', and the guidelines are much stricter about what counts, and what doesn't. It also means that disability is measured on a spectrum, meaning that these illnesses may be a disability, or may not, each individual will be different. However, they are still a mental illness, just a new name. ASD under DSM V, still a mental illness, but treating things a little more humanely, with a spectrum, acknowledging each individual has a few differences.
I'm a Lua fan. I adore using the language, both embedded and scripting, and it is incredibly easy to use.
Lua's use of metamethods, tables, and functions to implement Object-Oriented design is probably one of the best I've seen.
Just the fact that
"Hello, World":sub(1, 9)is sugar forstring.sub("Hello, World", 1, 9)is amazing, and a fantastic choice. Combine that with tables being weak references, and you have an instant way to useselfin any OO class a user creates.However,
pcallis anything but elegant or straightforward. Ensuring you've covered all relevant use-cases is painful, rather than something that just flows in the background of what you're trying to create. It's a pain point.