Author: James

Converting Video to FLV

Posted on by James

I was tired of using the web forms that my webhost provided to convert video to .flv format.  So, I wrote this script which works fine and dandy:

#!/bin/bash
##############################
# VIDEO CONVERTER  (FLV)                     #
# gi_james@strickstuff.com                     #
# www.strickstuff.com                           #
############################## 

# all files that start with .m (eg mpeg mpg mod) 

    # change to whatever you want... 

for file in ./*.mpg; 

# encode files and rename them to FLV 

do ffmpeg -i $file -ar 22050 -ab 32 -f flv -s 320x240 -aspect 16:9 -y ${file%.m*}.flv 

# all done! 

done

This makes it a little bit easier…
Now, since my camera shoots in 16:9 format, I decided to keep that aspect ratio, this can be changed to 4:3. We’ll see how it looks.

Traded ZUNE for iAudio

Posted on by James

In an attempt to get an MP3 player that is more compatible with Linux, I decided to get rid of my Microsoft Zune.  With the Zune, you have to use the Microsoft Zune software.  Obviously Microsoft don’t support any operating system other than Windows. Since I run Linux on all of my computers, I need an MP3 player that will work seamlessly with my operating system.

At the BX there was an iAudio M5 (20 gig) mp3 player on clearance for $127, so I picked it up.  It is compatible with linux, windows, and mac.  So, if you use an Operating system other than Windows, perhaps you should consider purchasing and iAudio product.  The only downside is, this product don’t play video, but, when I had the Zune, who want’s to watch a video on a 2 inch screen anyway?  Not me.

Aikido Neglect

Posted on by James

Since that I have been on night shift, I have been missing my Aikido Classes.  I feel bad, that is good training which is just as good for your mind and spirit.  I’m going to try to get back into going next month.  For some reason I feel guilty.  I could actually go atleast once a week.  Since I work weekend duty, I could go on the Wednesday class.  But the problem is, I would never get any time to spend with the kids.  Since I work nights (actually swings… we don’t have a nite shift), when I leave for work, the kids are not home from school yet, and when I get home the kids are already in bed.  In the morning, I’m sleeping while they are getting ready for school.  So I don’t even see the kids until Wednesdays, my days off are Wednesday and Thursday.  I need to get in the gym and practice my ukimi before I get back into the class.

Happy March

Posted on by James

HAPPY MARCH!  March is the month of my anniversary.  10 years?  I can’t believe it.  someone has put up with me for 10 years… or I have put up with my wife for 10 years.  Man… time flies when you’re having fun…  So be sure to wish us a Happy Anniversary.  I bought Cathy a nice diamond ring, I figured since I’ve never really bought her a diamond, I would do it now.  I certainly couldn’t afford a diamond ring when we first got married.  Anyway, March 3rd was our Anniversary.  Enough about that.


Changed the theme again, for the blog.  I’m sure you’ve already noticed.  I’m working on changing the looks of my main site as well.  I changed my wifes sewing site around already.  http://www.stricklysewing.com.  Let me know what you think; I made it look all perty with butterflies and such.  I’m thinking about going with a darker look on my main site.  Anyway, it will be about a week or so before you see any changes, if any.  I have to get off my lazy butt and actually write some code… but, don’t feel like it right now.  That’s ok, I’ve already accomplished the easy part by talking about it. 

That will be enough for now.

Script for Converting video to Zune format

Posted on by James

A script I wrote to re-encode videos for use on the Zune.

    #!/bin/bash

    ##############################
    # ZUNE VIDEO CONVERTER       #
    # gi_james@strickstuff.com   #
    # www.strickstuff.com        #
    ##############################

    # all files that start with .m (eg mpeg mpg mod)
    # change to whatever you want...
    for file in ./*.m*;

    # encode files and rename them to wmv
      do ffmpeg -i $file -deinterlace -pix_fmt yuv420p -g 15 -qmin 3  \
-maxrate 628000 -bufsize 628k -async 50 -vcodec wmv2 -b 500000  \
-r 29.97 -s 320x240 -ar 4x3 -acodec wmav2 -ar 44100  \
-ac 2 -ab 128k ${file%.m*}.wmv;

    # all done!
    done

What’s Happening…

Posted on by James

Looking back and without realizing it, I haven’t posted a single blog entry this year. Of course, I blame it on a combination of school and work. I mean, I have to blame it on something. I will not take the blame myself. Not that I can’t call it laziness, I simply refuse to call it laziness. What’s the difference anyway.Well, I finished my Business Communication class. Passed it with a C. Better than an F! Things are going well here in Japan. As well as to be expected, at least. My wife is due the 22nd of April, which is rapidly approaching. The snow is still lingering here in Japan. Off and on snow showers will surprise on occasion. Supposed to get a couple inches tonight and tomorrow. Now, being a “Southern” Florida boy, initially I really enjoyed the snow. But now, I’m pretty much tired of it. It wouldn’t be so bad if I had a good snow blower. Ok ok ok… I don’t even have a snow blower, but I do have an 11 & a 7 yr old that works fairly effeciently.

I think this will be enough for now. I don’t want to over do it, that’s for sure.

Linux on my Laptop

Posted on by James

Finally got a laptop! My old laptop bit the dust and had to be thrown in the trash can — literally!

Got me a Sony Vaio (VGN-N250E), which came with Windows Vista. Worked fine for a while, looked ok, but as usual with windows, you are limited as to how much you can configure the look and feel. Plus, in the week or so that I had the laptop explorer was constant crashing, and I had a couple of system crashes. Finally got Sabayon Linux installed and my wireless is working great. NO MORE VIRII for me.

Just thought I would share that with you!

Web Neglect

Posted on by James

I have been neglecting both my website and my blog lately.  Between things going on at work and home, plus I’m back to taking classes now, it’s been a bit hecktic here at the house. 

Let’s see… looking back, haven’t written anything in here since right before Thanksgiving.  I thought since it was winter time, I would have more time to work on these things.  We had a nice Thanksgiving.  Food was exellent and of course, it seems that I possibly have gained a pound or two. 😛 

Now that December is here, Christmas is around the corner, we’re almost done with our Christmas shopping.  Why do kids as for such expensive presents?  Geeze… I don’t remember getting anything like that when I was a kid.  When I was 10, I was happy to get toy cars and tractors and such, now it’s Electronic Games, IPODs and the like.  Games are $30 to $50 dollars a pop, IPODs are $200, Nintendo DS’ are $130… chick-ching!!!  I’m keeping a tally so the kids will pay me back 🙂 !!!

Enough for now!  It’s getting late, and I need to get ready for bed.  The shower is calling me.

Monday Morning

Posted on by James

I woke up this morning knowing that it started snowing outside, but wasn’t necessarily prepared for what was waiting for me outside. After I woke up and did my normal routine, I peeked through the blinds and seen white. At 3 o’clock in the morning, I couldn’t really see how deep it was. I mean, it’s November, it couldn’t be that deep… could it? After getting dressed and checking my email I open the door, stepped out and “crunched” my way to the shed to get the shovels. We had about 5 or 6 inches of snow waiting for me to shovel this morning. Now, This is the most snow I have had to shovel. Last winter was rather mild, and don’t think we got this much snow. I know we definitely didn’t get this much snow in November of last year.

So, I got the shovel, and cleaned off the steps, and sidewalk. By now, my uncovered hands are freezing. I had to stop come in and warm the hands. I’m also wondering where my winter gloves are. No where to be found, that’s where. I should have thought about this yesterday. I did remember that I have a pair of insulated “mechanix style” gloves out in the Pajero. So after my hands are warmed up, I head back out to start cleaning off the Pajero. Now, I had to open the back door to get the snow brush out of the back seat, so I can clean off the back door so I can get the gloves. When I get the gloves… they are FREEZING… quite literally I would say, but better than having my unprotected hands exposed to the elements. Cranked up the Pajero, turned on the heater, and waited for it to warm up while I finished cleaning the snow off. Went back inside for a bit, to warm up, and get my folder for school.

Once I got to work, I cranked up the John Deere to plow the parking lot… I love plowing snow. Fun times…. This is getting long, that’s enough for now.

Snow Snow & well… just a litte bit of Snow

Posted on by James

So it starts, the temperature plumented today.  This morning it wasn’t that cold, but by 10 or 11 the AM, it was quite cold out.  By the time 1 pm rolled around, it was 4 degrees Celcius out.  Right now it’s 1 degree Celcius… and it started snowing a bit.  We’ll get some flurries at night, and it will melt in the mornings, for about 2 weeks, then it will start sticking in December.  I can’t wait, I love the snow… don’t really love shoveling the snow… other than that, snow is awesome!