ThirdSite.com - All About Everything

Ubuntu terminal server client - exit full screen

It took me a while to figure out how to exit full screen mode in terminal server client. The toggle keys are CTRL-ALT-ENTER.

Documented right on the GnomePro TSClient website (which Google oddly has trouble finding)

http://www.gnomepro.com/tsclient/

Being new to Linux, I continue having trouble keeping track of Gnome, KDE, Ubuntu, etc (different things that don't even fall into the same category - oh well, I'll learn).

New blog - Healthy Cooking on a Budget

I've created my first BlogSpot hosted blog... a themed blog (they're the best) about healthy cooking on a budget. I've called it (this is amazing) Healthy Cooking on a Budget.

http://healthycookingonabudget.blogspot.com/

Hosting on blogspot has really improved. Now that I've seen what is available, and they you can use your own domain name (no need for blogspot.com) I plan to migrate all my blogs over to blogspot to take advantage of the extra services they offer.

Labels: Blogger.com, blogspot, health cooking

Shooting at stuff with a CO2 Laser

My company makes pulsed CO2 laser systems. They have a peak power output of 5000000 watts. So we thought it would be fun to shoot at stuff with the laser and upload the video to Youtube... Unfortunately in this case... We didn't plan at all, and failed to set up a spot focus to concentrate the energy and get the ball to explode.

Anyhow. Here is the video.

Openform action was canceled - Access 2007

I develop (i.e. constantly improve) an MS Access based MRP/ERP/CRM application for my employer. The company absolutely relies on the system. So if an employee can't use the database - they are seriously constrained.

The database was developed in Access 2003. When I recently bought a new system for our CAD designer, it came pre-loaded with Office 2007 (and Windows XP thanks to Dell's wise decision to not force Vista upon the world).

Anyhow, I ran into some compatibility issues between the Access 2003 and Access 2007 and thought I would document them here.

It appears that Access 2007 doesn't like OnOpen events for forms. If try to open a form that has an OnOpen event from the Switchboard (or any other form), you get an error: "The OpenForm action was canceled".

So, my work around was to change the OnOpen events to OnLoad events... Seemed to make the problem go away. I just wish I didn't have so many forms to go through and change!

Labels: access 2003, access 2007, bugs, openform

AllRecipes.com - not the best "did you mean" program

I'm no programmer, but I think your "did you mean" program should be able to connect "prok" to "pork" on a recipe search.

I searched (accidentally) for "prok tenderloin" on allrecipes.com ... check out the suggested alternative spelling.

How to pass your Drive Clean test

Here is a bullet form list of tips I have collected that may help you pass your drive clean (emissions) test.

Don't take the test on a very full or nearly empty gas tank
Drive your car for at least 40 minutes before taking the test - get the rpms up a bit during that time
Fill the tank with the ultra premium high octane stuff at least 3 times before going in for your test
Get an oil change a week before taking the test
Remove your air filter just before taking the test (replace immediately after)
Maintain your vehicle well even when you aren't due for an emissions test
BUT if you haven't done much maintenance on your vehicle, don't get a tune up in advance to pass the test. If you get a tune up ($400ish, depending on where you go) and you still fail - you are on the hook for more repair costs to meet the requirements of the Drive Clean program. If you skip the tune up, take the test and fail - the money you spend on the tune up AFTER the test goes towards the legislated spend limit for emissions issues.
My most recent Drive Clean report said it was good for 12 months. So, since you know you will need the test on your birthday of the year your sticker expires - try to get your test done as early as possible in that 12 month period (way before your get the notice from the government). This way you can select the ideal weather for the test (see next point)
Take the test on a nice day. Extreme cold temps are bad for engine efficiency and if your car is on the hairy edge of the limits - you will fail on a cold day.

Labels: Drive Clean, emissions, emissions test, smog check

Ottawa Senators videos (mostly fights)

If Stuntman Stu can do it, so can I. Here is my collection of Ottawa Senators videos I've found on YouTube and posted to my blog.

#1 a compilation entitled "Sacrifice". Not the best, but better than I can do.