Funny Slashdot Post

I have just read a reply on Slashdot.org that I feel like it should be immortalized for its hilarity and its humor. It talks about Apple and Steve Jobs. Who knows, it might be true.....

See it at Slashdot.org

Getting back into Event Scripts

I have been working quite a bit lately and now I finally have a chance to do what Ive been dreaming of doing, writing "mods" for counter-strike:source using event scripts. Now I'm still a bit of a novice when write code in Python but because the language is so easy to learn I know I'll overcome that. Eventscripts can be freely obtained at www.mattie.info . There are two different files that are (from what Ive learned) es.py and playerlib.py. ES.py is a set of the main Libaries that makes ES work using the Source Console commands work properly. Playerlib.py is the Libaray that allows you more interaction and customization with the Souce engine.

If you know Source server commands, using es.Blank[source script] will allow direct intergration. If you want to use python, which is how I write scripts, searching playerlib will help you out more.

I attempted to create a script that gives everyone a HE Grenade when they spawn. I used playerlib to give a grenade by using gamethread.delayed(0.1, es.server.cmd, 'es_xgive %s weapon_hegrenade' % event_var["userid"]). One thing I've learned is that if you are going to write a script don't use the give function on player spawn. The time for the server to click the script to load it passes before the tick occours. Also if you are learning one VERY valuable command is myplayer = playerlib.getPlayer(userid) you'll use that alot at first.

Untill Next Time,
-300LbCrab

How to get Broadcom Wireless to work in Ubuntu 8.04

This is a guide on how to use fwcutter in Ubuntu 8.04 to work properly to recognize Broadcom wireless chipsets using the b43 drivers. The b43 drivers are only compatible with the following chipsets:

Supported

bcm4303 (802.11b-only chips)
bcm4306
bcm4309 (only the 2.4GHz part)
bcm4311 rev 1 / bcm4312
bcm4311 rev 2 / bcm4312 (needs patches for 2.6.24)
bcm4318

Unsupported

The 802.11a part of the 4309 and 4312 is not supported.
There is no support for any Draft 802.11n features.
BCM 4328/4329

Ok here we go with the fun stuff. If you have any troubles please go to Linux Wireless and search around in there.

First install fwcutter, just open synaptic package manager and search for fwcutter, you need to install from your ubuntu 8.04 cd!

2) Then download this:
http://downloads.openwrt.org/sources/broadcom-wl-4.80.53.0.tar.bz2
(This file WONT download properly with IE7!. Use Firefox or Opera. IE7 malformed the file making it unreadable.)

ok now open up a terminal and type the following

export FIRMWARE_INSTALL_DIR="/lib/firmware"

then press ENTER

tar xjf broadcom-wl-4.80.53.0.tar.bz2

then press ENTER

cd broadcom-wl-4.80.53.0/kmod

then press ENTER

sudo b43-fwcutter -w "/lib/firmware" wl_apsta.o

then press ENTER

At this point the driver should be installed and it should be working. To make sure, go to system -> administration -> hardware drivers. There should be a check box checked and it should say "in use". I hope this has worked for you. If you have any problems, post them here and I'll do my best to help you.
-CT

PS, if the opition above dosnt work, try here

Ubuntu 8.04 Problems and Conclusions

I know its been a while since I've updated my blog but I want to help get the word out about the latest Ubuntu 8.04, Hardy Heron. First I'd like to say that I have been a big fan of the Open Source world for quite a long time. Anytime you can take free (not just in the cost since) and have it compete and become better than paid closed source software is wonderful.

With that said, here are my trials and tribulations with Ubuntu 7.10 and upgrading to 8.04 and issues I had with the OS. I started off with Ubuntu 7.10, Feisty Fawn on my Compaq Presario M2301NR. When I installed 7.10 the first time out, it was difficult because I didn't realize what a pain the Broadcom Wireless drivers would be. I have the Broadcom 4318 (AirForce One) chipset in my laptop. In order to get the wireless to work properly, I had to install NDISWrapper and use the windows drivers in linux. After about 3 hours of reading and searching for forum posts at UbuntuForums I found a link that works and that helped me. The drivers worked flawlessly for me. I had issues with the way Ubuntu handled networks and how I had to manually switch between them, but all in all I was pleased. No viruses, spy ware, and easy to use. I couldn't ask for more.

Fast forward to Apr 24Th. I see on slashdot that 8.04 has just be released! I, being a happy convert, was excited to see a new version. I then use the software updater to grab the latest versions and to upgrade. When the updater said it was going to take 17 Hours.....I was unhappy to say the least. So I get the Alternative Install CD and start upgrading using that. Well, it upgraded fine, but destroyed my network settings including NDISWrapper. I still had managed to get the old NDIS files I had used but it wouldn't work.

I spent the next day attempting to get it to work. Then I remembered I had a 1:1 copy of my laptop stored on my desktop. Well, lady luck seemed to have her fill of me yesterday because my desktop died on boot and I'm assuming my info went with that valiant and brave computer. So I'm stuck with no Working wireless on my laptop, no main computer to fetch files with and no means of connecting to the Internet. I luckily found someone who had a working wireless connection and convinced them to allow me to use their Internet for about 10 minutes while I search for an answer. I found info on what to do using fwcutter and b43xx drivers. After 2 days I finally have working Internet against all odds. I'll post what I did to fix it shortly. If I can help one person fix their Internet, I'll have fulfilled my duty as an Open Source follower.
-CT

Start of the 300Lb Fun Mod

I've been learning the programming language Python for the past few weeks in order to learn how to write Mods or little scripts for EventScripts 2.0. EventScripts 2.0 is a rewrite of the Original ES, which was written in Valves Source engine code, but now is rewritten in Python.

I came to learning and writing code when I was at work in the break room one day and saw someone using an ASUS laptop. I made a geek reference to it. We laughed and talked about games. He asked if I played Counter-Strike:Source. I told him about how the community I play with has a Cs_Office, De_dust2, and a mod server called "Gun Game". He laughed and told be that he is the one leading the gun game project. I, needless to say, was amazed. I started asking him, XE_ManUp, about what it would take for me to write little mods and that brings me where I am today. I have about a month of studying under my belt with a minimal amount of purely original written code.

The mod I'd eventually like to do I'm calling, for the time being, "300Lb Fun Mod". It will be a mod that randomly gives everyone the same weapon, randomly generates gravity, and randomly messes with the sv_friction and other small factors. Its base will be a random Number Generator. If the number generated equals the number set for one of the "Pre-Conditions" or Modes then it activates that mode. Here are the modes I have as of right now.....

Benny Hill mode
SV_gravity 400 "or 200"
Fast run speed
HE_Grenade
Opposite Friction (high)

Old man mode
Slow run
SV_Gravity 1000 or 2000
Knifes

Lollerskates
Ultra Fast run
SV_Gravity 1000
Opposite Friction

Matrix Mode
Ultra Fast run
AK-47 or Deagle

Zombie Mode
Slow Run
Glock
Health at 250

Scout Knives
Scout
Knife
Sv_Gravity 300

Sharpshooter
Five-Sevens
no extra clip

*I like this one*
Ducks in a Barrel
One team gets AWPS
Other Team gets glock
AWP team has 5 health
Glock team has 200 health

I love a Grenade
Unlimited HE_Grenades
no knives

Stalingrad-Mode:
Half of the team gets a gun and a little ammo, the other half gets only ammo.

Single Shot Mode:
Every player gets two weapons with only one shot. The shot is deadly if it hits.

Beacon mode:
Everyone is invisible but has a beacon (same as the mani beacon)

I'll post some chunks of code when I get the opportunity or I find it creative or original enough to post. If you have any ideas for a new "mode" let me know. Untill next time.

-CT

First post for a long ride ahead...

Hello one and all. This is my own personal blog about many different topics. I'll be telling you about my journey along the Programming road as I learn various languages, like Python, HTML, and whatever else school requires from me. I'll be going back to school hopefully this fall for Computer Sciences, but for the time being I'll be learning Python for a project called EventScripts which allows you to create your own modification (or "Mod") for Counter-Strike:Source. I'll be working on one I'm most likely going to call "300Lb Fun Mod" which will change various setting in the game every round, like gravity, Primary weapon, ammo, and other various physics. I'll be using this to help myself learn by attempting to teach others (you) about what I'm doing and learning, but I'll also be using this as a reference area so I can go back and see what I've done.

I also work at an airport for a major airline and I'll be telling and informing the world about what happens and what really goes on. At some point in the future I'll tell you tricks and tips on how to travel and secrets that only those inside the industry really get to know about. I'll never reveal who I work for or where for my own job protection because I really like this job and I don't want to risk it.

While working here I run across a lot of funny people and learn a lot of humorous things, see some amazing videos, and more random stuff. So if there is a picture or a video from anywhere on the net that strikes me as funny, I'll share it with the rest of you!

One of the perks about working for a major airline is that you get to travel for free (I do anyways), so I'll be showing you where I've gone, what I've seen, and the things I've done. I'll also show you secrets of the locals at the destinations and show you how to get good deals.

In future posts I'll be talking about my Fiancée and our upcoming wedding on June 7, 2008 (06/07/08) with the headaches and joys that come along with it. That info will come in due time.
Until next time,
-CT