Highest density

Did you know that the entertainment district in Toronto has the highest density of nightclubs of any area in North America?

Animated light show in downtown Toronto

Finally, some computer-controlled building animation here in Toronto. It's not quite the best setup -- only 1-bit pixels (i.e., no shades of gray possible) that are very narrow -- but it's a good start. Hopefully this catches on and we can get some nice building animations, of the calibre of Project Blinkenlights, on this side of the pond.

Challenge: Can you decipher the displayed message? (Hint: The building is currently vacant.)

Fear switching to Linux no more!

Yes, fear not, you can still sync up your iPod. In fact, if you choose to use this open source iTunes-replacement for Linux -- Banshee -- you'll get all the features of the original, and more (such as built-in scrobbling to Last.fm). Now, isn't it time you tried Linux? Even if just for "fun", it's worth trying out a Live CD of Ubuntu Linux. Boot with the CD, poke around, and when you're done, just pop it out and reboot back to Windows. (Assuming you're not a Mac user; in which case, you're technically already using a version of Unix! Yes, shocking, isn't it.)

Of course, if you really want to get geeky, and still need to keep Windows running on your hard disk for other reasons, you can always install Linux to a USB stick -- that's what I did. You can boot from it, but unlike the Live CD option, it's a real system where your customizations are persistent. Install software (like Banshee), create documents, whatever... It's a true working installation. And it can travel with you! Pendrivelinux.com has several step-by-step guides to help you achieve this. You can get by with a 1 GB USB key, but I went all out and went for 8 GB; I want room for programs, documents, and even some music! (You will, of course, be able to access files from your machine's hard disk, but obviously those won't be able to travel with you.)

A good option to consider if you don't like iTunes

On this very snowy Sunday morning, after making a fluffy omelette and while sipping on my coffee, I find myself here at the computer listening to some music. I personally use iTunes, not for the iTunes Store, but for the software -- partly because I have an iPod, partly because it links up seamlessly with my Airport Express router to stream tunes live to my stereo, wirelessly. (True, I could use Airfoil, but it's just an added hassle to load up a separate little program to stream the audio.) However, if you have no iPod to sync to your computer, there is no big reason to use iTunes. I've found an excellent alternative called MediaMonkey. It's completely free, it looks nice (the default skin looks suspiciously iTunes-like in fact), has all sorts of playlist options and supports song ratings. However, the big deal is that it can very easily be customised with all sorts of scripts, most are user-submitted and can be found in the forums. One that I came across, for example, converts old MusicMatch song ratings; very useful since MusicMatch doesn't work anymore under Windows Vista (for you poor souls that decided to upgrade!).

When life gets hectic, get a new toy!

As you can probably tell from the lack of posting lately, my life on the eighth floor in Toronto has been keeping me very busy lately. I've been workin' it at both eights; the office and the home. I'm generally not a workaholic, but I've been making a conscious push to finish a large, multi-year project that I affectionately call "the beast".

However, all work and no play is not what I'm about! Yesterday I got myself a new toy, an Oxygen8 USB MIDI controller. I've been hunting around for a long time for some sort of affordable MIDI/USB device to take my hobby electronic music composition to the next level (who am I kidding, I'm just one step above beginner). Sometimes it pays to keep a close watch of craigslist's for sale sections; I got a great deal on this second-hand toy.

For now, my plan is to use it in concert with my copy of FL Studio. It's early times, but there doesn't seem to be any setup necessary. It was recognised automatically as a MIDI input (as long as it is plugged into the USB port before the program loads) and piano key input works automatically whenever an instrument channel is highlighted. Assigning functions to the knobs on the controller is done by right-clicking on any setting or knob on the screen, whether it's instrument properties or a software plug-in.