Posted at: 11:29 pm by Timothy Haroutunian Categories: Tech and Web
The other night I deleted by blog theme by accident and did not have a recent version backed up. Very frustrated with myself for the mistake, I went onto the dreamhost (my hosting) wiki to look up how to restore data. It turns out that they do hourly backups and the wiki gave me instructions on how to accomplish this using WebFTP.
You can either access WebFTP from the Dreamhost Panel or directly by going to http://webftp.dreamhost.com. Enter the address of your ftp server, username, password and for the initial directory you want to type: “/.snapshot” (no quotes).
Next, select who version of the site you would like to browse through. Available Options: Hourly, Nightly, Weekly. On the right (out of picture) is the dates when the snapshot was taken.
Finally choose which folder(s), file(s) you would like to restore. Once you check off the ones you need, you can either download them or zip them onto the server.
Backup is not always available, it is just a feature that usually occurs as a benefit. Dreamhost is not the best hosting out there, but for the price I pay each year and the options it gives me, it works just great. I am on my second year of hosting and I have only had a few downtimes and rarely any problems.
Posted at: 4:48 pm by Timothy Haroutunian Categories: Tech and Web
HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) is the most frequently used markup language to create web pages. Version 4 (HTML4), which came out in the late 1990’s, has been around for so long that they decided to develop the new version of the language HTML5 (note no space) and is defined by the draft specification called HTML 5 (note the space). The group that was setup in 2004 to work on the project is the WHATWG (Web Hypertext Application Technology Working Group).
There are going to be many additions and subtractions to the elements and attributes with some that are still up in the air. I am not sure how HTML5 will be welcomed, but lets hope that browser engineers will make it so that all browser will accept the new web standards. Most likely, IE will just ignore everything and make developers write completely separate code so that the page will work with IE’s “standards”.
HTML5 is going help with many of the situations that web developers are currently writing work arounds for. Say for example, you are looking to validate an input as a required field. Currently you need to either write validation server side or validation client side. Most people will do a JavaScript check to make sure there was something entered into that field. I used to write my own functions to check, but lately I have been using jQuery to do all of this for me. ValidationAide which is a jQuery plugin by Ste Brennan has greatly reduced the code needed to validate. All you need to do is add a class of “validator-required” to the input and it will do all the checking for you, however that still takes extra code that someone needs to write. HTML5 is going to help with that by allowing for an attribute of “required” to be added to the input (except types of hidden, button, image). For checkboxes, the required attribute shall only be satisfied when one or more of the checkboxes with that name in that form are checked. For radio buttons, the required attribute shall only be satisfied when exactly one of the radio buttons in that radio group is checked. There are a lot of changes that are going to be occurring to make sure that HTML5 will help web developers to do their jobs.
Blogs are becoming more popular every day on the internet, the fact that you are reading this post proves it. Most blogs are using a blogging software like Wordpress (Armenian Eagle uses wordpress) and have CSS themes that use divs with classes and ids to style them. Up until now, that has been the best way to get the job done. See below.
HTML5 will allow for elements of header, section, article and nav which added all together will create a blog theme that can be styled. The difference is that the code will be a lot cleaner than it currently is. See Below.
You can check to see if you website validates for HTML5 here. Also you can get a full list of all the New elements in HTML 5.
PHP: As for PHP 6, they are currently working on the new version as of July 2007 which will address the problems in PHP 5.
Posted at: 4:57 pm by Timothy Haroutunian Categories: Sports and Leisure
Last November (2006), the Nintendo Wii was released to the US and trying to get one was almost impossible within the first few months. As of June 30, 2007, Nintendo reported selling over 9.27 million units around the world where their competitors XBox 360 and Playstation 3 sold 5.5 million and 4.28 million respectively. Playstation 3 was released 2 days before the Wii was and Xbox 360, a year before the Wii. Now that says a lot about how much anticipation there was over this innovative gaming system. Many people stated that there was too much hype and that it was not going to compare to the PS3. Well, facts do not lie, the Wii is selling over 4.4 times as many units and in March 2007, I was able to get my hands on one from Toys R’ Us. Since then I have only bought 4 games, but in the next several months, there are 6 games that are on my wish list.
Super Mario Galaxy: This is my number one must have game when it comes out November 12th (2007). Plot: “After Princess Peach is kidnapped, Mario follows the culprit into outer space. There, Mario encounters enemies and bosses while traveling around and between spherical worlds and flat space platforms. Bowser has been confirmed to appear in the game. Also, there will be a new female character, Princess Rosetta, though her exact role has not been determined.” The fact that I have grown up playing the Mario Series (Super Mario Brothers 1-3, Super Mario World, Yoshi, Dr. Mario, Mario Tennis, Mario Golf and Super Mario 64) makes me want this game even more. There have been really good reviews by critics and others. Matt Casamassina and Mark Bozon of IGN have both rated it their number 1 most anticipated game of 2007. I will write a review of the game once I get it. I hope that anyone who has a Wii will be interested in getting this title because I sure am. Enjoy!
Mario Kart Wii: Mario Kart for the Wii is a very exciting addition to the Wii console. When I first got my Wii, I was hoping that they would come out with it, but then I figured I would just get it on the VC (Virtual Console). However, beginning on the first quarter of 2008, Mario Kart Wii will be released. When I was in middle school, during the summer my friends and I would gather around and play Mario Kart for hours on end. Our days would consist of waking up, playing Mario Kart, going in my neighbors pool, playing more Mario Kart and finishing up the night with a good swim…those were the days. I am really excited to see what new featured they have added to this version of Mario Kart.
Wii Fit: Stereotypes for people who play video games fit into the following categories: Young (children to teens), Male, Nerd and Overweight. Now I fit into one of those very easily (Male), but I am not overweight, however, exercising is an important part to staying healthy. Nintendo decided that others would like to have fun playing their Wii while burning some calories. “Wii Fit will be divided into four categories Aerobic Exercise, lasting ten minutes, Muscle Conditioning, Yoga Poses, and Balance Games, including ski-jumping. These exercises will provide a ‘core workout’, emphasizing slower, controlled motions. Of these activities, the following were shown at E3 2007, in conjunction with Wii Fit’s announcement.
Yoga exercises
Press ups
Step aerobics, including a game in which the player must step on and off the Wii Balance Board in rhythm to the background music
Hitting on-coming soccer balls and avoiding other objects by leaning forward and back
A ball-rolling mini-game
Hula hooping
Ski jumping, whereby the player squats as low as possible, whilst maintaining his or her balance, and then quickly stands as fast as possible in order to gain a good jump
Major League Baseball 2K8: When I bought my PS2 in early 2005, MVP 2005 had just come out and I was really excited to play it. For a long time, that was my favorite game because each season took a very long time since they were 162 games each. Once I got my Wii, I have stopped playing MVP 2005 because the Wii is amazing to play. As soon as MLB 2K8 comes out, that will be my new favorite game (maybe).
Madden NFL 08: I bought Madden 07 for the Wii and it is a blast considering the new style of play. I am considering buying this game to see the differences between the years, but it would be the last game I buy if I do. There are other games that I would like to buy before this one.
Donkey Kong Barrel Blast: What else can you say about Donkey Kong except for the fact that he is a legendary video game figure. Started on the NES system and arcades, DK had become one of the most popular games and a breakthrough in the video game industry. I have played DK on many systems: Arcade, NES, Gameboy, SNES, N64 and soon to be Wii.Gameplay: Originally Donkey Kong Bongo Blast was to be controlled using the the DK Bongos; the left and right drums would steer in their respective directions, and rolling both drums accelerated. When the game was moved to the Wii, the DK Bongos were replaced with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, having player shake the controller in place of hitting the drums. The player can also raise the remote and Nunchuk to jump, and use the motion sensing to punch opponents and obstacles, and to use items. It looks like a really great game and I can not wait until October 8th, 2007 when it is released.
wii, nintendo, nintendo wii, wish list, games, video games, mario, donkey kong, super mario gallaxy, mario kart
Posted at: 10:44 pm by Timothy Haroutunian Categories: Sports and Leisure
With the Yankees winning tonight against the Tigers, the Red Sox needed a win to keep their 5 game lead in the AL East. The game started out really bad for the Red Sox who were losing 5-0 going into the bottom of the 5th at Fenway Park. Schilling gave up 5 runs (2 Home Runs) making it difficult for the Sox to come back against a really good starter for the Angels, Jered Weaver. However, you never want to count the Red Sox out of a game no matter how big the deficit.
Bottom 5th
After Eric Hinske singled, followed a double by Coco Crisp and Alex cora getting HBP, it brought up Lugo who got a 2 RBI single to center field. Score: 5-2 Angels Youk singled to load the bases for “Big Papi” David Ortiz. Now I don’t want to say that Ortiz is a key player on the team, well, I guess I will say that because with the bases loaded, he hit a grand slam to put the Sox on top of the Angels. Score: 6-5 Red Sox
Bottom 8th
For the next few innings, the score remained the same until the 8th when the Red Sox not only got insurance runs, but did some serious damage. With Alex Cora on 2nd, they chose to walk Ortiz and face Manny which was a bad choice. Manny doubled to bring in 2 runs. Score: 8-5 Red Sox Varitek singled scoring Manny from 2nd and after a wild pitch, J.D. Drew scored. Score: 10-5 Red Sox
Top 9th
Papelbon came in for a non-save situation getting a ground out and back to back strikeouts to close the game out. The Red Sox scored 10 unanswered runs to get the come back win over the Angels keeping their 5 game lead over the Yankees. The Sox play their final game against the Angels tomorrow afternoon at 2:05pm and hopefully are able to take 3 out of 4 from them.
red sox, angels, boston, boston red sox, sox, bosox, boston, baseball, mlb, ortiz, david ortiz, grand slam
While I was in Armenia, I had the opportunity to try Kotayk and I was very pleased with it. The medium-bodied pours a dense, dark straw color which offers a mild hop bitterness followed by a slightly crisp hoppy character. If you can get your hands on Kotayk, I would highly recommend it for people who enjoy trying new types of beer. Check out the products page of their website to find out descriptions of the following types of beverages that the Kotayk brewery makes besides the Lager. Here is the list Kotayk bitter, Kotayk Tshani, Kotayk Alcohol free, Erebuni, Kotayk Moscowyan, Kotayk Water, Kotayk Water, Limo Apple, Limo Rapberry, Limo Cream Soda, Limo Estragon, Limo Chocolate, Limo Lemon, Limo Orange, Limo Pear.
HISTORY:
The KOTAYK Brewery was built by a Czechoslovak company in 1974 during the Soviet age with a view to satisfying the demand of beer of the Caucasian population. Due to its high production capacity of 500 000 hl, the KOTAYK Brewery supplanted the small breweries from neighborhood by offering to the Armenian, Georgian, Azeri and Russian consumers a high-standard beer produced with the last developments of the Czechoslovak technology in the domain. Since the Armenian independence, this brewery has been affected by the same problems that jeopardized the whole country. In 1996, the owners of the brewery were eventually aware that they would not be able to face alone the lack of funds and the technological deficiency of their company. That was the reason why they looked for a western partner to assist them to face the new challenge of the year 2000. Thanks to its broad international experience, the French group Castel, which had already been very successful in Africa, Russia and Asia, got the bargain because of its know-how. The investment of Castel group (18 million dollars) was one of the first and the most important investments realized in 1997 by a foreign company in Armenia.
AWARDS:
Argentina 2003 - “Golden Medal for Quality & Service”
New York 2001 - Premium Quality Award
France - 2001 Abovyan Brewery. Gold medal
Moscow - 1999,2001,2002, 2003 Beer “Kotayk”
Madrid 1999 - International Platinum Star For Quality.
Madrid 2000 - Diamond Star For Quality
Yerevan 2001 - Beer “Kotayk”. Gold medal
Yerevan 2003 - ”Armprodexpo”. “Kotayk”. Gold medal
Yerevan 2002 - ”Armprodexpo”. Abovyan. Gold medal
Yerevan 1999 - Gold Medal for High Quality
Yerevan 2000 - Beer “Erebuni”. Gold medal
Yerevan 2003 ” - “Moscowyan”. Gold medal
Yerevan 2003” - ’Limo Rapberry’’. Gold medal
Yerevan 2003 - ‘’Limo Estragon’’. Gold medal
Yerevan 2003 - ”Armprodexpo”. “Erebuni”. Grand Prix
Yerevan 2000 - Beer “Kotayk”. Gold medal
The products of Kotayk Brewery are exported to many countries of the world, such as the United-States, France, Germany, Lebanon, Australia, England as well as to Russian Federation, Turkmenistan and other CIS countries.
armenia, armenian beer, kotayk, kotayk brewery, yerevan, lager, kotayk lager
Posted at: 11:09 pm by Timothy Haroutunian Categories: Armenia
Here is a picture of the summit of Mt. Aragats which is the tallest mountain in Armenia (Ararat is now in Turkey). The way the sun sets over the peaks leaves a trail of amazing colors behind for spectators to see. The fog is a nice effect that gives it that high altitude look to it, which is true considering that the elevation is 4,095 meters (13,435 ft) from sea level. When I traveled to Armenia, I never got to the summit, but I did get to a little over 1/3 of the way up, to a height of 5,000 feet. When I go back to Armenia, I would love to go to the top and take a picture of this sight with my own camera.
view, summit, moutain, mt aragats, aragats, Armemia, armenian
Here is a video where Gene Kelly dances with Stewie Griffin from Family Guy and Jerry the Mouse from the Tom and Jerry cartoon. Family guy remade the entire dance scene, as you can see in the first video which is split so you can see the original and the new, and they did a pretty amazing job with it. However, you can still see the reflection of a mouse on the ground. Still pretty cool, Enjoy!
Below is the original dance with Jerry the Mouse which was done in 1945. It was going to be created wtih Mickey Mouse, but they decided against it and went with Jerry. The reason I put this in here is because there is a different beginning and end than the one in the Family Guy version and I thought it was really cool to see. Enjoy!
jerry the mouse, tom and jerry, cartooon, family guy, stewie griffin, gene kelly, dancing
Posted at: 10:45 pm by Timothy Haroutunian Categories: Tech and Web
Have you ever gone to a website and were interested in what types of technology they use? Well now there is a tool that helps to answer those burning questions. BuiltWith.com is a beta “Web Technology Profiler” that displays information about the site and some of the add ons they use. Does the site use JavaScript and/or CSS? Are they using Google Adsense and webmaster tools? If it is a blog, are they using feedburner for RSS feeds? Are they using wordpress or another blogging software. However, I have not gotten to the most important piece of information that you want to know. What OS are they on, PHP/ASP/Other and which web server? Now all that information is great to have, but what is better is that they give you the percentage of site profiled that also use the same pieces so you can compare yourself to others.
Here is a picture of a baby Meerkat, which I want as a pet someday (not actually due to logistics). I don’t see how anyone can look at this picture and say that they wouldn’t want one. They are so small and adorable that they would be so much fun to watch play in a backyard.
The meerkat is a small mongoose weighing on average about 731 grams (1.61 pounds) for males and 720 grams (1.58 pounds) for females. Its long slender body and limbs give it a body length of 25 to 35 cm (10 to 14 inches) and an added tail length of 17 to 25 cm (7 to 10 inches). Its tail is not bushy like all other mongoose species, but is rather long and thin and tapers to a black or reddish colored pointed tip. The meerkat uses its tail to balance when standing upright. According to African popular belief (mainly in the Zambian/Zimbabwean region), the meerkat is also known as the sun angel, as it protects villages from the moon devil or the werewolf which is believed to attack stray cattle or lone tribesmen.
They are mostly known for the character on the Lion King “Timon”. They live mostly in the Kalahari Desert in Botswana and South Africa. They used to being in groups (”mob”, “gang”, or “clan”) and living in Africa so it wouldn’t be possible to have it as a house pet. Here are some reasons why Meerkats would not be good as a house pet.
Meerkats have a bad tendency to fight with other pets, which means large veterinary bills on both sides of the brauls.
Also, they love to dig, which means HUMONGOUS holes in the floors, drywall, upholstery, etc., instantaneously.
Meerkats are not able to be effectively house broken.
Their diet in the wild is very expensive live insects and small mammals and reptiles, although they are fed raw meet in zoos.
Meerkats are, duh, highly social, so it would be VERY cruel to keep them away from other meerkats.
Meerkats BITE! They FREQUENTLY bite people that work with them. Their biting behavior is unpredictable, at best.
My Response: It will be easy to get around these slight “issues”. If you don’t have any other pets except a clan of Meerkats, you will take care of numbers 1 and 5. Also, if you have a house with a big open backyard, sand and desert style terrain, the holes wouldn’t be a problem. You can find the food that they eat…I mean snakes eat mice and people have them as pets. Finally, number 6 is a tough one, but I’ll take a stab at it. Meerkats may bite, but so do babies (but they are not animals) and their behavior is unpredictable just like any other animal. I have seen dogs, cats and fish become insane with rage causing all kinds of ruckus.
If having one as a pet is not an option, you can Adopt a Meerkat
baby meerkat, pet, meerkat, pets, timon, lion king
Posted at: 11:24 pm by Timothy Haroutunian Categories: Sports and Leisure
This commercial is great because there really is no point to it other than watching hot girls play sports. Honestly, women who have played HS/College sports might understand this commercial, but I don’t. If you watch this on actual TV, the quality is a lot better. Enjoy!
boom boom tap, boom, tap, commercial, women, sports, under armour
