Python debugging techniques

August 31st, 2009

Including interactive console, pdb, and print logging:
http://aymanh.com/python-debugging-techniques

HOWTO: Word-wrap in LaTeX tables

February 23rd, 2009

Mann says: use the p{} command

Also has word wrap for images.

Design Patterns for Research Methods: Iterative Research

January 27th, 2009

Pre-print version of my article to be presented at the AAAI Spring Symposium: Experimental Design for Real World Systems

Abstract:
For the last two decades the idea of design patterns has been a useful abstraction for computer scientists and programmers. As computer scientists, and scientists of all fields, are more than just programmers, we can apply the patterns concept to more than just program design. Indeed, the meta-creative processes and research methods which generate the code can also be viewed through the patterning abstraction to identify research method patterns and the contexts where they can be applied. One example of a research pattern is Iterative Research. Two examples of this Iterative Research method will be presented: the first investigating the vehicle, interface, and team CONOPS for small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) used during Urban Search And Rescue (USAR) operations, and the second working to develop a multi-operator team HRI metric and robot usability evaluation method.

Originally I just had the Iterative Research pattern, but calling it a pattern was shamelessly inspired by Merlin Mann’s discussion of creativity patterns (The Problem with “Feeling Creative” | Toward Patterns for Creativity)

PDF:Research Method Patterns

On being a published photographer…

December 20th, 2008

Well, sort of…

One of my CC pictures of Ala Moana beach was included in the online Schmap guide for Hawaii: Schmap Guide to Honolulu

(No, I’d never heard of them before. Yes, they just sent me a message on Flickr and asked about the picture.)

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

October 24th, 2008

Just made this: Food Network Baked Macaroni Currently baking… Update with the results.
UPDATE:

Burnt the roux just a bit which didn’t really help the taste. And it could’ve done with some spices to it.

Recipe: Solid B+
Preparation: Weak B
Read the rest of this entry »

Obama Rally in Tampa

May 22nd, 2008

I was here today: Obama Rally in Tampa

Pictures on flickr to folow.

100 Books in the Essential Man’s library

May 18th, 2008

List of 100 books every man should read. I recognize a good number from high school english class, but I have some catching up to do in the “quintessential American Novel of the 50s-60s” and the “classics from Antiquity” categories. Saving the list for use over the summer.

Here is the blurb:

There are the books you read, and then there are the books that change your life. We can all look back on the books that have shaped our perspective on politics, religion, money, and love. Some will even become a source of inspiration for the rest of your life. From a seemingly infinite list of books of anecdotal or literal merit, we have narrowed down the top 100 books that have shaped the lives of individual men while also helping define broader cultural ideas of what it means to be a man.

Whether it be a book on adventure, war, or manners, there is so much to learn about life’s great questions from these gems. Let us know in the comments which of these you loved, hated, and the books that meant a lot to you and should have made the list (you can even get really indignant about your favorite book). And without further ado, this is our list.

And here is the link: 100 Must read books

Firefox 3 address bar suggest behavior

April 11th, 2008

Apparently I’m not the only one that was rather under-whelmed by the new address bar behavior.

From Tim Trueman from Richard Crowley:

Firefox 3 more better

  1. Go to about:config.
  2. Set browser.urlbar.matchOnlyTyped to true.
  3. Profit!

This will cause Firefox to almost revert its address-bar behavior to the familiar Firefox 2 style where it matches the beginning of URLs instead of attempting some hairbrained search. If I’d wanted to search, I would have hit Apple+K.

Interview Tips for the Google

March 21st, 2008

“Get that job at Google.” http://steve-yegge.blogspot.com/2008/03/get-that-job-at-google.html

You: Should I work at Google? Is it all they say it is, and more? Will I be serenely happy there? Should I apply immediately?

Me: Yes.

You: To which ques… wait, what do you mean by “Yes?” I didn’t even say who I am!

Me: Dude, the answer is Yes. (You may be a woman, but I’m still calling you Dude.)

And so forth…..

CONOPS and Autonomy Recommendations for VTOL MAVs Based on Observations of Hurricane Katrina UAV Operations

March 15th, 2008

Preprint of my Autonomous Robots journal article based on our UAV work following Hurricane Katrina.

Title: CONOPS and Autonomy Recommendations for VTOL MAVs Based on Observations of Hurricane Katrina UAV Operations

PDF: UAVs at Hurricane Katrina journal preprint

Abstract:

This field study examines VTOL UAV operations conducted as part of an 8 day structural inspection task following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. From the observations of the 32 lights spread over 12 missions, four key findings are identified for CONOPS and the next level of artificial intelligence for rotary-wing UAVs operating in cluttered urban environments. These findings are 1) the minimum useful standoff distance from inspected structures is 2-5m, 2) omni-directional sensor capabilities are needed for obstacle avoidance, 3) GPS waypoint navigation is unnecessary, and 4) that these operations require three operators for one MAV. Based on the findings and other observations, a crewing organization and flight operations protocol for UAVs are proposed. Needed directions in research and development are also discussed. These recommendations are expected to contribute to the design of platforms, sensors, and artificial intelligence as well as facilitate the acceptance of UAVs into the workplace.

BibTeX:
I’ll add this in once it gets published. It should be in Autonomous Robots eventually.