minutetominute

You can pretty much do the same thing with an OpenVPN server anyways.

Could this be used to create a 3D display? For example, when turned off, it's just a pile of styrofoam pellets, but when on, it can use standing waves to create shapes in midair?

Infinite Jest actually covers this topic in a really comical way. The author talks about how people dislike the way they look on the video phones and therefore begin to wear masks that look like made-up versions of themselves. Eventually, they start putting up little pictures of themselves instead of actually attending to the video call, and video phones basically return to voice phones with a picture.

I apologize. I tend to automatically assume most writers are male. It's a terrible default state.

Anyways, I'm already pretty well versed on that basics of programming. I think the key, as you pointed out, is to get involved in an open source project to build up my portfolio. Python is the language I prefer, but I use vb.net to build the tools I use at work since the .net framework provides a great interface with the microsoft products corporate office workers are slaves to. I'll start searching for local open-source contributors.

"So, please, go do that hour of code if you haven’t already. Who knows? Maybe you’ll want to become a software developer, but even if you don’t, it’s worth the effort, and might even be fun!"

I need someone to please explain this last bit to me. He seems to suggest that it's pretty easy to become a software developer. This idea seems to be pretty common across hacker news. That all it takes is a little bit of research, and anyone can get a job as a software developer. Is this true? I've been trying to change my current career path from engineering to software development, and I cannot seem to get any conversations started. Does anyone have experience changing their early career paths and how they went about implementing the necessary steps?

"I would also highly recommend that you work for a company (or many companies) with vision, mission, and values that you connect with strongly."

This statement is extremely important. You can walk through hell if you're in good company. If you end up working with on great technology with people you can't stand, you will not make it through your job. The opposite will generally lead to your work environment being a lot healthier for you.

Has anyone else read Avogadro Corp? Software created at Avogadro Corp (an obvious play on google) becomes self-aware and, unbeknownst to anyone, begins to order military robots to defend important off-shore data centers from pirates. However, the defensive robots do serve the secondary purpose in that if the artificially intelligent software is discovered and is to be destroyed, then these machines are to defend the AI. Just an interesting instance of life imitating art.

Too many people would rather not deal with the difficulties of reading foundational works. The task of reading coffee-table folderol is much easier than having to actually rethink what you know when you read works that have stood the test of time. I, too, am guilty of having read too many coffee-table books and have only really started to learn now that I avoid those books. Picking up a kindle and a tablet have especially helped in my newfound pursuit of knowledge because, ironically, the most valuable books/articles/essays tend to be freely available online.

Great work so far!

Your bed solved a very specific problem for me, and it may be a valuable market for you to target. My job requires me to travel to different locations for long periods of time, and I needed to find a bed that was very comfortable and portable. Cots and air mattresses are poor long term solutions. Your shikibutons came up during my research as one of the best values. I purchased your mattress and a futon from shop4futons.com. When broken down, the whole arrangement packs down to a very small size. Now I sleep comfortably every night knowing that no matter where my job/life takes me I can always find a good night's rest.

Thanks and keep up the good work!

On what basis do you make that claim?

Sweet. How can I contact you about your startup?