Hi folks, recently been consumed by the Monero privacy coin world and installing it on my devices. While putting the rig on an Android device is easy, putting it on an Apple device (iPhone, iPad) requires more finesse. I needed several things to get the rig working.
Python to run commands pymobiledevice3, SideJITServer (Optional since I didn’t get JIT to work)
Monero Wallet Address
I think for now, it’s best to simply talk about my brief blip of an experience. Honestly, I don’t like how much work it requires to run the miner. Also, the lack of side-loaded apps I can quickly grab to test is frustrating. However, it’s super satisfying to see that I can run many algos on MoneroOcean. In my setup, Ghostrider appears to give around 200 h/s. While I don’t know much about it, I’m glad MoneroOcean can convert it to Monero. As it stands, I believe I can withdraw some coins to my wallet after three months of mining. That is mining with 3-4 devices. As of writing, Monero is worth $600 USD, so it seems like a good time to speculate on future bullish moves.
Before I invest time writing the steps, let me know in the comments if you’re interested in that type of content. If there is enough excitement, I’ll update the rest of the post. Feel free to subscribe and let me know what you would like me to try or document. In the meantime, here is a screenshot of it running on my iPad, for your viewing pleasure : ) …
Hi folks, it’s been a while since I last wrote on my blog. I’ve been eyeing a topic of interest to me and thought it might help somebody. I have found an interesting article on managing my acid reflux—a Simple Exercise to Strengthen the Lower Esophageal Sphincter and Eliminate Gastroesophageal Reflux: An Autobiographical Case Report. I reached out to Eric Karrfalt to see if he could provide a picture of the setup. However, he never got back to me. Anyway, I practiced the setup for about a year, and I did notice my acid reflux going away.
Meanwhile, I visited the ENT a few times, and he noted that my inflammation had subsided. I’m not a medical professional, and it’s a personal account of how I worked on my well-being. Please consult a medical professional before attempting the steps outlined below.
How I Solved Acid Reflux?
After carefully reviewing the autobiographical case report, I realized that it’s about resistance training, specifically for the esophageal tube connecting to the stomach. The idea is to keep the head below my stomach in a kneeling posture. (I’ll have a diagram below) Then kneel on a platform while eating your meal. My favorite time is during breakfast because I set myself up with Oatmeal.
I curated a list of my top ingredients for Oatmeal
While visiting my ENT, he recommended I use mint chocolate rescue after eating to prevent acid from coming up. I tried both techniques together and saw restorative results. If you found the experience helpful, let me know if it helped you feel better throughout the day.
Exploring Windows 8.1 Pro on My Old Sandy Bridge i7
Performance Insights: Faster Than Windows 11
The last few weeks were about exploring Windows 8.1 Pro. My goal was to see if I could get my good old Sandy Bridge i7 fully engaged with the Sabertooth Z77 motherboard. After some time, I installed all the drivers after much trial and error. Upon initial installation, I noticed that the operating system runs faster than Windows 11.
Lucid Virtu Universal MVP and iGPU Experimentation
Yes, I know, Windows is super old, but it runs so nicely with my old computer. Also, I got to toy around with Lucid GPU to CPU (iGPU), but I wasn’t sure if it had any impact because I’m running an RTX 3060 Ti OC. I accomplished a modest overclock of 4.6 using Liquid Metal thermo solution.
Successful Software Installations: Obsidian and Git
More recently, I became fascinated with Obsidian, Git, Open Broadcaster, OpenDeck, and Stream Deck. I wanted to see if it was possible to install all of them successfully on Windows 8.1 Pro. The challenge was finding the correct version that allows the installer to do its job. Obsidian was locked at 1.1.16, but worked nicely with most of my plugins. Surprisingly, the release is from 2023. I was impressed that the team supported Windows 8.1 for so long. Meanwhile, GIT installed perfectly without any tweaks.
Moving to OBS and Stream Deck, I faced many issues. Especially getting them to talk to each other. OBS has a script that allows me to connect via sockets. However, BarRaider’s OBS Tools don’t work on version 27. What’s worse, using the hotkey trick with OBS is not effective because the program has to be in focus.
I ended up going to Gemini AI and asking it to write me a Python script to communicate with the sockets. The goal was to switch scenes. I created two batch files with commands that called my Python script. It took a while, but I successfully got the OpenDeck to use “Run Command”, engaging OBS.
Meanwhile, OBS and Elgato Stream Deck software are locked to an older version and require me to extract the files from the installer and manually copy them. I used a GitHub repository called ElgatoLegacy. Afterwards, I had to copy over a few DLLs, and boom, the program runs with its default programs. However, installing plugins isn’t easy. Since the Elgato community moved to the online marketplace, it no longer supports my old version.
Eventually, I got both Stream Deck, OpenDeck, and OBS working. I was so thrilled that I could fully engage my old hardware and live stream or record while using my favorite tools. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any thoughts or ideas.
I needed to create a concept with no background in the idea. I spoke out loud during a presentation at a meetup event. I realized I was lowering my standard by not writing a concept short for the illustration I was to draw.
Below, I left you the concept write-up and a YouTube short. The video is 30 seconds long, and the reading is exciting, but I’ll let you be the judge of that.
Village Of Cantor
Once upon a time, a boy appeared in a scene where he ended up in front of a broken-up walled castle. He flew in via Crayaw—a distinct creation found in the depths of Zupa.
Upon first sight of his landing, he noted a view of the castle from a hill. He saw farmland being worked by the village people of Cantor. The village mainly smelled of horses and pigs. He thought to himself as his stomach became hungry. He should come down and explore the estate.
While approaching the castle gates, he is greeted by two large guards holding spears of light. He comes closer with his hands open so as not to alarm the guards but to show loving-kindness and safe passage.
~ The End
The Village of Zupa in the Cantor region was brought to you by the Imaginative Illustrators of NYC. We are an artistic bunch meeting over Zoom to create art pieces while chit-chatting.
I’m getting an immense feeling with the new format for draw hands! Also, I think I’ll use this format in my new stories!
Draw Hands what you’ll learn?
Diet Plan
Process of drawing hands
Filling different parts of the hand for understanding
Organize folders
Importance of a schedule
Host
Myself, Hi, Masters, you can call me Vye. Also, for now, I’m a conceptual artist & full-stack computer specialist. Under the name of Vyacheslav Kantor, I can tell you already delighted. 🙂
Hi Masters, today, I did a study on a two-point perspective while streaming on Instagram. More importantly, I wanted to improve my skills in the area, and I wanted to see if live broadcasting is a fun way to teach myself. Interestingly, I streamed at home in my NYC apt in my cozy office space. Also, I don’t have any plans on a set schedule yet, as I’m experimenting and seeing if I love it. Finally, if you are an artist looking to grow your skills in perspective drawing, then you will find downloadable content at the end of the post.
Broken Lamps came to existence because I wanted to express my existing rocky relationship with my Mooncake in hopes of stability. Also, I created the piece when I traveled to Calgary and Banff. Besides, I pictured the Canadian Rockies in the background to show context and my trip to the mountains. Finally, I’m sharing it with you because I’m curious about what you see and feel.
About three months ago, my colleague and I worked on a game called ‘Unnamed Game,’ and I wanted to update you on the Unnamed Game progress. It’s good to know what you will need to work on when developing a game because it will prevent mistakes in the development cycle. For instance, the need to build and design a state engine for objects. Also, the desire to experiment with 3D mesh and animation objects in 3D Unity. Later on, I will present the video of the progress, and throughout, I will share images of the game progress.
The making of The Unnamed Game
Unnamed Game Progress is Straightforward When tests are simple!
The advantage of testing simple 3D models have a better chance of getting you to create your game. In particular, you will come to understand that the learning curve for rigging and animating is tight. For example, you will need to spend hours tweaking the dope sheet while the modal is in pose mode. However, you have options to purchase tooling, such as Auto Rig Pro – an all-in-one solution to rig characters, re-target animations, and provide FBX export for Unity and Unreal Engine. You might wonder why you even need animation in your scenes? Would you prefer your modals to drag across the screen or have a walk cycle? Never the less, it’s essential to try all options such as modeling and rigging yourself or purchasing a plugin to aid you on your journey.
Textured Cube
3D model of egg
3d model chicken poop close up
medium close up on Rooster
Experiments with 3D Objects in Blender and Unity
Creating small unit tests within Blender and importing to Unity 3D will help you succeed in creating your game! In other words, in the Unnamed Game Progress report, the challenge of getting the ball meant, I needed to relearn the Dope Sheet. In particular, you will need to know how to set keys and create smooth transitions between frames. Also, the animated snake was no different in difficulty level. For example, I recommend you learn weight painting and working with bones. Also, animating a cube, my goal was to see how rotation and scaling will behave in Unity 3D. Finally, I discovered from all my testing that the majority of the issues were location-based, or the coordinates were not correctly mapped between Unity 3D and Blender.
Testing Models
Unnamed Game Progress: State Engine
The benefits of implementing a state engine have the potential to get your game in the hands of a gamer. Also, in the Unnamed Game Progress story, organized code is easier to maintain. For example, we had to come up with a way to interact with other objects, see Pluggable AI With Scriptable Objects. Further, we quickly got documentation by using a formal coding pattern. In particular, we were able to define transitions and states in an excel document. Also, it made it easier to interact with other objects. Nevertheless, the negative we found is the increase in complexity. Based on what is said above, such as easy documentation, organized code, and smooth interaction, we can conclude that using state engines is a great benefit.
State Engine
Do you want a demo?
You know!? Try the game out and stuff 🙂
A happy new year for new folks joining, and thank you for reading Unnamed Game Progress! Also, I asked my co-worker if he wanted to release a demo of the game for you all to try, but I think I need a bit more convincing! If you guys want to try the demo, please post in the comments below how badly you want it!
My colleague and I decided to team up together to build a Unnamed game. Also, I want to share the experience with you because I believe it will help you when you design a game or idea. Jumping right in, he will focus on coding in Unity, and I will help with Art direction. Meanwhile, we don’t have a name for the game, hence Unnamed Game. However, we are gathering resources for inspiration. For example, we are collaborating on Google Drive, Team Foundation Server, and Pinterest.
Drive
Google Drive for Unnamed Game
3D Unity Game
We discovered the animated character assets in the 3D Unity Store. Afterword, we imported a file type called FBX. For instance, It’s a file that contains animation, mesh, and bones. However, I didn’t go online to look it up. We imported the sucker into Blender. Then hit a few keys and saw the object move and come to life.
Excited to work in Blender
The thrill of making unnamed game inspired me to continue to work on Blender and watch a tutorial on making the low poly character. Also, the tutorial is called Complete Beginners Guide to Blender 2.8 if you need a refresher on Blender. Earlier, we were working for a few weeks in Unity. My colleague will continue to work in Unity. Hopefully, I will join him in developing.
Tyler Editing in Unity 3D
How we get inspired?
During the prototype phase, it’s essential to come up with lots of ideas and not throw them out right away. For example, I created a Pinterest board for us to organize our thoughts in sections. While I can’t share the board, you can check out my other Pinterest boards. Additionally, the pins set up in a category. For instance, world, maps, and towns are good examples to search to get inspiration for your game. However, it is essential to try to focus on a time zone in history because your search is going to be massive.
Unnamed Game Tyler Gathering the Troops
Not the end
Thank you for reading the Unnamed Game. Also, if you have a project that you feel excited about, please share it with us in the comments. Similarly, if you’re interested in following our updates? Please subscribe to the blog by clicking the blue ribbon the bottom right. Additionally, please join the conversation below. As promised, I put together an article for you to spark your creativity, check out Fall Harvest: How to get inspiration?
Hello Masters, today I want to share an original, thoughtful way you can improve your blog writing with an interview with Shawn aka Dronstad. I’ve struggled with writing every post. Also, I looked online for guidance, but haven’t found a clear way to help me write better. To make it exciting and fun, I asked a fellow community man whom some of you know and love, who possess vast experience and published many posts and stories. The crucial questions will guide us on a journey to learn how to write a novel, unlock an angle of approach to the subject, give your article purpose and build original detail. Please join me for an interview in Q and A form with Shawn from Dronstadblog. In the end, I will include how you can support or follow him.
Dronstad
Q&A Interview with Shawn Dronstad Blog
What do you want to tell your readers or which central question do you want to answer?
The moral of the story varies from text to text. Mostly I try to show the bad, to highlight the good in the next scene. Sometimes I leave the bad, so people can see how bad things can be.
I do this thing covertly, not presented at first glance. You don’t tell a reader “Murder is bad,” you tell him the story and show him why murder is bad. And why am I telling that?
If you show it in a way a reader can relate to, the reader will revisit his morals, think about it, try to defend the other side even he doesn’t support it and after that, he will make a conclusion that ‘murder’ is atrocious.
I want my reader to think, to participate in the story and possibly find an answer to his problem, grow with his moral standing and eventually become a better person after reading my story. In the end, that is the ultimate purpose of a writer.
Shawn is making his own illustrations for the stories posted on his Patreon. He does the custom stories and illustrations for his Patrons. My personal favorite story is Dad’s Old Blaster.
What’s the purpose of your article?
Tell a story, say something deep, thoughtful, powerful, encouraging. Make a reader search for the truth in the text, make him chase the fragments and complete the puzzle.
Train someone’s mind, challenge his convictions, insult them on the intellectual level and leave him struggling. When they overcome the problem I gave them, they can feel like a hero who has killed a giant.
What do you want your readers to do at the end of the page?
I think I answered this already. I’ll simplify it. I want my readers to think while I entertain them. It is a fun brain exercise, but with a deeper meaning when sub-conscience kicks in.
Reevaluate your standing point, challenge yourself with a different perspective, develop empathy, evoke sympathy for the enemy, understand the different point of view, grow as a person and become a better man tomorrow.
What unique perspective do you bring?
I try to implement something from my life and the situations I’ve been through or my imagination on how things should have happened. I try to show the unpopular opinion in a relatable way.
My prime goal is firstly to shock my reader by giving him an extraordinary situation and slowly point the way out of that situation, so every story is a journey on itself.
He began posting audio versions of his stories on his YouTube channel. He is doing everything by himself.
Where are the genuinely original details in your story?
It comes in the form of scenery, world-building, the surroundings and the lore I am building within the story. After that, I introduce a character, a person to the story, a piece of reality, someone who will be a guide for the reader through the story.
Also, the motive to the story is something that is purely fictional, therefore original and new. Every story I make is supposed to rely on a rarely explored topic, taboo topics, exotic suggestion and scary thought of something potentially dangerous like war, terrorism, violence, sex, mental issues, confrontation with the law, government, society, etc.
Which elements of your experience couldn’t be in anyone else’s story?
Hmm, that is hard to describe, because I am not able to say what other people have experienced. Many people went through a situation I haven’t, and there are situations that I went through that many can’t imagine happening to them.
I speak about war, conflict, violence and strange places where you can find humanity. To my analysis, the world is yin and yang (light in the dark, dark in light, good in bad, and bad is good).
I’ve been through 5 wars, civil wars and a tough period of transition from Communism to Socialism, to Democracy and the process of Balkanization (look up the term). I was a child when chaos consumed my country, and I grew up through ruble.
In no way do I claim I am an expert on these topics. However, I think I have a somewhat better understanding of what has happened to this part of the world. I do restrain myself to my personal opinion and point of view, and so I critique the society and politics with my own developed comprehension on these topics.
Now, to all of this, what I can say is that you should try answering these questions yourself and see where do you stand. Define your goals and then make the route you want to take.
Set up the checkpoints, but make them close to where are you now in life so that you can reach them. That way you’ll get moving, slowly in the beginning, but you’ll be a step away from where you were yesterday. And then, all you need to do is to work on your way up in the world. It is that simple.
Thank you for joining the interview with Shawn Dronstad!
Masters, we are at the end of the interview with Shawn Dronstad, but it doesn’t need to end here. You can follow his blog, Twitter and his latest stories on his Patreon. Also, if you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate and ask and we will answer them. If you are interested reading more about Dronstad, please check out Steam Dreams.
Today I want to tell you about my Rothko abstract painting contest experience. AIso, I want to share what I felt during the contest. More importantly, I want to bestow the technique on to you. Finally, in the end, I will share the location of the submissions.
Experience The Rothko Abstract Painting
I’ll start by saying I know little about the artist Mark Rothko. It wasn’t until the contest that I learned to see with new eyes. What the heck does that mean? During my college years, I took a few art classes, but I cared little about history. So what? Well, Rothko was different, and it’s worth checking his works. Why? Yo bloggers, I’m pretty sure you love it when people comment on your blogs right? Rothko paintings made people cry! Okay, so the point is I wanted to figure out how to do that with my art.
Did I cry?
During my commute from and to work, Rothko abstract painting made it to my sketchbook. For two fantastic weeks, it was spent on drawing eleven works of art. At first, I felt calm and collected. Boring! From an artist point of view, I pulled in the golden ratio and rule of thirds (you will see in the first few images). Yes, I know mechanical. No crying yet! What changed? Nothing until I dragged myself on YouTube to learn why people love this guy? To be honest, the crying started in the third image.
Golden Ratio Rothko Abstract Painting Contest
Golden Ratio R2 Abstract Painting Contest
Humanoid In Grass fields Rothko Abstract Painting Contest
“The Rothko theory, in short, is that even the most simple abstract art can sell for millions because the artists emotions are captures in every brush stroke.”
Neil Fontaine
Interestingly, I learned that Rothko’s installations had a significant impact on pulling people and caging their minds. Also, I learned that he piles on colors with loads of paint thinner. As a result, the colors bleed into each other, making the painting move.
Final Thoughts
Well, you made it this far! As a reward, here is the page for the submitted art pieces for the abstract painting contest. Also, what I chose for the submission and runner-up! Feel free to comment or critique in any way.
Who is watching Runner-up Rothko Abstract Painting Contest
There is not every day you want to be a writer. Therefore, I’m writing to let you know that I drew something incredible. Plus, I know you’re expecting a 🐓 tease. Furthermore, Dronstad contacts me about his nightmare and asks me to do a picture for him. And that’s it. Therefore, I signed up; he gave me the details. It’s about a single chap looking out towards the sky.
Furthermore, death is looming over the crusted ground. Above the horizon, I filled it with clouds and strikes of lightning, far enough for the man to see and stretch his shadow. Besides, on the left side, you will find an old house with junk lying near it. Then, I started on May 5th and finished on June 6th. Finally, if you are interested in reading it, please visit The Nightmare on his blog. Next, I speak about art creation.
Dronstad Nightmare: Behind the Scenes
We exchanged details over Twitter, and I copied them into Google Keep. During my commute to work, I referenced them as I continued to draw the Horror.
The storm is too far away for him to feel the moisture of it. You can make the storm a thin line on the horizon. That would be the best depiction of what I wrote in the story. :D You only need to make the clouds look like blisters, like unrefined cotton that blossoms in the far. And blur everything in between the clouds and the land. There you can add dots and lines of the thunderstorm.
Feedback from Dronstad Nightmare
Notes on Nightmare
Final Thoughts and Behind the Scene Pictures
That is pretty much the end of the nightmare. I saw this picture in my head, and I draw it as you will soon see. I illustrated many iterations of it until Dronstad was happy. You might be interested in reading Steam Dreams because Dronstad wrote a story about another art piece I had drawn for him. Also, you can check my story about the making of Steam Dreams.
