Nativity scene in Redwood City

Reading the newspaper last week led me to a nice adventure last night. Tapestry Church in Redwood City has built a model of Bethlehem 2011 years ago and they would be showing it for 3 days ending this past Friday night.

As a Jew, raised Orthodox, I have never been to a nativity scene. Not even a small one. As this seemed like a good time, I chose to go to this nativity scene with my girlfriend. We got there around 7, considering it was open from 6 - 9:30 we thought this to be a good time to get there. We were surprised by the length of the lines of people waiting to get in. The line went about 5 blocks. We were disappointed. We were hungry. We were cold.

After parking, and getting over there, and trying to figure out the logistics of Ann holding the line while I got her heavier coat from the car, and me holding the line while she got some food, we were suddenly distracted by a troupe of Roman soldiers coming our way. At almost the tail end of the line, we stood watching the soldiers as they looked at all of us. Then the captain of this group came over to Ann and decided she would make a good wife for one of his grunts. Naturally I went in to take her back! That was it, we were now being fast-tracked to the front of the line. We actually tried to leave the group at first so we wouldn't lose our spot! Luckily one of the soldiers explained what was happening. This was how we skipped the whole line and got into the nativity scene really quickly.

Once inside, I was surprised to see a menorah lit with 4 candles. We also saw lots of stands (old style wooden shacks) with hebrew signs. מאפייה, פירות וירקות, נגר בניין, קדר, ומיון כיתיכם. They had some 'Jews' each wearing a Tallit, and discussing or possibly teaching Torah. Of course as you moved on, you started to see less Jewish things. There were lots of animals there. All tame (I wonder how they keep them so tame...). Then of course we saw the Nativity Scene! That was a site to see.

There was a row of angels, about 15 or so all standing from end to end over a manger. And of course one lead angel on the top with wings and a very angelic outfit. Inside the manger were the usual participants. The baby would be Jesus, and the rest of them, I'm not really sure. I guess Mary and then perhaps the disciples? That was quite a sight.

I can't see myself attending many more of these, but for a one-time look, it was quite entertaining. Definitely worthwhile seeing.

x220t fingerprint reader driver update

UPDATE: Apparently Lenovo has not found it worthwhile to fix the fingerprint reader software... Still misses some of the times. On those occasions you must input your password

It looks like Lenovo has finally updated the fingerprint software. Given that the fingerprint reader was intermittent, an update is very welcome.

Technically it looks like this reader software is more reliable. This has to do with the weird way the old reader software would have to overtake the default logon screen, and the length of time it would take to be ready. This new software looks smoother and better written.

32 bit:
http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc/pccbbs/thinkvantage_en/fpr_595_7038_32ww.exe

64 bit:
http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc/pccbbs/thinkvantage_en/fpr_595_7038_64ww.exe
Enjoy

Issues discussed:

x220t - fingerprint reader not working / broken

More new drivers for x220t

Lenovo's new site is very frustrating!!! But here are the new drivers:

New Ricoh Multi Card Reader Driver:
http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc/pccbbs/mobiles/8ass82ww.exe
Thinkpad Monitor INF File:
http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc/pccbbs/mobiles/79oi26ww.exe
Intel Wireless LAN:
http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc/pccbbs/mobiles/8aw212ww.exe

alternate solution to x220t microphone problem

This solves the broken microphone issue on the x220t. When it is not working, try these steps, and let me know if it solves the problem for you as it does for me. I am using the latest Conexant driver from Lenovo version 8.32.23.0.

Open the registry.
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E96C-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}\0000\Settings

(If you don't have this key, then it might be different on your system. Search for "AppsUpdates" to try to locate the correct path.)

Under Plugins\Capture\LFX, rename the key {70306ef0-7851-11dc-8314-0800200c9a66} to {70306ef0-7851-11dc-8314-0800200c9a66}.old

Under OEM, rename AppsUpdates to AppsUpdates.old, Flags2 to Flags2.old, and Flags3 to Flags3.old

Reboot

The Flags2 and Flags3 keys cause AppsUpdates to be created with this value: F8 00 0C 00. This value causes some of the input and output devices to be hidden.

The Plugin that I am commenting out is related to ForteMedia.

I am guessing that the Flags2 and Flags3 options were created to be compatible with ForteMedia. I am guessing again that the device that remains is either the wrong one, or ForteMedia is causing it to crash.

Hope this enlightens someone who can actually fix the Conexant driver....

Lenovo updated drivers

Lenovo has sadly created a new website for Thinkpad updates. This site sucks.

There is a new x220t firmware 1.17, Intel AMT Engine driver, and Hotkeys integration utility. Since the site no longer lists the drivers in order, you have to manually go through the menus. What a pain.

support.lenovo.com

X-Men First Class - Great movie

Highly recommended. Did anyone else see Charles Xavier's image through the really tall wine glass? I could swear that they put Patrick Stewart's image in there... Or I could be imagining things...

BMW March 2011 iDrive Bluetooth issues

I bought a new 2011 BMW 335d back in May of 2011. The car is a superb. I love it. My only issue is with the iDrive system. There are design flaws and functionality issues. The Bluetooth system design is at the top of the list.

Scenario:
A potential client has called you as you're getting to your car. You are talking as your open the door to your new BMW. You get in, and you turn on the car. While you're talking, the iDrive system starts up. The Bluetooth module on the car kicks in and immediately grabs your call. Silence... The iDrive system hasn't yet initialized the microphone or the speakers. Seconds pass. 1.. You fumble with your phone to try and see if the call was dropped. 2.. You try to unlock the phone. 3.. Your scrambling to type your iPhone unlock code in. 5.. You see that the call has been routed to your car's Bluetooth. 6 seconds have passed and your caller has hung up just as the iDrive turns on the microphone and the speakers.

This is what would happen to me. I became trained at keeping my phone unlocked and in my hand whenever I was on the phone and starting my car. I would immediately switch the call back to my phone the moment the car would take the call.

The good news is that the BMW dealer can update the software as they did for me. There are virtually no changes other than a different look for the Bluetooth Active Call dialog, and the fix for this issue.

Glad to see that after lots of pushing and prodding, they finally did something to resolve this.

Laptop moves, everything frozen

The x220t detects movement and protects the hard drive in those situations. So why is the touch screen disabled during that time?  Fairly annoying

x220t firmware update: 1.16

Firmware version 1.16 released. Claims to fix noisy fan.
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=MIGR-77150

Lenovo x220t tablet sleeve (0A33883) review

I ordered the Lenovo tablet sleeve and have had it for a few days now. Tonight was the first time I took the laptop out. Here are my feelings:
The tablet handle and strap are located on the opposite side of the velcro that holds the tablet in. This is the wrong side for the handle! I am constantly worried that the laptop will fall out! Don't buy this if you are as worried as I am about a velcro piece holding the laptop in. All normal cases with a zipper open from the side of the handle and not vice-versa. I might walk by something that hooks onto the velcro and opens the case unintentionally. Argh!
The strap has a shoulder pad that is meant to go on the shoulder, except the piece doesn't reach the shoulder unless the strap is lengthened. It has to do with where the strap buckle on the adjustable strap is located in relation to the shoulder pad.

My opinion is to pass on this piece of junk. I can't tell you well useful it is as a tablet holder because I can't get past how stupid it is as a carrying case.

Getting your x220T to work

If you are having stability problems with your x220t, then perhaps this will help you:

I have found that downloading updated drivers helps to fix many of the issues.
Go here for drivers:
www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/product.do?template=/product.do?template=%2Fproductpage%2Flandingpages%2FproductPageLandingPage.vm&sitestyle=lenovo&brandind=10&familyind=595437&machineind=609389&modelind=609780&partnumberind=0&subcategoryind=0&doctypeind=9&doccategoryind=0&operatingsystemind=49979&validate=true

Install the BIOS too, but follow the directions!

I cannot use the Conexant audio driver as that kills the microphone, remove the Conexant driver if you have the same issue, the Windows standard driver works fine for now. Please post a comment if you have the same issue. I also had problems with the power button not being able to put the machine to sleep (yes I set everything correctly). The only solution I found to that was to completely uninstall power management driver, shutdown, and then reboot and reinstall the power management driver. This fixed it.

I have not had a crash or freeze since. The only problem that seems to occur is the random disappearance of the trackpad/trackpoint when resuming from sleep / tablet mode, and the inexplicable death of the fingerprint reader. Currently I have uninstalled the ultranav driver and utility. At least now I have a working trackpoint and trackpad.

It is sad that Lenovo doesn't work more on their drivers before releasing the laptop to the public.

Hope this helps you.

Issues discussed:

x220t - mics / microphone not working / broken

x220t - power button not working / broken

x220t - trackpoint / trackpad not working / broken

Active rotate! That's how to do it.

So it took me a week to notice, but you can make the X220t rotate automatically. Just go to the control panel and open the Lenovo tablet control utility. Then enable active rotate. Voila!

The uselessness of LinkedIn recommendations

Disclaimer: I am on a long-term contract with NXP so I am not unemployed... Thankfully :)

I remember when I first came back to the US from Israel and I thought finding work would be easy. I figured a few quick calls and interviews would get me a contract or a job. This was actually tougher than I expected. I didn't have security clearance and most of the jobs in the DC area are security related. All high level jobs there expect you to have high level security clearances. Being unemployed (by choice) made it even tougher. Here's where I thought LinkedIn would help me.

I contacted my old employees from my previous work in Israel. I got a huge response from them, and I posted 10+ recommendations from my colleagues and friends. My recommendations are glowing, not just glowing but long and expansive and descriptive, and overwhelmingly positive. None of these recommendations were quid-pro-quo. I thought this would open may doors for me.

Nothing happened. Almost no-one cared. The recommendations counted for nothing. It is sad that this is still the current state of affairs.

Thankfully I have generated an excellent reputation with my current co-workers and recruiters, so I am happy that I don't need to rely on LinkedIn recommendations anymore.

Fixed power button and mouse issues

The default configuration has the power button putting the computer to sleep. This didn't work. The settings were all correct, and my attempts to regain this functionality failed. What fixed it was removing the power management software and driver, rebooting, and reinstalling them.

My trackpoint and touchpad also decided not to work. They worked fine before I logged in, but as soon as I swiped my fingerprint and the desktop loaded, the mouse stopped working. The touchscreen still worked fine. To fix this I also removed, rebooted, and then reinstalled the ultranav software and driver.

Lenovo weekend tech support woes

I have been using the x220t for a few days now. Five finger gestures is a nice feature of this laptop. I discovered them by playing around with the touchscreen. Lenovo has no complete list of supported five finger gestures. I searched their website and the user guides.

Calling technical support to find this information was almost a waste of time. The first agent who I asked the question to responded by saying technical support is only for hardware repair. She told me to call sales, as they are aware of all the features of the laptop. My girlfriend was in the car with me, and was as disgusted as I was.

I called sales mentioning what tech support said, and luckily I got a sweet sales agent named Tammi. She clarified the situation, and assured me that tech support DOES support the system, including answering my questions.

Second time around, I got another tech support agent who opened up a new request. I asked him what five finger gestures were supported, and he found this website:

http://www.jessebandersen.com/2011/04/lenovo-thinkpad-x220-tablet-two-four.html

I am surprised that Lenovo has no information about these gestures on their website.

Lenovo releases driver updates for x220t

Suffering through a variety of quirks, bugs, and freezes, I checked back on Lenovo's site. Yesterday they issued a range of updated drivers for the x220t. Amongst the updates you will find a new BIOS, updated Power Management, updates for trackpoint, touchscreen and touchpad, and many other things.

x220t after a day or two

Here's my impressions after a couple days.

Solid build. Great keyboard. Still not completely used to the touchscreen with pen or finger... Less accurate than I'd like, but I suspect I have to get better at using it.

Forced power off two times so far. First time during shutdown the system wouldn't turn off, had to hold power button to force it off. Second time in Windows when the screen went blank. I did not switch it to an alternate screen, or do anything like that. It was the result of attempting to put the computer to sleep using the power button, and then pressing the other two screen buttons a few times.

The system has also powered up without the trackpoint or touchpad working, but this was prior to the full set of system updates and windows updates installed.

Power button is incapable of putting the system to sleep or doing anything other than forcing a power off. I hope this is a software bug. Of course I checked the power settings, and even tried to set the power button to hibernate which didn't work.

Camera seems to work and is as grainy as expected for below 1 megapixel resolution.

Fingerprint reader can recognize a fingerprint regardless of the direction of the swipe. Very nice.

The system is NOT silent. It is by no means noisy. Stand five feet away and I'm sure you couldn't possibly hear it, but sit right next to it, and it does make a low hum. I have the i7, so it is possible that an i5 or i3 might be quieter or even cause the fan to turn off occasionally.

Handwriting recognition still has a lot to be desired; I'm hoping to get better at writing in a way that makes it more seamless.

The tools that Lenovo provides for configuring the pen and tablet mode are very primitive looking. I am not sure why the developers couldn't make nice looking UIs as existed in the past. The pen tablet allows you to configure a pen that has 2 side buttons... whereas the pen that came with the system has only one side button.

The tablet is pretty light, but of course you can't comfortably hold it up with one hand and type / tap on it with the other. But it is definitely light.

The screen rotates only to the left. It allows all four orientations of the desktop on the screen. Allows you to hold the laptop in any mode in whichever direction you'd like.

More to come...

Got my Lenovo X220t - first impressions

I was surprised to see how light the laptop is. It has a clear screen, and a full size keyboard.

The touchscreen: works well so far. I have managed to write with the pen, although it is something you have to learn how to do. I will slowly build up proficiency at using the gestures and writing in a way that allows the software to more easily recognize the letters.

There are usability bugs.. The laptop screen has gotten stuck in tablet direction even though it was in laptop mode. What that means is that the screen was upside down. Putting it back into tablet mode (flipping the screen), and then turning it back to laptop mode didn't help. Finally after hitting the portrait button, and then hitting it again it switched back to laptop mode.

Next time I booted it up, I didn't have a trackpad or touchpad... I am assuming all of this will be fixed with the System Update run. I have chosen to install all driver updates.

I will blog more as time goes on.

Windows 7. Seriously?

I am a power user of Windows. I like to fly around windows explorer and applications, and I do not want to take time to find where I'm going. I want things to be where I want them to be, and I want to be able to access them quickly. Here's where Windows 7 was supposed to make life easier.

Taskbar icons that can be reordered! Woot! That is wonderful, right?

Wrong.

I must insult the team at Microsoft that architected / designed / implemented this. It's as if their brains were on hold while they did this.

I've opened IE and Chrome. How difficult or important is it for me that IE be before or after Chrome. In all honesty, I can see the icon and quickly access the one I want. Windows 7 allows you to reorder them. Very nice.

I've opened three Chrome applications. They all have the same icon. I must read the name of each one, or look at the thumbnail more clearly to see which instance I want. Wouldn't it be nice if I could reorder those? Yes, that would be wonderful. But alas, Microsoft has deemed the reordering of instances of an application impossible!

Is there anyone who designed this who understands what they are doing?

This situation is most frustrating when working on multiple projects. I have a folder called 'hdl' under multiple projects. I work on multiple projects at once. I keep the 'hdl' folder open on each project at the same time. With Windows XP, I could interleave my 'hdl' folders on the taskbar, with my 'gvim' instances. So I would have on the taskbar:
'hdl' 'gvim' 'hdl' 'gvim'
The first 'hdl' and 'gvim' belong to project A, and the second 'hdl' and 'gvim' belong to project B.
Of course in Windows XP I had to create this arrangement manually. That is why I was looking forward to Windows 7.

In Windows 7, I can't create this arrangement. I would've happily given up on this requirement if at least I could order the instances. But I can't. Even if you choose to 'not combine' taskbar instances, they are still forcibly grouped together without the ability to reorder the instances.

For the first time since Windows came out, I have been forced to use an after-market application to enable me to work efficiently. Since I would encourage Microsoft to fix this, for those who are interested, it is called "7 Taskbar Tweaker".

I would much prefer to use Window's jump lists, and thumbnail previews, and all that jazz. But I can't because I can't reorder the thumbnails.

Allow thumbnails to be reordered!
Allow application instances to not be grouped together!
Perhaps even make it possible to detach an instance (like Chrome does with tabs).