Scenic Radio

Changes At Scenic Radio

2008-10-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

We have implemented several changes and completed the transition to the new video service provider. Is is our hope that the changes will provide a more pleasing experience to you the viewer.

We gladly welcome any comments or suggestions that you may have regarding this changes at Scenic Radio.

Enjoy !

Photographs Of Sun Rises and Sun Sets.

2008-09-15T19:16:00.000-07:00

Enjoy these beautiful pictures of sun rises and sun sets.

Photographed by Jon Sullivan

Photographed by Jon Sullivan

Photographed by Jon Sullivan

Photographed by Jon Sullivan

Scenic Radio In Print

2008-08-18T18:23:00.000-07:00

Using Graphic Interfaces To Control Unix Operating Systems.

The use of the text based command line for running applications or configuring computer systems can be a daunting task. Special commands must be used which may require additional modifiers to invoke the desired computer function. Both Desktop Environments and Windows Mangers provide a graphical method for users to control and configure a Unix operating system, without the need for using text based command line control. Graphical user interfaces eliminate the tedious memorization of text based commands.

Desktop environments are graphic interfaces that provide user control and configuration of a computer operating system in addition to installed applications. The graphic interface generally consist of menus, icons and background desktop images. It also allows users to manipulate items with the drag and drop function or use the point and click function to execute applications on the desktop itself.

The following are Open Source / Free Desktop Environment packages for the Unix operating systems. ( Linux, OpenBSD, FreeBSD, NetBSD, and Solaris )

These desktop environments provide users with the ability to utilize software developed with various computer languages, and the ability to utilize the software on different computer hardware configurations.

- KDE is based on the Qt 4 programming language and allows applications to be integrated within the desktop. KDE uses the KWin window manager.
- GNOME is based on the GTK+ programming language and allows applications to be integrated within the desktop. Gnome uses the Metacity window manager.
- XFCE is based on the the GTK+ programming language. Xfce uses the Xfwm window manager.
- LXDE does not have applications integrated into the desktop. LXDE uses the Openbox window manager.

The X window manager is an application that controls the function of the X Window System. It can be configured to manage the visual appearance of display windows and control panels. The X window manager also controls how users interact with these graphical interfaces.

The X Window System provides the system resources and software components necessary for the creation of graphical user interfaces (Windows Managers and Desktop Environments).

The following are the most common Open Source / Free Window Manager packages for the Unix operating systems : Linux, OpenBSD, FreeBSD, NetBSD, and Solaris.

These windows managers provide users with the ability to utilize the software on different computer hardware configurations and provide various visual appearance.

- Blackbox is written in C++. It offers support for multiple workspaces.
- Fluxbox is based on Blackbox 0.61.1. It offers minimal support for graphical icons.
- Openbox was originally based on Blackbox 0.65.0. It allows users to utilize applications without a full desktop environment installed.
- Enlightenment can be used as a substitute for a complete desktop environment.
- IceWM was written in C++. It can be configured to recreate the visual appearance of various desktop environments.
- Window Maker provides drag and drop user control in addition to supporting multiple workspaces.
- Sawfish is written with a scripting language that is similar to Lisp. It provides very basic features.
- Metacity is written in GTK+. It was created for use with the Gnome Desktop Environment.
- MWM is based on the Motif toolkit. It does not support desktop icons or multiple workspaces.
- FVWM is based on TWM. It provides the ability to display a 3D visualization ( similar to MWM ) and supports basic multiple workspace.
- AfterStep was originally based on FVWM and was designed to provide a NextStep themed appearance.
- CTWM is based on TWM. It provides rudimentary GNOME desktop support and multiple workspaces.

Text based command line configuration and control can provide a comprehensive method for daily computer management and operation. Unfortunately, users are required to know the necessary unique commands and their unique structure that must be used. Graphical user interfaces alleviate that requirement and make the use of a computer both simple and effective.

Scenic Radio Publishing

2008-08-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

A Thin Ghost And Others
Public Domain ghost short stories by Montague Rhodes James.

You can click on the left hand button to get a full screen view of the document.

A Thin Ghost And Others - Upload a Document to Scribd

Photographs Of Outdoor Scenery

2008-08-03T17:36:00.000-07:00

Enjoy these beautiful pictures of outdoor scenery.

Photographed by Jon Sullivan

Photographed by Jon Sullivan

Photographed by Paolo Neo

Photographed by Jon Sullivan

New Video Host Provider Planned

2008-07-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

Scenic Radio will be switching the movie channels to another video host provider in the next month. This will enable Scenic Radio to continue to concentrate on providing the best of Public Domain and Open Source programming to our viewers.

We welcome any comments or suggestions you may have.

Scenic Radio Publishing

2008-07-21T18:13:00.000-07:00

Present At A Hanging And Other Ghost Stories.
Public Domain ghost short stories by Ambrose Bierce.

You can click on the left hand button to get a full screen view of the document.

Present At A Hanging And Other Ghost Stories - Upload a Document to Scribd

Just Say No To Microsoft

2008-07-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

Resources for Ubuntu Linux Users.

Ubuntu Linux - www.ubuntu.com

Download the latest stable versionf of Ubuntu - www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

Official Ubuntu community forums - www.ubuntuforums.org

A community guide for administering and configuring the latest version of Ubuntu linux - www.ubuntuguide.org

Free Ubuntu magazine - www.fullcirclemagazine.org

Free Ubuntu video guides - www.ubuntuvideo.com

Official debian package linux software repository - packages.debian.org/stable/

A community repository for debian package linux software - www.getdeb.net

Medibuntu (Multimedia, Entertainment & Distractions In Ubuntu) is a repository of packages that cannot be included into the Ubuntu distribution for legal reasons (copyright, license, patent, etc). - www.medibuntu.org

Wine
This is an Open Source implementation of the Windows API on top of X, OpenGL, and Unix. Think of Wine as a compatibility layer for running Windows programs. - www.winehq.org

PlayOnLinux
This is a python-based frontend (with bash install scripts) to install windows programs in Wine. - www.playonlinux.com/en/

Ubuntu " Helper " software

Envy
This is an application for Ubuntu Linux and Debian written in Python and PyGTK which will:
1) detect the model of your graphic card (only ATI and Nvidia cards are supported) and install the appropriate driver. However automatic detection can be overridden with the "Manual installation"
2) install the right driver for your card and all the required dependencies
3) configure the Xserver for you
albertomilone.com/nvidia_scripts1.html

Ubuntu Tweak
This is a tool that lets you change hidden Ubuntu settings, for example: hide or change the splash screen, show or hide the Computer, Home, Trash, and Network icons, change Metacity, Nautilus, power management, and security settings, etc. Currently Ubuntu Tweak is available only for the Ubuntu GNOME desktop, i.e., it will not work on Kubuntu or Xubuntu.
www.ubuntu-tweak.com

Photographs Of Flowers

2008-07-08T17:29:00.000-07:00

Enjoy these beautiful pictures of flowers.

Photographed By : Magnus Rosendahl

Photographed By : Jon Sullivan

Photographed By : Magnus Rosendahl

Photographed By : Paolo Neo

Scenic Radio In Print

2008-06-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

This is a self-paced guide that I published for Website Promotion.

You can click on the left hand button to get a full screen view of the document.

Website Promotion - Upload a doc

All Quiet On The Western Front

2008-06-23T18:17:00.000-07:00

Featured film from our playlist.

The film follows a group of German schoolboys, talked into enlisting at the beginning of World War 1 by their jingoistic teacher. The story is told entirely through the experiences of the young German recruits and highlights the tragedy of war through the eyes of individuals. As the boys witness death and mutilation all around them, any preconceptions about "the enemy" and the "rights and wrongs" of the conflict disappear, leaving them angry and bewildered. This is highlighted in the scene where Paul mortally wounds a French soldier and then weeps bitterly as he fights to save his life while trapped in a shell crater with the body. The film is not about heroism but about drudgery and futility and the gulf between the concept of war and the actuality.

www.imdb.com/title/tt0020629/plotsummary

Photographs Of Flowers

2008-06-15T19:16:00.000-07:00

Enjoy these beautiful pictures of flowers.

Cactus - Photographed by Paolo Neo

Buttercup - Photographed by Magnus Rosendahl

Apricot Colored Rose - Photographed by Magnus Rosendahl

African Daisy - Photographed by Jon Sullivan

Scenic Radio In Print

2008-06-08T13:49:00.000-07:00

This is a self-paced guide that I published for Search Engine Optimization.

You can click on the left hand button to get a full screen view of the document.

Search Engine Optimization Guide - Upload a doc

Aces and Eights

2008-06-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

Featured film from our playlist.

Tim Madigan (Tim McCoy), gentleman gambler who never carries a gun, exposes a card sharp cheating Jose Hernandez (Red Lease.) Later, the gambler is shot after being knocked unconscious by Tim. Through circumstances, Jose thinks he did the killing, while Marshal Tom Barstow (Earle Hodgins) thinks Tim is the guilty party.Tim takes refuge at the ranch of Don Hernandez (Joseph Girard) and his daughter Juanita (Luana Walters), not knowing the youth he befriended is the runaway son of the family. Saloon owner Amos Harden (J. Frank Glendon) and gambler Ace Morgan (Wheeler Oakman), who sat in on the card game preceding the murder, are plotting to acquire the Hernandez ranch by means of a forged document. Harassed by the Marshal, who is seeking to unravel the murder mystery, Tim persuades Jose to return home. Tim then wins enough in a poker game with Harden and Morgan to save the Hernandez ranch. He stakes his winnings against Harden's saloon and wins with aces-and-eights, known throughout the West as the hand held by Wild Bill Hickok when he was killed by Jack McCall.

www.imdb.com/title/tt0027255/plotsummary

More Fun Than A Barrel Of Monkeys

2008-05-26T09:29:00.000-07:00

A quick hello to Nena from Macedonia.

The search goes on from the Wild Wonderful World of Compu Nerd In Action ;)

Songza: The Music Search Engine and Internet Juke Box
www.songza.com

Interactive Web Radio
www.musicovery.com

Medibuntu (Multimedia, Entertainment & Distractions In Ubuntu) is a repository of packages that cannot be included into the Ubuntu distribution for legal reasons (copyright, license, patent, etc).
wwww.medibuntu.org

EasyBSD is a modular automation script designed to assist in the extensive post installation process that is required in FreeBSD. The following are modules that are included with EasyBSD, Checks, Update, Security, Networking, Firewall, Recommended Ports, Tips and Tweaks, Daemon, and Universe.
www.fbsd-dev.org/?data=easybsd

Create virtual machines for VMware Player
www.easyvmx.com

Another script for configuring the VMware Player
dcgrendel.thewaffleiron.net/vmbuilder

Offshore Pictures Of The Gulf Coast

2008-05-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

These are some offshore pictures on the Gulf Coast.

All Images Copyright 2008 David Childers

Scenic Radio In Print

2008-05-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

What Is Video Streaming

Video streaming is the process of converting video and audio into a compressed digital format, then distributing the data through computer networks. This compressed data can be more easily delivered using computer networks because of its smaller size. The video and audio can be live or pre-recorded content, and can be continuously streamed or delivered as on demand content.

Internet video streaming is similar to standard television broadcasting. Software is used to convert video and audio into a format that is suitable for delivery using a computer network. Television stations use special hardware to convert video and audio data into a format suitable for broadcasting. Special computer network transport protocols enable the delivery of multimedia content to the end user ( viewer ) versus using broadcast transmitters to send the video and audio content to individual television sets.

The first step in the video streaming process is to digitally compress the audio and video content. This is required to conserve bandwidth that is used for the delivery of the content. Specially developed software applications, called codecs, are used to compress the video and audio data. Codecs use mathematical algorithms to compress the data. Most codecs use a method of data compression known as lossy data compression. This method allows the compression of the content without losing the quality of the original video and audio content. Advanced codecs require large amounts of computer resources for high definition video and audio data compression. A balance must be established between the compression quality, bandwidth consumed and computer resources used. This balance ensures a quality viewing and listening experience for everyone.

The next step is to distribute the encoded video and audio content. Special server software is required for the continuous distribution of multimedia content. This specialized software can be installed and run on various computer operating systems including: Windows, Linux and Macintosh; in addition to several other computer operating systems. Individual files can be distributed using on demand content delivery, without the need for specialized server software. On demand content can be hosted using a standard website account.

The final step is to prepare the compressed content for delivery. The method of data delivery used to transport the content via computer networks is determined by several factors that include: software used for the compression of the audio and video data, architecture of the computer network used for content delivery and end user requirements. Delivery of this data over computer networks uses special software or hardware instructions to route the video and audio content to the end user. Each computer network transport protocol has its own unique characteristics that make it applicable in specific situations. Methods of multimedia data transport include: HTTP, RTSP, IP Multicast and P2P.

No broadcast license or technical certification is required for Internet streaming, unlike a standard television broadcast station. Standard television broadcast stations are required to have a broadcast license and certified broadcast engineers. The only requirements for Internet video streaming are: specialized data delivery server software, special audio and video encoding software and large amounts of bandwidth. Bandwidth is required for the delivery of the video and audio content to the end user. The formula for determining the amount of bandwidth required for video streaming is: Bandwidth required = data encoding speed x number of desired consecutive users.

All multimedia content is subject to applicable intellectual property regulations. These regulations differ from country to country; however the general rule for audio and video content is the station originating the Internet stream must own, or have a license to distribute material that is covered under copyright regulations. Content that has been released under creative commons, public domain or has fallen out of copyright protection is not subject to intellectual property regulations and can be streamed with no special content licensing requirements.

You can view a continuous video stream using a hybrid HTTP transport protocol ( Shoutcast ) here: http://www.scvi.net/tvpls.htm
You can also view a continuous streaming multimedia presentation that uses on demand content delivery here: http://www.scenicradio.com

A Trip to the Moon

2008-05-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

Featured film from our playlist.

At a meeting of astronomers, their president proposes a trip to the Moon. After addressing some dissent, six brave astronomers agree to the plan. They build a space capsule in the shape of a bullet, and a huge cannon to shoot it into space. The astronomers embark and their capsule is fired from the cannon with the help of a bevy of beautiful women in sailors' outfits. The Man in the Moon watches the capsule as it approaches, and it hits him in the eye.

Landing safely on the Moon, the astronomers get out of the capsule and watch the Earth rise in the distance. Exhausted by their journey, the astronomers unroll their blankets and sleep. As they sleep, a comet passes, the Big Dipper appears with human faces peering out of each star, old Saturn leans out of a window in his ringed planet, and Phoebe, goddess of the Moon, appears seated in a crescent-moon swing. Phoebe calls down a snowfall that wakens the astronomers. They seek shelter in a cavern and discover giant mushrooms. One astronomer opens his umbrella; it promptly takes root and turns into a giant mushroom itself.

At this point, a Selenite (an insectoid alien inhabitant of the Moon) appears, but it is easily killed by an astronomer, as the creatures explode if they are hit with a hard force. More Selenites appear and it becomes increasingly difficult for the astronomers to destroy them as they are surrounded. The Selenites arrest the astronomers and bring them to their leader. An astronomer picks the Chief Selenite up off its throne and dashes him to the ground, exploding him.[1]

The astronomers run back to their capsule (continuing to hit the pursuing Selenites on the way). Five get inside. The sixth uses a rope to tip the capsule over a ledge on the Moon and into space. A Selenite tries to seize the capsule at the last minute. Astronomer, capsule, and Selenite fall through space and land in an ocean on Earth. The Selenite falls off and the capsule floats back to the surface, where they are rescued by a ship and towed ashore.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Trip_to_the_Moon

Website Make Over With New Features

2008-04-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

Scenic Radio is finalizing a website make over with some great features and improvements.

Scenic Radio is also gearing up for doing live Internet video broadcasts. You gotta love technology :)

Stay tuned for more details !

Geek Speak Spoken Here

2008-04-21T17:54:00.000-07:00

News from the P2P streaming world.

Peer-to-peer site Mininova has announced a beta test of a service allowing users to stream videos contained within BitTorrents on-the-fly.

The service is powered by the open-source Swarmplayer software which was jointly developed by the Technical University Delf and Free University Amsterdam.

www.bit-tech.net/news/2008/03/21/mininova_trialling_torrent_video_streaming/1

If you have ever wanted to use FreeBSD, but are frustrated with battling numerous configurations, try this easy solution.

( Uses The KDE desktop )
www.pcbsd.org

( Installing Gnome on PCBSD )
faqs.pcbsd.org/index.php?action=artikel&cat=8&id=334&artlang=en

( Installing FreeBSD packages on PCBSD )
docs.pcbsd.org/guide/chap4.1.html

Ubuntu 8.04 set to be released 24 April 08.
www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

SCO's Plan to Rise From the Ashes Flickers Out
www.linuxinsider.com/story/62460.html

Pictures of Cloud Formation

2008-04-14T19:20:00.000-07:00

These are pictures of cloud formations on the Gulf Coast.

All Images Copyright 2008 David Childers

A Bucket of Blood

2008-04-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

Featured film from our playlist.

Walter Paisley, nerdy busboy at a Bohemian café, is jealous of the talent (and popularity) of its various artistic regulars. But after accidentally killing his landlady's cat and covering the body in plaster to hide the evidence, he is acclaimed as a brilliant sculptor - but his new-found friends want to see more of his work. Lacking any artistic talent whatsoever, Walter has to resort to similar methods to produce new work, and soon people start mysteriously disappearing

www.imdb.com/title/tt0052655/plotsummary

Scenic Radio In Print

2008-03-31T19:21:00.000-07:00

Internet Television
Aggregate - Don't Fabricate

A new era of television was predicted in the mid 90's. The "500 Channel" universe was hyped with the promise of TV Channels catering to everyone's tastes. Cable television was able to partially satisfy this desire for diverse content, but was hindered by franchising restrictions and content licensing. Satellite television was able to improve and expand on this concept. Some of the major draw backs with satellite television were the cost of additional equipment, subscription fees, and and signal reception. The introduction of the global internet changed that.

Internet broadcasting provides the ability to distribute multimedia content without geographical limitations or technical licensing requirements. This technology has improved tremendously since it's inception in the early days of the Internet. Hardware and software development has enabled practically any one to have the ability to broadcast multimedia on the Internet.

The negative side of Internet broadcasting is the need for a dedicated computer server that acts as a broadcast transmitter and the need for large amounts of bandwidth for the distribution of multimedia content. Each person that tunes in or watches the Internet video broadcast uses a portion of the server bandwidth.

IP Multicast, peer to peer, and distributed content networks can be used to alleviate the need for large amounts of bandwidth, however, these methods require the installation of specialized software or hardware. The use of some of these technologies also carries some legal risks, such as peer to peer data transfer.

Various Internet companies ( Such as Google Video, YouTube, and Brightcove ) allow individuals, businesses or other groups to submit public domain, creative common, or licensed multimedia content for global distribution. This multimedia can be viewed without having to download it. These Internet video hosts provide the storage and bandwidth required for hosting the material in return for playing advertising prior to showing the featured multimedia. Many of these video hosts offer users the ability to create individual play lists of selected content. These playlists cannot be randomized or embedded on other web pages.

The typical broadcast schedule for over the air television stations consists of pre-recorded video. Live video is used only for news or sports. This concept of a broadcast video playlist can be duplicated on the Internet as well. Random and continuous playlists can be created by using multimedia content hosted by these free video hosting websites with the use of PHP, Java scripting, or specially designed Adobe Flash multimedia players.

These video playlists could be broad based or narrowly defined. The only cost would be obtaining a web hosting account that is PHP enabled. The use of a PHP enabled web host would replace the need for an expensive dedicated computer server that is required for Internet broadcasting. Combining multimedia content from several free video hosts would allow the creation of a very large playlist of virtually unlimited content that could emulate a continuous television broadcast. Banner or contextual advertising can be used to generate income for the Internet video broadcast station.

Unlike standard television stations, an Internet television station using this method can change video content in its playlist almost immediately. Multiple stations can be established with each one having a different video genre or theme, such as the western channel or comedy channel, etc . High speed / Broadband Internet access continues to increase on a global scale, enabling the delivery of quality video content. Several studies by media researchers indicate that Internet video demand and consumption will continue to increase.

Aggregating existing multimedia content can greatly reduce the start up and operational costs for an Internet television station. Creating random video playlists that use existing content would eliminate the need for creating new multimedia. The need for a dedicated network multimedia server for content distribution would also be eliminated. Using available content from various free video hosts would allow the Internet television station to provide very diverse multimedia content. These methods remove the need for large financial commitments for the operation of an Internet television broadcast station.

You can view an Internet broadcast television station using the methods discussed here : http://www.scenicradio.com

Gulf Coast Pictures

2008-03-23T15:55:00.003-07:00

Some pictures taken from the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

All Images Copyright 2008 David Childers

49th Parallel

2008-03-16T12:25:00.000-07:00

Featured film from our playlist.

A damaged U-boat is stranded in a Canadian bay in the early years of World War II. The Fanatical Nazi captain and his crew must reach the neutral United States or be captured. Along the way they meet a variety of characters each with their own views on the war and nationalism.

www.imdb.com/title/tt0033627/plotsummary