Tech-Info and Rants

It's Been Awhile Again, ("2024")

2024-09-02T15:03:00.000-04:00

It's Been Awhile Again, ("2024")
Hi all just wanted to share a few things on my blog / journal page. I know my last post was back in 2023, regarding the abatement of property taxes, (as I've said before, "not that I have a lot of followers, or readers). And, "No", I have not given up on my own page but, I have been posting on other tech pages / blog, or forums. Most of my questions or rants have been, or were "Autodesk related" so that's where I've been at for my "Tech" stuff.

As far as "personal items" lately, I've had to use an "Anonymous" page, or profile across several different platforms. Again, not that I have a lot of readers here but, if you are really that interested, please look up my "Facebook Page" (under FITZ Digital CAD). Additionally, I will say the topics truly are "Not Safe For Work" (NSFW) topics and you will need to be apart of the group or have an account in order to view.

That all being said, again, for my "Tech stuff" or questions (and rants), lately I have just been on the Autodesk Community Forums. (my personal page: Milt Fitz, @Drafter1981). For other things (some personal & NSFW), I have been following, the "Meta" platforms, (Facebook, Instagram, or Threads). In addition, some of the other pages I've been following, are Pinterest, Reddit, Tumblr (yes I still have an account). Last but definitely not least "X" or "Twitter", (my personal page:Milt Fitz)

Keep in mind 99% of the topics discussed here are "Adult Themed" topics so unless you have a separate account (just like with Autodesk) you may not be able to read that content.

So, again, sorry for the hiatus and I'm hoping to get bask to sharing "Tech Information"
Take Care Everyone.

Does it pay, (Appeal or Abatement of Home Taxes)

2023-11-20T21:45:00.003-05:00

Serious question for all of us baby boomers. In this market, (meaning the housing market), does it pay for any of us to try to appeal or abate any of the home taxes if we've had an upgrade or if we've done some minor work to our homes?

I asked this question because, I'm in that situation where I had to make a decision to buy a new house, (upgrade), or fix up my existing home, (which is also an upgrade). In my situation, it was just easier to fix up my existing home, especially since I could take advantage of still having a low interest rate on my existing mortgage. If I were to buy a new home, it would have required me to make that decision prior to the interest rates jumping up. The other situation that was going on was, if I sold my house, in this market, (even though I know I would have got a good price for it), I don't believe I would have been able to achieve buying the new house without running into a couple of months of disarray.

Basically what it boiled down to was, if you didn't have cash, you were essentially missing out on taking advantage of the market. That all being said, in my situation it was just easier and less expensive to do the home upgrade. In addition, for me, the advantages of staying where I'm at and fixing up the house was, I was able to keep my mortgage at the rate I got back in the pandemic era.

This process, (in my situation), due to the pandemic and needing a bulk variance in order to get the work done, took approximately 2 years. In this two-year period, not only has the house and market continue to boom but, (as we all know), obviously the interest rates have doubled since the pandemic. With that in mind, even if I did nothing as far as upgrading my house the price or the assessment that's on the property would have gone up because of the market.

Under normal circumstances, the taxes would have gone up just in general. Now that I have done an upgrade to my home, this gives the county a reason to reassess my house and actually reassess it at today's market value. I am in no way not denying that I should have a reassessment, due to the upgrade, but I am a little upset because if the market was not so hot, the reassessment would not be as high as it is.

In my opinion, this is almost as if we're giving a blank check to the county or the township, for them to raise our taxes based on market value, when prior to the pandemic, the assessment and or prices of the homes would never have been this high. To those that say, "well, just appeal the taxes", keep in mind the other assessments are based on comparable sales of current real estate properties not comparable assessments of existing properties.

To explain this better this is the current situation. If three houses in the area sell for $500,000 but your house is assessed at $300,000 your taxes most likely will stay the same, Even though your house may be worth $500,000. Now, do a simple upgrade, (like I did), and my house which was assessed at $300,000 prior to the pandemic, is now worth $350,000 because of the addition. It would make sense that I would be paying taxes on a $350,000 home instead of a $300,000 home. But no, (in the voice of John Belushi), the county and the township look at the houses that have sold for $500,000 and say oh, your house must be well over 350,000 so we're going to tax you more. ☹️☹️☹️

Because of this, it really has me thinking whether or not, by upgrading our homes, is really worth it for us baby boomers? The reassessment is just enough to make me say, should I try to appeal this or should I just let it go? By the way the assessment valuation starts at $150,000. My upgrade was way less than that, (seriously less than $80,000 including the cost over runs). That all being said, just about every home that has sold in my area went easily for $50,000 to $100,000 over the asking price. It just seems as if I did a appeal and asked for a reassessment, I really would get whacked with the taxes, which would then make me have to rethink about my living situation,☹️☹️☹️.

New Equipment (Bowling Bags) 2023

2023-10-15T14:14:00.000-04:00

Updated 1981 Sunrisers

2023-10-05T02:13:00.000-04:00

Shorten (by 30 seconds) 1981-Sunrisers

2023-10-03T16:10:00.000-04:00

Annoying Gap In CRV Exhaust System

2023-03-23T21:47:00.002-04:00

2023 "Annoying Gap In the Honda CRV Exhaust System (2012 CRV), causes the exhaust to be awfully loud & squeaky, (the car sounds like a hot rod). For a "Quick Repair" I was able to use metal paper clamps & aluminum tape until I can get this to the local mechanic.

1st Rant of the New Year "2023"

2023-01-05T12:36:00.002-05:00

   Hi all, (not that I have a lot of followers, or readers). Yes, it's been awhile, (since May2022) but not as long as when the pandemic started, (man that was about a 2 year hiatus). Anyway, hopefully I'll be able to start being a little more consistent on my own page. Most of my rants or questions have been, or were "Autodesk related" so that's why I'm re-posting this in a few different spots, or locations & yes I've said this before. Let's see how the year goes, (WARNING THIS WILL BE A LONG POST).

   Well, for starters I would like to revisit one of my older post: "Is Technology Ruining, Relationships?"
I've asked this question before, (twice) on my blog post, from April2022, & July2015, in regards to moving from Windows 7 up to Windows 8, which we ALL have to agree was really bad☹️. Back then I was still in my LTR (God Bless her) and I wound up moving one of our computers back to Windows 7. Thank God, I had a back-up & was able to do a "Restore" otherwise I may have lost my relationship back then. It's 6 years now since my better half has passed, (again, God Bless her), and I have since then, moved most of my computers to the latest operating systems.

   So, now the question(s). In regards to upgrading computers/laptop or using tablets, or phones, "What is the best" or to say "What is the best thing to do"? For the devices, what are the best? Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, & Acer come to mind but I'm sure there are others, and I'm sure the real "Techy's" out there still just build their own. Obviously the "Apple users" are comfortable with their product (mac devices) and I believe the advantage (which has always been the case) is that it is tougher to catch a virus.

   With what's loaded (software/operating systems) I guess it's down to what you are comfortable with & what works for the software you are using. I use a lot of drawing/drafting/graphics programs so having a computer that's able to handle those types of programs has always been important to me. In the past I was told Apple machines worked best with drawing/drafting/graphics products but for about a 10 year period, Autodesk didn't support Apple devices so needless to say, I simply did not use Apple devices until I went back to college and was forced to use a Mac.
That all being said, I still prefer a regular Windows machine. I will say this, I've seen $300 "Store Bought" computers out perform a "Super Computers" (the one's that are just short of being a "Gaming computer") simply because of "other software" bogging the machines down. The best example was my old Windows 7 machine (my personal computer), that I picked up in Staples, still out performed my work computer (HP "Z-Book") and I ran AutoCAD2018 on that machine until the license ran out.

   Where am I going with this? Well, I now know the newer versions of AutoCAD require Windows10 or Windows11. It also looks as if I may be in a position to finally request or show that the engineering group needs something better than the "one size fits all" computer package. that most companies push out". Will (by requesting a better computer) this cause an additional strain between the IT group/CAD Manager? I already have run into push-back from finance in regards to software, (them not realizing we need an Autodesk product vs Microstation or Microsoft) because there is an industry standard that we all need to follow.

Just a little background here. I prefer the Windows operation system over Apple, or Linux obviously just because it's easier to work with. Same with phones, (Android over the Iphone) & again for basic functions we all know they work the same. It's the apps that seem to be different, and the permissions to use those functions that are different.
Feel free to comment but please stay on topic, and no real judgement here. In other words no bashing or hate speech/text. Just give us pro's and or con's for using each systems.
Just saying and Just asking....Take care & "Happy New Year's again.

Drafter1981

Here my spin regarding "FOMO"

2022-05-08T13:43:00.006-04:00

Here is a spin regarding FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out):
I guess you can say, I’m following up my last post regarding “Has Technology Ruined Relationships” with the question of “What if I don’t see everything?” - meaning “FOMO”. FOMO, the “Fear of Missing Out” I guess is something that could occur with being involved in social media or technology. I’m sure this happens to everyone at some point in this day and age.

Obviously, with social media, things can really get out of hand, trying to follow every little blurb, blog, text, or video. With one swipe on the phone whether intentional, or accidental, your whole world can be turned upside down. Just the innocent comment here or there, or a quick text can wreak havoc and or ruin lives. With recent events, look at the Will Smith & Chris Rock thing. This misunderstanding has taken on a whole new meaning in this day and age and that’s just one example.

How about the leaks from the Supreme Court? Again, another example of something getting out again, whether intentional or accidental, that will have an impact on how things get handled with social media. Is this something we all should be following? In my opinion yes. The Will Smith & Chris Rock thing, I don’t know, maybe. My priorities would be more on something that will impact our quality of life so I will be watching or paying attention more to the Supreme Court issues vs Will Smith & Chris Rock issue.

FOMO can hit some people pretty hard. Will we see everything, or know everything? Probably not. Just my humble opinion. I’m sure this is a struggle for a lot of social on lookers. Think about it. If you’re in the know, can you pay attention to several things all at once? Maybe a news organization, (since it’s their jobs) can keep up with this kind of stuff and try to keep the facts from opinions straight. For me, it’s a no brainer, “I’m just not going to do this”, meaning I’m just going to let things go. Unfortunately, this also applies to real technology items.

Just like with social media the same thing would apply to technology items too. Again, unless you are a “Super Tech. Person”, how could you, meaning the average person, possibly keep up with everything? PC’s vs Laptops, I-phones vs Androids, Apple devices vs Google, etc., etc.,… The list, just like the social media sites & items can go on and on. For now, I accept the fact that I can’t know everything regarding the social media items & technology. Please Lord God, 😊 just help me to stay in the loop.

Just my rant for today and just something to think about.

Retaining Boards Fixed 2022

2022-05-01T14:17:00.001-04:00

Has Technology Ruined Relationships?

2022-04-28T23:00:00.000-04:00

This is a “revisit” from a post, or blog I asked about a few years ago:

(Is Technology Ruining, or Wrecking Relationships?).

Again, the question simply is: “Has Technology Ruined Relationships?” This topic came up on a radio program, (yes, I still listen to radio) and the program I was listening to was geared to “LIKES” on Instagram, or Facebook. This apparently seems to be a sore subject with a ton of people, and I also wonder if it has something to do with today's culture?

To me, certain things are not “binary” or to clarify, “on/off, black or white, in or out, yes or no”. When it comes to comments regarding my friends, or to a subject on social media, “A LIKE” could be more or less an “analog” response. Again, to clarify “an analog response” is simply to use a scale to measure response. In this situation, to say on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the low number & 10 being the high number, anything over the number 5 is a like and anything under would be a “No response, or a thumbs down(👎)”. Also, a “Heart” (💖) would indicate “A LIKE” , or a “Thumbs-Up” (👍) thus a “Positive Response”.

It seems, (to me), that things have gotten to the point that it’s either “I hate you, or I like you” and if this sounds familiar, not only is this happening in real life, with relationships, it’s happening in politics. Just think about it, and yes, there is going to be some hypocrisy with certain things but, in some cases especially with life, not everything is black and white. Sorry, we have to take the good & the bad, or the bad & the good. There is no right or wrong, or wrong or right way to say that statement.

Of course, some person will have some thing to say, or some English literature person will be pointing out every little grammar, or grammatical error. One thing that should be clear, my approach is mathematical. In other words, 1 + 2 is equal to 3 & 2 +1 is also equal to 3. That is a fact and that is black & white from a human point of view. With that in mind, because most technical analysis is mathematical, how do you express a like or dis-like for something without it being taken out of context?

If I’m friends with someone for 20+ years and I don’t like something they posted or even something they may like, & you may hate it, does that now mean I can’t be friends with you anymore or “Like you”? How about if I’ve never met a person, we don’t event speak the same language, and I post a like for them or some subject matter that they posted. Does that now mean I’m going a friend (BFF), or I’m instantly in love with someone now that I follow them on social media? Do I just forget all of my morals or other obligations because I saw something on social media?

This whole thing just doesn’t make any sense. Should this stir up emotions, yes. Should this be a topic to have a serious discussion about, yes. Should there be a “binary response” this subject? I say no. I think as a whole, or “Globally” this topic need to be studied & reviewed and just like in real life, (or politics) there should be a logical approach to handling technology, whether it be the upgrade to some software or the upgrade to a social media platform.

So Again, It's been awhile (since 2020)

2022-04-22T12:42:00.007-04:00

Yes…,

It’s been a real long time since I’ve posted anything lately. I’m hoping this hiatus is very short lived, since it seems COVID is starting to take a step back or we are just going to move to an “endemic” meaning we just simply live with the fact that we are going to have to live with COVID.

With that all being said, I’m hoping to move back onto what this site is supposed to be about so… if any of the visitors are interested, please visit my main site which is on Facebook (Fitz Digital CAD Service). Just doing a regular Google search will take you to my business site which is still active however, that mainly for business and doesn’t cover what been going on the last couple of years.

Finally, if anyone that visits my site, or wouldn’t mind, keep in mind that I rarely do I even post, more or less ask for a favor. Since voting is still open for #au2022 class proposals, (up until April 25^th), please take a look and up vote for my classes. #AU, #MiltFitz,#Revit-to-AutoCAD-or-PDF, #Autodesk® CAD-or-BIM-software-vs-Manual, #Milt Fitz & give a👍! Thanks!

Snood for Food for Afghan Hound

2020-12-21T20:48:00.002-05:00

Classic Car Show / parade in Bloomfield (unedited) 12/6/2020

2020-12-06T12:05:00.000-05:00

Ham Bones... Good for Dogs or not?

2020-11-27T16:04:00.001-05:00

"Steak & Potatoes", sort of...

2020-06-20T10:09:00.001-04:00

Well... Its been some Year Already...

2020-06-06T17:57:00.001-04:00

As the title implied "It has been some Year Already...😒"

I haven't really been helping out too much. No real technical stuff. My last post in January, (January 21, 2020), was more or less a help page for some people that really did not understand our "Geeky Stuff".

That all being said, I did have a post on the Autodesk "AutoCAD Forums Page" regarding "Milt Fitz).

My specific posting during the "COVID Crisis":

From 03-14-2020 (3 Muskettels)

Sunday 03-22-2020 Corona

From 03-29-2020 Breakfast for Max, (again, home for Corona)

Dinner for Max, or "Boiled Chicken Breast" (03-30-2020)

Walk with Max, Thursday, 04-02-2020

Walk with Max, Palm Sunday, 04-05-2020

Palm Sunday Dinner 04-05-2020 during the Corona (COVID) crisis

Issues working remotely with CAD / BIM files (04-15-2020)

Police Honor a Fallen Hero Saturday 04-18-2020 Corona

Easter Sunday Dinner (Smoked Turkey) 04-12-2020 during the COVID crisis

Quick / Short View of the Blue Angels 04 28 2020 during COVID

(22 seconds)

Saturday Morning Car Club, 05-02-2020 during COVID

Short Sopranos Tour, past Holsteins

(Walk with Max Saturday, 05/02/2020, during COVID)

Some Times You Just Can't Help...

2020-01-21T01:09:00.004-05:00

Yes, it's been a while since I've posted (at lease here)... I have been on the "Autodesk Forums" or just plain ol busy since moving into a "Real BIM Role" One night I'll have to blog / write about that...

Anyway, so... the other night I got into a discussion about helping people & how I'm usually on this page, or my blog and how I spend my time doing "Geeky" stuff (https://www.facebook.com/Fitz.Digital.Cad.Service). Well, for my efforts I got banned, or removed.. and the site I was on was sort of a "Help Page" for us "widow / widowers" or anyone else that has loss their better half.
Not nice... Oh well, guess I'm better off just sticking to this "Geeky thing" that I do... 😒

Questions to Autodesk Users... (Issues Again??)

2019-05-05T22:37:00.003-04:00

Question to Autodesk Users...

We (I) recently ran through a bunch of silly but annoying issue with Autodesk’s “Autodesk Desktop App” which caused a bunch of problems. I’m not sure why, but one of the things that happened was the update changed the way “All” of my Autodesk products worked. Example… I have 4 versions of AutoCAD2018 on a “New Machine”, (computer), and yes I use all 4 versions differently. Well… the App went and did an update which changed the state of AutoCAD on all 4 versions and then “TRIED” to update & install AutoCAD2020…😐

This is not something the app should be doing without anyone’s permission. There should be a notice or prompt that notifies the user, regardless of if the user is a “Newbie, Student, or Veteran user” like myself. I’ve looked to see if there is a way to shut off automatic updates, I’m sure Autodesk has that built in, but have not found that “Check-Box” yet. I’m sure it is “Buried” some place and if they don’t have that option then “THERE IS AN ISSUE” and… I can now understand why an IT department has issues with Autodesk allowing or changing the state of a computer with their software.

To resolve this issue, I had to do a “Repair or Re-installation” using the computers Control Panels

(yes this still works in Windows10) – under the “Programs and Features” panel or dialog box. After a bunch of “restarts” and forcing the program to use the “default” state of AutoCAD (for all versions), I was able to get the program to start working properly again. I’m hoping Monday (tomorrow) I don’t have to go through all of this again.

Finally, in regards to the updates… As a beta user / tester, eventhough I have been released from my NDA with Autodesk (for the AutoCAD2020) I reserve the right to remain “Anonymous” or quite about the program. There or other users that may offer a summary or opinion about the software release. I am not against any updates or changes but I will say I am looking for “progress” or “forward movement” on software releases. Keep in mind just because we (I), am capable of using a newer software release doesn’t mean we should immediately jump to the new release. Especially when you are working with several entities or companies on an ongoing project.

Autodesk needs to keep this in mind... They often say to us beta uses or testers “do not use or test” on a production project and the same motto should apply to software updates for companies or a group of entities are working on a continuing project.

Ice Melt Feb 2019 (from Window Movie Maker)

2019-03-02T12:36:00.001-05:00

New Misc. Maintenance Repairs (2018 Old Home)

2018-12-30T11:56:00.000-05:00

Well... this year seemed to be more about the maintenance of my old house than working on BIM, or CAD issues... Hopefully I will get back to doing more of the "Tech" in 2019.

Anyway, here are the last of the maintenance photos for 2018 (see below) "Happy New Year
everyone!"

Old patch repair (from the beginning of the month)
Had to remove and re-pour / patch with the fresh cement

The original patch just never really cured
(Had to remove and re-pour / patch with the fresh cement)


Switched to regular / high strength cement			(removed the Bad" Silka patch)

Switched to regular / high strength cement (removed the Bad" Silka patch)

Here is the new / updated patch

Sidewalk repair (by the township)

Here is the new / updated patch

Sidewalk repair (by the township)

Old Home with Cracked Pipe

2018-07-27T01:22:00.003-04:00

Just a post regarding getting some work done at my house...
Turned out to be more than just a blown wax seal. After I cracked open the sheetrock to see what was really going on in my ceiling I decided to get some help instead of trying to do this myself.
The work required could have been on one of those "This Old House episodes" ...
The elbow was totally pitted and cracked, the connector was old brass and the new PVC needed a special seal to fit into the existing connector/cast iron pipes. Tested... no leaks. now just waiting for the spackle and sheetrock to dry.

Here are the photos:

Existing Toilet (prior to removal) with old caulking:

Area where the leak started (above cabinets)

Area where the leak started (above cabinets) "Enlarged"

1st attempt at going into the ceiling (1st reveal) "Enlarged"

1st attempt at going into the ceiling (1st reveal)

2nd attempt (finding out the pipe was cracked)

2nd attempt, enlarged view to reveal crack

2nd attempt (removal of the elbow)

View of the "Old Elbow"

View of the "Old Elbow" (showing additional holes & cracks)

Exposure of the old flange and ruined wax seal

Exposure of the "Old Elbow Connector/Cast Iron Pipes"
(to basement & vent line)

New coupling for conversion from drain line to PVC

New PVC elbow & PVC drain line to connection / conversion

New PVC elbow & PVC drain line showing

connection / conversion

New PVC elbow & PVC drain line to

connection / conversion (Enlarged)

New PVC elbow & PVC drain line,

(pitch brace added)

Elbow now fitting into existing hole in floor

New flange (to be added)

New flange (now connected)


Toilet has now been reconnected

New Caulking (to help reseal/re-seat & level toilet)


New hose connection

Sheetrock Repair & Spackle

Final Plaster / Spackle coat (just needs to dry)

DATA Extraction from REVIT….

2018-03-02T14:12:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to follow up to the previous blog (Is There a Way to Update REVIT Files That Have AutoCAD Blocks?) and to anyone following that may have an answer. This question was also posted on the Revit Forum.Hopefully the technical questions I am asking will lead towards a better understanding and functionality when using REVIT.

These questions has several parts and actually may lead to more question about functionality being used in REVIT than answers so here goes…

1.) From REVIT, “How do you EXTRACT DATA”?

2.) Is there a set way, or standard procedure for Extracting Data?

3.) Why does an entire project need to be in REVIT to Extract the Data?

4.) Once we get the Data, how do we publish it or make it useful, (question #2)?

Again, depending upon whom you work for or if there is a State / National standard I would believe there may be several ways to answer these questions.

As usual, “Thanks in advance for any help or information.”

Regards,

Milt

Is There a Way to Update REVIT Files That Have AutoCAD Blocks?

2018-02-28T23:40:00.000-05:00

1st thing... It's been awhile and to anyone that really follows the post, "thanks for hanging in there with me". This was a bad year for me (2017) and I hope to come back in 2018, with new and fresh questions.

So to get started here I will ask for some help...
Does anyone here reviewing the blog use REVIT & if so, are you able to add “Smart Information”?
I posted this question on the regular Autodesk Forums (in AutoCAD & Revit) regarding the use of AutoCAD blocks inside of REVIT
(https://forums.autodesk.com/…/how-to-update-re…/td-p/7801511). I guess the big question is, has Autodesk enabled a way to update REVIT files with AutoCAD Blocks / Parts, so that information (like attributes) can be read appended or accounted for?

In the past (when I 1st learned REVIT) I was told “EVERY BLOCK CREATED IN AUTOCAD” will need to redone in REVIT… I have since found out this is not true, in fact I actually found out many users (like myself), that knew how to create AutoCAD files in 3D, were able to simply “Import, or Insert” their blocks, or parts into REVIT, or NAVISWORKS so they had a “Virtual Place Holder” in the 3D Model. That being said, the only reason(s) for wanting to create and actual part in REVIT is to add “smarts” (Data) to a part / family (similar to adding attributes to an AutoCAD block), and for the use of parametric part sizing, which can be done with other flavors of AutoCAD, like Mechanical, or Architectural Desktop…
So to get back to the topic… if there is a way to update a REVIT file that contains AutoCAD blocks, please point me in the right direction.
Likewise in regards to my use of 3D blocks or REVIT families… meaning if I am incorrect in the way I’ve been using the software please enlighten me.
BTW… I do plan on updating my “skill-set” with a class or two however, I would hate to go or pay for a new class only to find out I know just as much or more as the person teaching.
Thanks in advance for any help or information,

Side by Side 3D Print Comparison

2017-01-05T00:06:00.000-05:00

Just a side by side comparison of a few 3D printed parts:

Filtration Device edited using MakerBot software: (Size is approximately 3”x 2”, or business card)