Convert Any Video File To DVD

I wrote this quick shell script that will convert any video file that will play on your linux box to a NTSC-DVD that will play on your dvd player.

Save this to a file "convert.sh", stick a dvd into your burner, shell out, and type "sh convert.sh

rm -f dvd.mpg
rm -f DVD/VIDEO_TS/*.*
ffmpeg -i $1 -target ntsc-dvd -sameq dvd.mpg
dvdauthor --title -f dvd.mpg -o DVD
dvdauthor -T -o DVD
growisofs -Z /dev/dvd0 -dvd-video DVD
eject /dev/dvd0

Requirements: the codex for the video file you are trying to convert, ffmpeg, dvdauthor, and growisofs. 

Working From Home Today

Hiyat is very sick today -- Gabe and Zack kept her up all night last night so I decided to stay at home and work today.  Luckily I only have one meeting today, and that one is with IBM so it can be done over the phone no problem. I've been spending my time working on process and governance documentation anyway, so doing it from home is in many ways more efficient and productive anyway.

Plust it gives me time at home with the family and hopefully Hiyat can catch some Zs. I feel really bad for her. 

Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past

 

Downloaded this on the Wii Virtual Console the other day. What a great game. Gabe and I can sit for a long time solving the puzzles and beating the bosses in this game. Truly one of the best RPGs ever made... In total 2-D 16-bit graphics. Great stuff. 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Zelda:_A_Link_to_the_Past

Six Million Dollar Man Season 1

I thank thee, o gods of bittorrent for delivering unto me Six Million Dollar Man Season One.

Most shows I loved as a kid -- like Knight Rider, The Hulk, Chips, etc are unwatchable by a non eight year old. But this one is better.

They actually took the time to develop character back in the 70's and this show is really, really, underrated. It's totally watchable even 20+ years later. The pace is almost relaxing. The plot lines are as full of holes as ever, but the imagination and characterization is great.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071054/

Stardust

This one was Hiyat's pick but it was actually pretty good. Was nice to watch a fantasy movie that didn't take it self so... seriously. It reminded me of watching stuff like Time Bandits and Willow which was really, really, fun. You listening, Peter Jackson? Lighten up and make a movie that's fun and under 6 hours to watch.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0486655/

Letters From Iwo Jima

 

Very good movie. Told from the Japanese perspective on the US invasion of Iwo Jima, a small island off the coast of Japan that was of vital strategic importance. An airstrip located there could easily facilitate the bombing of Japan (which it did). 

 

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0498380/

37th Birthday

I just turned 37. Had friends over on the weekend, and family over last night. Everyone was very generous!

It's hard to believe that statistically my life is half over... what have I learned last year?

• Have few vices, but cultivate the ones that you have. For example, if you are going to smoke, smoke a good cigar and relish the experience. Not only will this help to moderate the vice (good cigars are expensive) but you will enjoy them so much more.
• Nothing beats having kids. They're worth giving up anything for and they teach you so much about yourself that it's crazy.
• Everything good in life is messy. As Gabe says: "life is messy, we clean it up."
• After kids, being married is the next hardest and next best thing you can do.
• Do things on your time, not on someone else's. E.g. get a PVR and watch tv shows when you want, not when the channels want you to. Rent a bunch of movies and rip them so you can watch them when you want. This allows you to put your family and kids first, and do these things in your spare time.
• Living in quiet and close to nature is important and allows you to feel grounded and in touch with your community.
• Activity is important. Make sure everyone gets some exercise every once in a while.
• When your wife is cooking, shut up and stay out of the kitchen. Hang out nearby, though so she can talk to you if she wants you.