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NSTextField's lack of filter capabilities
I love Cocoa, but it seems that some simple things are missing. For example, NSTextField doesn't have the ability to filter text input as the user is typing. A friend reminded me that this is a feature that PowerPlant had ages ago. Cocoa has NSFormatters which allow the field to be validated after text is input, but in many cases, the right way to restrict input is to prevent it from being typed. I like NSFormatters and have created a very complex one to handle multiple currencies in ReceiptWallet, but I realized I needed something else.
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Review: River of News (Google Reader app for iPad)
The other day I was listening to MacBreak Weekly and during their "Picks" Leo Laporte recommended River of News, a Google Reader app for the iPad. About a year ago, I wrote that I was done with RSS readers that had to synchronize with Google Reader and was satisfied with the web interface. However, I decided to take a look at River of News. It was only $2.99, so buying it didn't break the bank.
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How to make an outdoor fountain
For years, my wife has wanted a fountain outside as she likes the sound of the water falling. I've bought her table top ones and even a cheap plastic one we had in our living room. The biggest problem was the pump was a bit loud and the water sound didn't cover it. This weekend, my wife decided that she wanted an outdoor fountain. This became our (my) weekend project. In this post, I'll outline the procedure I used to make the fountain. I, of course, take no responsibility for your significant other bugging you to make a fountain or for any injuries (mental or physical) sustained by undertaking this project.
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Review: Blade mCX2
After getting a Syma S107 RC helicopter, I was quickly hooked on RC helicopters. I went to the local hobby shop, Discount Hobby Warehouse, and took a look at the Blade mCX2
. When I mentioned to the guy at the shop that I had a cheap $30 helicopter, he said that the goal of the cheap ones is to not crash while the goal of the more expensive ones is to fly. I definitely could agree to the part about not crashing. I bought it and when I got home, I charged the battery and was off and running. I was easily able to fly it around for a few minutes until the battery died (I get about 6 - 6 1/2 minutes per charge). I've picked up a few more batteries and have been spending at least 20-30 minutes a day. I'm definitely a fan.