Archives for 2013

Jocko November 16, 2013

Google Chrome Caching Redirects – Retarded Browser

Is caching redirects really such a smart and useful thing for a browser to do? Well, the developers of Google Chrome seem to think so. There is much discussion on the Interwebs defending this behavior. A lot of useless advice as well – “Just clear your cache,” “Just view source,” “Just use incognito mode once, then exit.” None of that works as explained here:

301 Redirects: The Horror That Cannot Be Uncached | Gordon Luk.

The other defense seems to be that it is only developers that have the problem. Not so. If you ever have the misfortune of hitting a site that you use often when it is down for maintenance, you will know what I mean. No, it hasn’t been down for a week – just switch to another browser for a couple of months until Chrome forgets its mistake.

Jocko August 29, 2013

Dell Alienware m15x Fan Problem

Dell’s Alienware m15x is a top-notch gaming laptop, make no mistake, but when it comes to cooling, it is sub-par. It’s true that laptops have a much harder time removing heat than desktop computers, but the m15x has a very specific issue that gives it trouble running smoothly in the long run.

The left fan (when facing the keyboard) is prone to losing functionality after being used daily over the course of six to eight months. I’ve owned this laptop for over two years now, and am facing my fifth fan replacement. That’s with excellent maintenance and care, too. I’m under warranty, but twice a year I have to avoid running too hot lest hardware on the left side of my computer begins melting due to lack of air circulation.

It’s easy to tell when your m15x’s non-integrated left fan has stopped doing its job. Digital hardware monitors will read hotter on the left side, the same side will feel hotter whilst typing, and if you reach to the back left vent, it will be very hot indeed. If your bearing has gone out, which it may once the fan starts to fail, you’ll hear it.

I’ve done plenty of personal research, and discovered that variable speed fans lose performance faster than static-speed fans. If you consider yourself an advanced user, you may find online software that allows you to control your fan speeds at specific temperatures.

In all cases, avoid introducing harsh vibration or trauma to your laptop to keep the left fan and its bearing running smoothly.

Jocko July 29, 2013

In Lieu of Money, Toyota Donates Efficiency to New York Charity – Will TQM Be Back in Fashion?

Is TQM rearing it’s head again in the US? Maybe for a charity, but beating down the labor force in the drive for short-term profit is a better fit for business here.

The Food Bank for New York City is the country’s largest anti-hunger charity, feeding about 1.5 million people every year. It leans heavily, as other charities do, on the generosity of businesses, including Target, Bank of America, Delta Air Lines and the New York Yankees. Toyota was also a donor. But then Toyota had a different idea.

Instead of a check, it offered kaizen.

A Japanese word meaning “continuous improvement,” kaizen is a main ingredient in Toyota’s business model and a key to its success, the company says. It is an effort to optimize flow and quality by constantly searching for ways to streamline and enhance performance. Put more simply, it is about thinking outside the box and making small changes to generate big results.

via In Lieu of Money, Toyota Donates Efficiency to New York Charity – NYTimes.com.