Hi

I really missed having PSD thumbnails show up in Windows Explorer.
This dll file and registry file brings them back.
Its a simple fix. Read the text file supplied.

Regards
Mr S
=======PSD_Thumbnail_Explorer.zip

@unknownuser said:

There's a wealth of info over at Vray 4 SU HQ. Do a search, and you'll find what you're looking for.

Hi,

Can you provide a link to Vray 4 SU HQ?
Tried to google this and couldn't find it.

Thanks

Regards
Mr S

@unknownuser said:

it's incredible that no one else has come up with an alternative solution to the problem in the last 9 years.

Exactly.
Google should either pay up or provide a solution itself.
Either that or drop the professional from SketchUp Pro.

I simply can't believe that there isn't a solution to this.
Is this another example of where adopting DirectX could provide a solution?

Regards
Mr S

Hi,

After a great deal of frustration I have come to the conclusion that trying to render animations in sketchup with shadows is a complete waste of time.
Due to the long-standing bug which causes a variety of "blips" to occur you either have to constantly re-render with slightly different views or edit out the offending frames.
Sometimes you can get away with this but most times you can't.
So, I have had to settle for producing animations without shadows.
My company pays for SketchUp, but if I as an individual had paid hundreds of pounds for software that had professional in its title and had been released for so long without this being fixed, I would be one very angry customer. I don't think any other serious software would have been allowed to get away with this serious lapse.
Yes, I love SketchUp, but can it ever be taken seriously when this sort of thing is allowed to continue.
Frustrated rant over. I feel a little bit better now.

Regards
Mr S

Can anyone provide some good links showing how to use these "unwrap" texture editors.
This is another one of those fields that seems to require adjusting how your brain works.
Looking at unwrapped images I can't imagine how you start to paint correctly proportioned images that map correctly on to a 3D model.
Any help appreciated.

Regards
Mr S.

Well, it might not provide any fancy effects but this is an addictive little tool.
Its amazing how much "stuff" is hiding in the background that you are unaware of.
Particulary after importing CAD drawings it removes a lot of unwanted content.
I keep wanting to run it every five minutes to see if it can remove anything else that shouldn't be there!

Thanks.

Mr S

If you mean a way of mounting ISO images ( a virtual CD/DVD drive) then try:

http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-magicdisc-overview.htm?=mdisc_hlp93

Its completely free which is nice.

Regards
Mr S

In the past I pretty much looked down at all game consoles.
They were for the kiddies I thought. PC Games were for adults.
Well, for adults who like to play games!

I still believe that for first person shoot-em-ups you can't beat the PC.
A keyboard and mouse is perfect for the fast response time thats needed.
The consoles just can't match Half Life 2, Call of Duty, Unreal Tournament, Crysis, Counter Strike etc.

However...
I have just purchased a Playstation 3.
This was mainly to go downstairs to hook up to my new HD TV in the living room.
It looks good (much nicer than an XBox and quieter) it plays BluRay, DVD and DivX files. Cool.
I have now just played some games with Dualshock wireless controllers:
Fifa 2008, Top Spin and Burnout Paradise.
They were good fun and had excellent graphics.

Regards
Mr S

=======

"I think Ron Paul may have been too real"

I think you have hit the nail on the head.

It appears to be a part of the human condition to want to be liked and accepted by those around you.
But I find it depressing that so many people seem to have a sheep mentality.
They want so badly to remain a part of the herd that they are terrified to say or even think differently from what appears to be the "popular" view.

Very,very depressing.

Regards
Mr S

Hi,

I am not a tech guy with regards to software so please bear this in mind.

I have noticed that when using 3DS MAX you can choose which graphics driver you wish to use: Software/OpenGL/DirectX.
They all obviously have their own strengths and weaknesses and the user can opt for what suits him best.

I have tried dabbling with each to see which would be best to use.
These are my conclusions.
I would be interested to hear others thoughts on this subject

1. Software - this only seems to be of use if OpenGL or DirectX does not work correctly. I think this is a bit of a legacy option going back to the days when OpenGL and DirectX were either not available or were very "flaky" in their behaviour. Basically, the "Software" option allowed you to get up and running if all else failed.

2. OpenGL - this seems to be the driver of choice. At least, it was going back a few years. It provided stable use, added the ability to see better previews of what you were doing and simulated on-screen an impression of any effects giving you an idea of what the finished rendered result would look like. I believe, and I could be wrong, that OpenGL is open source, and many software houses like to use this because it is free of any restrictions or "royalty" payments.

3. DirectX - This is quite simply Microsofts alternative to OpenGL. A lot of people don't like it simply because its a Microsoft product. They see Microsoft as a big nasty capitalist organisation that seems to want to crush all competition in all fields. In some ways I agree with them. But, and this is the big but, DirectX is so much better than OpenGL. It seems faster, more reliable and provides you with far better results when simulating effects in real-time.

Now the questions I really wanted answered is:

Why can't SketchUp provide us with the same graphic driver choices?

Would using DirectX eliminate the shadowbug that has plagued SketchUp for so long?

I assume this wouldn't be of any help to Mac users, but thats no excuse to deny PC users a solution. Every graphic intensive piece of software on the PC makes the most of DirectX, why not SketchUp?

If carmack's reverse became freely usable wouldn't that just be a solution for curing the OpenGL problem. Why waste time praying and hoping for this. Why not just use DirectX if it is a solution available now?

Am I correct in the assumptions I am making here?

Regards
Mr S

Some top notch stuff here.
I need to set aside some serious viewing time to go through them all!
Thanks for provding some good laughs.

Thanks

Mr S

Thanks for that.
Great to have these high quality models available.

One thing...
Am I the only one to notice a distinct "phallic" look to your chain mail model?
Check out the shadows especially.

Perhaps I have a warped mind?
Pete, do you think you have shown a "Freudian slip"?

Regards
Mr S

Why are so many Americans fawning over careerist politicians like Barack Obama?
Is the media so powerful that everyone just soaks up all the propaganda?

This is the man who could have put America back on track.
Visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7354M1QmGYQ

This speech shows that he knows exactly how the establishment elite operates.
Of course, the media coverage of this man has been the exact opposite of what Obama receives.

It seems that most Americans treat their politics in exactly the same way as they view American Idol. I am not being a European snob looking down my nose at the US, as I am well aware that this problem exists in all of Western Europe as well.

We just never get the chance to vote for someone like this.
That Americans did have the chance and didn't seize the opportunity is America's loss.

Regards
Mr S

Hi,

Slightly off topic, but I just took a look at your "Small Gallery" link.
Those are very nice images.
Do you only use Kerkythea for rendering in SketchUp?
Do you import SketchUp models in to Viz and use Mentalray to render or do you model from scratch within Viz?

---

I agree with all the suggestions you have made for improving SketchUp.
I also like many of the other suggestions made by other posters.
However, I have a feeling that Version 7.0 of SketchUp will turn out to be a bit like Vista. Some nice graphical enhancements, a few extra tools added, a few bugs eliminated and a few new ones added.
But no "Wow" factors that will really a big difference from previous versions.

Regards
Mr S.

=========

@solo said:

There are plenty convincing reasons against the use of capital Punishment:

1. Denial of basic right - According to Humans Right Association capital punishment overrules our most basic human right - the right to life. Human life has fundamental value. The blessedness of human life is denied by the death penalty. Live is precious.

2. The possibility of error – Later investigations revealed many convicted individuals innocent which got death penalty in the past, and have been pardoned. Recent DNA investigation studies have shown the same thing.

3. Unfair Judgment - Generally, it is observed that Capital punishment is inflicted unduly on the poor and minorities. If you follow the data of these victims, you will find that the mentally ill, poor and people belonging to minorities form a large chunk of the total number. You can also notice a kind of racial discrimination this happens due to varied reasons. Because the poor can offer very low compensation the defense lawyers are often incompetent, resulting in losing the case. Due to prejudice and bias, poor people, and people from minority sections become soft target for such capital punishments, as unrestricted discretion has offered to District attorney. If any one wants to appeal then it becomes a burdensome process for him often resulting in denial of justice.

4. Lack of Deterrence - The purpose of any punishment should be deterrence from repeating the same act. But, according to the statistics available, the death penalty has not been effective in controlling the homicide rate. The studies have revealed the shocking truth that executions actually increase the murder rate. That means the capital punishment does not deter violent crime. According to a New York Times study, the last 20 years witnessed 48% homicide rate in states with the implementation of capital punishment compared to 23% in the states without capital punishment.

5. The prolonged uncertainty – The validity to the deterrence argument is annulled by the delays, endless appeals, retrials, and technicalities that keep persons predestined to capital punishment waiting for execution for years. In fact, we are not competent enough to carry out execution. This uncertainty and incompetence offers another great injustice. It is itself cruel and a form of torture.

6. Justifying circumstances - Sometimes, persons suffering from emotional trauma, abandonment, violence, neglect or destructive social environment commit such heinous crimes. These mitigating situations can have devastating effect on their humanity. So, it is unfair to hold them fully responsible for their crimes. It is our communal responsibility to show some sympathy to some extent.

7. By giving capital punishment, the family of the victim is permanently traumatized and victimized. They are often punished by their loved ones without their fault, even though they are innocent.

8. Effects on society – Capital Punishment is itself a premeditated murder. This is unacceptable even it is inflicted by state authority as it lowers the value of life. In fact, such act can only brutalize the society. "Revenge is essential" can become a society attitude. By witnessing such acts, our own mental makeup starts believing that violence is necessary to curb the wrongdoings.

In conclusion, capital punishment is a moral dishonor. The mockery is that the very civilizations that have no right to impose it, are in particular leading the traditions of capital punishments.

The economic malfunctions and cultural diseases in those very societies contribute to the violence. So, instead of inflicting Capital punishment, it’s our duty to provide opportunities for all people to accomplish a good life in a rational culture.

As Most Rev. David B. Thompson, Bishop of Charleston, S.C. said, "Capital punishment feeds the cycle of violence in society by pandering to a lust for revenge. It brutalizes us, and deadens our sensitivities to the precious nature of every single human life."

Jayashree Pakhare

This is getting to be a long debate and as usual it seems that we all have our own fixed views on these big issues.
But I can't help making just a few quick responses to this post.

1. What about the right to life of the victim?

2. As mentioned in my previous post we already agree to many things that involve the possible loss of innocent life.
   Why adopt a different position with regard to capital punishment. I am always amazed at the mental somersaults that liberal thinking can indulge in. They don't like capital punishment because of the possible loss of innocent life, but ask them if we were right to go to war with Nazi Germany and they respond with "of course, it was for the greater good". So they can come to terms with the loss of innocent lives when it suits them.

3. If your referring to the poor in Western civilisations then poor is difficult to define. There is practically no circumstances where people here have to kill just to survive. If I only own a Ford Focus, am I deprived (poorer) because you own a Mercedes? If so, does this provide a "reason" for me shooting you and stealing your car? Is the unfairness of the capitalist system the cause of my actions or my greed? Is it all society's fault or my own?
   According to government statistics people from minority sections are responsible for more murders than is proportionate to their numbers. More murderers come from these groups and that's why a disproportionate amount of them face the death sentence in the US. Why? That is an entire debate in itself.

4. Well, I know I have used "according to the statistics" myself, but we all know they can be made to "prove" anything. However, on this particular point I would suggest that due to the long legal games that are played out that prevent executions taking place the deterrent value of capital punishment has been nullified. Most criminals simply don't believe it will happen to them because if you play the game right you can avoid it. So even if states have capital punishment available to them everyone knows its unlikely to be used. That's why its no deterrent.

5. This point shows only how the legal profession needs a massive overhaul. This is a completely separate issue.

6. This simply lists the many various circumstances under which people may kill. For these the charges of manslaughter or diminished responsibility (or the American equivalent) are available . No one suggests the death penalty be imposed under these circumstances.

7. Sorry, this point made no sense to me.

8. I disagree. Capital Punishment does the exact opposite of lowering the value of life. It confirms that the taking of innocent human life is the ultimate crime and those guilty of it will pay the ultimate price with their own life. What brutalizes society is seeing the perpetrators of these acts escaping justice. Justice not revenge, that is all most people want. Our own mental makeup should tell us that violence should always be the last resort. But sometimes it has to be resorted to. All the history of mankind shows this to be true. Pretending otherwise is to live in la-la land.

"
@unknownuser said:

The economic malfunctions and cultural diseases in those very societies contribute to the violence. So, instead of inflicting Capital punishment, it’s our duty to provide opportunities for all people to accomplish a good life in a rational culture.
"

This assumes crime is all societies fault. Millions of people who are economically deprived lead good honest lives without ever hurting anyone. Many who have had a "privileged" upbringing have committed terrible acts.
People commit murder in socialist and capitalist societies. Most of them can find many reasons about why they themselves are not responsible for their acts. It is always someone else's fault. It is individuals who commit these acts and they should be held responsible for their actions.

@unknownuser said:

As Most Rev. David B. Thompson, Bishop of Charleston, S.C. said, "Capital punishment feeds the cycle of violence in society by pandering to a lust for revenge. It brutalizes us, and deadens our sensitivities to the precious nature of every single human life."

It is a complete waste of time quoting a religious source. You can always find one that supports your own argument.
But as I am an atheist I have no interest in what any of them have to say.

Regards
Mr S

"To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child."
Cicero

@remus said:

Mr s, i believe your argument is flawed.

In the situations you describe there is a risk of death, although in all these situations the benefits far outway the risks.

Capital punishment on the other hand cant really be argued to provide any measurable benefit to society. What difference does it make wether someone who has truly commited a crime is in prison for the rest of their life or dead? There are only disadvantages, in that innocent people may be wrongly killed.

You have demonstrated that my argument is not flawed.
Your response is painfully flawed.

Capital punishment is exactly the same as all the other examples I quoted.
It is something that could possibly lead to the loss of innocent lives.
However, driving cars, for example, will lead to the loss of many thousands of innocent lives every year.
Most of us accept this as a price to be paid, albeit reluctantly, because of the many other advantages cars provide us with. Most of us are able to accept these deaths because they are usually reported to us very briefly on the news. We don't really have a chance to identify with them as fellow human beings. They are just statistics. In other words, we are prepared to accept this loss of innocent life because the benefits overall to society outweighs the disadvantages. We don't feel comfortable admitting it, but we have all made and accept this judgement call.

Here in the UK a life sentence can mean 15 years. Often with "good behavour" taken in to account they can be released after as little as 8 years. They, unlike their victims, get to enjoy the rest of their lives.
That, to me, to quote a previous poster is immoral.

Capital punishment does provide measurable benefits to society.
It provides justice (not revenge, before the liberal types start wailing) to the victims loved ones.
In a civilised society the state should have as its first duty to provide this justice to its citizens.
When the state fails to provide this justice then lynch mobs or vigilantes are the result.
It also serves as an example to those who would consider killing others. Most criminal types weigh up the pros and cons of their crimes. Put simply, is it worth commiting the crime and paying the price if caught?
It will not deter all of them, but I believe it deters very many.
Finally, and most importantly, if nothing else it ensures that the perpetrator cannot repeat their crimes.

Regards
Mr S

I am for it.
The argument that someone innocent may be executed is simply no argument.
If you follow this line of thinking then logically you should be against using cars, trains, aeroplanes.
You should be against medical treatment. You should be against vaccines etc etc.
In fact, you should be against any human invention or practice that could, possibly, cause an innocent person to lose their life. All of the above are responsible for many thousands of innocent lives being lost every year.
Most of us accept this loss of innocent life because the benefits to society overall far outway the negatives.
The same priciple should apply to capital punishment

Regards
Mr S

For me, its probably nostalgia.
When I was young there wasn't really anything better to watch.
In the very late 60's and early 70's there were only two programs I and my friends made a point of watching. Dr Who and Batman.

In the UK, each generation seems to be able to relate to their childhood by which actor portrayed the Doctor at that time. "My" Doctor was mainly Jon Pertwee. The best one, of course.

Regards
Mr S

I really should make more use of Google...
I found this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6tqtlqFNf8&feature=related
Not sure if it is real or not.
If real,they seem to have stayed faithful to the original. Great.

Regards
Mr S

I came across what I found was an interesting debate here.
Visit: http://www.newsweek.com/id/40211?bcpid=1511792808&bclid=1600122709&bctid=1612733893
What do you think?
I am a Brit and I think that Buchanan is right.

Ooh, a heated debate.

Regards
Mr S