October 2008

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I’m authoring my thesis in LaTeX, a sort of scripting language similar to HTML that produces beautiful final results… that is, if you can get it to cooperate.

My current problem is with trying to use the graphicx package.  I can’t get a graphic to display correctly.  The code looks correct but it keeps throwing strange errors.  I copied the code verbatim (with changing the file i’m trying to insert) from a friend’s masters thesis.  It worked in his so I don’t see why it’s not working in mine.  We are using the same class files and whatnot and the same general format.

The problem comes (i think) in the width variable.  That textwidth doesn’t seem to be working correctly.

The Code:

\begin{figure}[h]
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[width=0.6\textwidth, keepaspectratio=true ]{figures/hofstede_onion.png}
\caption{Hofstede’s Onion Model of Culture: Cultural Values are located at the core and are surrounded by Rituals, Heros, and Symbols with Practices drilling down from the outside to the Values center. Reproduced from \cite{Hofstede01}.}
\label{fig:hofstede_onion}
\end{center}
\end{figure}

The Error Message:

! LaTeX Error: Cannot determine size of graphic in figures/hofstede_onion.png (no BoundingBox).
See the LaTeX manual or LaTeX Companion for explanation.
Type H for immediate help.
...
1.18 ... ctratio=true ]{figures/hofstede_onion.png}
) [5]

Thoughts, insights, ideas?

UPDATE:

With the help of Alex (recommended by Anne), I was able to get the graphics files to pop out.  The key was switching from outputting into a DVI file or a PS file to outputting directly into a PDF file.  To do this in TeXnic Center, I went to Build -> Select Output File.  I then chose the PDF option.

Other problems still exist with my output, but at least some of the big ones are now addressed.  No doubt, there will be further whining for help as I progress with my thesis.

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Yesterday Samantha and I went on a lovely drive through the hills west of Corvallis.  We passed through Kings Valley among other cute little towns.  The trees were especially brilliant as the sun set in the west.

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This power poll looked a little funny as we approached it. Upon closer inspection, we found that it was broken in half. The local power company had decided to fix it by bolting another pole onto the side of the first pole. It might not be the best fix in the world, but the poll seemed to be holding up well!

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This afternoon, we went for a little stroll around campus to enjoy the warm afternoon sun and the beautiful foliage on the university trees.

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This evening Jaime and I rode our motorcycles west and south of Corvallis over the hills on Decker Road down to the Bellfountain Highway to Bellfountain.  We stopped in the little hamlet to take a few photos in front of the church on our motorcycles.  All of the trees are fully ablaze in color.  Every corner we turned, ever hill we crested presented us with a fresh vista full of Fall.

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On the ride back, the air temperature dropped with the setting sun.  By the time we hit Corvallis, both Jaime and I were a bit chilled.  Next time I go out riding, I will have to wear a thermal layer or two.  The colder weather has arrived.

In related ride news, my oil level remains fine.  There is no evidence of burning oil.

I also purchased gas today.  1.55 gallons for 72.3 miles which works out to 46.6 gallons.  That would be the second worst fuel economy I have had to date.  The worst was from the maintenance ride I had to do a few months back.

In total, my ride was about 54 miles.  Jamie’s ride would be about 51 miles.

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First another Vladimir Putin fact:

  • Vladimir Putin invented X-Rays when he invented Scotch Tape. (Thanks to Brent for reminding me of this story!)

This evening, Boing Boing, the directory of wonderful things that it is, posted a link to a purportedly Russian music video paying tribute to Sarah Palin.  No doubt, Vladimir Putin had a hand in its production.

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This whole Vladimir Putin Facts thing might be getting a bit out of hand.  My website is now #3 and #4 on Google when searching for “Vladimir Putin Facts.”  I hope people realize that my jokes are meant in good fun and that I respect and admire Vladimir Putin.  There is absolutely no need, I repeat, ABSOLUTELY NO NEED, to assassinate me for posting these “facts.”

  • Vladimir Putin doesn’t need Viagra.  His penis is tipped with a nuclear MIRV. (Thanks to Sean for help on this one!)
  • The world economy is based on a game of Monopoly Vladimir Putin once played as a boy.
  • Vladimir Putin invented erectile dysfunction drugs for the poor Russian men who are not yet equipped with an ICBM in place of a penis, as he Vladimir Putin is.
  • Vladimir Putin: Multi-stage for her pleasure. (Thanks to Sean for this one!)
  • Vladimir Putin is the basis for the body image of The Hulk.  The green tint and bad hair were added to attempt to obscure the inspiration.
  • Vladimir Putin solves diplomatic crises with a single icy stare.  If that doesn’t work due to the opposing world leader being blind, he lets his fists do the talking.
  • Vladimir Putin has never killed a single person.  He has, however, willed several dead.
  • Vladimir Putin fishes for whales with the unmatched nuclear weapons he finds in his sock drawer.
  • Vladimir Putin invented Russian Democracy.
  • On a recent State trip to Thailand, Vladimir Putin’s mere presence caused 10,000 Thai prostitutes to become pregnant.  This number includes 3000 male prostitutes.  Vladimir Putin is the most fertile man to have walked the planet.

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  • Vladimir Putin writes, directs, produces, and stars in all childrens television shows in Russia.  All Russian children love Vladimir Putin.
  • Vladimir Putin can withstand a global financial meltdown.
  • Vladimir Putin is not afraid of Google.  Once, Vladimir Putin beat Google with his bare hands.
  • Vladimir Putin is every Italian gay male celebrity’s dream.  All of the straight celebrities will soon be made to follow suit.
  • Vladimir Putin’s dog invented the Russian GPS system.  Vladimir Putin was too busy hunting Siberian tigers to bother himself with inventing it.
  • Vladimir Putin sweats vodka.  It is sold under the trade name “Vladimir.”  (Thanks to Sean for this one!)
  • The trains run on time in Russia because of Vladimir Putin.
  • Vladimir Putin bathes in sweet Caspian crude oil.
  • Vladimir Putin IS the Russian stock market.  The media reports of his recent decline are completely false.  No reporter who mentioned the story can be found to refute their claims.
  • Once Vladimir Putin was in the KGB.  There is no more KGB.  There is now only Vladimir Putin.

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Tonight Samantha and I went on a jog along the Witham Hill bike path and through the Crest Drive neighborhood.  Fall colors are in full swing in Corvallis at the moment.  This time I remembered to take my camera.

Our route took us on a 3.3 mile jog. More photos are available by clicking on any of the pictures.

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Tonight Samantha and I ran along the Witham Hill bike path.  We started out just before sunset and made it back as it was starting to get toward dusk.  Both of us were surprised that we didn’t run into the cat that has followed us the last few times we’ve been down there.  Samantha wondered if perhaps the cat had been eaten on its wanderings into the spooky scrublands along the path.  I figured it was either inside eating or out hunting and had already received enough loving for the day.

Our route was about 2.5 miles long.

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Fall colors walk

This afternoon Samantha and I took a short walk around the neighborhood to look at the fall colors. Some trees are still mostly green while others burn bright red and yellow. People are starting to rake the leaves in their yards and pile them in the street for collection. Next time we go out, I will have to bring a camera to take some photos of all the beauty.

Our walk covered 1.8 miles of gorgeousness.

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This afternoon I buzzed out on my motorcycle to the Albany Harley Davidson store to meet Carl who was picking his bike up after getting it serviced.  I nearly missed him at the shop because I got stuck in the nightmareish traffic that pops up in downtown Corvallis every evening at about quitting time.

From the shop we rode north, passed under the freeway, went through Millersburg, and accidentally got on the freeway headed south.  We went all the way down to the Brownsville exit where we jumped off and headed west trying to find Peoria.  We mistakenly turned onto 99E instead of going further west to Peoria Road.  The ride up 99E was fine just the same.

Total mileage: 72 miles.

Gas purchased with 91 miles on odometer.  1.745 gallons.  $5.76 total.  52.2 miles/gallon.

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