gbSnippets is a freeware program which provides an extremely easy-to-use
method of storing and searching single and multi-line text data. As a
special special bonus, gbSnippets provides several built-in games and
graphics programs to provide you with amusements for those moments when
you get bored - work a while, play a while!
This page provides the latest online Help information covering the games and graphics provided as part of gbSnippets.
I've released a number of freeware programs over the years, mostly focussing on graphics applications. I decided to merge my separate freeware graphics utilities into gbSnippets - in part to have them all at my fingertips but also to test of the graphics capabilities of PowerBASIC.
Text Stereograms
Mosaic Stereograms |
3D Models/Lathe |
Lifetime Financial Planner
Stock Market Simulator |
All of the games/graphics share common design features. They all occupy the same space as the Search Results listbox and they all have a custom toolbar located at the bottom of the graphics area.
Text Stereogram
This image of gbSnippets, with the text stereogram displayed, shows how the graphics
capability occupies the space of the Search Results listbox and also shows the toolbar
located at the bottom of the dialog.
This particuarly image consists of two small, overlapping rectangles. The rectangles
can be animated, and their speed controlled, using the toolbar controls.
Mosaic Stereogram
This example consists of the same two overlapping rectangles and can likewise be animated.
Matrix Screensaver
Even knowing how they're made, I can just sit and watch the animated display for minutes.
3D Modeler and Lathe
I'll be especially working to add more 3D graphics displays to gbSnippets. I find the
programming issues of interest and the eye-candy plain fun to watch!
Lifetime Financial Planner
Using the LFP:
To change a parameter, simply click one of the down arrows in the toolbar and select
the value you want. If you want a value not in the list, then press the toolbar button
itself to get an inputbox that allows you to put a custom value.
The plot automatically updates itself when you make a paramenter change.
Here's a description of all of the parameters, both pre-retirement and post-retirement.
Pre-Retirement Arguments
Post-Retirement Arguments
Finally, the LFP allows you to identify two lump sum events that take place at any time.
For example, you might expect an inheritance to kick in at a certain age, or you might
plan a major trip.
Additional Information
Post-retirement expenses, income, and social security are entered in today's
dollars. Inflation is applied to generate then-year dollars.
Notice of No Guaranty
Stock Market Simulator - 1000 Days To Riches!
The stock price is plotted, as is your net worth. Use the toolbar buttons to
buy and sell stock (you know - buy low, sell high!). Your best score is kept.
If you quit the game, all the information is kept until you return to play.
If you can't beat this game, then DO NOT quite your day job to become a day trader!
Applications in Work
I'm completely open to suggestion from gbSnippets users. Tell me what you'd like
to see added!
When folks think of stereograms, most usually they envision the random dot stereograms
that were all the rage in the 90's. Few know that you can make a stereogram using
simple letters, arranged in the appropriate pattern. Here's a text stereogram
created by gbSnippets.
Just as text can be use to create stereograms, so can small images. After all, a
text character is just an image itself. gbSnippets uses a built-in library of
small images to create what I call a mosaic sterogram. Here's an example.
There's just something about those falling characters in the movie The Matrix.
Here's a screenshot of the version included in gbSnippets.
This app lets you display and rotate 3D point models. It also allows you to enter
points via the mouse and apply a lathe action to each point - creating a circle of
points. The resulting 3D model can then be rotated.
This amusement is more "serious" than "amusing". If you want a very top level view
of what you must do to retire, with the ability to analyze the impact of various pre-
and post-retirement savings, then the Lifetime Financial Planner is for you!
The LFP loads with default values and plots the results. The green area represents
pre-retirement net worth and the blue represents post-retirement net worth. The
parameters used to calculate the values in the chart are shown on the left.
Simply your age today, or the age at which you want the net worth/savings
to take effect. Allowed range is 20 - 100.
Today's value of all assets. Inflation and interest will be applied to
this value. Allow range is 0 - 10,000,000.
The amount of money you will deposit monthly into your investment accounts,
beginning at the Current Age. Allow range is 0-50,000.
The pre-retirement interest rate to be applied to your net worth. Allowed
range is 0 - 50%.
The pre-retirement inflation rate to be applied to your net worth. Allowed
range is 0 - 50%.
Once retired, the LFP assumes you may continue to have a (probably) smaller income
that eventually goes away. It also assumes that you will be eligible for Social Security
and allows you to elect which year you will start receiving benefits. LFP also allows you
to input your monthly expenses, which are assumed flat throughout retirement.
The age at which you plan to retire. Allowed range is 20 - 100.
The post-retirement interest rate to be applied to your net worth. Allowed
range is 0 - 50%.
The post-retirement inflation rate to be applied to your net worth. Allowed
range is 0 - 50%.
The monthly income that start at the age of retirement, and continue
until reaching the Income Stop Age. Allowed range is 0 - 50,000.
The age at which the post-retirement income will stop. Allowed range
is 20 - 100.
The age at which you will start receiving Social Security benefits.
Allowed range is 62-100.
The amount of your Social Security benefits. Allowed range is 0 - 10,000.
Expenses during retirement (assume flat throughout retirement). Allowed
range is 0 - 50,000.
First of two lump sum events that happens only once at a specific age.
Allowed age is 20 - 100. Allowed range is -10M to +10M.
Second of two lump sum events that happens only once at a specific age.
Allowed age is 20 - 100. Allowed range is -10M to +10M.
Net worth values are assumed to be end-of-year values. The value entered as
pre-retirement monthly savings is used without change (no inflation impact)
during the pre-retirement years. Interest/inflation is applied to net worth values.
For the record, I am not a certified accountant nor financial planner. I
hold no finance-related degree. This information is provided as-is, with no
guarantee of accuracy. Use at your own risk. You should consult your own
financial advisor before making any financial decisions.
Do you have the skills to get rich in the stock market? This game starts you
off with $250K (part cash and part stocks). You then have 1000 days in which to
increase your net worth to a cool $1,000,000 !!!!
There are all kinds of mini-applications I can add to gbSnippets. Here's some of
the ones already on my list to add in the near future.
This very popular online Java applet game is still very popular. I'll be adding
my attempt at the code as well.
First, I'll want to draw mazes. Then, I'll want to add a rodent that attempts to
solve the maze and get a prize of cheese! What can I say, even the simplest of
graphics can amuse me!
I love math and I love combing math and 3D. I've written a standalone surface
plotter (two of them, actually) and will want to incorporate them into gbSnippets
as well.
I've already written a standalone version of the very popular Sodaplay style of
creating animated creatures. In addition to graphics I love working on a physics
engine to control the motion of characters.
Just a plain old, big, countdown timer. I really am easily entertained!