But I really wish I could.
Enter TechShop. I wish there was a place where I could learn how to do stuff as well as do stuff like this; maybe someday they'll open a facility here in Minneapolis.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Petra Haden
I have a record she did a couple of years ago where she covered The Who's "The Who Sell Out"
. Here's a version she and her band did of Journey's Don't Stop Believing.
. Here's a version she and her band did of Journey's Don't Stop Believing.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
I'm posting from the future....
Yes, as you can see I've joined the smartphone revolution.
--
Sent from my T-Mobile Sidekick®
--
Sent from my T-Mobile Sidekick®
Monday, December 03, 2007
JBoss Seam is a s(t)eam(ing) pile
For the last 6 months at work, I've been using JBoss Seam. It's a framework that integrates JSF with EJB. Stateful session beans serve as controllers and JPA entities or hibernate entities serve as domain objects.
What attracted me to the platform was that it (appeared) to solve a number of problems:
The Object-Form element problem. That is, if you had a drop down in a page where a user had to select a product, the framework itself would generate the code necessary to tie the value of the dropdown in the HTML form to the live Java object representing that product, sitting on the server. This, based on past experience, would be a huge time saver.
The variable length field or set of formfields. This is where a user can essensially "grow" a form. One example at my last place was an application where a user had to provide a list of schools they had attended in the past. For each school, they had to provide a bunch of data: dates of attendance, city, and state. Within the framework I was using at that time(Struts) this was a VERY difficult task. Seam and JSF in general seemed to provide an easier way to accomplish this.
Ease of offering many different functions on the same page. Sometimes on a page, you'll want to present a user with multiple functions based on the same data: "Save and Continue" and "Save and Exit." While you can get Struts to do this, it's very ad hoc and repetitive(thus error prone). You've got to build a little controller into each action you want to do this in. With Seam and JSF in general, this is cake. It's just a different button with it's action attribute set to that other method.
In all but the last case, Seam was a failure. Sometimes, for no apparent reason, Object-Form stuff would break..and was not debuggable. Because there was no way to define a smaller "validation area" within a subset of the form, the variable length formfield really didn't work. On every submission, JSF forces the validation of every field on the page thus making shit weird.
In summary, Seam is like a 3 legged Greyhound: It looks good from far away and the right angles, but once you need it to run, it's simply lame.
So today I bought my second and third Ruby book.
What attracted me to the platform was that it (appeared) to solve a number of problems:
The Object-Form element problem. That is, if you had a drop down in a page where a user had to select a product, the framework itself would generate the code necessary to tie the value of the dropdown in the HTML form to the live Java object representing that product, sitting on the server. This, based on past experience, would be a huge time saver.
The variable length field or set of formfields. This is where a user can essensially "grow" a form. One example at my last place was an application where a user had to provide a list of schools they had attended in the past. For each school, they had to provide a bunch of data: dates of attendance, city, and state. Within the framework I was using at that time(Struts) this was a VERY difficult task. Seam and JSF in general seemed to provide an easier way to accomplish this.
Ease of offering many different functions on the same page. Sometimes on a page, you'll want to present a user with multiple functions based on the same data: "Save and Continue" and "Save and Exit." While you can get Struts to do this, it's very ad hoc and repetitive(thus error prone). You've got to build a little controller into each action you want to do this in. With Seam and JSF in general, this is cake. It's just a different button with it's action attribute set to that other method.
In all but the last case, Seam was a failure. Sometimes, for no apparent reason, Object-Form stuff would break..and was not debuggable. Because there was no way to define a smaller "validation area" within a subset of the form, the variable length formfield really didn't work. On every submission, JSF forces the validation of every field on the page thus making shit weird.
In summary, Seam is like a 3 legged Greyhound: It looks good from far away and the right angles, but once you need it to run, it's simply lame.
So today I bought my second and third Ruby book.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Judging us by our medical system, we're third world.
Patients Without Borders, NYT
This article talks about how charity medical groups (Remote Area Medical in particular) that used to operate internationally are beginning to see a huge need in America for their services.
We're a rich country. Something is going wrong when the American health care system is grouped with Guyana's, India's, and Tanzania's.
This article talks about how charity medical groups (Remote Area Medical in particular) that used to operate internationally are beginning to see a huge need in America for their services.
We're a rich country. Something is going wrong when the American health care system is grouped with Guyana's, India's, and Tanzania's.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
JBoss Seam: Lessons Learned
6 months ago I was so excited to be able to use my new favorite web framework at my new job.
6 months later I couldn't be more disappointed.
This framework is difficult to debug at it's weakest points(when it evaluates the JSF EL embedded into components) and isn't nearly as powerful as I thought it would be. It forces the interface of the application to closely shadow the relationships between different entities-which is problematic when they don't (or if they won't at some future revision/iteration).
Ultimately, I'm not sure whose fault it is: mine, for assuming this thing would be a magic bullet, Seam's for overselling itself, or JSF's for just sucking that hard.
6 months later I couldn't be more disappointed.
This framework is difficult to debug at it's weakest points(when it evaluates the JSF EL embedded into components) and isn't nearly as powerful as I thought it would be. It forces the interface of the application to closely shadow the relationships between different entities-which is problematic when they don't (or if they won't at some future revision/iteration).
Ultimately, I'm not sure whose fault it is: mine, for assuming this thing would be a magic bullet, Seam's for overselling itself, or JSF's for just sucking that hard.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Did you know....
That you can now watch Al Gore's "interactive" TV channel online? Well...now you do and here is the link.
Better than YouTube 'cept less Music Videos. But it does sometimes have crap reports you might disagree with (or not think that important ) like: Are iPods breaking apart society because we no longer talk to weirdos on the bus?
Better than YouTube 'cept less Music Videos. But it does sometimes have crap reports you might disagree with (or not think that important ) like: Are iPods breaking apart society because we no longer talk to weirdos on the bus?
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Follow up on my last post: Supercapitalism
In my last post ( and it's update ) I was having trouble articulating ( within my allotted 15 minutes ) what exactly it was I was feeling and why: Why Democracy and capitalism aren't necessarily complementary, and how that capitalism is now threatening our democracy and the common good.
Luckily, Robert Reich ( a professor of economics and a former Clinton labor secretary ) wrote a book on the subject. Here's a link to a review in the NYT. Here's a link to the first chapter.
Luckily, Robert Reich ( a professor of economics and a former Clinton labor secretary ) wrote a book on the subject. Here's a link to a review in the NYT. Here's a link to the first chapter.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Government buries an Airline Safety Study.....because it makes airlines look unsafe
This AP story is on a NASA study that shows dangerous in air incidents occur more often than thought...and how and why the government is trying to bury it.
Why did they shelve it? Because it would result in a decrease in airline consumer confidence and thus their profits.
Why would the government protect the airlines over it's own citizens? Airline deregulation took place over 30 years ago. Or so I thought.
Update:
I guess a Congressional subcommittee is going to look into it. Here's a link from the Times.
Why did they shelve it? Because it would result in a decrease in airline consumer confidence and thus their profits.
Why would the government protect the airlines over it's own citizens? Airline deregulation took place over 30 years ago. Or so I thought.
Update:
I guess a Congressional subcommittee is going to look into it. Here's a link from the Times.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Response to Katherine Kersten's Oct 3 Column-Critical Mass
A while ago I sent this in as a letter to the editor. It didn't get published so I'm posting it here.
In Katherine Kersten's October 3th column she discusses Critical Mass: a monthly bicycle ride through downtown Minneapolis. In her column she defines Critical Mass as a loosely organized group of people, and she is right to do so. However, the unconsidered side of her definition is that different people ride for different reasons: some of these are environmental and geopolitical and some ride to improve the condition of commuting cyclists. I consider myself in the last category and in this letter I will only attempt to speak for these riders.
Like most cyclists in this category, when I ride ( to work or in critical mass ) I try to follow the law: I ride to the right, I yield and stop when signage directs me to, signal my turns, and at night use lights. I also ride as cautiously and courteously as I can, when I can by riding on trails and low traffic streets and by wearing high visibility clothing ( the day-glow spandex isn't for fashion ). But like most other cyclists of my type, this hasn't kept me safe: for no reason I can understand people buzz, honk, yell names, throw things like rocks and full unopened pop cans at me, or worst of all don't even look for me at stop signs or lights.
While this happens only occasionally, why do people act like this? I don't know. I don't want to think most people are evil, so the only reason I can think of is because people don't know the law. So to me, CM and activities like it(like this letter) are the only way I can think of to inform them.
So while Kersten might not agree with the methods of Critical Mass, to me this is the goal. Do I wish some people were better behaved? Yeah I do. Intentionally blocking traffic is counterproductive to most of the rider's individual goals but what can I do about it? It's a loosely organized group of people. In the end I can only hope the word gets out: cycling isn't a crime.
In Katherine Kersten's October 3th column she discusses Critical Mass: a monthly bicycle ride through downtown Minneapolis. In her column she defines Critical Mass as a loosely organized group of people, and she is right to do so. However, the unconsidered side of her definition is that different people ride for different reasons: some of these are environmental and geopolitical and some ride to improve the condition of commuting cyclists. I consider myself in the last category and in this letter I will only attempt to speak for these riders.
Like most cyclists in this category, when I ride ( to work or in critical mass ) I try to follow the law: I ride to the right, I yield and stop when signage directs me to, signal my turns, and at night use lights. I also ride as cautiously and courteously as I can, when I can by riding on trails and low traffic streets and by wearing high visibility clothing ( the day-glow spandex isn't for fashion ). But like most other cyclists of my type, this hasn't kept me safe: for no reason I can understand people buzz, honk, yell names, throw things like rocks and full unopened pop cans at me, or worst of all don't even look for me at stop signs or lights.
While this happens only occasionally, why do people act like this? I don't know. I don't want to think most people are evil, so the only reason I can think of is because people don't know the law. So to me, CM and activities like it(like this letter) are the only way I can think of to inform them.
So while Kersten might not agree with the methods of Critical Mass, to me this is the goal. Do I wish some people were better behaved? Yeah I do. Intentionally blocking traffic is counterproductive to most of the rider's individual goals but what can I do about it? It's a loosely organized group of people. In the end I can only hope the word gets out: cycling isn't a crime.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Another Twins Stadium Doozy from the Star Tribune
This editorial credits Carl Pohlad for overcoming "one significant hurdle after another" in his quest to build a new Twins stadium.
I suppose this is correct: he has overcome hurdles to get us to build this thing but I'm not sure it's the compliment the author wants it to be, considering the major hurdles have been us Hennepin county taxpayers(who when polled didn't support the stadium) and voters (who didn't even have a choice because the required tax levy referendum was waived).
I suppose this is correct: he has overcome hurdles to get us to build this thing but I'm not sure it's the compliment the author wants it to be, considering the major hurdles have been us Hennepin county taxpayers(who when polled didn't support the stadium) and voters (who didn't even have a choice because the required tax levy referendum was waived).
Monday, October 15, 2007
The Mike Society Foundation's Diabeetus Mission
Some people hope to use the web to save lives. I write web-medical software so I know them. But deep down, I believe the internet is for stuff like this:
Eh, it might save lives. Diabeetus. Know the facts.
Eh, it might save lives. Diabeetus. Know the facts.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Birthday Bash
On October 20th, I'm having a b-day party.
6:00pm is dinner at Fujiya
7:30pm is bloodsports with the Minnesota Rollergirls at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium
After that, maybe head over to LoTo.
I'm thinking of getting a hotel room or bringing it to my place after LoTo...wild times!
6:00pm is dinner at Fujiya
7:30pm is bloodsports with the Minnesota Rollergirls at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium
After that, maybe head over to LoTo.
I'm thinking of getting a hotel room or bringing it to my place after LoTo...wild times!
Monday, October 01, 2007
Paul Westerberg: Dyslexic Heart
And the Replacements singing "Kiss Me On The Bus"
The PW homepage has some links to a few songs performed a little while ago at First Ave....I'll post those Friday.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Woman Arrested for Bringing Suspected Bomb into Boston Airport
Image from this Salon Blog.And is this it? Do Police Even Know What a Bomb Looks Like?
To some extent, I don't even think this is an issue of police overreaction-this is an issue of society being so ignorant of math and science that we don't even know what something harmless even looks like. Arthur C. Clarke's Third Law of Prediction is that "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic" or (in the case of a stooopid Po-Po) is indistinguishable from a bomb. Should this be called the Kohout Addendum? Maybe we should just educate our airport cops on fucking Lite-Brites.
A nice writeup on BoingBoing and comments from (local and recently profiled by City Pages) security guru Bruce Schneier.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Is it too Late for an Erin Brockovich Reference/ Non Sequitur?
Over the weekend I met a U of M law student who, while drinking a glass of tap water, talked about how he wanted to go into environmental law. Y'know, on the oppressed corporate side. Because business has just been SO burdened by environmental regulation.
Because I was a guest in his friend's house, it took all my powers to keep my mouth shut. But I did ask him if he was pursuing a career at P G & E.
Anyway, what's up with all these government hating wingnuts and their attending public universities? My folks have one next door, and while he sent all his kids to public school and public colleges he believes they(along with many other things) should be abolished.
Because I was a guest in his friend's house, it took all my powers to keep my mouth shut. But I did ask him if he was pursuing a career at P G & E.
Anyway, what's up with all these government hating wingnuts and their attending public universities? My folks have one next door, and while he sent all his kids to public school and public colleges he believes they(along with many other things) should be abolished.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Don't worry Minnesota Sport Fans...
The Gophers might have disappointed you, the Vikings will disappoint you, but Minnesota's Team, St. John's University, never will.
SJU: 3-0. Ranked 4th in the nation.
SJU: 3-0. Ranked 4th in the nation.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Dublin Spire
Today the online magazine Slate has a little slideshow comparing the proposed 9/11 memorial to the Dublin Spire.
Here is the link.
Here is the link.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Cha Cha Changes
This is going to be a good week. Stressful but good.
Tomorrow, I'm buying a new car. A truck, actually. My first new car ever and my first car period in about 2 years if you don't count the motorcycle. I'm a little worried about the cost (my payments + insurance = $400 or so) but I think my income can support it. So long as it doesn't eat too much of my paycheck, it should help me to do lots of things I want to do like: play hockey this winter, towing things, redo my bathroom, and have brunches with girls after meeting them the night before.
On Wednesday I start my Humanities class. I've got a couple legs up on a lot of the buggers: I've already graduated from a good college and it's my only class. But I'm still kinda nervous. I have to write a research paper and it's been a LONG time since I've done one of those.
That is all, carry on as normal.
Tomorrow, I'm buying a new car. A truck, actually. My first new car ever and my first car period in about 2 years if you don't count the motorcycle. I'm a little worried about the cost (my payments + insurance = $400 or so) but I think my income can support it. So long as it doesn't eat too much of my paycheck, it should help me to do lots of things I want to do like: play hockey this winter, towing things, redo my bathroom, and have brunches with girls after meeting them the night before.
On Wednesday I start my Humanities class. I've got a couple legs up on a lot of the buggers: I've already graduated from a good college and it's my only class. But I'm still kinda nervous. I have to write a research paper and it's been a LONG time since I've done one of those.
That is all, carry on as normal.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Cars are depressing
One of the main reasons I switched jobs was because it made car ownership less of a pipe dream...but the cars I want. Damn. When did an economy car start costing 13 Large?
All I want is something small built with quality that gets good gas milage. It doesn't have to come with very many options; air conditioning being my only real requirement.
Ford Rangers are like 14k, ditto Chevy Cobalts(mechanically the Cobalt is just a warmed-over Cavalier), and the Honda Fit/Civic is even more.
That leaves me with the Toyota Yaris. I suppose it might be ok-it is a Toyota after all, but it's not got the stellar review that other Toyotas have gotten.
I don't even consider Kias or Hyundais cars. In my state they are legally designated as "Shitboxes" on the title. Seriously.
The worst of it all, though? For 10 Grand I can buy a really awesome motorcycle. Should I just skip the car? It's tempting.
All I want is something small built with quality that gets good gas milage. It doesn't have to come with very many options; air conditioning being my only real requirement.
Ford Rangers are like 14k, ditto Chevy Cobalts(mechanically the Cobalt is just a warmed-over Cavalier), and the Honda Fit/Civic is even more.
That leaves me with the Toyota Yaris. I suppose it might be ok-it is a Toyota after all, but it's not got the stellar review that other Toyotas have gotten.
I don't even consider Kias or Hyundais cars. In my state they are legally designated as "Shitboxes" on the title. Seriously.
The worst of it all, though? For 10 Grand I can buy a really awesome motorcycle. Should I just skip the car? It's tempting.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Favoritest Chat EVER
My friend Sam and I just had this chat. It's awesome because we even got a little bit meta and talked about how this was an awesome chat. Enjoy!
me: lunch, tomorrow.
st. paul.
time?
Sam: I might be having lunch with gary hayden-sofio. or not. depends on the weather.
me: if you didn't notice, the dude has two last names. does that factor in to your equation?
what is he hiding?
but my last name. Kohout.
Say it.
Sam: Hey, he puts his hyphens right out there on the table where you can see them. Ya gotta respect that.
Dude, that's the problem. Your own family can't agree how to say it.
me: Strong, good lunch partner, lasting memories.
only the side of the family you shouldn't trust.
Sam: Most families would hide that side with a hyphen.
Oh! Hmmm...
me: puts it all out there, huh? Well, which last name is his?
Sam: Well, let me check wtih Gary tomorrow what's up. We cancelled plans already last week cuz o' the rain. He must be on his motorcycle.
me: I'll bet he doesn't have a BMW. If he has a harley they don't run in the rain.
or if it's overcast, or if it's too sunny.
and gary's two last names won't keep him warm during the only season they do run:winter.
Sent at 10:22 PM on Tuesday
me: this chat is awesome. I wanna put it up on my blog.
Sent at 10:27 PM on Tuesday
Sam: [smile] Before this, here was my favorite chat o' the day: http://kellypuffs.wordpress.com/2007/08/27/and-now-the-winner-of-todays-whose-day-sucked-worst-award/#comment-15332
Oh wait. http://kellypuffs.wordpress.com/2007/08/27/and-now-the-winner-of-todays-whose-day-sucked-worst-award/
skipping to the comment is no fair
me: that's pretty good.
Sent at 10:30 PM on Tuesday
Thursday, August 23, 2007
"Come to Me" by Thinland, From the Album "Songs for Strippers(And other Professions)"
Neat video, but it kinda might not be work safe for the more restrictive workplaces.
Interesting imagery, and the music is very taut. Sexy, too!
Interesting imagery, and the music is very taut. Sexy, too!
A condo(not mine) for an adult diaper? It Depends.
Check out this link.
It makes me wonder if I shouldn't offer one of my neighbors a diaper for their one of their larger, nicer units....that would be sweet.
It makes me wonder if I shouldn't offer one of my neighbors a diaper for their one of their larger, nicer units....that would be sweet.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Motherfucker Bob Dylan...
He and Elvis Costello are doing a joint tour, and it starts out in Duluth on September 22.
Duluth? Awesome! So, Mike, what's your problem?
It's Duluth Fucking Georgia.
View Larger Map
Dammit Bob.
Duluth? Awesome! So, Mike, what's your problem?
It's Duluth Fucking Georgia.
View Larger Map
Dammit Bob.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
What brand shredder does Karl Rove have at Home?
I bought a shredder last night and it didn't last through the first hour. Damn. Now I gotta go back to Target.
The Mike Society Foundation: Planning for FY 2008
As many of you know I'm the Founder, Chairman, President, as well as chief beneficiary of the Mike Society Foundation.
Given the positive economic developments our primary fundraisers, we here at the foundation are pleased to begin planning the next year.
But with greater ability, comes greater responsibility. And there are certainly many needs within the core Mike Society Foundation demographic. Where should these monies be spent?
The Mikes we focus on are in dire need for better transportation: so, a new car. We might be able to get them new cars-Ford Rangers can be had for like 11k.
Educationally, except for basic music education, their needs can he met for essentially free.
Residentially, the Mikes need to get out of their squalor...they need new couches, and to get their bathroom redone. It wouldn't hurt to get them some wood flooring. Wood flooring is far more sanitary.
Socially, the Mikes should meet some ladies. Luscious, intelligent, and pillow-lipped Goddesses. But no amount of money can solve these problems for Mikes...and, as much as I live them, do we really want Mikes to get the chance to reproduce?
Given the positive economic developments our primary fundraisers, we here at the foundation are pleased to begin planning the next year.
But with greater ability, comes greater responsibility. And there are certainly many needs within the core Mike Society Foundation demographic. Where should these monies be spent?
The Mikes we focus on are in dire need for better transportation: so, a new car. We might be able to get them new cars-Ford Rangers can be had for like 11k.
Educationally, except for basic music education, their needs can he met for essentially free.
Residentially, the Mikes need to get out of their squalor...they need new couches, and to get their bathroom redone. It wouldn't hurt to get them some wood flooring. Wood flooring is far more sanitary.
Socially, the Mikes should meet some ladies. Luscious, intelligent, and pillow-lipped Goddesses. But no amount of money can solve these problems for Mikes...and, as much as I live them, do we really want Mikes to get the chance to reproduce?
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Sleep......
Sleep is for the wicked....
so I'm going to bed.
I've been staying up way to late this last week.
so I'm going to bed.
I've been staying up way to late this last week.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Fuck YEAH!
Today is payday here at the U....a very happy event for all.
But for me it's especially sweet-it's my first full U of M check and it turns out they are $350 more than my MnSCU checks after taxes. I feel rich enough to buy new clothes and a car, a new piano and guitar, a trip to Ireland and a big huge smile.
Those that say more money doesn't make happiness are those that never went without...or traded for tasks they don't like to do for more money.
But for me it's especially sweet-it's my first full U of M check and it turns out they are $350 more than my MnSCU checks after taxes. I feel rich enough to buy new clothes and a car, a new piano and guitar, a trip to Ireland and a big huge smile.
Those that say more money doesn't make happiness are those that never went without...or traded for tasks they don't like to do for more money.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Favorite new quote....
I overheard this today:
"I am quite thrilled at the concept of gangs of gay people roaming the streets, killing at will. It's like a bad 70's sci-fi movie, only fabulous."
"I am quite thrilled at the concept of gangs of gay people roaming the streets, killing at will. It's like a bad 70's sci-fi movie, only fabulous."
Monday, August 13, 2007
John Gunyou: New motto: Buck passes through here
John Gunyou: New motto: Buck passes through here
Well said, sir. I think the 35W Bridge Collapse is Pawlenty's Katrina.
Well said, sir. I think the 35W Bridge Collapse is Pawlenty's Katrina.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Bob Mould-"See A Little Light"
"See A Little Light"
"A Good Idea"
From the upcoming DVD Circle of Friends to be released in oct. 07. Recorded at 9:30 Club in 2005
"A Good Idea"
From the upcoming DVD Circle of Friends to be released in oct. 07. Recorded at 9:30 Club in 2005
Husker Du-Live In Finland from '87
Two part video....with impressive audio quality. And Greg Norton is kinda buff! I didn't know that.
Part One:
Part Two:
Part One:
Part Two:
Friday, July 27, 2007
Husker Du-Could You Be The One?
Same song + She's a Woman (And Now He is a Man), live on Joan Rivers (!).
Thursday, July 26, 2007
How to look like a putz
Follow these steps to a Tee and you can't help but be successful:
1)Go to place where girl works,
2)Listen to her stories,
3)Have nothing good to say,
4)Then stick around too long.
There. Now go out there and spread the word!
1)Go to place where girl works,
2)Listen to her stories,
3)Have nothing good to say,
4)Then stick around too long.
There. Now go out there and spread the word!
Friday, July 20, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007
Hooray!
I'm almost a paid author!
My Google AdSense account has almost $10 in it.
Only like 500 years to go till I get a check with a Google logo on it.
So....please click an ad. It will get Mike a sweet sweet check.
My Google AdSense account has almost $10 in it.
Only like 500 years to go till I get a check with a Google logo on it.
So....please click an ad. It will get Mike a sweet sweet check.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Day of Frivolity
Yesterday(Monday) I had lunch with my new supervisor. I thought lunch would be a good idea; an easy way to get to know him. He's a nice guy. He seems at most 30 or 31, and he's grown into the "head of IT" for the department. I suspect I'll end up more as a peer than a peon.
Today(Tuesday) was the first workday I haven't either shown up at MnSCU, been on vacation, or been sick. Or just shown up to have coffee (like yesterday, my first official day of not working there). I went on a walk, cycled, and watched 'Casino Royale'. Nice movie, and Eva Green is super hot and a really talented actress. Too bad about how it ends.
But tomorrow, rest assured, I'll be back at MnSCU with both my bells and (because I'll be cycling) spandex on to hold court for lunch. Right Sam?
Today(Tuesday) was the first workday I haven't either shown up at MnSCU, been on vacation, or been sick. Or just shown up to have coffee (like yesterday, my first official day of not working there). I went on a walk, cycled, and watched 'Casino Royale'. Nice movie, and Eva Green is super hot and a really talented actress. Too bad about how it ends.
But tomorrow, rest assured, I'll be back at MnSCU with both my bells and (because I'll be cycling) spandex on to hold court for lunch. Right Sam?
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Minneapolis Bike Tour
Minneapolis is ripping off St. Paul ( shhh St. Paulites....theft of a good thing == a good thing; and remember Minneapolis taught you how to build roads in a grid pattern so be quiet ) and having a bike tour of the city.
The event takes place on Sept 16. For event details, check out it's website.
The event takes place on Sept 16. For event details, check out it's website.
Got no job...
Today I find myself jobless....I guess it's back to stripping.
But on Monday I start at the U. I'm excited, nervous, and hopefully very well prepared. The last couple of weeks I've been brushing up on some different technologies(as you may have deducted from my previous post). This week, development methodologies( like the Rational Unified Process, for example ).
Tomorrow I'm on my way to Salt Lake City to visit my baby brother Patrick.
But on Monday I start at the U. I'm excited, nervous, and hopefully very well prepared. The last couple of weeks I've been brushing up on some different technologies(as you may have deducted from my previous post). This week, development methodologies( like the Rational Unified Process, for example ).
Tomorrow I'm on my way to Salt Lake City to visit my baby brother Patrick.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Expand Your Mind Or Blow it Up?
With the change in jobs, I've taken it upon myself these last couple of weeks to peek my head outside of my little software development mental cubicle. I've been reading about development on Macintosh via it's Cocoa frameworks, more on Ruby on Rails, and Common Lisp.
I don't have a great deal of experience with desktop development but I've been suprised at the ease of development for the Mac platform-a nice mix of C (and the oodles of libs for it) and the idea of the "image" created by Interface Builder.
I like Ruby the language-I like it's lambda-ness...But Ruby on Rails feels, to me at this point in time, slightly fragile...it seems like it forces a certain style of development and architecture. Of course I haven't done any real projects with it; just basic tutorial type stuff. But it makes me feel kinda nervous. We'll see if I like it in the real world.
Lisp. Granddaddy. It's got me fascinated and I want to learn more.
I don't have a great deal of experience with desktop development but I've been suprised at the ease of development for the Mac platform-a nice mix of C (and the oodles of libs for it) and the idea of the "image" created by Interface Builder.
I like Ruby the language-I like it's lambda-ness...But Ruby on Rails feels, to me at this point in time, slightly fragile...it seems like it forces a certain style of development and architecture. Of course I haven't done any real projects with it; just basic tutorial type stuff. But it makes me feel kinda nervous. We'll see if I like it in the real world.
Lisp. Granddaddy. It's got me fascinated and I want to learn more.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Democratic All-American Presidential Forum
This is a democratic debate from last night on PBS. Check it out.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Youtube: Home of the Rock and Roll?
It seems the web's rotten candy also holds quite a bit of the Rock and Roll steak.
This is more of the 'Mats at the 7th Street Entry. Awesome.
This is more of the 'Mats at the 7th Street Entry. Awesome.
More Westerberg: I'm feeling melancholy
But I'm been playing some neat guitar parts today. The first time(in like a year) I've just sat around playing all day....my form is poor(because I've been concentrating on the piano), but I likes the notes I'm making.
Friday, June 22, 2007
I'm feeling all for the old-school songs.
One from an old friend of mine's old band:
So, Matt. Are you out there anymore? What's up?
So, Matt. Are you out there anymore? What's up?
Thursday, June 21, 2007
New Job...
So.....I just got a new job. Three weeks from this coming Monday I'll be doing what I do at the U of M clinical research department.
Call me if you need some ointment!
Call me if you need some ointment!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
I Can't Sleep: The Minnnesota Twins, Minnesota Roads, and Minneapolis Libraries
Yesterday I went to a Minnesota Twins game; they won. But I couldn't stop feeling this sinking, losing feeling.
As most local Minnesota residents know, the Twins finally got their new tax-subsidized stadium. If I remember correctly, 75% of the projected costs( One Billion Dollars) will be paid for by a tiny, less than one tenth of one percent increase on the sales tax in Hennepin County. So whenever you go out to eat, CHA-CHING! The Twins thank you. One tenth of one percent at a time.
But this isn't really the problem. The problem is the opportunity cost of this choice and every other choice like it; because at the same time as ground is being broken on this One Billion Dollar testament of our fear of becoming a cold Des Moines, we're closing libraries and the roads are becoming mere potholes of their former selfs.
To me that seems so stupid....
But should I be surprised? No. It seems most Americans are in a pretty tight situation as far as their personal finances in part due to poor choices. Why should their decisions about their public finances be any different?
We are living in the new Rome: among other changes, no more is it "Give me Liberty or Give me Death!" it's now "Give me Entertainment and Give me Debt!"
As most local Minnesota residents know, the Twins finally got their new tax-subsidized stadium. If I remember correctly, 75% of the projected costs( One Billion Dollars) will be paid for by a tiny, less than one tenth of one percent increase on the sales tax in Hennepin County. So whenever you go out to eat, CHA-CHING! The Twins thank you. One tenth of one percent at a time.
But this isn't really the problem. The problem is the opportunity cost of this choice and every other choice like it; because at the same time as ground is being broken on this One Billion Dollar testament of our fear of becoming a cold Des Moines, we're closing libraries and the roads are becoming mere potholes of their former selfs.
To me that seems so stupid....
But should I be surprised? No. It seems most Americans are in a pretty tight situation as far as their personal finances in part due to poor choices. Why should their decisions about their public finances be any different?
We are living in the new Rome: among other changes, no more is it "Give me Liberty or Give me Death!" it's now "Give me Entertainment and Give me Debt!"
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Thanks I'll be here all week
Q: What is former Chief of Staff "Scooter" Libby's current position, now that he's in prison?
A: Chief of Bubba's staff.
Get to work, Scooter! Bubba don't like no lazy bitch!
A: Chief of Bubba's staff.
Get to work, Scooter! Bubba don't like no lazy bitch!
Monday, June 04, 2007
The Black Keys-Coming to MPLS
The Black Keys are coming for a show in MPLS at the Fine Line, I guess. Click for details.
Here's a video of them in concert:
Here's a video of them in concert:
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
i carry your heart with me
i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)
ee cummings
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)
ee cummings
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Al Gore...An Assault on Reason
Here is an interview with Gore from the Daily Show, and below that is a link to a 1 hour conversation with Gore that was broadcast on C-SPAN's Book TV...hopefully at some point the video from the C-SPAN thing will end up being posted online...but it doesn't appear to be so as of now.
Link to C-SPAN program.
Link to C-SPAN program.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Dead Space-When The Project is 99% Dunce
Anyone working on a software project knows what I'm talking about. You've got the architecture and design of the application created. The app mostly works....except for those corner cases.
And then you/I cower in them...until you hate what you do for a living and want to be a motorcycle mechanic in Mexico or something.
Of course, at some point you'd also hate being a motorcycle mechanic. It REALLY sucks when you have to find that bolt you lost (in the sand) on the beach!
Full blown case of the Mondays.
And then you/I cower in them...until you hate what you do for a living and want to be a motorcycle mechanic in Mexico or something.
Of course, at some point you'd also hate being a motorcycle mechanic. It REALLY sucks when you have to find that bolt you lost (in the sand) on the beach!
Full blown case of the Mondays.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Cool or Lame?
I recently discovered that Mister Rogers' Neighborhood was available on DVD, through Netflix.
I put a few episodes in my queue.
I don't have any children....I just like the way he makes me feel.
I put a few episodes in my queue.
I don't have any children....I just like the way he makes me feel.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Perfect is the enemy of the good.
Check out Doug Grow's column on Keith Ellison's war authorization/deadline vote.
What worthless bitching. Of course it would be ideal to be out of Iraq asap, but it isn't going to happen that way.
It's too bad some people don't see this as a victory of the antiwar movement rather than a defeat.
What worthless bitching. Of course it would be ideal to be out of Iraq asap, but it isn't going to happen that way.
It's too bad some people don't see this as a victory of the antiwar movement rather than a defeat.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
What makes you happy?
What makes you happy?
Dan Gilbert is a psychology professor at Harvard, and author of Stumbling on Happiness. In this memorable talk, filmed at TED2004, he demonstrates just how poor we humans are at predicting (or understanding) what will make us happy. (Recorded July 2005 in Oxford, UK. Duration: 22:02)
On a related note I got a new iPod today. That DOES make me happy.
Dan Gilbert is a psychology professor at Harvard, and author of Stumbling on Happiness. In this memorable talk, filmed at TED2004, he demonstrates just how poor we humans are at predicting (or understanding) what will make us happy. (Recorded July 2005 in Oxford, UK. Duration: 22:02)
On a related note I got a new iPod today. That DOES make me happy.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Monday, March 05, 2007
There is an article on the Star Tribune's web site today bringing a new health problem Dick Cheney's suffering from to light. Apparently, he's got a blood clot in his leg.
Do you ever wonder by how much our health care costs will drop when this half dead bastard finally kicks it? That attempted assignation attempt last week in Afghanistan should have been framed as an attempt to reduce health care premiums.
Do you ever wonder by how much our health care costs will drop when this half dead bastard finally kicks it? That attempted assignation attempt last week in Afghanistan should have been framed as an attempt to reduce health care premiums.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Interesting Craig Ferguson monologue on Britney Spears and Potpourri
Interesting post on what we as people owe to people in a tailspin.
Also, on an unrelated note, a new band I like: The Bellrays. Soul + Rock. Semisonic-ish. And on a related note, I'm currently reading Jacob Slichter's memoir of his time in the band. It's reassuring to know that the NYT and others agree with me that it is funny and intelligent. And, I checked it out of the St Paul Library, and it appears as if it's a signed copy. Thanks Jake! I told the librarians!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Intersting Youtube Video
I know a few short weeks ago I said that Youtube was useless but this is pretty interesting.
It might not make sense to most people, but it kind of ties into the book I'm reading-John Steinbeck's fantastic travelogue 'Travels with Charlie, In Search of America'. It's about his rediscovery of the middle and western part of the US, about what makes us tick and about how we want to live our lives. Awesome book, and remember: Reading if FUNdamental!
It might not make sense to most people, but it kind of ties into the book I'm reading-John Steinbeck's fantastic travelogue 'Travels with Charlie, In Search of America'. It's about his rediscovery of the middle and western part of the US, about what makes us tick and about how we want to live our lives. Awesome book, and remember: Reading if FUNdamental!
Saturday, February 03, 2007
I'm stuck at work until the morning (damn bus doesn't run past midnight!), so I've been YouTubing.
I wish Al Gore would run for president. These two videos are a film made during the 2000 presidential run....they're done by Spike Jonze and they're really great. They show Al Gore as a really smart, thoughtful person with great vision. Too bad we as a nation didn't see him that way 8 years ago...and hopefully we're lucky enough to get these qualities in our next President.
I wish Al Gore would run for president. These two videos are a film made during the 2000 presidential run....they're done by Spike Jonze and they're really great. They show Al Gore as a really smart, thoughtful person with great vision. Too bad we as a nation didn't see him that way 8 years ago...and hopefully we're lucky enough to get these qualities in our next President.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Random Musings
I'm going to Florida next week, so this game might also apply to me:
http://www.waxhoff.com/
I love Ugly Betty. Really. As much as the first two seasons of Battlestar Galactica and almost as much as Star Trek:TNG.
ahhh, the writing process:
tasty tasty office cookies
make the good times last
tasty tasty office cookies
why must they kill you extra fast?
meh.
http://www.waxhoff.com/
I love Ugly Betty. Really. As much as the first two seasons of Battlestar Galactica and almost as much as Star Trek:TNG.
ahhh, the writing process:
tasty tasty office cookies
make the good times last
tasty tasty office cookies
why must they kill you extra fast?
meh.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
tasty tasty office cookies
that make the good times last
tasty tasty office cookies
that kill you extra fast
I'm going to Naples, Florida with the girlfriend and my new bike next week.
No -1 F for me next week! See you suckers!
that make the good times last
tasty tasty office cookies
that kill you extra fast
I'm going to Naples, Florida with the girlfriend and my new bike next week.
No -1 F for me next week! See you suckers!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
YouTube....as nutritious as cotton candy
So...I know we all dislike George Bush, but I still like to watch the State of the Union speech(and the Democratic response) but circumstances forced me to miss it last night.
I'm thinking, no big deal. Within minutes of The Shrub's last words, the speech will be up on YouTube for all to see. Shit, if some zitty 16 year old's video diary is up there, you'd think the biggest political speech of the year by one of the most important people on the planet would end up there too.
So wrong. YouTube ain't got it.
But Google Video does......hooray for Google.
I'm thinking, no big deal. Within minutes of The Shrub's last words, the speech will be up on YouTube for all to see. Shit, if some zitty 16 year old's video diary is up there, you'd think the biggest political speech of the year by one of the most important people on the planet would end up there too.
So wrong. YouTube ain't got it.
But Google Video does......hooray for Google.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Pimpin' my Box
Yesterday was the first day of the Great 2007 Home Remodel....my Dad and I took measurements of my bathroom and kitchen appliances, and of the floor.
So...folks. If you want a nice codo in Edina with a new bathroom, range, and wood flooring come visit my place. Since most of the evil old people who lived around me are dead it would be a sweet place for most people to live. Unless they themselves were an evil old person.
So...folks. If you want a nice codo in Edina with a new bathroom, range, and wood flooring come visit my place. Since most of the evil old people who lived around me are dead it would be a sweet place for most people to live. Unless they themselves were an evil old person.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Movin' on up
Much like Gerald Ford and the Godfather of Soul (and some of my less notable elderly neighbors) I'm thinking of moving on up.....To the Crocus Hill neighborhood in STP! I've looked at a couple of places-and I think I could be happy with at least one of them. While I'd have some home improvement to do(what is it with these people who want to sell their places but don't paint their basement windows that are slowing shaking off their paint?), my commute would drop to 10 minutes or so. From an hour and a half. Cough.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
