On Startups and Starting Your Own Business

Other than having a child, little is as difficult and fulfilling as starting your own business.  I haven't posted lately because I've been preparing for my first attempt, and there is plenty to do.

Doubling Your Podcast Efficiency

Self improvement is so easy these days.  Geeks already know podcasts can assist learning and keep your mind sharp when working out, walking to work, or even cleaning the house.  However, the number of quality podcasts and online talks is only increasing which means it's important to stay efficient.  In this post I'll explain how.

Export Notes from Ipod Touch or Iphone / Ipad

Here's how I exported the notes from the Notes app on my Ipod Touch.  Unfortunately this time you'll have to be a pro to follow along.

History of Computing

Today I'm watching this interesting talk on the history of computing by Douglas Crockford.

Understanding Free Software Licenses

If you're like me software licenses bore you to tears.  No really, I can barely get to the second paragraph before my eyes glaze over and start to droop.  As such, a reasonable business idea might be to gather them all together into a book and market them as a cure for insomnia.  ;)

MonoPrice

I know this is old news, but I was surprised to encounter a young guy today who didn't know about monoprice.  One of the important things we geeks have learned over the years is to never buy computer or AV cables from a "Big Box Retailer."  As anyone stuck buying a $20 ethernet cable at BestBuy or Radio Shack in an emergency knows ... it's an eff'ing rip-off.

Aiming Higher

On this day off of work and school in America, let's take a moment to gain a bit of insight on freedom and its history.  If you've never heard this speech on the subject by Martin Luther King, Jr., you've come to the right place as it is one of the best ever given.

Conversely, if you've been bored to tears from its treatment at school, this is a great opportunity to forget all that and listen.  Just listen to what this particular group of people, who had traveled from far and wide despite hardship, came to say from their hearts.  On this hot summer day, they stood up for dignity and respect, their thoughts and emotions channeled through the speaker.

Handling Unicode in a Nutshell

As a "global citizen in a worldwide economy," (groan) it can only make sense to properly handle multiple languages in the software you develop.  That is, unless you'd prefer to ignore what might be the majority of potential users and/or profits.  Accordingly, for many years I've done my best to accommodate that goal in the programs I write or contribute to.