Archive for February, 2008

My First Gadget

February 25th, 2008

I decided that it was about time that I taught myself how to create Google Gadgets. I work with them here and there for my job, but I also wanted to see what they’re all about. I’ve heard from plenty of people how fun they are to make (and I have to agree). It’s a pretty cool API and I think they’re fairly extensible.

I figured my first gadget should be something for The Diatribe. So, I created a customizable gadget that can sit on you iGoogle page showing the most recent headlines from The Diatribe. You can also create a customizable icon of your favorite Diatribe author.

To add the gadget to your iGoogle homepage, click the button below (or the new link on the right hand sidebar). Let me know what you think.. suggestions are welcome!

Add it to iGoogle:

Trunk Monkeys

February 24th, 2008

I just love entertaining commercials. I actually get reprimanded periodically for rewinding our DVR just to watch the new Mac commercial or some other new ad that looks entertaining. That being said, I found this great set of ads courtesy of Boing Boing and others.

My only questions is — how would a trunk monkey work in my hatchback prius?

This one’s for the geeks

February 22nd, 2008

I think the title says it all. I got such a kick out of this in yesterday’s :

// idiom 1
cop[0].goodInPercent = 100;
cop[1].goodInPercent = 0;

// idiom 2
isCrowd = personCounter >= 3;

// idiom 3
injury += insult;

// idiom 4
1: board.draw();
goto 1;

// idiom 5
if (bird[1].feather == bird[2].feather) {
    bird[1].flock(bird[2]);
}

// idiom 6
a = getThickness('blood');
b = getThickness('water');
assert(a > b);

// idiom 7
a_spade_a_spade();

// idiom 8
die(1000);
function die(max) {
    for (i = 1; i < = max; i++) {
        cut();
    }
}

// idiom 9
prey = 'worm';
time = getCurrentTime();
if (time >= 4 && time < = 8) {
    bird.catch(prey);
}

// idiom 10
while ( rome.fire() ) {
    doFiddle();
}

// idiom 11
function getValue(garbage) {
    return garbage;
}

// idiom 12
take(salt * .01);

// idiom 13
var here = false;
var there = false;

// idiom 14
if (i == 2) {
    tango();
}

// idiom 15
days = 365;
for (day = 1; day <= days; day++) {
    if ( random(0,100) <= 50 ) apple++;
}
if (apple <= days) doctor();

// idiom 16
if ( !dogs.sleep() ) {
    disturb(dogs);
}

// idiom 17
function tunnel() {
    var dark;
    for (i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
        dark = true;
    }
    dark = !dark;
    return dark;
}

// idiom 18
if ( ape.inLineOfSight(it.x, it.y) ) ape.do(it);

// idiom 19
return way.my || way.high;

// idiom 20
hay[ random(0, hay.length - 1) ] = 'needle';

// idiom 21
a = 0;
b = 1;
hand[a].wash(hand[b]);
hand[b].wash(hand[a]);

// idiom 22
function getGain(pain) {
    return pain >= 1;
}

// idiom 23
if (cooks >= 3) {
    broth = null;
}

// idiom 24
if (a != 'cake') a.eat();

// idiom 25
doesStand = you == me;

// idiom 26
var location = getLocation();
if (location == 'rome') {
    do( location.getCitizen() );
}

Eclipses

February 21st, 2008

I know that it’s stereotypical that wolves (and sometimes dogs) howl at the full moon. But I’ve never heard of anything about dogs and eclipses. I think I need to start taking note, because (in case you didn’t know this) last night was the last Eclipse until 2010 that could be visible in North America.

It was too cloudy to see most of it here, though Miss Possible and I were able to sneak out and see the earth’s shadow for a few minutes during a brief break in the cloud cover. What’s strange, though, is that Bogart was acting ever so bizarre last night. Incessantly barking at us, jumping all over the place, digging much more than normal and he seemed to have endless energy. It was very strange — he was very out of character.

Miss Possible later pointed out that maybe the Eclipse had something to do with it.. and you know what, I think she might be onto something. I wanted to post about it, so that I might (perhaps) remember in 2010 to take notice of Bogart’s behavior the next time this happens. Who knows, maybe I can submit my findings to a Science Journal.

Run for the Hills!

February 15th, 2008

I did it. I just beat Run for the Hills on Hard Drums for Rock Band. It’s only taken me 2 weeks. That was the last song that I needed on Hard.. so I’m done with it.. Time to continue my journey on to Expert.

While most of you probably don’t care.. it’s a big deal for me :)

The Wedding Prepartions

February 14th, 2008

Earlier this month marked the official time to start the wedding preparations, but I’m not talking about the vendors, invitations, photographer and other minutia involved with the wedding planning. I’m talking about the prep worked required on my behalf to get back in shape and look good in the photographs. I’ve got a goal to get back to my marathon-era weight and I’ve only got one way to do it: VSI II.

Some of you may remember the first VSI which began in August of 2000 and continued up through the frustrating Boston Marathon debacle of 2004. For those that don’t remember, VSI means Vast Self Improvement1. It’s basically an all out effort to get back into shape.

This requires diet alteration, a completely structured near-daily workout regimen, and anything else I want to add in as so-called Pork. Since the program began in late January, I’ve only missed two days at the gym and have enjoyed getting back on the fitness wagon. The diet has now become habit (as has the gym) and the rest is a matter of consistency.

So, stay tuned as you’ll probably hear a tale or two my VSI exploits. Let the getting-in-shape begin!

1I cannot take any credit for the term, phrase, motto, idiom or slogan VSI. It needs proper attribution to Mike Melillo who mentioned the program at my office one day back in 2000, and since that time I’ve used it freely. Thank you Mike.

I (heart) bully sticks

February 13th, 2008

Bogart