Author Archive

Teaching Perl…

Wednesday, July 25th, 2012

I’ll be teaching a very informal class on Perl to  a couple of folks I know.  We’ve got two days scheduled, and I’ve suggested they get chromatic’s Modern Perl as a ‘textbook’.  I plan on covering what variables are, how program flow works, functions, and objects via Moose.  I’ll also discuss installing Perl on Windows and Linux.  What am I forgetting? (more…)

Road Trip Wrap Up

Wednesday, July 25th, 2012

I got home last night from my long trip, safe and sound. The end of the trip had an extra hassle or two, but they are overcome and will only cost a little to fix…

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Quick review: The Dark Knight Rises

Saturday, July 21st, 2012

Saw The Dark Knight Rises with Mom and Dad. In short, very well done movie. I enjoyed the ending, which had a twist that caught me and then was satisfying. It left enough hooks for a sequel but doesn’t require one.  A satisfying Big Summer Action movie and conclusion to this Batman series. (more…)

A Visit To A Shinto Shrine

Friday, July 20th, 2012

Yesterday, my Mother and I drove to the Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America.  It is a Shinto shrine – the only one in the continental United States – located in Granite Falls.  It’s a little over a half an hour from Mom and Dad’s house, up into the mountains.  It’s in a lush green spot, right on the Pilchuck river. (more…)

Road Trip 7 Addendum – Moonrise Kingdom

Friday, July 13th, 2012

Went out this evening with Mom and Dad and saw Wes Anderson’s “Moonrise Kingdom”. It was a charming little film with all sorts of characters in odd situations. I enjoyed it very much, but I like Mr. Anderson’s movies.

The cast was full of excellent people, and the plot was sweet and odd at the same time.  A pair of misfit kids falls for one another and won’t be kept apart.  Love conquers all.

Road Trip 7 – Friday afternoon

Friday, July 13th, 2012

I’ve had to work this week, so haven’t done much interesting. Today’s been a bit odd as we’ve had flaky electricity and Internet due to a huge thunderstorm that’s moving past. Giant, rolling peals of thunder shaking the buildings. It’s made work a challenge.

More next week, when I’m on vacation again.

Road Trip 6 – Sunday at Westercon

Sunday, July 8th, 2012

Got up early this morning to get everything packed up.  Did so, ate food, packed a lunch, loaded everything into the car, checked out of the room and then went to an 11am panel.  The panel, on converting text to e-books, was well attended and I took some notes.  Four panelists with entirely different toolsets and goals. (more…)

Road Trip 5 – Saturday at Westercon

Saturday, July 7th, 2012

Got moving earlier in the day.  Went to a few panels, and picked up lunch from Hospitality.  Talked to a couple of random fen there, mostly about Westercons past.  Lots of people recall Westercon 44, in Vancouver. (more…)

Road Trip 4 – Friday at Westercon

Saturday, July 7th, 2012

Woke up earlier than I expected after being up till 3am.  Got ready to go out, slowly.  Ate breakfast, took a shower, etc.

Went to an 11:00am panel, but decided the next couple were dumb, and wandered a bit.  Looked at the art show – cool stuff, bigger than last Westercon, bigger than Baycon, but everyone says smaller than Norwescon – and am glad nothing demands I take it home.  Dealers room was similar.  Picked up some unusual comic books (which are small, so I can get them home) and didn’t buy the deliciously steampunk cane.  May try and find some books tomorrow. (more…)

Road Trip 3 – Thursday at Westercon

Thursday, July 5th, 2012

Got to the con a little late.  Made it to the “Closing Ceremonies” a little late.  The con is apparently caught in a time warp and scheduled backwards.  Several people tried to explain that to me and I didn’t get it till I got there.

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