Each time that I use my trusty Google Googles to scan the code, however, I get this.
[caption id="attachment_3939" align="alignnone" width="168"]
Click to enbiggen[/caption]It's been temporarily for the many months that I've tried it.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
The Gardner News: modern offer, modern rejection
The Gardner News is enthusiastic about these new mobile webby things. They include a QR code in the paper from time to time.
Each time that I use my trusty Google Googles to scan the code, however, I get this.
[caption id="attachment_3939" align="alignnone" width="168"]
Click to enbiggen[/caption]
It's been temporarily for the many months that I've tried it.
Each time that I use my trusty Google Googles to scan the code, however, I get this.
[caption id="attachment_3939" align="alignnone" width="168"]
Click to enbiggen[/caption]It's been temporarily for the many months that I've tried it.
Saturday, October 06, 2012
What the small road tells us
Already the camp road is covered with needles and leaves. There are pine needles and yellow leaves from birches and the early maples. Near the water, the maples are orange and bright red.
It was a great season at the camp, four months of that second cup of coffee on the front porch, brought indoors by the cool of early fall. We had lots of time to ourselves and big gatherings in celebration of milestone birthdays.
The heron, great big improbable bird, greeted us in the spring, went away, and bid us farewell in the fall. An eagle surveyed the cove.
We worked, real for-pay work, but we could take a swim when it was hot. It was a full summer. We took one weekend off and acted as if we were vacationers in town, doing touristy things and toured the lake by kayak and canoe.
A friend used to remind me that biblical storytellers would say that an event came to pass, not that it came to stay. A few years ago, some of you might remember, we started to live at the camp. The death of my wife's father and chronic illness of her mother flipped those plans onto another path. With the resilient support of her family and caretakers, Sandra's mother is doing pretty well.
We have a few ideas for next year, but we're not through with our ideas for this year yet. I have a good array of work ahead. I have friends I've not seen recently; it's easy to let people get away.
We have clusters of birthdays, holidays, and birthdays again. Laid out on a calendar, it looks crowded, but each one is special and worthy. Each birthday forces a hard question: how well do we know what's important to the person having the birthday? With little kids, it's easy because they'll tell you directly. As people grow, however, they might not even know themselves and so we have to try to help.
We worked hard to put things out of reach of mice and squirrels who will come in from the cold. We brought home the obviously edible stuff and packed everything made of cloth or paper in bins. The acorn crop was a bit better than average, so we can look forward to a cold winter.
It was a great season at the camp, four months of that second cup of coffee on the front porch, brought indoors by the cool of early fall. We had lots of time to ourselves and big gatherings in celebration of milestone birthdays.
The heron, great big improbable bird, greeted us in the spring, went away, and bid us farewell in the fall. An eagle surveyed the cove.
We worked, real for-pay work, but we could take a swim when it was hot. It was a full summer. We took one weekend off and acted as if we were vacationers in town, doing touristy things and toured the lake by kayak and canoe.
A friend used to remind me that biblical storytellers would say that an event came to pass, not that it came to stay. A few years ago, some of you might remember, we started to live at the camp. The death of my wife's father and chronic illness of her mother flipped those plans onto another path. With the resilient support of her family and caretakers, Sandra's mother is doing pretty well.
We have a few ideas for next year, but we're not through with our ideas for this year yet. I have a good array of work ahead. I have friends I've not seen recently; it's easy to let people get away.
We have clusters of birthdays, holidays, and birthdays again. Laid out on a calendar, it looks crowded, but each one is special and worthy. Each birthday forces a hard question: how well do we know what's important to the person having the birthday? With little kids, it's easy because they'll tell you directly. As people grow, however, they might not even know themselves and so we have to try to help.
We worked hard to put things out of reach of mice and squirrels who will come in from the cold. We brought home the obviously edible stuff and packed everything made of cloth or paper in bins. The acorn crop was a bit better than average, so we can look forward to a cold winter.
My father said each fall the wet leaves are slipperier than snow. We drive carefully on the road covered with needles and leaves.
Thursday, October 04, 2012
Dept. of Superheroes
While getting ready for the school bus yesterday, Miss Cassie mentioned that a kid at school got a bit confused one day and put his jacket on, over his backpack. The kids called him Jacket-Over-Backpack Man.
Sleep easily, suburbanites. Jacket-Over-Backpack Man has your, um, back.
We can be grateful that we don't have to rely on Arm Fall Off Boy.
Sleep easily, suburbanites. Jacket-Over-Backpack Man has your, um, back.
We can be grateful that we don't have to rely on Arm Fall Off Boy.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
In which a stick becomes a root
Sandra has been in California for a few days, celebrating her friend-since-childhood Janet's birthday. She returns this evening.
On Saturday, I took care of my errands early with a trip to the dump and then the grocery store. I settled in for a couple of days of being alone.
The productivity folks suggest that you add a time estimate to the items on your to-do list. That way, it's easy to pick off short tasks and feel productive, even if you're a bit unfocused. My list was a mix of big and little things - paperwork for a couple of nonprofits, cut down a small tree that is growing too close to the utility pole, pay the bills, split firewood, and on like that.
Most of the things I was able to dispatch with ease. The firewood is like that. Some of the wood has been lying on the ground for a couple of years. (I thought I would be getting to it that summer, but those plans were overcome by other events.) Surprisingly, the bark protected most of the wood, leaving it damp but still solid. It split easily. In 20 minutes, I had enough for a day's burning.
Other chores went walkabout. I had some forms that were worth about 15 minutes. They took two hours and are still not done. They are state forms. Something happens to arithmetic when it enters that world. Numbers that should add up nicely produce random results.
It's easy to get discouraged and weary when you spent a long time on a simple task. You can walk away and do something else, which I did plenty of times. At day's end, though, in spite of many tasks crossed off the list, that remaining undone lump stands proud and defiant.
While walking around the yard, I bent down to pick up a stick. It was a root. I tugged on it, tearing up the ground for a couple of feet. The first set of clippers that I found was dull and couldn't cut the sinew. The next set was sharp enough. I cut it cleanly, repacked the tear in the ground, and went about my day. The root will grown back next year.
On Saturday, I took care of my errands early with a trip to the dump and then the grocery store. I settled in for a couple of days of being alone.
The productivity folks suggest that you add a time estimate to the items on your to-do list. That way, it's easy to pick off short tasks and feel productive, even if you're a bit unfocused. My list was a mix of big and little things - paperwork for a couple of nonprofits, cut down a small tree that is growing too close to the utility pole, pay the bills, split firewood, and on like that.
Most of the things I was able to dispatch with ease. The firewood is like that. Some of the wood has been lying on the ground for a couple of years. (I thought I would be getting to it that summer, but those plans were overcome by other events.) Surprisingly, the bark protected most of the wood, leaving it damp but still solid. It split easily. In 20 minutes, I had enough for a day's burning.
Other chores went walkabout. I had some forms that were worth about 15 minutes. They took two hours and are still not done. They are state forms. Something happens to arithmetic when it enters that world. Numbers that should add up nicely produce random results.It's easy to get discouraged and weary when you spent a long time on a simple task. You can walk away and do something else, which I did plenty of times. At day's end, though, in spite of many tasks crossed off the list, that remaining undone lump stands proud and defiant.
While walking around the yard, I bent down to pick up a stick. It was a root. I tugged on it, tearing up the ground for a couple of feet. The first set of clippers that I found was dull and couldn't cut the sinew. The next set was sharp enough. I cut it cleanly, repacked the tear in the ground, and went about my day. The root will grown back next year.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Happy 13th Birthday, Lily
[caption id="attachment_3896" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
Seen here this summer with Rocco and guest, Thompson.[/caption]
Seen here this summer with Rocco and guest, Thompson.[/caption]
Monday, September 24, 2012
When English usage rules fail
The standard usage rule of placing punctuation inside quotation marks causes an unnecessary problem for new application developers. Grammar Girl notes that British writers can decide on the inside/outside usage based on context. American writers must put punctuation inside the quotation marks, even if it causes problems in technical writing.
For reasons that might become apparent at a later date, I decided to try my hand at Android application development. Using the guidance provided on the Android development site, I dutifully downloaded and configured Eclipse and the Android development kit. If you're not one who does this often, the setup can be tricky, so it's good to follow the instructions exactly.
When I reached the step of creating my first application, I followed the steps on the Creating an Android Project page.
If I use My First App. as the name of, um, my first app, the form doesn't regard it as a valid name. Note that the dialog box doesn't let me proceed; the Next button is grayed out.
If I remove the period that is inside the quotation mark and name my application My First Application, I can move on to the next step.
For reasons that might become apparent at a later date, I decided to try my hand at Android application development. Using the guidance provided on the Android development site, I dutifully downloaded and configured Eclipse and the Android development kit. If you're not one who does this often, the setup can be tricky, so it's good to follow the instructions exactly.
When I reached the step of creating my first application, I followed the steps on the Creating an Android Project page.
If I use My First App. as the name of, um, my first app, the form doesn't regard it as a valid name. Note that the dialog box doesn't let me proceed; the Next button is grayed out.
If I remove the period that is inside the quotation mark and name my application My First Application, I can move on to the next step.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Well, that was fun
I was tinkering with the DNS settings on this blog and the gears threw a few teeth. We should be quiet again for a while.
Thanks for your patience.
Thanks for your patience.
Are you ready to turn over your school's...
Are you ready to turn over your school's tech support to the kids? Some schools have already done so.
Educational IT - Karl Hakkarainen - The Help-Yourself (& Others) Help Desk
Along with the bring-your-own-device trend, savvy IT departments are harnessing the independence of their users to solve their own IT and training issues.
Educational IT - Karl Hakkarainen - The Help-Yourself (& Others) Help Desk
Along with the bring-your-own-device trend, savvy IT departments are harnessing the independence of their users to solve their own IT and training issues.
As innovative as this sounds,developing...
As innovative as this sounds,developing water-intensive products in New Mexico seems wrong-headed.
First portion of huge algae farm in New Mexico is done
Come take a look at the first phase of Sapphire Energy's algae farm in New Mexico. When eventually built out it will produce 100 barrels of algae biofuel a day, and currently the five-year-old startup...
First portion of huge algae farm in New Mexico is done
Come take a look at the first phase of Sapphire Energy's algae farm in New Mexico. When eventually built out it will produce 100 barrels of algae biofuel a day, and currently the five-year-old startup...
Paul Ryan is so confident that he and Mitt...
Paul Ryan is so confident that he and Mitt Romney will win that he is also running for his current congressional seat.
As he seeks bigger job, Ryan runs to keep old one - The Boston Globe
Paul Ryan has been busy preparing to face off next month with Vice President Joe Biden, cramming on foreign policy and trying to mesh his views with his new running mate, Mitt Romney. But back here at...
As he seeks bigger job, Ryan runs to keep old one - The Boston Globe
Paul Ryan has been busy preparing to face off next month with Vice President Joe Biden, cramming on foreign policy and trying to mesh his views with his new running mate, Mitt Romney. But back here at...
Various forces align against Uber's pay-...
Various forces align against Uber's pay-by-app expansion.
Digital Draw - Karl Hakkarainen - The Battle for the Backseat
Taxi-hailing app Uber has run into a legal roadblock in the Big Apple with seat-back digital advertisers.
Digital Draw - Karl Hakkarainen - The Battle for the Backseat
Taxi-hailing app Uber has run into a legal roadblock in the Big Apple with seat-back digital advertisers.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Learning by getting it wrong
While writing a blog for another site, I wanted to use the metaphor of the old Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) battery memory effect problem. For those of you who remember the early portable devices, such as Sony's Discman, they used NiCd batteries. We were warned through the documentation and our friends that we should always completely drain the battery before recharging. Otherwise, the battery would lose its ability to charge fully and develop a memory for a certain charge level, sometimes called a set point.
I wanted to allude to the fact that people can develop this set point as well, losing the ability to learn only so much, which was far less than what their original capacity would indicate.
Upon further research, I learned that the memory effect wasn't really there. It was mostly about the behavior of cheap chargers and the perception, not the fact, that the battery wasn't fully charged. The explanation is nicely summed up in Dan's Quick Guide to Memory Effect, You Idiots.
The metaphor works even better. People can learn, even when their brains appear to be over-full or when they appear to be not fully open to change. It may look as though they aren't learning and can't use the knowledge. Our perceptions of the way that others learn is, in part, what's faulty, as well as the charging (educational) system.
NiCd batteries are hazardous waste. I don't know where that fits into the metaphor.
I wanted to allude to the fact that people can develop this set point as well, losing the ability to learn only so much, which was far less than what their original capacity would indicate.
Upon further research, I learned that the memory effect wasn't really there. It was mostly about the behavior of cheap chargers and the perception, not the fact, that the battery wasn't fully charged. The explanation is nicely summed up in Dan's Quick Guide to Memory Effect, You Idiots.
The metaphor works even better. People can learn, even when their brains appear to be over-full or when they appear to be not fully open to change. It may look as though they aren't learning and can't use the knowledge. Our perceptions of the way that others learn is, in part, what's faulty, as well as the charging (educational) system.
NiCd batteries are hazardous waste. I don't know where that fits into the metaphor.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Kickstarter propels local entrepreneurs -...
Kickstarter propels local entrepreneurs - The Boston Globe
Joseph Schlesinger of Somerville needed $13,000 to develop what he thought was a pretty cool product idea: do-it-yourself kits for gadget enthusiasts to assemble and program their own spider-like robo...
Joseph Schlesinger of Somerville needed $13,000 to develop what he thought was a pretty cool product idea: do-it-yourself kits for gadget enthusiasts to assemble and program their own spider-like robo...
Friday, September 07, 2012
Windows 8 will mean a brisk business for...
Windows 8 will mean a brisk business for IT folks who will a) uninstall it and install Windows 7 or b) spend lots of billable hours supporting customers who are trying to get simple things done.
GoLocal Tech: Windows 8 is Charming to a Fault
Hakkarainen’s Law of Product Development: Every product evolves until it becomes unusable.
GoLocal Tech: Windows 8 is Charming to a Fault
Hakkarainen’s Law of Product Development: Every product evolves until it becomes unusable.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
It seems obvious that market research will...
It seems obvious that market research will let you make better use of your marketing funds. Survey respondents, however, generally didn't know about the major research firms that are reporting on digital signage.
Digital Draw - Karl Hakkarainen - Market Research Shows the Way
Better market research leads to increased use of digital media by bank customers.
Digital Draw - Karl Hakkarainen - Market Research Shows the Way
Better market research leads to increased use of digital media by bank customers.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Mr. Hakkarainen goes to Helsinki
It's been a somewhat quiet summer in Finland, so we have just a couple of news items. Both are brought to us by way of Google Translate because neither story reached the English-speaking press.
Previously, Hakkarainen found himself with unwanted press and political attention for racist, sexist, and a bunch of other *ist remarks. When censured by his party and Parliament, he claimed that he'd been drinking but would stop. This summer, however, he found it inconvenient to stay stopped while on holiday. As a result, he missed a couple of government meetings. Another MP urged Hakkarainen to find a way to sobriety. Juha Väätäisen said that Hakkarainen has clearly shown that he has a problem with alcohol and that complete sobriety is the only option.
Maybe it's related, maybe not. Hakkarainen was, well, we don't need to translate this headline and photo:
Hakkarainen claims that the relationship is platonic.
This post is one of a series about Teuvo Hakkarainen, the True Finns Party MP from Viitasaari. For the record, my grandfather was born in Viitasaari.
Previously, Hakkarainen found himself with unwanted press and political attention for racist, sexist, and a bunch of other *ist remarks. When censured by his party and Parliament, he claimed that he'd been drinking but would stop. This summer, however, he found it inconvenient to stay stopped while on holiday. As a result, he missed a couple of government meetings. Another MP urged Hakkarainen to find a way to sobriety. Juha Väätäisen said that Hakkarainen has clearly shown that he has a problem with alcohol and that complete sobriety is the only option.
Maybe it's related, maybe not. Hakkarainen was, well, we don't need to translate this headline and photo:
Hakkarainen claims that the relationship is platonic.
This post is one of a series about Teuvo Hakkarainen, the True Finns Party MP from Viitasaari. For the record, my grandfather was born in Viitasaari.
Monday, August 27, 2012
The nine jurors in the Samsung-Apple case...
The nine jurors in the Samsung-Apple case threw a box of rocks into the mobile market. Its billion-and-change judgment against Samsung for violating Apple's patents creates uncertainty about mobile platforms. Markets don't like uncertainty; and neither do security professionals.
The Mobility Hub - Karl Hakkarainen - After Apple's Victory, Microsoft May Gain Ground
Microsoft, which will offer security and stability during the ongoing patent wars, could come out the real winner in the ongoing turf fights between Apple and phonemakers in the Google camp.
The Mobility Hub - Karl Hakkarainen - After Apple's Victory, Microsoft May Gain Ground
Microsoft, which will offer security and stability during the ongoing patent wars, could come out the real winner in the ongoing turf fights between Apple and phonemakers in the Google camp.
Friday, August 24, 2012
With notes from Twitter discussions
With notes from Twitter discussions
GoLocal Tech: Keeping Yourself Safe Online Part 1
Last week, Wired writer Matt Honan published a story that scared the yogurt out of us. His online accounts were hacked and, among other things, he lost all of pictures of his baby daughter.
GoLocal Tech: Keeping Yourself Safe Online Part 1
Last week, Wired writer Matt Honan published a story that scared the yogurt out of us. His online accounts were hacked and, among other things, he lost all of pictures of his baby daughter.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
GoLocal Tech: Keeping Yourself Safe Online
First of a two-part series about online safety: GoLocal Tech: Keeping Yourself Safe Online. This week, we focus on password management.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Welcome to Babel fish
Fans of the Douglas Adams six-part trilogy Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy will remember the Babel fish. When inserted in the ear, the Babel fish allowed the recipient to understand any and all languages. Note that understanding the languages does not necessarily lead to understanding the person.
Anyway, we're on our way. Using Google Translate on my phone, I can type a phrase in English and have it return a credible spoken version of the translated phrase.
[caption id="attachment_3838" align="aligncenter" width="350"]
Click on the image to hear the translation.[/caption]
Anyway, we're on our way. Using Google Translate on my phone, I can type a phrase in English and have it return a credible spoken version of the translated phrase.
[caption id="attachment_3838" align="aligncenter" width="350"]
Click on the image to hear the translation.[/caption]
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