• Why I didn’t pursue Computer Science in University

    I entered SJSU in fall 1983, with a declared major of B.A. Physics. But I assumed that I would probably go into computer science. I had spent much of my high school time with my nose glued to either one of the Apple II+’s in the computer lab, or the Atari 800 system (that I…

  • My first Android Device – Nexus 7

    About 7 months ago, I splurged and bought a Nexus 7.  Ostensibly, I bought it to test the websites I work on in an intermediate resolution (I already use an iphone and an iPad to test different mobile sizes).  I figured that I would give Android a fair shake, but alas, I have used it…

  • Colour did in The Avengers

    A joy from my childhood was watching reruns of the The Avengers.  Much later in life I bought the DVD’s on a whim, and I will admit to enjoying watching the old episodes. I have two years form the “pre Diana Rigg” Avengers.  Honor Blackman (who was a Bond girl, Pussy Galore) did a fine…

  • Gift shopping tips for men

    As last week was my better half’s birthday, and next week is our anniversary, I thought I would share what I have learned over the years in gift giving for the feminine half of the human race. I am sure this is out there somewhere, but I figure that it can’t hurt to repeat it…

  • What I am reading: History of Modern Europe

    I am an avid reader, have been since I was in my early teens.  While most of my reading tends to favor the SciFi genre, I have developed a taste for history. When I was in High School I had the usual US history, and with it a smattering of world history. Of course, my…

  • Weight loss update, more on my quest to not be a Person of Walmart

    Started the memorial day weekend well, took a couple extra days off, and haven’t wasted them. I had a serious plateau at 220 and 219 #’s.  I was stuck there for almost week and half.  Nothing is more depressing than counting every calorie you consume, and every erg you expend in exercise to not see…

  • Spotify vs Google “All Access”

    Last week, I posted about pitting spotify (premium) against the newly announced “Google All Access”, and today I am going to post an update. To be fair, I have only been using it for 4 or so days now, but the one thing that drove me nuts about using my collection in Play was that…

  • What drives me nuts: Windows installers putting shortcuts on the desktop

    Nothing screams the 1990’s like every time you install a piece of software that it puts an icon with a shortcut on your desktop. I know that most software asks you if you want one placed on the desktop, and I ALWAYS uncheck that box. But all too often, the software installs it anyway, or it…

  • Curse Survey Monkey…

    I have been using Survey Monkey for a few years.  Great product, and for simple surveys, it really can’t be beat. But I stopped using it at my last job (we had a high buck license of Eloqua which pretty much kicks all asses). Flash forward to today.  The non-profit that I work with (Southern…

  • The good and the bad about Netflix streaming

    I will come out and say it, I love Netflix streaming video. I like being able to watch what I want, without having to fiddle with the queue to get the right disk sent next. I have really enjoyed watching some of the series I used to watch while growing up, and that is where…