I was writing an e-mail to my group mates about a project we are working on. Being the proactive and perhaps overeager beaver I am, I mentioned in the e-mail that I would attach a few docs.
I clicked send - only to realize I forgot to attach said documents.
To my surprise, however, Gmail handily displayed a message box: "Did you mean to attach files? You wrote "Attached is" in your message, but there are no files attached. Send anyway?"
How handy is that?! Completely saved me from making an ass of myself. Now go forth and send e-mails without fear of forgetting e-mail attachments - that is, if you have a Gmail account, in which case - Get to it!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Hyperbole and a Half
Gosh. I neither have the time nor the concentration to tell you how funny Allie's blog is. And I know I shouldn't pretend that I know her or link her blog or mention her name like I know her (since I don't). But I think it's worthwhile.
Just... See for yourself.
Thank you for the link, Phil.
Just... See for yourself.
Thank you for the link, Phil.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
TableAdapter Wizard Query Parsing Quibble
I was working on a little project in Visual Studio 2008 using an SQL database. I went to add a TableAdapter to add some databound features on my form. I was having trouble with my query, but I had written similar queries in other TableAdapters and wanted to leave the wizard to have a peek. Seeking to save myself some typing, I left my query incomplete and I OK'ed my way through the wizard and ignored the parsing errors. I copied some code from another query and re-opened the wizard. The query worked like a charm now. The wizard didn't complain about anything - that is, until I hit the Finish button. I got an error message saying "There was an error parsing the query" followed by the token, line number and offset.
"Hey, what gives? My query is fine!" I was ready to slap a kid, Masahiro Chono-style.
But I figured it out.
For some reason, when you OK through the wiz on an incomplete or bad query, it sticks in the wizard's memory. Now, when you go back to the wiz and type in any query, it will still attempt to parse the original incomplete or bad query stuck in memory.
I was able to reproduce the error by leaving out the column name of the last line of my query, a GROUP BY statement. The token pointed at the BY keyword when I OK'ed through the wiz. This is understandable since you need to give a column name when using the GROUP BY statement. I then reopened the wiz and removed the GROUP BY statement, making it a healthy query. Guess what? The token pointed at the BY keyword still, even though there was no longer a "BY" in my query!
I worked around this by simply copying the query I wanted, deleting the erroneous TableAdapter, creating a new one, and pasting the query in during the wizard.
Lesson learned: Never OK through the TableAdapter wizard with an incomplete query!
"Hey, what gives? My query is fine!" I was ready to slap a kid, Masahiro Chono-style.
But I figured it out.
For some reason, when you OK through the wiz on an incomplete or bad query, it sticks in the wizard's memory. Now, when you go back to the wiz and type in any query, it will still attempt to parse the original incomplete or bad query stuck in memory.
I was able to reproduce the error by leaving out the column name of the last line of my query, a GROUP BY statement. The token pointed at the BY keyword when I OK'ed through the wiz. This is understandable since you need to give a column name when using the GROUP BY statement. I then reopened the wiz and removed the GROUP BY statement, making it a healthy query. Guess what? The token pointed at the BY keyword still, even though there was no longer a "BY" in my query!
I worked around this by simply copying the query I wanted, deleting the erroneous TableAdapter, creating a new one, and pasting the query in during the wizard.
Lesson learned: Never OK through the TableAdapter wizard with an incomplete query!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Building Academics: Student Initiative to Benefit Institute's IT Services
I'm working on a simple, client-based application to help Student Computing Services manage the inventory of over 960 software titles and the accompanying licenses that they deploy across their four campus locations. But getting here was a little tricky.
At first, I proposed a web-based application. I sought the accessibility of the Internet.
Through several iterations of revising and eliciting client feedback, I learned that the political and jurisdictional circumstances of the client's environment prevent the deployment of a web-based software inventory system. One of the project requirements is that the Student Computing Services Section must have full jurisdiction over the product. This will not be possible with a web-based system. Hosting the database through a free hosting third-party is a security violation. Creating a database server will not be possible without crossing into the jurisdiction of the Networking Section.
The project was forced to become a client-side application. Though very limited in accessibility relative to a web-based system, the client assures me that it will be very useful to the Section. The project will still meet the requirements of the directed field study. It will still be a work of adequate significance and an excellent opportunity for the student to learn and gain experience. It will still involve the planning and development of a database and an application to interact with it.
For now, somewhat disappointed but still determined, I'm continuing to revise the concept and toss the idea around the office to get some feedback. I need to take care not to speak too loudly, though. There's a certain way of doing things around here, see.
Coding begins next week. For the full calendar of events, see this weblink.
At first, I proposed a web-based application. I sought the accessibility of the Internet.
Through several iterations of revising and eliciting client feedback, I learned that the political and jurisdictional circumstances of the client's environment prevent the deployment of a web-based software inventory system. One of the project requirements is that the Student Computing Services Section must have full jurisdiction over the product. This will not be possible with a web-based system. Hosting the database through a free hosting third-party is a security violation. Creating a database server will not be possible without crossing into the jurisdiction of the Networking Section.
The project was forced to become a client-side application. Though very limited in accessibility relative to a web-based system, the client assures me that it will be very useful to the Section. The project will still meet the requirements of the directed field study. It will still be a work of adequate significance and an excellent opportunity for the student to learn and gain experience. It will still involve the planning and development of a database and an application to interact with it.
For now, somewhat disappointed but still determined, I'm continuing to revise the concept and toss the idea around the office to get some feedback. I need to take care not to speak too loudly, though. There's a certain way of doing things around here, see.
Coding begins next week. For the full calendar of events, see this weblink.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Taking Accounting? Take Heart!
If you happen to be taking accounting and are having a bit of trouble, there's one thing that you should do. Show some heart! Continue to work at it. Accounting isn't as difficult as it often seems. It's relevant no matter where you go, so keep in mind that it is very valuable to learn.
The accounting assignment I'm working on is asking students to complete a mortgage repayment schedule. An empty table is provided, making it even easier. This mortgage has an interest rate of 6%, with payments due every 6 months. The question also provides the blended principal & interest payment amount of $12,771 over 10 years. Payments are to be made each June 30 and December 31. No tricks here - The mortgage was taken on July 1, 2007, meaning there are exactly 6 months before the first payment. This question is textbook - just fill in the blanks.
I look up the paragraph about blended principal and interest payments in my textbook. When using this form of mortgage repayment, the cash payments stay consistent - in our case, $12,771 every 6 months. Examining the effect it has on the schedule, when our cash payments are identical, the reduction of principal (portion of our payment towards amount we owe) increases. This is as opposed to fixed principal payments, where as its name suggests, the reduction of principal is the same amount every period while cash payments decrease.
When we've paid for the mortgage at the end of the loan, there is no difference between schedule types. However, when our cash payments are fixed, it's a little easier to foresee what we owe at the end of each period. This may not be a noteworthy advantage, but when we use fixed principal payments, the very first payment we make is the largest payment, with each subsequent payment being slightly smaller. Perhaps it's comfort knowing the worst is over after the start.
The accounting assignment I'm working on is asking students to complete a mortgage repayment schedule. An empty table is provided, making it even easier. This mortgage has an interest rate of 6%, with payments due every 6 months. The question also provides the blended principal & interest payment amount of $12,771 over 10 years. Payments are to be made each June 30 and December 31. No tricks here - The mortgage was taken on July 1, 2007, meaning there are exactly 6 months before the first payment. This question is textbook - just fill in the blanks.
I look up the paragraph about blended principal and interest payments in my textbook. When using this form of mortgage repayment, the cash payments stay consistent - in our case, $12,771 every 6 months. Examining the effect it has on the schedule, when our cash payments are identical, the reduction of principal (portion of our payment towards amount we owe) increases. This is as opposed to fixed principal payments, where as its name suggests, the reduction of principal is the same amount every period while cash payments decrease.
When we've paid for the mortgage at the end of the loan, there is no difference between schedule types. However, when our cash payments are fixed, it's a little easier to foresee what we owe at the end of each period. This may not be a noteworthy advantage, but when we use fixed principal payments, the very first payment we make is the largest payment, with each subsequent payment being slightly smaller. Perhaps it's comfort knowing the worst is over after the start.
Friday, March 5, 2010
The Good Stuff
After a total of 17 hours of editing, we finally have a finished interview video. I've uploaded it to Viddler, however the framerate is absolute crap and I'm not satisfied with it. I'll be reuploading that tonight. Here's the link anyway if you want to see the berry berry bad quality version.
The weather in this city on this day is stellar. So much blue sky out there. If I could fly, I'd be bringing buckets with me to catch all of that sky. It's beautiful. And don't even get me started about the warmth!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Mondo
Mondo means "very big".
Do not order a mondo burrito from Taco Del Mar without a healthy appetite and time to spare. It will not go down easily!
Do not order a mondo burrito from Taco Del Mar without a healthy appetite and time to spare. It will not go down easily!
Reliability Inside
It's 3:00 am. Task complete. I did what needed to get done. Unfortunately, I can't link you to my latest brief website work unless you have a Talcie account. Sorry.
It really isn't very representative of my true abilities anyway...
Next objective: Seven hours of video editing. It's gonna be sweet.
It really isn't very representative of my true abilities anyway...
Next objective: Seven hours of video editing. It's gonna be sweet.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Want
For the moment, let's forgo the shameful sensations of materialism. Recall a time in your life when you had to decide between possessing one of two material things.
Maybe the cost of either one or the other is so great that you can only afford one. Then some might say, "It isn't a forever type of decision. You might go with one for a while, sell it, and then try the other". But we can't guarantee that you can sell it, let alone for a reasonable amount.
Maybe at some point you might be able to possess both. The question lingers as to whether you will still enjoy either of them by the time you receive the second.
Maybe you simply settle with what you have. You're happy with your lot and can do without the expense of either choice.
Maybe you waffle and cannot come to a final decision. The prospect of owning each of these fine fine things draws you in, and you speculate on the experiences to be had with each. The question continues to linger and your mind is constantly preoccupied with materialistic thoughts. It makes you want to decide on the issue so that you won't have to worry about it any longer, but at the same time, you are afraid to commit to one thing, afraid that you will be disappointed.
What's the resolution?
You must make a decision, and you cannot continue to waffle because it will affect your mindset about the more important matters in your life. Stop speculating and do something. Your mindset will change when you arrive at a decision. You will have a new vantage point with which to evaluate your next choices. Also, you must remember to keep the greater scope of things in mind. It will not be the end of all things once you settle on the decision. We can always continue in other directions afterwards. Should you be disappointed with your decision, you have now learned more about the world and yourself and you will have gained something very valuable. Your disappointment is not, by any means, a terrible cost to pay for the insight you have gained.
Stop thinking. Start doing. The details will work themselves out later.
Maybe the cost of either one or the other is so great that you can only afford one. Then some might say, "It isn't a forever type of decision. You might go with one for a while, sell it, and then try the other". But we can't guarantee that you can sell it, let alone for a reasonable amount.
Maybe at some point you might be able to possess both. The question lingers as to whether you will still enjoy either of them by the time you receive the second.
Maybe you simply settle with what you have. You're happy with your lot and can do without the expense of either choice.
Maybe you waffle and cannot come to a final decision. The prospect of owning each of these fine fine things draws you in, and you speculate on the experiences to be had with each. The question continues to linger and your mind is constantly preoccupied with materialistic thoughts. It makes you want to decide on the issue so that you won't have to worry about it any longer, but at the same time, you are afraid to commit to one thing, afraid that you will be disappointed.
What's the resolution?
You must make a decision, and you cannot continue to waffle because it will affect your mindset about the more important matters in your life. Stop speculating and do something. Your mindset will change when you arrive at a decision. You will have a new vantage point with which to evaluate your next choices. Also, you must remember to keep the greater scope of things in mind. It will not be the end of all things once you settle on the decision. We can always continue in other directions afterwards. Should you be disappointed with your decision, you have now learned more about the world and yourself and you will have gained something very valuable. Your disappointment is not, by any means, a terrible cost to pay for the insight you have gained.
Stop thinking. Start doing. The details will work themselves out later.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
CISSS Logo in the Works
Our club is in danger!
Well, sort of. After Bryce posted his [NSFW] highly questionable logo entry, it is the latest of two official (?) entries so far. No, no no no no no. That can't be our logo. That's just wrong. [NSFW] Danica Patrick is a much better fit.
So, I'm setting off on a great adventure to save our club (ie.: Design a practical logo). I will post my work in progress on this blog.
The contest ends at midnight on the 11th.
Well, sort of. After Bryce posted his [NSFW] highly questionable logo entry, it is the latest of two official (?) entries so far. No, no no no no no. That can't be our logo. That's just wrong. [NSFW] Danica Patrick is a much better fit.
![his [NSFW] highly questionable logo entry](http://www.google.com/url?sa=D&q=http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn179/bryceroessner/CISSS.jpg&usg=AFQjCNHUVYGUhxHrXn5zzgZXlpBt8SrVPw){kind=link}
So, I'm setting off on a great adventure to save our club (ie.: Design a practical logo). I will post my work in progress on this blog.
The contest ends at midnight on the 11th.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Honestly, There's a Reason for This Post
I need to bring my blog back online.
On Wednesday I am participating in a large mock interview and networking event. In wake of this I realized that I don't have a website currently. Don't get me wrong; I do have an interest in web design and applications. In fact, the latest project I completed (for a web design course) was never hosted online, but rather viewed and evaluated offline. My final mark in the course was an A, for those still in doubt.
I built from scratch, owned and maintained a personal blog site (and its graphics) at age 16. According to my colleagues, it had a very simple, "zen" feel to it. The colour scheme was light blue on white. I used to draw lots and had an artwork page with thumbnail links to each piece. I kept blog entries and journal writings on a regular basis.
Back to the present. Since I don't currently have a website, I want to revive my blog so that I can place a link on my business cards. Another way for employers to reach me. The other reason to revive it is honesty - I'm not pretending that I have been keeping a website or blog all along, but I am going to make an effort to continue keeping one now that I have recognized my mistake.
Why didn't I keep posting? If you couldn't tell by now, I gave this blog no real direction - It was merely a place to keep my musings in a neat little Web-bundle.
Will that change? We'll see. I might end up building a new site and keeping this one as is. Or this blog might see some real direction.
If you have one, your website or blog is valuable. Keep it up.
On Wednesday I am participating in a large mock interview and networking event. In wake of this I realized that I don't have a website currently. Don't get me wrong; I do have an interest in web design and applications. In fact, the latest project I completed (for a web design course) was never hosted online, but rather viewed and evaluated offline. My final mark in the course was an A, for those still in doubt.
I built from scratch, owned and maintained a personal blog site (and its graphics) at age 16. According to my colleagues, it had a very simple, "zen" feel to it. The colour scheme was light blue on white. I used to draw lots and had an artwork page with thumbnail links to each piece. I kept blog entries and journal writings on a regular basis.
Back to the present. Since I don't currently have a website, I want to revive my blog so that I can place a link on my business cards. Another way for employers to reach me. The other reason to revive it is honesty - I'm not pretending that I have been keeping a website or blog all along, but I am going to make an effort to continue keeping one now that I have recognized my mistake.
Why didn't I keep posting? If you couldn't tell by now, I gave this blog no real direction - It was merely a place to keep my musings in a neat little Web-bundle.
Will that change? We'll see. I might end up building a new site and keeping this one as is. Or this blog might see some real direction.
If you have one, your website or blog is valuable. Keep it up.
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