March 2008 Archives

Presentations and First Steps

on March 28, 2008 4:00 PM | Comments (0)

I love presentations... well, good presentations. I hate bad ones.

I love creating presentations. I love delivering presentations. I super-love Keynote from Apple for building presentations. It's a sweet-ass presentation software that's wicked cool.

But the hardest part for me is always the first step. Picking a font.

For me there is not perfect font for all occasions. There are however very few truly good presentation fonts. The best ones must have crisp lines, be easily read from far distances, and have very clean and clear bold and italics.

Then there is the background style. I'm a minimalist so I prefer solid backgrounds. I'm not into randomizing my background colours but rather using colour to identify theme or subject or sub-section. Alternately, I'll sometimes use one solid bg colour to identify markers or new chapters with the content bg colours remaining constant.

And once I get past the font and the colours, the rest will write itself, give or take a few weeks.

Googles Wacky News: Robin Williams Divorced

on March 27, 2008 2:14 PM | Comments (0)

A google news search for Robin Williams Divorcing today returns about 392 results.

Here are some highlights...

Not bad google, not bad...

Well that's good information, no? He met his now ex-wife while married to his old ex-wife. It's the circle of life. What else you got google?

Right person, right write-up, kind of mixed up headline?

Okay, I guess Ricky has a vested interest in the affairs of comedic dramatizers. Next.

Sure she does. We all do. What are you trying to tell me Mr. Google? Marsha (Robin's wife ex-wife) is just like Heather Mills?

Right. P-Did.

Google, seriously. Stop matching pictures from one site, with headlines from another with stories from a third. It's devious, deceptive and it doesn't work.

(all these from the top 10 results)

Oh yah, and this little gem...

Feeling Blue, Seeing Red

on March 27, 2008 9:09 AM | Comments (0)

Checking in.

Home again.

Better late than never.

Day for night.

Day is night.

Colder here in summer.

A Song of the Heart: For Mike Myers

on March 26, 2008 5:00 PM | Comments (0)

It pumps

It bleeds

It keeps me alive

It pounds

It hounds

It keeps me alive

It burns

It churns

It keeps me alive

My heart, that is.

Remembering the Conchords - A sad day for all of New Zealand

on March 26, 2008 11:11 AM | Comments (0)

You poor unfortunate souls... It looks like the fourth most popular New Zealand pop comedy folk duo have called it quits and broken up. Although they never publically acknowledged their extreme and dangerous hatred of each other, it was apparent to the cast and crew of the now and forever single season of the "same name as the band" television show. that something was terribly wrong in their relationship.

"They just fought constantly.", said a cameraman.

"I saw Bret pull Jermaine's hair. It was incredibly hard to watch, yet in a wonderful way, very difficult to turn away from", said the make-up artist.

"For the children's sake, I hope they can work through this", said another person not too closely tied to the production of the the television show.

I know it's hard to believe but it is absolutely true. This is a sad day. Very sad. It's a shame. A crying absolutely true shame. Bret and Jermaine, I hardly knew you. May this true, undeniable fact not be true at all although I know for a fact it is true.

Update: Looks like it was actually not true at all. The rock partnership that rocks the party has some party left in them to rock. They have been able to reconcile their differences. Sorry guys for any rumour mongering.

Update 2: It appears that they actually never had any differences to reconcile. That too was a completely fabricated invention of my misunderstood mind.

Update 3: I'm not sure what to believe anymore.

Update 4: Someone please help. Please.

Upda

The Rails Way: link_to Helpers

on March 26, 2008 6:50 AM | Comments (0)

I have a question regarding link_to helpers. When do you use them and when do you not use them.

Example.

Use basic HTML:

<a href="/foobar/10">FooBar</a>

or instead use a helper:

<%= link_to "FooBar", { :action => "foobar", id => 10 } %>

Both return the same result. Is it strictly a preference? I find the syntax of these helpers so forgettable and non-intuitive. I'm not the smartest kid in the class, but every time I need to add a class name to the link so that the CSS style takes affect, I find myself googling "How do I add class names to link_to calls". It's a pain. It's my pain, but it's a pain.

Also, what about link_to_remote? What if I have a loop in my view and I'm outputting 10 or 20 list items that each have the link_to_remote call? Do I really want the JS function created 20 times? 1 for each call?

Obviously DHH and his crew of merry men have a reason and a purpose for these helpers, otherwise they wouldn't be there, or at least they wouldn't be called helpers, they'd be called annoyers, but somewhere in our web apps we're going to have to write some HTML code. Or is there a create_linebreak_here helper that inserts a <br /> for you?

What is the best practice when it comes to these little do-dads?

Resource Links:

http://www.codecommit.com/blog/ruby/the-end-of-the-ruby-fad

http://www.google.com/search?rls=en-us&q=How+do+I+a...

http://api.rubyonrails.org/

http://pylonshq.com/WebHelpers/module-webhelpers.rails.html

http://www.igvita.com/2006/09/17/helpers-instead-of-components/

Fake Interview: Billy Mays

on March 26, 2008 5:05 AM | Comments (0)

On Tuesday, March 25, 2008, the Dead Prophet had the good fortune to hypothetically meet up with one of televisions greatest. The following interview wasn't conducted over the phone during a very strange 10 minute interview. The Dead Prophet was at home. Billy Mays was in a private Cessna 180 Skywagon with his family somewhere over the northern Appalachians on route to a book signing.

Dead Prophet: Good to have you here Mr. Mays

Billy Mays: Please, call me Billy.

DP: Okay, Billy.

BM: Or Mr. America's Greatest Pitchman

DP: Sorry?

BM: Or Mr. Television or Greatest Person in the World, whatever... Billy is fine.

DP: Right. Thanks for taking the time today Mr. Mays. I know you're a busy man.

BM: No problem. My pleasure.

Continue reading Fake Interview: Billy Mays.

Greatest and Lowest: Television Superhighway

on March 24, 2008 2:00 PM | Comments (0)

My brother in law turned me on to TED the other day. Again, I'm likely late the this party but what a site. It's like NPR on steroids with a bit of infomercial sprinkled on top.

I just finished watching a rabid and raving JJ Abrams speak.

Again, with sites like TED and others (and the occasional totally legal torrent downloads), sometimes you just wonder why the hell we still have TVs and way to go Sony, you won the HD format wars just in time for nobody to give a shit.

I just don't like Sony. But I really like TED.

Confession #2

on March 24, 2008 8:00 AM | Comments (0)

I watch Oprah.

I don't make it a habit, and truthfully it's (usually) only when my wife is watching what's been PVR'd, but she can suck you in with a teaser lead like no other.

"Today... All New... In the 22 years I've been doing this show, today is the first time I've ever done this..."

And Dr. Mehmet Oz (and the less credited, less charistmatic but probably smarter, Dr. Michael Roizen) can preach it all day long. I'm a sucker for healthy ideals and quirky sermons.

Late to the Party

on March 23, 2008 8:00 PM | Comments (0)

Amy Winehouse has it in spades in my house right now. I know I'm late on this one, but better a few drinks at closing time than sitting on the curb alone.

If she isn't asked to write and sing the theme song to the next bond movie starring Daniel Craig and an as yet unnamed rest of the cast (except for the next bond girl), it would be a crying shame.

One Night in Bangkok

on March 23, 2008 10:00 AM | Comments (0)

It's cold here. And dark. I didn't think it would be like this. In my mind it was warm, dusk and full of life.

I didn't know Bangkok could be lonely. I didn't know you could take a wrong turn and end up alone. The mental picture was all neon and people. But now it's dark, I'm alone and fighting the same demons I thought I left behind in Toronto.

It wasn't always like this. It wasn't always this way. But what was was when and what's now is almost too heavy to carry.

Damn. I thought Bangkok would be different. I thought Bangkok would be better. I thought Bangkok would save me. Nothing is different here, nothing is better. I'm still filled with useless self loathing. I'm still not worth saving.

Bangkok.

Merb and Django Dance the Dirty Dance - Code Review

on March 22, 2008 3:00 PM | Comments (0)

Thumbnail image for The Merb Homepage

"Like Ruby on Rails, Merb is an MVC framework. Unlike Rails, Merb is ORM-agnostic, JavaScript library agnostic, and template language agnostic, preferring plugins that add in support for a particular feature rather than trying to produce a monolithic library with everything in the core. In fact, this is a guiding principle of the project, which has led to third-party support for the ActiveRecord, DataMapper, and SequelORMs."

The Django Framework

"Django is a high-level Python Web framework that encourages rapid development and clean, pragmatic design.

Developed and used over two years by a fast-moving online-news operation, Django was designed to handle two challenges: the intensive deadlines of a newsroom and the stringent requirements of the experienced Web developers who wrote it. It lets you build high-performing, elegant Web applications quickly.

Django focuses on automating as much as possible and adhering to the DRYprinciple."

---

Personally, I like Merb. I like the colours, I like the design and I think 4 letters are better than 6. And putting two consonants like "D" and "J" so close together is a cocky play.

Live free Merb.

Django you can kiss it.

A Beard in the Hand...

on March 22, 2008 4:00 AM | Comments (0)

...is worth the bush?

I'm growing the beard as a protest. A protest of who I've become. I will shave it when I've been working out for 2 weeks straight (at least 3 times a week). This way, when I look in the mirror I'm reminded that I'm just not the man I want to be.

Not that a shave could really fix that though.

Silence Again

on March 21, 2008 10:00 PM | Comments (0)

The sound of gunshots ripped past my ears. I have never felt so afraid and out of control. My eyes welled with tears before I even had a chance to comprehend the enormity of the situation. It was like the emotion broke the sound barrier of my understanding and I was shaking on the ground without a sense of cause.

Another shot pierced the silent halls of the school.

Why did it have to be today?

Why did it have to be my school?

Why did I have to be the only one to die?

Horton, Here's a Who

on March 21, 2008 5:00 PM | Comments (0)

I took my family to see "Horton Hears a Who". It was really good, and refreshing to have a cartoon (like all my favourite Pixar movies) that don't pander to the adults with weighty inside jokes (see Shark Tale). I was hoping they would slip in an amphiboly during the dialogue that would go something like this.

"Good Morning, Morton", said Horton the Elephant.

"Good Morning, Horton" said Morton the Mouse.

"What do you have there Morton?" said Horton using his long trunk to point to a small clover in Morton's hand.

"It's a Who." said Morton.

"Can I have it?" asked Horton.

"Sure" said Morton.

"Thanks." said Horton.

"Horton, here's a Who" said Morton passing the clover to Horton.

But alas they did not. And $75 dollars and a good movie later, I'm reminded of why I loved going to movies as a kid and why I crave the sparkle in eyes of my children when they walk into the theatre and drink in the sights and sounds.

Hope on the plains of the Lost

on March 21, 2008 2:00 PM | Comments (0)

stillness now
and then a quiver
the mud comes first
and then the river
the river runs
and so do I
the peace that passes
passed me by

Eating the Hand

on March 21, 2008 10:00 AM | Comments (0)

I would like some french fries please. Could I also have a hamburger?

But remember, it's just pretend.

And I would also like a pine cone and a candy cane.

Here, I'll get it myself.

Thinking about Thinking

on March 21, 2008 5:00 AM | Comments (0)

"Where the hell were you?", she said.

She's angry again. But not in that "I'm not going to speak to you for 3 weeks until you apologize" voice. She's so justified; so certain and absolute.

I'm too weak; too slow to move. My thoughts don't work themselves into words until long after the moment has closed.

I hate it when the moment closes. Doors in my life open down the path that I choose - in the moments of my decision... or lack thereof.

The pathetic irony of the rain.

Buzzfeed is Pretty, and Cool

on March 21, 2008 2:00 AM | Comments (0)

Lately, I've been hooked on this little ditty. I've got it on my twitter feed and I'm curious how it will play out.

I don't really know where the internet is going or where the money will fly, but anyone who is trying to aggregate the massive amounts of information in a way that makes it easy to find what you want and to find what you didn't know you were looking for is something worth following.

Someone has a crush on my current favourite Canadian? Who knew?

Making a Mess

on March 20, 2008 11:00 PM | Comments (0)

"Knock, knock"

"Who's there?"

"It's just me."

"It's just me, who?"

"No, it's just me."

I am, I said

on March 20, 2008 9:00 PM | Comments (0)

When you're feeling low

Like a peel or a rhine

Just perk up your head

and sing to Neil Diamond

He'll love you again

He'll pull you in tight

He'll sing out a song

He'll make things alright.

When the day is grimm

or the night is cold

You'll know what to do

Just do as you're told

Sing out to Neil

Sing with your heart

Pour our your soul

Neil Diamond, thou art.

Tomato-Mango Salsa Recipe

on March 20, 2008 5:30 PM | Comments (0)

Ingredients:

4 plum tomatoes (about 1 pound), seeded and chopped into 1/4-inch dice
3 small or 2 large ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and diced
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
1 medium red pepper, seeded, deribbed, and cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Directions:
1. Combine the tomatoes, mangoes, onion, pepper, garlic, pepper flakes, and cilantro in a large, glass or ceramic bowl, and mix gently.

2. In another large bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, vinegar, and lime juice. Add to the tomato mixture and stir gently. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until well chilled.

3. Serve chilled or at room temperature. The salsa will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Makes about 4 cups

http://recipes.epicurean.com/recipe/23129/tomato-mango-salsa.html

Afternoons and Coffee Spoons

on March 20, 2008 3:00 PM | Comments (0)

It's time to get back into the bass note love of The Crash Test Dummies.

Where are they now?

Working Out is Working Out

on March 20, 2008 12:00 PM | Comments (0)

I'm back in the saddle (with 3-day saddle sores) of the gym routine.

I'm sore. I'm tired. I have such a desperately bad sense of myself that I'm doing this so I can finally look at myself stark naked in the mirror and approve of all the things that are deemed, unapproved.

Except I'm the ectomorph, hitting his mid-30s stride. Having ridden the wave of slender-neutrality all my life, the little bump growing fatty on my stomach is causing me to gag. Bring on the treadmills, the dumbbells and the super expensive but I'll buy them for your birthday anyway from a store that claims to have a ridiculous and unexplainable ('Uh, I don't know, that's just the policy of every store") nationwide absolutely no-return ever policy, Bosu ball.

I'll stay current on this one.

My Current Favourite Canadian of Today

on March 20, 2008 9:00 AM | Comments (0)

I've been stuck on Michael Cera since the first time I first bumped into his unassured, father pleasing, quirky, shy and possible incestuous George Michael from the cancelled too soon but not before a very funny 3 seasons Arrested Development. Which is why he was voted my current favourite Canadian.

He's now been slated as the rumoured star of my current favourite Canadian comic book, Scott Pilgrim; created, written and drawn by my current favourite Canadian comic book author, Bryan Lee O'Malley (who according to his website is unfortunately away on vacation until next week but can be reached (if you're in the area) at a Hollywood book signing - hopefully nowhere near where I accidentally stole a signed diet book from Marilu Henner when I was last there).

I can't wait to see if this pans out. I'll make a suggestion for who should play the female lead, Ramona Flowers. I know they've been together recently in the critically acclaimed (see Devil Boy (or here or here) Juno, but I still think (and this isn't just because she's my current Favourite Canadian actress) Ellen Page would kick the llama's ass.

Watch for Scott Pilgrim sometime in 2009 - if the rumours I'm believing up are to be believed.

The Good Parts, Part I

on March 19, 2008 8:00 PM | Comments (0)

"Hello?". His voice was rough and tired.

"Hi, sorry for calling so late."

"Who is this?"

"It's Sam. Look, I'm sorry for calling but it's important". Whatever was going to be said had to be said and whatever was going to happen wasn't going to be pretty.

"Sam?" His voice picked up a notch while he registered the callers name. "Is everything okay?"

"No, not really. I'm in a bit of trouble."

"Tell me you didn't lose it." Another notch up the panic ladder.

"Well.." This wasn't going to go well. "... that's kind of the problem."

"Shit Sam!" There were no notches to describe the voice now. "What the hell did you do! Fuck!"

There was a very small silence that meant a very big deal.

"Sam! Do you fucking know how many people are going to get killed know".

"100?... 1000?... Well it's got to be more than one, right?"

Pause for effect.

"Actually no, I have no idea"

Confession #1

on March 19, 2008 3:00 PM | Comments (0)

Thumbnail image for neil-diamond-young-754113.jpg

I sing in the car... really loud... Neil Diamond.

First Things First

on March 19, 2008 11:00 AM | Comments (0)

first things first
because the singing is the song
because the feeling is gone
because the days are too long

first things first
because my hair is on fire
because the bird on the wire
because the heart's desire

first things first
because you're lovin' what you see
because you're sitting next to me
because you're turning 33

first things first
when you've run out of time
when you're searching for a rhyme
when you're drunk and I'm high

Parenting is harder than it I want it to be

on March 19, 2008 5:00 AM | Comments (0)

I love my family. I love my kids. I want to be a better Dad.

I don't remember much of growing up; pieces here and there. I want my kids to have strong, positive memories of their childhoods. But sometimes the difficult moments cloud the memory of the years.

I'll check out http://www.dadsanddaughters.org/ when I can.

The Robots are Coming

on March 19, 2008 1:00 AM | Comments (0)

This "robot" as they call it is the most unnerving thing I've seen.

Bring on the hunt.

And then there was one

on March 18, 2008 11:20 PM | Comments (0)

She looks like an angel. She walks like an angel. She must be an angel.

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