What Is Wrong Here?
What's the old saying about ... it happens once, twice, three times? It escapes me, but I do want to blog about something that is at the tip of my fingers at the moment. What is wrong with this scenario?
I have spoken to two prospective employers; both have now asked me to provide assistance on proposals. Should I have told them to pound sand or do as I did and help them out? I am not an employee, so it strikes me as an odd request and twice in the past couple weeks.
Yes, this is why I am still up at 3:30+ am. I had to install Visio, activate the stupid thing, and develop a couple of high-level architecture diagrams for a proposal. Well, the diagrams are finished and have been sent on their way. Another freebie on me, nice.
Camera Recommendations?
I am in the market for a new digital camera, but do not want a point-and-shoot. I own two Canon's and one Kodak, which work great but it is time to take the photography training wheels off and upgrade to a SLR camera.
Why shopping for a new digital SLR camera? I stopped by Costco this weekend and saw the Canon SLR bundle on sale for a kewl $1000+. I thought about purchasing it, but I need to do some research before I buy a new camera.
I am reading the various camera reviews on Cnet and other portals, but would like to solicit both the blog authors and readers too. If you own a 2007-year or newer digital SLR camera, I would be interested in your feedback.
The camera will be used for everything and anything, so no specialty features are required at this time. I am looking for a camera that is easy to use, forgiving of amateur mistakes, and produces great pictures. Any thoughts on the Nikon D40?
Behind the Times
A potential employer requested some code samples, so I searched the archives and found a couple of candidates. The sample I found included cheese added by another developer, so I had to remove the offending code before I sent it.
Upon further review, I found entire business services written in one class. No use of partial classes, regions, or other methods to separate the functions anywhere. Non-related code, constant declarations, use of literals and magic numbers, etc. all lumped into one class.
Gas Station Scams
Okay, I am sure that most if not all of you have either experienced or witnessed the various scams at the local gas stations. Below are some of the acts of begging or scams that I have personally experienced or witnessed:
- No frills panhandling (i.e. no reason just give me DA $$$)
- Requests for money to pay for gas, food, etc.
- Offers to clean windshields
- Offers to purchase jewelry (i.e. necklace, watch, pendants, etc)
- Offers to purchase designer clothes
- Offers to purchase EBT cards
- Offers to purchase automotive parts (i.e. wheels, stereos, etc)
This afternoon, I filled up the Expedition at a local gas station and I witnessed a man jump out of a car with a rubber mallet and automotive dent puller in hand. First thing that came to mind is WTF!?
I was pumping gas, but kept an eye on the mallet-carrying weirdo. Well, it turns out that he was walking the gas station in search of vehicle owners that were in need of dent removal services. How convenient, I can skip the whole body shop hassles. Nice.
Post Rating Plugin
Note that I have installed a new AJAX-enabled post rating plugin. Both registered users and guests can rate the posts, so go ahead and rate the posts and tell us what you think about the content.
The plugin required editing of the index.php page, so I took the opportunity to rewrite the PHP code. The previous version was whacked, so I added the plugin code and re-formatted the page monk-style. Enjoy.
The Wedding of the Wongs
Su Wong marries Lee Wong. The next year, the Wongs have a new baby.
The nurse brings over a lovely, healthy, bouncy, but definitely a Caucasian, WHITE baby boy.
'Congratulations,' says the nurse to the new parents. 'Well Mr. Wong, what will you and Mrs. Wong name the baby?'
The puzzled father looks at his new baby boy and says, 'Well, two Wong's don't make a white, so I think we will name him...
Are you ready for this?
Four, three, two, one
I am not sure the Summer Sprint will materialize itself in June, but I am moving forward with the training. In the past 2 weeks, I have lost a moderate 10 pounds (read zero consumption of cheesy bad boy gut bombs, all-you-can-eat buffets, or 2-pound burrito surprises).
Running a half hour + 3-4 times a week, drinking water, and staying off the gut bombs is not Atkins diet, but it seems to work for me. Another 4 pounds and I will be ready for the UFC lightweight division! Time to hit the sauna.
Any takers for the Summer Sprint in June? If not, I will run it myself and post the video with a winning robot solo at the end! Four more pounds, four more pounds, four more pounds ... see ya at the track.
Lunch at Round Table
Let me point you to what almost became the demise of any one of us in the good ole' days. 
Self-Registration Disabled
I found a couple of spambot accounts, so I am disabling the 'anyone can register' option. If you want to register as an author or subscriber, send me an email. I will re-enable the self-registration option soon.