There's a superb introductory-level article about code at Bloomberg. Here, it's very, very, very long. 38,000 words to be more precise, so don't embark upon it lightly, but if you ever were curious about how programming works or what those overpaid idiots in my profession actually deal with, this is probably the best introduction I've ever seen, ( Read more... )

It will surprise nobody who reads this journal to realize that I keep up a lot on current events, mostly those involving conflict ( Read more... )

The existence of DashCon reminds me that, no matter how the internet ages, a part of it never really grows up. The unending cycle of idea -> poorly executed disaster -> complete internet overreaction -> attempting to bring everything back under control has happened now so many times that the various causes people will attempt to ride the blowback ( Read more... )

Went back to LJ's homepage for the first time in a while. I note the new look, and I've got to admit it looks better than it once did, but it doesn't seem to be doing much in the way of improving the content on the site. The problem with LJ was never really the appearance, it was that everyone on it just sort of left for a whole host of reasons. ( Read more... )

There are some good things about Amazon. One of them is the reviews. Especially the reviews that are clearly there for comedic effect. Over the years Amazon has created quite a list of things they offer for sale that have been reviewed by far more people than have probably actually bought the product, which is why you get ridiculous products with ( Read more... )

Also, in things that make me grumpy, here I am being grumpy.

Surfing over to Amazon today, one can't help but notice that they have a number of Black Friday specials. And, because Amazon knows how to create a browsable web site, they've split those deals up by category. Some of which, honestly, I'm not too fond of:

( Because Amazon Hates Us... )

For those of you not paying attention to tech news this week, fabled internet and computer software veteran Winamp if finally bowing out of the stage. Once the MP3 and desktop music player of choice, Winamp aged over the years, overtaken by competition and destroyed by management (as described in this Ars Technica piece), what was once the world's ( Read more... )

Most ads are exercises in name recognition or quick self-promotion. Amidst the ton of ads featuring flashy product shots and actors explaining to you why exactly this product is worth your time, some companies try to create a more memorable experience ( Read more... )

When I Google "What am I doing with my life", the fourth answer is a blog by someone talking about advice they found by Googling "What am I doing with my life".

Recursion is a powerful CS technique. As a method for solving life's dilemmas though it seems to lead you in circles.

I've been thinking about internet handles and email addresses, and what the future holds ( Read more... )