Alpha

Leaky power steering rack, new part overnighted to garage, five days labour: $1219 Rental car for a week: $189 Finding out the repair is covered by a warranty we thought had run out in October, and getting the rental car for free while our car is worked on: Priceless We

New tea in town

Starbucks has been supplanted by St Louis Bubble Tea, on the Loop in University City.  It looks odd to have a cup of milky sweet tea with several layers of black balls at the bottom (called boba) and a 12mm diameter straw to accommodate them, but once you get over

Ex-Slashdot

I've nothing against the guys in charge, but this has to be said: It's the "News for herds.  Doesn't matter" tag line that I love.  The herd is the problem.  Some of the links are OK, but the comments?  Please.  Too much

Test First Challenge

I'm doing Test First Challenge.  William Wake has written a series of tests, the challenge is to write the code to pass those tests.  At the end, you will have a simple spreadsheet program.  I'm writing in Java, using IntelliJ IDEA and JUnit.  I've

Acronyms

The cyborger knows me a little too well. H.A.W.K.E.: Humanoid Assembled for Worldwide Killing and Exploration Well, anyone can have an off day, and the exploration sounds nice, but it gets better: A.L.I.S.O.N.: Artificial Lifeform Intended for Sabotage and Online Nullification

Going Independant

This is way too much fun: I have my own NationState, my own flag, heck, even a national animal.  The site is a way for Max Barry to promote his new book, "Jennifer Government." The Principality of Quantum Tea "Nap time is not optional"UN Category:

Barbarian Northlands

Just to be perfectly clear for the Canadians and Americans, the definition of the North of Britain I grew up with was this:  You draw a line going from the Wash (at the top of East Anglia, on the Norfolk Coast) to the tip of the Bristol Channel (just below

Vet

We're taking our kitten Tangle to the vet.  He's bleeding, I'm worried. Update: We have stuff to squirt down his neck until he's better.  Vet says he'll be OK, but needs to go on adult cat food.  Much relief.

Error

Another reason why I like Mailwasher: reassuring error messages. Why didn't Microsoft do that? Update: Sorry Olof!  Fixed it now.

Leftishness

Two problems with being a former left hander are ironing clothes, and sawing wood.  I used to be ambidextrous (which comes from the Latin for "right handed with both hands," dexter meaning right, sinister meaning left) until my teacher stepped in.  She told us "your right hand