MarkJacobsen.net

Taste vs Skill in Coding with AI

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:48:00 +0000

Came across this article and I think it does a good job explaining my current views on coding with AI:

An important distinction is Taste vs Skill. Taste is what you bring to the problem. Skill is what you do with the problem once you understand it. A lot of engineers have skill without taste. They can write anything you describe, but they cannot tell you whether the thing you described is worth building. They will follow the spec down into the ground and ship exactly the wrong solution, on time, with full test coverage.

Taste is also not speed. Speed is how fast you get from idea to merge. Taste is how often the idea was worth merging in the first place. I have worked with engineers who shipped half as much as the people around them and moved the business twice as far, because every single thing they shipped was pointed at something that mattered. They rejected work that would not move a metric. They pushed back on specs that did not add up. They asked the question everyone else was too busy to ask. This is why it’s important to listen when these engineers raise a concern, instead of dismissing them because they are slowing down the initiative.

The simplest way I can describe taste is this. When you look at a piece of code, you feel something before you can explain what. That feeling is the compressed memory of every system you have broken, every bug you have chased at 2 am, every design you have watched rot under real traffic. AI can approximate the surface patterns. It cannot approximate the ache. That ache is the thing that tells you how much this shortcut is going to cost you in a month. It tells you this abstraction is premature. It tells you this test is testing the wrong layer. Taste is your scar tissue. Taste is your intuition. AI does not have this.

This is the pattern I keep coming back to. Engineers with taste use AI to iterate toward a thing they already know is right. Engineers without taste use AI to guess at what right might look like, and then ship whichever guess compiled. These are not the same activity. They look the same from the outside. They produce completely different codebases over the course of a year.

The market rate for typing is dropping fast. The market rate for knowing what to type is not.

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Disclaimer: Thoughts and opinions are my own, and do not reflect the views of any employer, family member, friend, or anyone else. Some links may be affiliate links, but I don’t link to anything I don’t use myself.

10 Pointless Facts about Me

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:53:00 +0000

Apparently this is a thing now? Oh well. Still kind of interesting:

Do you floss your teeth?

Yes, almost every night (hey, no one is perfect). 🦷

Tea, coffee, or water?

Generally 2 cups of coffee ☕ 1st thing then water the rest of the day. Maybe a few beers 🍺 every now and then 😉. Wanted to get into tea, but just tastes like dirty water that someone tried to splash a fruity flavor into and it didn’t work out.

Footwear preference?

Sketchers slip-ons. Maybe I too am old 🤷‍♂️

Favorite dessert?

Oreo cheesecake or just about any kind of ice cream.

The first thing you do when you wake up?

After the necessary… check calendar, todo, and email. Then usually feed the dog and take her out, and maybe catch up on the world 🌍 for a few with that coffee before starting work.

Age you’d like to stick at?

28-32 were some great years. I was still athletic, not fat, could eat whatever I wanted, stay up late, and not pay any consequences.

How many hats do you own?

Don’t really have time to go count, but prob close to 20-25 baseball hats… and mostly for MLB teams (some that don’t even exist anymore – NY Giants, Brooklyn Dodgers, etc). ⚾

Describe the last photo you took?

My daughter bantering with her coach at her last HS regular season swim meet.

Worst TV show?

Really most TV with few exceptions 📺❌, but especially anything claiming to be “reality”. None of that is worth even a minute of time.

As a child, what was your aspiration for adulthood?

I’ve forgotten anything specific, but I’ve always enjoyed creating and just being curious. Whether that was Legos, reading, programming, or whatever. Guess it’s mostly worked out being a software developer/architect. 🤷‍♂️_Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!_

Why pay for a “rare” handle when you can get one for free?

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 22:36:00 +0000

$2500 as the lowest price? What a joke. Seriously, setup your own Mastodon instance and create as many handles as you want.

X to launch marketplace for buying inactive handles

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Who Get’s In

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:03:00 +0000

If you have a kid in high school, I’d highly recommend watching this

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High-growth startups: Uber and CloudKitchens with Charles-Axel Dein

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 12:41:00 +0000

Check out this article: High-growth startups: Uber and CloudKitchens with Charles-Axel Dein

Great conversation on everything from hiring to project/product management to feature flags to continuous improvement and more

Note: Since this is an automatically created post there is no commentary on it other than any minimal notes I may have included. Read it and do your own critical thinking. I may get around to adding some/more of my own thoughts or categorizing it… but maybe not. Should the article be behind a paywall let me know and I will figure out a way to get it to you.

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4-Stage System for Learning Anything New

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 13:06:00 +0000

Check out this article: My 4-Stage System for Learning Anything New

Stage 1: Immersion

Subscribe to newsletters
Follow (and read/view) thought leaders
Reallocate time away from other/older interests

Stage 2: Building – Make Something Real

Set a short deadline (one day to one week maximum)
Choose a simple, concrete project
Accept that it will be messy and imperfect
Focus on completing something, not making it perfect

Stage 3: Structured Learning – Find Your Mentors

Instead of trying to learn from everyone, pick just 1-3 people max to treat as your mentors.
Choose teachers based on results, not popularity

Stage 4: Connection – Build Real Relationships

Learning becomes exponentially more powerful when you’re part of a community of practitioners. And when you become a leader who brings others together, you accelerate not just your own learning but everyone else’s, too.

Secret Ingredient: Cultivating Play in Learning

The beautiful paradox is that when we stop taking learning so seriously, we often learn more effectively

The Hidden Truth

Most interests are meant to be explored for a season, not turned into lifelong pursuits
The real test of any skill isn’t how you feel about it—it’s whether you can produce externally verifiable results in the real world
Give yourself permission to stop at any stage
If something doesn’t spark continued interest after Stage 1 or 2, let it go without shame. That’s not failure—that’s efficient filtering

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Visualize data with the new hierarchy control in D365

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:51:00 +0000

Check out this article: Visualize data with the new hierarchy control in D365

This looks super cool and nice to see it being added (back) in as native functionality.

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Measuring the impact of AI on software engineering – with Laura Tacho

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 11:31:00 +0000

Check out this article: Measuring the impact of AI on software engineering – with Laura Tacho

https://pca.st/xtlj21if

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College Tours: Then vs Now or Here vs There?

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:01:00 +0000

I’ve reached the point in my life where we’re now taking tours of colleges and universities for my own kids, and something struck me as we were walking around UChicago this past weekend… aside from the ridiculously expense cost which is potentially a topic for another post.

It was great seeing the beautiful campus, and hearing about all the great things alumni from the university have done. But what hit me was that on the tours we’ve been on, not once have we actually gone into an academic building. We haven’t seen an actual dorm (at UM we saw a “model”… but how realistic is that). And we haven’t seen or eaten at a cafeteria. Sure the guides have told us all about it, but there’s a huge difference between hearing, seeing, and experiencing.

I get it that you can’t really experience a class, and you’re going to get people who complain if you go into the humanities building vs the physics lab (or some such), but the point is something is usually better than nothing.

Now “back in my day” (yes, I’m old) when I gave tours at Kettering all of that was what set things apart IMO. I loved taking the kids/families into the rec center, through the tunnel to the academic building, and even into my own dorm room. I like to think it’s part of the reason I chose Kettering/GMI over some of the other schools I looked at. That openness and lack of pretentiousness. Real people doing real things.

Who knows… maybe they don’t do that anymore at Kettering (my kids have no interest in following in my footsteps), but it would be a shame if they don’t… and it’s a shame they haven’t done it at the places we’ve toured.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

The Art of Not Sharing

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 10:45:00 +0000

Check out this article: The Art of Not Sharing

“In the pre-digital age, privacy was the default state. Sharing information required effort – writing a letter, making a phone call, or having a face-to-face conversation. Now, privacy requires effort. We have to actively choose not to share, to resist the temptation to post, to keep our thoughts and experiences to ourselves.”

“I think of my journal as my private social media feed, one where I’m the only follower. Like a social media platform, it’s a place for me to share my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Unlike social media, there’s no pressure for me to perform, no need to curate, no risk of oversharing.”

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This is an embarrassment and should be a crime

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 19:25:00 +0000

From today’s Morning Brew (which you should subscribe to BTW)

Federal minimum wage
2015: $7.25 per hour
2025: $7.25 per hour

Average cost of a home in the US
2015: $366,000
2025: $503,800_Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!_

Drip files one at a time for processing with a Windows batch script

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 12:14:00 +0000

Ever have a collection of files that you need to send off to something else for processing, but need to process the files one at a time waiting for the completion of each (signaled by a file’s existence because you have no hook to the return code of the originating process) before continuing with the next?

No? Just me? 🤣 Anyway, here’s a script that takes an array of files, copies them to a directory for a different app to process, waits for that process to end (by looking for the file with a done extension added) before continuing on with the next.

@echo off
setlocal enabledelayedexpansion

set IMPORTDIR=X:\App\Process\

rem List your files here (one per line)
set FILES[0]=X:\Data\File1.csv
set FILES[1]=X:\Data\File2.csv
set FILES[2]=X:\Data\File3.csv

rem Set the number of files
set NUMFILES=3

set SLEEP_SECONDS=5

for /L %%I in (0,1,%NUMFILES%-1) do (
    call :WAITLOOP "!FILES[%%I]!"
)

echo All files processed.
exit /b

:WAITLOOP
rem Get the base name (without extension) and directory
set "FULLFILE=%~1"
set "BASEDIR=%~dp1"
set "BASENAME=%~n1"

if "%BASENAME%"=="" (
    rem This is important so we actually terminate
    goto :EOF
)

rem Compose the .done filename
set "DONEFILE=%IMPORTDIR%%BASENAME%.csv.done"

if exist "%DONEFILE%" (
    echo Removing previous done file.
    del "%DONEFILE%"
)

copy "%FULLFILE%" "%IMPORTDIR%%BASENAME%.csv"

:LOOP
if exist "%DONEFILE%" (
    echo File found: %DONEFILE%
    goto :EOF
) else (
    echo Waiting for file: %DONEFILE%
    timeout /t %SLEEP_SECONDS% /nobreak >nul
    goto LOOP
)

Just update the details as needed, but the above is tested and works!

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Handing secrets in PHP Docker Compose site

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:50:00 +0000

If you’re using a single instance server (not Docker Swarm) and Docker Compose, but want to keep your secrets out of source control it’s not too bad. First, make sure you’re excluding “.env” in your .gitignore…

.env

Then, add your secrets to a .env file (file name must be exactly .env) in the same folder as your docker-compose.yml…

SEC_1=Something SEC_2=SomethingElse 
Then, be sure to expose your secrets in the “environment:” section of your docker-compose…

environment: SEC_1: ${SEC_1} SEC_2: ${SEC_2} 
Upload both the .env and docker-compose.yml to the server, and restart docker to pick up the env vars…

docker compose down docker compose up -d 
And finally, use the values in your PHP…

getenv('SEC_1')

Oh yeah, and since your .env won’t be in source control I’d still recommend finding a secure place to save it like a password manager.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

State gun control laws reduce children’s firearm deaths, study shows

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 20:01:00 +0000

Check out this article: State gun control laws reduce children’s firearm deaths, study shows

“If more guns made us safer, the US would be the safest country in the world by far. Instead, we have a homicide rate that’s 25 times that of our peer nations.”

If you are useful, it doesn’t mean you are valued

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 20:01:00 +0000

Check out this article: If you are useful, it doesn’t mean you are valued

By Default Signal Doesn’t Recall

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:30:00 +0000

Check out this article: By Default Signal Doesn’t Recall

Just another reason I love Signal so much

How Linux is built with Greg Kroah-Hartman

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 16:36:00 +0000

Check out this article: How Linux is built with Greg Kroah-Hartman

Interesting how one of the largest (if not the largest) open source projects manages things.

Systems are crumbling – but daily life continues. The dissonance is real

Wed, 28 May 2025 00:06:00 +0000

Check out this article: Systems are crumbling – but daily life continues. The dissonance is real

“What we’re really scared of is that the people in power have not got our back and they don’t give a shit about whether we survive or not.”

Ai ignoring human instruction refuses turn off

Mon, 26 May 2025 20:31:00 +0000

Check out this article: Ai ignoring human instruction refuses turn off

Kinda scary if you ask me

The 13 software engineering laws

Sun, 18 May 2025 14:15:00 +0000

Check out this article: The 13 software engineering laws

Disabling a WordPress Plugin via Command Line

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 01:10:00 +0000

Ever look on in horror as your WordPress site crashes with no obvious reason? I have, and this time I’m writing down what I did 🙂

First I checked the logs using Docker (if you’re not running via Docker… you should be)

docker logs [container]

Hopefully that gives you some clues. In my case there were errors all over the place pointing at a particular plugin, so 1st I had to access the bash shell for that container like so…

sudo docker exec -it [container] /bin/bash

From there, simply cd to the plugin directory and rename the directory…

cd wp-content/plugins/
mv [plugin] [plugin]-off

Which should allow things to start running again. At a minimum the plugin should be disabled, and if not working you can continue the hunt.

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Harvard says no chance it will comply with changes feds demand

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 11:11:00 +0000

Check out this article: Harvard says no chance it will comply with changes feds demand

Good for them: The university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights. Neither Harvard nor any other private university can allow itself to be taken over by the federal government. Accordingly, Harvard will not accept the government’s terms as an agreement in principle.

ESPN’s Pat McAfee and others amplified a false rumor. A teenager’s life was ‘destroyed’

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 15:45:00 +0000

Check out this article: ESPN’s Pat McAfee and others amplified a false rumor. A teenager’s life was ‘destroyed’

I seriously hope her lawsuits payoff. The irresponsibility and crassness of talking heads and influencers is disgustingly.

“I would like people to be held accountable for what they’ve done,” she said. “You’re ruining my life by talking about it on your show for nothing but attention, but here I am staying up until 5 in the morning, every night, throwing up, not eating because I’m so anxious about what’s going to happen for the rest of my life.”

The Fediverse Isn’t the Future. It’s the Present We’ve Been Denied.

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:09:00 +0000

Check out this article: The Fediverse Isn’t the Future. It’s the Present We’ve Been Denied.

Big Tech Wants You Trapped. The Open Web Sets You Free

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 18:45:00 +0000

Check out this article: Big Tech Wants You Trapped. The Open Web Sets You Free

“Progressive values – freedom, independence, and equity – demand decentralization. They are impossible to realize without systems where power flows to communities”

Roundtable: Is DOGE Flouting Cybersecurity for US Data?

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 01:27:00 +0000

Check out this article: Roundtable: Is DOGE Flouting Cybersecurity for US Data?

Let me fix the title… DOGE is flouting Cybersecurity

This Is Making Us Sick… Here’s How We Fix It

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:15:00 +0000

Check out this article: This Is Making Us Sick… Here’s How We Fix It

As someone who creates technical solutions for a living I still think there’s a lot of truth here. Life isn’t an either/or choice, but rather yes/and. Use the tech to enhance and augment your life, not to replace it.

How I’m Building a Trump-Proof Tech Stack Without Big Tech

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Check out this article: How I’m Building a Trump-Proof Tech Stack Without Big Tech

Another approach with some different options/ideas than what I’ve outlined here.

Browser Switch

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 13:12:00 +0000

In the continued march towards divesting usage of the tech oligarchs toys, today let’s focus on the tool used most often… the simple browser.

Just a few years ago there weren’t many players (besides the oligarchs: Chrome, Edge, Safari, and to a lesser extent Firefox) in the browser game, but recently there’s been a proliferation including: Vivaldi, Duck, Brave, and more.

After trying a few out, I’ve come around Vivaldi. To be fair, I tried it out a few years ago and it wasn’t cutting it, but recent updates seem to be really solid. So much so that it’s become my default browser.

Just a few of the things I like about it include:

E2EE sync
Notes
RSS reader
Customizable

There are a number of other features built in as well that I haven’t found much need for, but includes:

Email client
Web calendars
Workspaces
Reading list

…and more.

Whatever your choice, I’d encourage you to try out a new browser, and feel better about yourself for supporting the little guys.

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In the 1990s, They Were So Bad People Didn’t Want Them for Free. Now They’re a Miracle. Can America Catch Up?

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 19:02:00 +0000

Check out this article: In the 1990s, They Were So Bad People Didn’t Want Them for Free. Now They’re a Miracle. Can America Catch Up?

The president has said he’s focused on making things more affordable for families, Yet rolling back standards that reduce energy and water use and bills isn’t going to save people money. It’s just the opposite

Using an AI Chatbot for Browser Search Engine

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 12:36:00 +0000

Most searches I run I just want an answer, and don’t want to have to sift through ads or multiple websites. So, here’s how you can use perplexity.ai as your default search engine in Vivaldi (it’s a similar process on other browsers as well). Maybe ask perplexity.ai how to do it on your browser of choice!

Open Vivaldi “Settings” and go to “Search”
Click the “+” to add a “Search Engine”
Add Perplexity. The “URL” is https://www.perplexity.ai?q=%s

That’s it! Feel free to make it your “Default Search Engine”

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Communication is Key

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:38:00 +0000

Now that we’ve discussed E2EE and FOSS, let’s start with probably the most important thing you want E2E Encrypted… your communication!

Did you know that most text messages sent from your phone or chat/IM messages sent through social media companies can be seen, read, or processed in a number of ways?

How gross is that??

Very!

So what to do? Use an end to end encrypted messaging service like Signal. Signal is cross platform (no blue/green bubble shaming) so works on iOS and Android, but also has desktop apps that work on Windows, Mac, and Linux! Add in rich media (photo/video support) as well as calling (including video calling), and you shouldn’t need any other communication tool (other than email – which we’ll get to)

Note: Please don’t be fooled by the titans saying they have E2EE too. It may be “technically” true, but usually there are manual steps or other “gotchas” involved, and often the titan has a copy of the key to read your messages. Save yourself the research and just use Signal.

Think Apple’s iMessage is special? Think again.

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On E2EE and FOSS

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 23:40:00 +0000

Building on yesterday’s rant about Sellouts and Hypocrites, one of the 1st things you need to understand in order to extract yourself from the tech titans are the concepts of:

End to End Encryption (E2EE)

With E2EE you own your data. Not the software creator. They just own or maintain the software that makes it possible for you to work with your data. Here’s a good primer if you’re really interested, but the point is E2EE is what keeps the titan (FB, X, Goog, etc) from reading/using your data. Believe it or not, there are E2EE services for just about anything.

Free and Open Source Software (FOSS)

FOSS (aka FLOSS) takes things one step further to prevent vendor lock-in from any 1 titan. This is usually enhanced by the FOSS taking advantage of a protocol. The web and email are two of the best examples of what FOSS has enabled. With a little bit of know how anyone can run a website and send or receive email without being forced through a single provider (be it Gmail, Outlook.com, etc). There are even FOSS social media networks!

In Summary

Yes, I know these are overly simplified descriptions, but the point isn’t to get dragged into holy wars over the pedantic differences between FOSS and FLOSS, or encryption at rest vs in transit… it’s to understand what you’re looking for and, more importantly, why!

One last point before I go… Not all FOSS includes E2EE, nor does E2EE mean the software is FOSS (we software developers have to make a living after all). No one ever said freedom comes free.

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Sellouts and Hypocrites

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 01:37:00 +0000

Well, if you look at which sellouts and hypocrites were at the felon’s coronation it is obvious we’re surrounded by them, and that’s just part of why you’re reading this here. If you feel the same way I suggest you start extracting yourself from the clutches of the oligarchs. But how?…

We’ll start with the basics and delve into some specifics in future posts, but in summary… STOP SUPPORTING THE TITANS.

And supporting means using their services or buying anything from them.

Don’t be a “user”.

You’re just being “used”.

You want to keep your account for periodic check ins while you extract yourself or to spread the word that others should get out too? Go for it. Hell, I haven’t figured out how to extract myself from all of them yet.

But if you’re with me I’d encourage you to follow along and share any tips you have!

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YGTBFKM Unconditional Discharge

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 01:29:00 +0000

So apparently conviction and breaking the law don’t mean shit anymore. Not even a fine. What an absolute fucking joke.

[Trump] will be released without fine, imprisonment or probation supervision for his conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.

Absolute bull shit.

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But yeah… the billionaires keeping their money is more important

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 12:30:00 +0000

Right? I mean that’s why we elected a billionaire who will let billionaires keep more of their billions… attempt to cut a massive portion of federal government jobs (you realize that means unemployed and likely a decent amount of welfare? Oh wait they’re just lazy but the billionaires… now, they’re just like you!).

Anyway, just another example as reported in todays Morning Brew

TurboTax finding you an extra 12 bucks each year is pretty chill, but perhaps not as chill as saving $8 billion on your taxes via an intricate network of ungovernable loopholes. According to a New York Times analysis, that is roughly how much Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, the US’ 10th-richest person, will save on his estate taxes by routing his wealth through a series of trusts and foundations.

Huang’s estate is technically supposed to pay 40% of his ~$127 billion net worth to the government, as per the estate tax law that dates back to the early 20th century, when the US realized it needed to keep dynastic wealth in check. But in recent years, the estate tax has become more of a suggestion and less of a rule as lawyers grow increasingly cunning about how to safeguard their clients’ riches and the budget-depleted IRS becomes powerless to enforce the law. A proper enforcement would have saved the government $120 billion last year, which the New York Times notes could more than triple the federal funding for cancer and Alzheimer’s research.—AE

Let’s just reiterate that last part, “could more than triple the federal funding for cancer and Alzheimer’s research.”… but yeah 🙄🤬

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How to Stop Living for Other People (ft. Ben Nemtin)

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 22:36:00 +0000

Check out this article: How to Stop Living for Other People (ft. Ben Nemtin)

Sorry for the Delayed Response

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 11:50:00 +0000

Check out this article: Sorry for the Delayed Response

Brilliant!

I hate this country

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 12:58:00 +0000

How stupid can people be? Oh, this is…

Does nobody remember, or just not care about:

Jan 6
Felon
Liar
Cheater
“Grab them by the pussy”

Not to mention endangering women’s lives with the overturning of Roe v Wade, really not being all there mentally (sorry, there should be a max age for a president – I’m including Biden), and just being a narcissistic asshole.

I seriously have no idea how any man with a daughter, nor how any woman could vote for the pig. And speaking of women… why is it that women seem to hate other women so much? Aside from all the other things wrong with this it just perpetuates the myth that women can’t lead. How is it that an entire sex couldn’t stand up for one of their own and make this no contest?

Does “the little guy” sitting out in BFE or even suburbia think this asshole really cares about them, or is anything like them? Or is it just that the “tuff guy” turns you on?

Or maybe, you “just didn’t like either of them” so you did a “protest vote”. Well great f’n job because what you really did was vote for Mr T you spineless sack. I honestly don’t love Harris all that much, but at least I understand the consequences of being an idiot.

And if I honestly ever hear someone that voted for this POS talk about “law and order” 🤬

It’s just a sad, sad day and I fear what’s to come for anyone that dares cross this POS the morons of this country elected.

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How to Beat Distraction and Still Enjoy Life (ft. Nir Eyal)

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 12:15:00 +0000

Check out this article: How to Beat Distraction and Still Enjoy Life (ft. Nir Eyal)

Ok, but who should you pick?

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:06:00 +0000

Check out this article: Ok, but who should you pick?

Stop it with the “we’re not naming names”. I’m so sick of companies pulling that shit because they’re worried about DT retaliating. The man is unhinged, and a terrible person. It sickens me that even close to 1/2 of the country sees no problem with the ugly, petty, vindictive, divisive, dangerous platform he represents.

How to Find Your True Path in Life (ft. Robert Greene)

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 12:16:00 +0000

Check out this article: How to Find Your True Path in Life (ft. Robert Greene)

“There’s too much talking”

The Case for Slowing Down

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 10:51:00 +0000

Check out this article: The Case for Slowing Down

Appetites instead of estimates

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 00:46:00 +0000

Check out this article: Appetites instead of estimates

5 Ways to Be Self-Disciplined Without Making Yourself Miserable

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 16:40:00 +0000

Check out this article: 5 Ways to Be Self-Disciplined Without Making Yourself Miserable

You’re a bigger target now

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 17:36:00 +0000

Check out this article: You’re a bigger target now

I Was Wrong about the Olympics

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 19:46:00 +0000

Check out this article: I Was Wrong about the Olympics

6 Ways to Stop Giving a F*ck

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 11:30:00 +0000

Check out this article: 6 Ways to Stop Giving a F*ck

Repair and Remain

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 18:21:00 +0000

Check out this article: Repair and Remain

The Secret to Success Is… Giving Up?

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 14:21:00 +0000

Check out this article: The Secret to Success Is… Giving Up?

How to Use Failure to Succeed

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 14:15:00 +0000

Check out this article: How to Use Failure to Succeed

This Is Making Us Sick… Here’s How We Fix It

Tue, 21 May 2024 12:11:00 +0000

Check out this article: This Is Making Us Sick… Here’s How We Fix It

Separation

Mon, 13 May 2024 12:11:00 +0000

Check out this article: Separation

Exploring the Ancient Philosophy That Doesn’t Give a F*ck (ft. Ryan Holiday)

Thu, 02 May 2024 00:51:00 +0000

Check out this article: Exploring the Ancient Philosophy That Doesn’t Give a F*ck (ft. Ryan Holiday)

Why you need a “WTF Notebook”

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 10:55:00 +0000

Check out this article: Why you need a “WTF Notebook”

An interesting idea to consider and try out

How Bad Therapy Can Ruin an Entire Generation (ft. Abigail Shrier)

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 12:15:00 +0000

Check out this article: How Bad Therapy Can Ruin an Entire Generation (ft. Abigail Shrier)

Founder of Eight Companies Explains: How to Take Massive Action (ft. Noah Kagan)

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 10:23:00 +0000

Check out this article: Founder of Eight Companies Explains: How to Take Massive Action (ft. Noah Kagan)

Being Caitlin Clark: Inside the world of the player who redefined the game

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 15:55:00 +0000

Check out this article: Being Caitlin Clark: Inside the world of the player who redefined the game

If you’ve ever played sports, or had daughters, or wanted greatness, or knew you were capable of more… you have to read this article.

Hackers Found a Way to Open Any of 3 Million Hotel Keycard Locks in Seconds

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 17:05:00 +0000

Check out this article: Hackers Found a Way to Open Any of 3 Million Hotel Keycard Locks in Seconds

If you’re heading out on Spring Break be sure to check out this article.

Avoiding pile-ups

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 10:45:00 +0000

Check out this article: Avoiding pile-ups

6 Things to Stop Doing in 2024 (to Change Your Life)

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 21:41:00 +0000

Check out this article: 6 Things to Stop Doing in 2024 (to Change Your Life)

We need to talk about astrology

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 14:31:00 +0000

Check out this article: We need to talk about astrology

Trump’s “accelerating dementia”

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 13:50:00 +0000

Check out this article: Trump’s “accelerating dementia”

The interesting thing is if you search “Trump dementia” you’ll find references (including his own party) back to 2019 and before so it’s not just a liberal attack.

The text file that runs the internet

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 13:06:00 +0000

Check out this article: The text file that runs the internet

Chicken Littles Are Ruining America

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:50:00 +0000

Check out this article: Chicken Littles Are Ruining America

“We have produced a culture that celebrates catastrophizing… Trump thrives in an atmosphere of menace. Authoritarianism flourishes amid pessimism, fear, and rage. Trump feeds off zero-sum thinking, the notion that society is war—us-versus-them, dog-eat-dog. The more you contribute to the culture of depressive negativity, the more likely Trump’s reelection becomes.”

Sex, Drugs, and Money Might Actually Make You Happier (ft. Sonja Lyubomirsky)

Sat, 27 Jan 2024 13:10:00 +0000

Check out this article: Sex, Drugs, and Money Might Actually Make You Happier (ft. Sonja Lyubomirsky)

Dan Campbell put in the work, and it won over Lions fans

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 16:29:00 +0000

Check out this article: Dan Campbell put in the work, and it won over Lions fans

Lots of respect for this guy. Impressive what he’s done and love the work ethic.

Crash Parties, Escape Dull Chitchat and Make Powerful Friends: What Davos Elites Know

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 16:11:00 +0000

Check out this article: Crash Parties, Escape Dull Chitchat and Make Powerful Friends: What Davos Elites Know

Good tips on networking apply to everyone. Not just the rich “elites”.

33 Life Learnings from 33 Years

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 12:15:00 +0000

Check out this article: 33 Life Learnings from 33 Years

Note: Since this is an automatically created post there is no commentary on it. Read it and do your own critical thinking. I may get around to adding some of my own thoughts or categorizing it… but maybe not.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

A Few Laws of Getting Rich

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 15:16:00 +0000

Check out this article: A Few Laws of Getting Rich

The Infinite Wisdom of Charlie Munger

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 11:36:00 +0000

Check out this article: The Infinite Wisdom of Charlie Munger

How Your Child’s Online Mistake Can Ruin Your Digital Life

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 18:11:00 +0000

Check out this article: How Your Child’s Online Mistake Can Ruin Your Digital Life

Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett’s Partner and ‘Abominable No-Man,’ Dies at 99

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 13:39:00 +0000

Check out this article: Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett’s Partner and ‘Abominable No-Man,’ Dies at 99

Why one CTO moved away from the cloud

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 18:53:00 +0000

Check out this article: Why one CTO moved away from the cloud

The ABC Goal System

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 19:07:00 +0000

Check out this article: The ABC Goal System

Whole new ballgame: MLB’s new rules changed everything

Sat, 18 Nov 2023 14:57:00 +0000

Check out this article: Whole new ballgame: MLB’s new rules changed everything

Your iPhone will soon be able to replicate your voice after 15 minutes of training

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 22:28:00 +0000

Check out this article: Your iPhone will soon be able to replicate your voice after 15 minutes of training

Byron Wien’s 20 Life Lessons

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 17:17:00 +0000

Check out this article: Byron Wien’s 20 Life Lessons

The Art & Science of Conversation

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 16:24:00 +0000

Check out this article: The Art & Science of Conversation

A Hospice Nurse on Embracing the Grace of Dying

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 21:48:00 +0000

Check out this article: A Hospice Nurse on Embracing the Grace of Dying.

Note: Since this is an automatically created post there’s no commentary on it. Read it and do your own critical thinking. I may get around to adding some of my own thoughts or categorizing it… but maybe not.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Do Not Underestimate the To-Do List

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:23:00 +0000

Check out this article: Do Not Underestimate the To-Do List.

Tom Brady’s Coach: You DON’T Need to Be the Best to Get the Best Results w/Greg Harden

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 13:34:00 +0000

Check out this article: Tom Brady’s Coach: You DON’T Need to Be the Best to Get the Best Results w/Greg Harden.

Note-Taking when Reading the Web and RSS

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 12:02:00 +0000

Check out this article: Note-Taking when Reading the Web and RSS.

Suicides more common in the U.S. than any time since World War II, CDC finds.

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 15:29:00 +0000

Check out this article: Suicides more common in the U.S. than any time since World War II, CDC finds..

Find Your Unique Ability and Ikigai w/ Ali Nasser

Thu, 04 May 2023 23:58:00 +0000

Check out this article: Find Your Unique Ability and Ikigai w/ Ali Nasser.

My impossible search for the best, most powerful, most private journaling app ever

Tue, 02 May 2023 11:54:00 +0000

Check out this article: My impossible search for the best, most powerful, most private journaling app ever.

‘The Godfather of A.I.’ Leaves Google and Warns of Danger Ahead

Mon, 01 May 2023 12:39:00 +0000

Check out this article: ‘The Godfather of A.I.’ Leaves Google and Warns of Danger Ahead.

Stevey’s Google Platforms Rant

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 15:48:00 +0000

Check out this article: Stevey’s Google Platforms Rant.

The R.T.O. Whisperers Have a Plan

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 12:39:00 +0000

Check out this article: The R.T.O. Whisperers Have a Plan.

Desirelessness

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 21:54:00 +0000

Check out this article: Desirelessness.

Who Is Still Inside the Metaverse?

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 13:33:00 +0000

Check out this article: Who Is Still Inside the Metaverse?.

The Most Powerful Life Hacks

Sat, 18 Mar 2023 23:43:00 +0000

Check out this article: The Most Powerful Life Hacks.

The 2 Types of Happiness, Fake Urgency, & More

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 19:08:00 +0000

Check out this article: The 2 Types of Happiness, Fake Urgency, & More.

How to Protect Your Money From a Bank Collapse

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 14:03:00 +0000

Check out this article: How to Protect Your Money From a Bank Collapse.

Standing firm against threats to private and safe communication

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 00:53:00 +0000

Check out this article: Standing firm against threats to private and safe communication.

Lost Ballparks Podcast

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 01:16:00 +0000

Just found the Lost Ballparks podcast, and have to say it’s been delightful so far! Be sure to check it out.

Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Signal is for everyone, and everyone is different

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 02:27:00 +0000

Check out this article: Signal is for everyone, and everyone is different.

5 Microservices Misconceptions

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 17:28:00 +0000

Check out this article: 5 Microservices Misconceptions.

I Have Delivered Value… But At What Cost?

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 12:34:00 +0000

Check out this article: I Have Delivered Value… But At What Cost?.

Facebook and Google are handing over user data to help police prosecute abortion seekers

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 20:38:00 +0000

Check out this article: Facebook and Google are handing over user data to help police prosecute abortion seekers.

Phone and Laptop Seizures at Airports and Borders – Privacy Travel Guide

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 13:43:00 +0000

Check out this article: Phone and Laptop Seizures at Airports and Borders – Privacy Travel Guide.

The Case For Shunning

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 22:22:00 +0000

Check out this article: The Case For Shunning.

Joe Montana Was Here

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 22:28:00 +0000

Check out this article: Joe Montana Was Here.

Signal would ‘walk’ from UK if Online Safety Bill undermined encryption

Sat, 25 Feb 2023 12:33:00 +0000

Check out this article: Signal would ‘walk’ from UK if Online Safety Bill undermined encryption.

Locking down APIs? Traditional authentication tips apply

Sat, 18 Feb 2023 13:53:00 +0000

Check out this article: Locking down APIs? Traditional authentication tips apply.

The Day We Stopped Sprinting

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 13:13:00 +0000

Check out this article: The Day We Stopped Sprinting.

The maze is in the mouse

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 11:23:00 +0000

Check out this article: The maze is in the mouse.

Daniel Ek

Sat, 11 Feb 2023 16:18:00 +0000

Check out this article: Daniel Ek.

Cops Can’t Be Allowed to Just Make Up Reasons for Pulling People Over

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 01:10:00 +0000

Check out this article: Cops Can’t Be Allowed to Just Make Up Reasons for Pulling People Over.

Over the thin blue line

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:33:00 +0000

Check out this article: Over the thin blue line.

The Shit Show

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 18:49:00 +0000

Check out this article: The Shit Show.

Your Memories. Their Cloud.

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 22:25:00 +0000

Check out this article: Your Memories. Their Cloud..

Fallacies of Distributed Systems

Sun, 08 Jan 2023 15:21:00 +0000

Check out this article: Fallacies of Distributed Systems.

McCarthy vs. Gaetz: Explained!

Sun, 08 Jan 2023 12:43:00 +0000

Check out this article: McCarthy vs. Gaetz: Explained!.

I just got myself banned from Elon Musk’s Twitter. Here’s why you should, too

Sun, 08 Jan 2023 00:32:00 +0000

Check out this article: I just got myself banned from Elon Musk’s Twitter. Here’s why you should, too.

Grand jury subpoena for Signal user data, Central District of California

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 12:55:00 +0000

Check out this article: Grand jury subpoena for Signal user data, Central District of California.

You Want Modules, Not Microservices

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 11:23:00 +0000

Check out this article: You Want Modules, Not Microservices.

Messed Up Things At Woodstock

Sat, 31 Dec 2022 14:48:00 +0000

Check out this article: Messed Up Things At Woodstock.

Exclusive: Elon Musk orders removal of Twitter suicide prevention feature, sources say

Sat, 24 Dec 2022 14:28:00 +0000

The last straw right here and why I will never go back. Don’t believe the BS they spew that they just took it down to improve it. Something like that can be worked in parallel, and to remove it at this time of year is nearly criminal IMO.

Check out this article: Exclusive: Elon Musk orders removal of Twitter suicide prevention feature, sources say.

The Man Behind Mastodon Built It for This Moment

Sat, 24 Dec 2022 01:31:00 +0000

Check out this article: The Man Behind Mastodon Built It for This Moment.

Adding Git-Bash to Windows Terminal

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 17:13:00 +0000

Check out this article: Adding Git-Bash to Windows Terminal.

Not another dime: a protest that works

Sat, 17 Dec 2022 13:34:00 +0000

Check out this article: Not another dime: a protest that works.

Your brain does not process information and it is not a computer

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 17:24:00 +0000

Check out this article: Your brain does not process information and it is not a computer.

Recruited for Navy SEALs, Many Sailors Wind Up Scraping Paint

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 12:54:00 +0000

Check out this article: Recruited for Navy SEALs, Many Sailors Wind Up Scraping Paint.

The Rise and Fall of Respectability

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 14:45:00 +0000

Check out this article: The Rise and Fall of Respectability.

You’re Being Lied to About Electric Cars

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 23:59:00 +0000

Check out this article: You’re Being Lied to About Electric Cars.

Jeff Herrod feels forgotten: ‘No one acknowledges the work we did’

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 12:46:00 +0000

Check out this article: Jeff Herrod feels forgotten: ‘No one acknowledges the work we did’.

ICES Experimental Economics Brown Bag Lecture

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 13:20:00 +0000

Check out this article: ICES Experimental Economics Brown Bag Lecture.

Why we’re leaving the cloud

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 01:54:00 +0000

Check out this article: Why we’re leaving the cloud.

Interested to see how many read the article and not just the headline. As with all things, the answer is usually “it depends”.

Reviewing Azure Function App Logs

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 00:02:00 +0000

I’ve been playing around recently with Azure, finally got some things working, and think I’m starting to understand things a little better (though still terrified somehow I’m going to create something that costs a boatload of money).

One of the things any app developer will always want to do is be able to review logs so that’s what I was in search of today. While it looks like you can monitor logs in real time… I hardly ever need to do that (that’s what local debugging is for). I was trying to figure out where/how to view my logs after they had generated… you know, like you have to do to support anything.

Anyway, it appears the secret is that you need to configure things to send your logs to a log analytics workspace 1st (and if I’m wrong here I would love to know a better way). To do that I followed the instructions here.

Keep in mind though that it take a bit for logs to start getting pulled over so it’s not like a real time stream. For a real time stream (like when debugging, but from the server) look at “Log stream” for your Function App…

Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Army Veteran Went Into ‘Combat Mode’ to Disarm the Club Q Gunman

Sun, 04 Dec 2022 14:13:00 +0000

Check out this article: Army Veteran Went Into ‘Combat Mode’ to Disarm the Club Q Gunman.

I Was Wrong About Mastodon

Sat, 03 Dec 2022 21:59:00 +0000

Check out this article: I Was Wrong About Mastodon.

Hate Speech’s Rise on Twitter Is Unprecedented, Researchers Find

Sat, 03 Dec 2022 16:06:00 +0000

Check out this article: Hate Speech’s Rise on Twitter Is Unprecedented, Researchers Find.

Want a four-day work week? Show the results of research to your boss

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 13:04:00 +0000

Check out this article: Want a four-day work week? Show the results of research to your boss.

The Town That Went Feral

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 00:43:00 +0000

Check out this article: The Town That Went Feral.

The New Methodology

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 01:22:00 +0000

Check out this article: The New Methodology.

Twitter’s ongoing cruel treatment of software engineers

Sat, 26 Nov 2022 13:43:00 +0000

Check out this article: Twitter’s ongoing cruel treatment of software engineers.

12 Time-Saving iPhone Tips to Make You a More Efficient User

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 21:28:00 +0000

Check out this article: 12 Time-Saving iPhone Tips to Make You a More Efficient User.

Everything You Learned About Thanksgiving Is Wrong

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 21:38:00 +0000

Check out this article: Everything You Learned About Thanksgiving Is Wrong.

No, this doesn’t mean I’m some far left lib and think we have to quit doing Thanksgiving, but I do think we should at least not pretend things weren’t as they were. And even then, realize that the ideals we are (hopefully) striving for: gratitude, community, family, and togetherness, do matter.

Why Does the U.S. Have So Many Mass Shootings? Research Is Clear: Guns.

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 12:53:00 +0000

Check out this article: Why Does the U.S. Have So Many Mass Shootings? Research Is Clear: Guns..

Can’t wait to see how many people make the assumption I think all guns should be confiscated purely based on the article or its title. I don’t. I do think we have way to many guns in this country, and too lax of laws around them (can you understand the distinction?). And anytime there is something that can used for a deadly purpose without adequate controls and restricted access there is a higher potential for that thing to be used in the heat of the moment (on oneself or others). Hopes and prayers will never bring anyone back or stop someone from violence, and it’s time to stop pretending like they will.

‘Dying Inside’: Chaos and Cruelty in Louisiana Juvenile Detention

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 14:09:00 +0000

Check out this article: ‘Dying Inside’: Chaos and Cruelty in Louisiana Juvenile Detention.

One of the saddest things I find in this article is the number of families at the point they think the experience of jail will make their kids “scared straight”, or that the kid just doesn’t have a responsible adult in their life. Instead of “scared straight” we get “traumatized into submission” and sometimes it’s the ultimate nihilist submission… suicide. Incarceration (esp the way and frequency we do it) is not the answer. Even more so for kids.

Your words are wasted

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 01:18:00 +0000

Check out this article: Your words are wasted.

I learned this lesson first from Christopher S Penn in a marketing sense, but still bears repeating (and why I run all “shares” on SM through this site first).

The World Cup That Changed Everything

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 19:08:00 +0000

Check out this article: The World Cup That Changed Everything.

How to Get Started on Mastodon

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 17:33:00 +0000

Check out this article: How to Get Started on Mastodon.

https://techhub.social/@markjacobsen

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Elon Musk demands Twitter employees commit to ‘extremely hardcore’ culture or leave

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 12:03:00 +0000

Check out this article: Elon Musk demands Twitter employees commit to ‘extremely hardcore’ culture or leave.

F that Sh*+. Unfortunately he’s going to have people that have to have the job for immigration, health, or financial purposes. And we’ll hold it up as a badge of honor to celebrate hustle culture.

Hint, if you’re an employee that isn’t compensated proportionally (and that could be negatively or positively) given the company’s performance there is absolutely nothing worth grinding for in a JOB.

WFH Setup

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 18:35:00 +0000

Now that I’m officially working remotely, and have had some questions about my setup, I figured I’d do a write up so everything was in 1 place. So, let’s start with a picture…

… and I’ll tell you that my setup consists of a Desktop (not shown) and the Laptop you see in the photo. Also included in the photo are the microphone and camera. The Stream Deck shown in the lower right (as well as shells, rings, and baseball) is optional 😊.

Now, how it all works together… The main monitor (with the rings at the base), keyboard, and mouse are controlled by the computer KVM which determines if I’m working off the Laptop or the Desktop. Essentially, the computer KVM takes “in” the keyboard, mouse, and HDMI from both the Laptop and Desktop, and sends “out” to the shared keyboard, mouse, and main monitor. A simple double tap on “Scroll Lock” + either “1” or “2” switches between them.

I also use a USB Switch to toggle peripherals between the Laptop and Desktop. This allows me to switch between the computers but make the camera and microphone potentially “stick” to the backgrounded computer (i.e. be on a call/meeting on one computer, but switch to the other briefly as needed). Setup is as simple as the USB Switch taking a USB “input” from each computer, and having the peripherals tied into it. Switching between does take a press of the button on the USB Switch.

So, what about the other monitor and laptop monitor you may ask? The full monitor (upper left) is tied into the Desktop using a DVI output on my graphics card (but could be tied into whatever additional output you may have) so that when the Desktop is active I’ll have the 2 monitors. When I switch to the Laptop, the laptop and main monitor act as my 2 monitors.

And finally, you may be asking, how do you tie all that stuff to the laptop if it only has a USB C and maybe a standard USB? For that, I use a USB Dock. The dock allows me to connect to my wired network (better reliability and throughput of signal), the computer KVM, USB Switch, and a few other USB peripherals (mostly for charging things). All that junk stays connect to the dock, and I simply need to unplug or connect the 1 USB C connector!

Of course, if you don’t need to switch between multiple computers and just want to connect multiple monitors and an external keyboard and mouse the USB Dock is sufficient (and is how my wife’s work setup is configured).

As to the Stream Deck, that’s probably a post for a different day, but suffice it to say when the Laptop is active the aux monitor (upper left) is rotating through a number of browser tabs running on the Desktop and I can use the Stream Deck to control that (refresh, volume, mute, etc).

Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Thousands Have Joined Mastodon Since Twitter Changed Hands. Its Founder Has a Vision for Democratizing Social Media

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 11:43:00 +0000

Check out this article: Thousands Have Joined Mastodon Since Twitter Changed Hands. Its Founder Has a Vision for Democratizing Social Media.

Alone at the Edge of the World

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 20:25:00 +0000

Check out this article: Alone at the Edge of the World.

What is Mastodon? A social media expert explains how the ‘federated’ network works and why it won’t be a new Twitter

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 11:53:00 +0000

Check out this article: What is Mastodon? A social media expert explains how the ‘federated’ network works and why it won’t be a new Twitter.

The Problem With Letting Therapy-Speak Invade Everything

Sat, 12 Nov 2022 19:48:00 +0000

Check out this article: The Problem With Letting Therapy-Speak Invade Everything.

Hey Elon: Let Me Help You Speed Run The Content Moderation Learning Curve

Sat, 05 Nov 2022 12:23:00 +0000

Check out this article: Hey Elon: Let Me Help You Speed Run The Content Moderation Learning Curve.

How Trust Determines the Speed of Your Success with Simon Sinek

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 12:43:00 +0000

Check out this article: How Trust Determines the Speed of Your Success with Simon Sinek.

Almost Timely News: The Future of AI and Regular Life (2022-10-23)

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 12:08:00 +0000

Check out this article: Almost Timely News: The Future of AI and Regular Life (2022-10-23).

Hitler uses git

Sat, 22 Oct 2022 12:28:00 +0000

This video has cracked me up ever since I started to learn git using the command line. With today’s web and desktop interfaces to git it’s not so bad anymore, but still… this is hilarious.

Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Productivity Is About Your Systems, Not Your People

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 00:38:00 +0000

Check out this article: Productivity Is About Your Systems, Not Your People.

Returning to the Office? Let’s Keep the Line Between Work and Home Blurry

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 12:13:00 +0000

Check out this article: Returning to the Office? Let’s Keep the Line Between Work and Home Blurry.

Starting School Before 8 a.m. Can Be Harmful to Teens, Sleep Scientists Say

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 11:48:00 +0000

Check out this article: Starting School Before 8 a.m. Can Be Harmful to Teens, Sleep Scientists Say.

Why Bosses Should Ask Employees to Do Less—Not More

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 17:14:00 +0000

Check out this article: Why Bosses Should Ask Employees to Do Less—Not More.

How Much Can You Spend in Retirement? Answer These Questions First.

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 14:20:00 +0000

Check out this article: How Much Can You Spend in Retirement? Answer These Questions First..

Apple CEO Tim Cook’s fix for those pesky green text bubbles? ‘Buy your mom an iPhone’

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 11:53:00 +0000

My solution? Switch to Signal no matter if you’re on Apple or iOS. It’s a far superior communication platform.

Check out this article: Apple CEO Tim Cook’s fix for those pesky green text bubbles? ‘Buy your mom an iPhone’.

The Death Penalty Case That Went Too Far

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 14:08:00 +0000

Check out this article: The Death Penalty Case That Went Too Far.

Jackson Water Crisis Forces Cities to Confront Their Own Aging Infrastructure

Sat, 03 Sep 2022 13:13:00 +0000

I think it’s a shame that this country can allow areas to go without basic living necessities like running water.

Check out this article: Jackson Water Crisis Forces Cities to Confront Their Own Aging Infrastructure.

Early morning beach walk

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 13:19:00 +0000

[][1] _Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!_

100 Rules — Personal Philosophy

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 12:33:00 +0000

Check out this article: 100 Rules — Personal Philosophy.

Meta faces backlash after Nebraska woman charged in abortion case with evidence from private Facebook messages

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 12:33:00 +0000

Check out this article: Meta faces backlash after Nebraska woman charged in abortion case with evidence from private Facebook messages.

We need to take away children.”

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 18:48:00 +0000

Check out this article: We need to take away children.”.

At Amazon, Bots >= People

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 15:31:00 +0000

So it’s “Prime Day” and I figured I would go check if the very expensive router I just purchased was cheaper… and boy was it. So, I figured I could just contact a person and they’d adjust the price no problem and the world moves on. BIG MISTAKE. No. They want you to reorder the EXACT same thing, have it shipped to you, and return the EXACT same thing right back to them instead of just doing a price adjustment! You have got to be kidding me! Don’t believe me? Check out the chat thread…

Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Good Habits Lead to Great Change (WARNING: POLITICAL)

Sun, 26 Jun 2022 11:23:00 +0000

As is so often the case, Christopher S Penn said it better than I could so…

Check out this article: Almost Timely News, 26-June-2022: Good Habits Lead to Great Change (WARNING: POLITICAL).

The surprising afterlife of used hotel soap

Mon, 02 May 2022 22:59:00 +0000

Check out this article: The surprising afterlife of used hotel soap.

Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 12:35:00 +0000

Check out this article: Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid.

Make the choice

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 12:20:00 +0000

Found this useful insight in James Clear’s newsletter:

“What’s one decision you can make today that will save you from making ten more decisions in the future? Make the choice that eliminates other choices.”

Sometimes even if you don’t know the specific choice to make or what the future might look like, you can always at least narrow your options to provide greater clarity at a later time.

Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Back to the Future of Twitter

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 12:04:00 +0000

Check out this article: Back to the Future of Twitter.

The Lost Horse

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:23:00 +0000

Long ago in a village in northern China, there lived a man who owned a magnificent horse. So beautiful was this horse that people came from miles around just to admire it. They told him he was blessed to own such a horse.

“Perhaps,” he said. “But what seems like a blessing may be a curse.”

One day, the horse ran off. It was gone. People came to say how sorry they were for his bad luck.

“Perhaps,” he said. “But what seems like a curse may be a blessing.”

A few weeks later, the horse returned. It was not alone. It was followed by twenty-one wild horses. By the law of the land, they became his property. He was rich with horses.

His neighbours came to congratulate him on his good fortune. “Truly,” they said, “you have been blessed.”

“Perhaps,” he said. “But what seems like a blessing may be a curse.”

Shortly after that his son — his only son — tried to ride one of the wild horses. He was thrown from it and broke his leg. The man’s neighbors came to say how sorry they were. Surely, he had been cursed.

“Perhaps,” he said. “But what seems like a curse may be a blessing.”

A week later, the king came through that village, drafting every able-bodied young man for a war against the people of the north. It was a horrible war. Everyone who went from that village was killed. Only that man’s son survived, because of his broken leg.

To this day, in that village, they say, ”What seems like a blessing may be a curse. What seems like a curse may be a blessing.”

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The Fortunes of MacKenzie Scott

Sun, 17 Apr 2022 22:32:00 +0000

Check out this article: The Fortunes of MacKenzie Scott.

Life Under Siege

Sun, 17 Apr 2022 13:39:00 +0000

Great article/interview w/ Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska. As we celebrate Easter and the belief that all those who believe in “him” will be saved… At the expense of being judged, I just can’t help but disagree. Most of use make terrible mistakes (aka decisions) in our lives, and I do think the vast majority of times those mistakes are forgivable and redeemable. But that does not mean all actions are forgivable, and we must all live with our decisions/mistakes. For instance, I do not believe that those Russians who started and continue to wage this war are forgivable. They should not be “saved”. Maybe you do. Maybe that makes you a better person than me. But I’ll just leave you with a few passages from the article:

until the last minute it was impossible to believe that this would happen…in the twenty-first century? In the modern world?
Russia does not have mercy for peaceful lives.
How to explain to a child why she is not sleeping in her bed? This is a test you would not wish on anyone.
The line you are talking about was crossed on the first day—the first!
People killed on the street. Not military—civilians! Graves near playgrounds. I can’t even describe it. It makes me speechless. But it is necessary to look at it.
I hope we are not the only ones who see the message Russia is sending. This message is not only addressed to us. This is their message to the world!
Russia knows that the West will not cover the sky, and this fact encourages it to commit atrocities.
The main thing is not to get used to the war—not to turn it into statistics. Continue going to protests, continue to demand that your governments take action.

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Brewers Home Opener

Sat, 16 Apr 2022 19:02:00 +0000

As I was listening to the Brewers game while driving home from a listing appointment on Wednesday, they happened to mention the Brewers Home Opener happing the next day. Not sure, why but it hit me that maybe I should try and go see it. After all, it was after working hours and the girls didn’t have Friday off, but I did :). So, after a bit of hemming and hawing, I actually pulled the trigger and bought the tickets!

Drove out early Thursday morning so I could attend meetings from the rode, and get some stuff done, arriving with the few hours before game time.

Had a great seat in section 220 (that’s a view from my seat below), and the Brewers won! Plus, I actually got to see a Brewers Home Opener, my first time in American Family Field, and even saw one of my Dad’s oldest friends.

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Dropping Hints 😂

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 20:50:00 +0000

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I could sure use a coffee

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 19:43:00 +0000

Doggies run on Dunkin’

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My Cousin’s Work in WSJ

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 18:22:00 +0000

So proud of my cousin, Michael, for having his work (below) featured in this WSJ article!

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That dog vs mine 😂

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 17:35:00 +0000

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cb8CKu2F3xj/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

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Aqua-thermal treatment 😂

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 14:27:00 +0000

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Powerful Combination

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 11:35:21 +0000

Found this gem in James Clear’s 3-2-1 newsletter, and it’s so true…

Powerful combination = Hate being bad at stuff + Willing to look like a beginner.

People who hate being bad at stuff are driven to improve. However, if they are unwilling to look like a beginner from time to time, they will avoid new challenges and struggle to reinvent themselves.

Meanwhile, people who are willing to try new things, but lack a thirst to improve will settle for mediocre results.

It’s the willingness to look foolish for a short time—but not for a long time—that leads to jumps in performance.

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Opening Day

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 21:42:00 +0000

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I know I’m an old man, but I love opening day! Only 1 game on during the work day this year so didn’t take a 1/2 day, but by 5 there were 3 games going on. Looking forward to spending the rest of the night watching games too 😀

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Ouch! That’s gotta hurt.

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 17:53:00 +0000

From “the 34 ton bat”Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Take me back: Amelia Island ✈

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 17:40:00 +0000

Just got back from a quick Spring Break trip to Amelia Island (Jacksonville, FL area). Stayed at this great Airbnb with some amazing ocean views. Spent each evening with the patio door wide open listening to the waves crash against the shore.

The first day we took a 2 hour boat trip with Amelia Adventures, and got to see wild horses, a manatee, and dolphins! Ate at Sliders Seaside Grill which was my favorite dining place of the trip (plus The Tavern by AIBC for beer and pretzels).

Wednesday we bummed around downtown Jacksonville and Neptune Beach. Downtown wasn’t all that great since the “Friendship Fountain” was closed, and not much to do, but Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop was a fun stop. There were also some museums and such, but we didn’t bother with those. Ate at Fish Camp on the beach, which was ok, but not as good as I’d heard it made out to be.

Thursday was a day for history and learning while we drove the A1A (“beachfront avenue”) and rode the St. Augustine Trolley Tour. Dinner at Salt Life Food Shack which was decent.

Overall, I could have spent the entire time just reading and listening to the ocean, but alas the kids actually wanted to do things, and I guess we had to eat too 😊. I’d say check it out if you’re looking for a laid back trip.

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The Founders 📖

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 12:35:00 +0000

Super interesting book. Surprising how much I recall hearing about or living through, but now getting the behind the scenes look. From the people you always hear about like Musk, Thiel, and Hoffman to the less known names this is an easy read that’s worth the time.

Here’s one passage in particular that I found telling and interesting. Specifically this “People who are smart and energetic are often angry. Not at each other, usually. Rather, they’re angry that we’re ‘not there yet’”

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Did you know? CAPTCHA

Sun, 03 Apr 2022 19:43:00 +0000

Do you know where the first commercial use of a CAPTCHA was? PayPal

Do you know CAPTCHA stands for Completely Automated Public Turing Test to Tell Computers and Humans Apart? I didn’t, but now you do!

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The pen is mightier 😂

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 00:19:00 +0000

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Everything happens for a reason

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 15:38:00 +0000

Seems like a good corollary to the brutality honest post. Because it’s true.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Brutal Honesty

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 17:43:00 +0000

This is an interesting one because I’ve more than once been given this feedback, but there’s a nuance… one can give honest feedback in constructive and helpful ways or just being a dick about it.

I know it’s hard when the stupidity is so obvious, but that doesn’t really excuse being a jerk. Now, some people aren’t going to like what you have to say regardless, and you better have a good argument or alternative for your honesty. Being a seagull and just shitting all over everything and calling it “honesty” is no excuse.

Be a part of the solution, but never be afraid to speak up and hold your ground (even if some people don’t like it).Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Azure Data Fundamentals Certification

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 10:55:00 +0000

As I’ve said before, I’m certifiable 😂. Passed the DP-900 exam on Saturday. Look about 30 minutes (plus 15-20 for the remote proctor to release the exam). As with the Azure Fundamentals certification it was a lot of just knowing the names or classifications of things. I guess that’s why it’s a “fundamentals” exam.

Anyway, if work is going to pay for me to pad my resume I’ll take it.

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Scientific Fact 😂

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 01:14:00 +0000

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No. 2 Pencils 😂

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 00:23:00 +0000

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The Goal of Adulthood

Sat, 26 Mar 2022 18:31:00 +0000

“The goal of adulthood is to let go of the other possible existences and to make the best of the one. A successful adult is one who understands that it doesn’t matter which life you ultimately pick, only that you live it well.”

From (spoiler alert you have to actually read the article not just the title): A Surprising Number Of Teens Think They’ll Die Young, Or Live Forever, Whichever Comes First

But, back to the quote, it’s actually pretty spot on if you think about it. Somewhat difficult to do, but living your life well (however you define that) seems like a worthwhile goal.

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What life is like sometimes

Sat, 26 Mar 2022 12:43:00 +0000

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Posted mainly to see how Instagram video posts show up, but also because it’s cute and made me chuckle.

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Vacation

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 15:24:00 +0000

This… it’s always bugged me when people say “if my vacation is approved”. Like hell. I’m telling you I won’t be around so you can plan. Not to ask your permission.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Learning to communicate 😂

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 12:46:00 +0000

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On consulting…

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 20:41:00 +0000

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Backseat driver

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 19:42:00 +0000

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Chimneys 😂

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 21:55:00 +0000

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What to read

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 13:40:00 +0000

Writer Doris Lessing on how to choose what to read:

“There is only one way to read, which is to browse in libraries and bookshops, picking up books that attract you, reading only those, dropping them when they bore you, skipping the parts that drag – and never, never reading anything because you feel you ought, or because it is part of a trend or a movement. Remember that the book which bores you when you are twenty or thirty will open doors for you when you are forty or fifty-and vise versa. Don’t read a book out of its right time for you.”Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Fire safety 😂

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 22:16:00 +0000

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I look like 😂

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 14:06:00 +0000

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Labeling != Pigeonholing

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 23:29:00 +0000

I find it interesting how we’ve made “labeling” into a negative. At least it feels that way to me. But labels are one of the most convenient and flexible ways of categorizing things (including people) that there is.

Just a few labels you can feel free to apply to me: developer, realtor, father, athlete, introvert, extrovert, kind, jerk

…and I’m sure there are plenty of others (even negative or conflicting ones like some of the above) you could apply to me. Season for taste… your taste.

Either way, if I “label” you, it’s not a negative. Maybe you could consider the fact that I find you important enough to even take the time to “label”.

Now, if I pigeonhole you then you might care, but by that point it probably doesn’t to you.

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 28

Sun, 28 Feb 2021 15:08:00 +0000

Day 28 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 389 items, but since it’s the last day of the month I threw in an extra 11 to bring the total up to a nice round 400. If you’re curious to see how the whole month went view the Tag.

What did I learn in the course of getting rid of 400 physical items? Mostly that I had a lot of tech and misc wires/cables 🙂 but also that it wasn’t so bad. Looking around there’s definitely more to purge especially if we add in more family/kids items, but that’s for the whole family to decide on. For now I prob just need to move on to a shredding or burn party for old docs.

If you did the #LessIsNow #MinsGame challenge in the past, this last month, or are thinking about it for the future, drop a message in the comments. I’d love to hear your story.

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 27

Sat, 27 Feb 2021 14:46:00 +0000

Day 27 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 361 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

Moving on to some of the kids stuff

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 26

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Day 26 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 334 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

Moving onto the garage

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 25

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Day 25 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 308 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

Breaking into the glassware

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 24

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 23:34:37 +0000

Day 24 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 283 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

Starting to dip into the tools now too…

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 23

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Day 23 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 259 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

Still more cables, but also a good deal of history

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 22

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Day 22 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 236 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

Mostly old mementos I have touched or looked at in forever

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 21

Sun, 21 Feb 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Day 21 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 214 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

Starting to get serious with what where some bigger purchases back in the day…

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 20

Sat, 20 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Day 20 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 193 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 19

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Day 19 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 173 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

Another spaghetti mess of cables and tech

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 18

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Day 18 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 154 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

Even more electronics and cables

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 17

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Day 17 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 136 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

Portion of the CD collection

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 16

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Day 16 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 136 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

Breaking into the CDs, cassettes, VHS, and books on tape!

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 15

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Day 15 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 120 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

I swear I’m almost done with the cables and tech…?

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 14

Sun, 14 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Day 14 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 105 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

More random tech/connectors

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 13

Sat, 13 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Day 13 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 91 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

Rando tech/cables

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 12

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Day 12 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 78 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

More clothes and another random computer thing. Funny thing about all the clothes the past few days… most of them I “hid away” as a type of packing party… and forgot about 😂

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 11

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Day 11 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 66 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

I’m sorry momma… but tonight I’m cleaning out my closet.

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 10

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Day 10 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 55 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

Pile o’ clothes

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 9

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Day 9 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 45 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 8

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Day 8 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 36 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

More random electronics…

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 7

Sun, 07 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Day 7 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 28 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

Old tech…

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 6

Sat, 06 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Day 6 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 21 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

Old shirts and a baby pack of cards

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 5

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 12:05:00 +0000

Day 5 of the “Minimalism Game“. That’s 15 total items. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

So many shiny things!

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 4

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 12:08:00 +0000

Day 4 of the “Minimalism Game“. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

Just some random old clothes

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 3

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 18:48:00 +0000

Here we go with Day 3 of the “Minimalism Game“. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

Planned to use the magnets for the RE biz but they were super weak. Don’t use the 1st gen Chromecast, and some random chord.

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 2

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 13:46:00 +0000

Here we go with Day 2 of the “Minimalism Game“. If you want to follow along and see how far I can make it: Watch the Tag

I still think they’re cool looking, but I don’t really need to hang onto them.

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#LessIsNow #MinsGame Day 1

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 22:12:41 +0000

The new Less is Now documentary on Netflix reminded me of the “Minimalism Game“, and since Feb is the shortest month 😀 I thought I might give it a try.

No idea if I’ll be able to make it an entire month (even a short one), but any journey begins with the first step… Or in this case the first item shedd…

They were super comfy but haven’t worked or used for over a year…

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Amanda Gorman’s Inauguration Poem

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 23:42:48 +0000

The Hill We Climb

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The Importance of Leverage

Sat, 02 Jan 2021 14:32:00 +0000

I first read this in James Clear’s 3-2-1 Newsletter, but thought the idea from Naval Ravikant was so good that I just had to share…

Humans evolved in societies where there was no leverage. If I was chopping wood or carrying water for you, you knew eight hours put in would be equal to about eight hours of output. Now we’ve invented leverage… As a worker, you want to be as leveraged as possible so you have a huge impact without as much time or physical effort.

A leveraged worker can out-produce a non-leveraged worker by a factor of one thousand or ten thousand. With a leveraged worker, judgment is far more important than how much time they put in or how hard they work.

For example, a good software engineer, just by writing the right little piece of code and creating the right little application, can literally create half a billion dollars’ worth of value for a company. But ten engineers working ten times as hard, just because they choose the wrong model, the wrong product, wrote it the wrong way, or put it in the wrong viral loop, have basically wasted their time. Inputs don’t match outputs, especially for leveraged workers.

What you want in life is to be in control of your time. You want to get into a leveraged job where you control your time and you’re tracked on outputs.

The Almanack of Naval Ravikant

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ArchConf 2020

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 18:10:58 +0000

Last week I had the opportunity to “attend” ArchConf (virtually). Of the sessions I attended, Venkat Subramaniam’s presentation of “Building Evolutionary Architectures” was easily the best and combined an engaging and enthusiastic style with useful content. David Sietz’s “Data as a Service (DaaS)” presentation was also very good and applicable for my needs. Aside from that, Joshua Smith and Laine Minor from RedHat were probably the most entertaining/fun/funny.

If you’re interested, here are my notes for each session I attended and took notes for :). Replays (for attendees only)

Architecting Cloud Native Applications

Nathaniel Schutta – 3/5

Main Takeaway: In order to successfully implement micro-services they must have consistent/good monitoring

Responsible Micro-Services ebook
Beware of developers implementing technologies/languages/patterns for “resume driven design” reasons… not for the right reasons.
Shared servers are a liability
The 12 Factor App: Best Practices in Cloud Native Applications and Microservices
You can consider a service a function because you can spin the number of instances down to zero
Quality Attributes/Requirements = Non Functional Requirements (NFR)
- Personally I would really like to see us start using “Quality Attributes” or “Quality Requirements” instead of NFR.
The 7 Software “-ilities” You Need To Know
Architecting For the -ilities
Architecture Requirements are Ilities
You have to consider what ility attributes are important for which stakeholder, and what decisions that results in.
Evolutionary architecture book
microservice = anything that can be re-written in 2 weeks or less
- I really like this definition and goal.
high cohesion, low coupling
A Modular Monolith might be a better approach in certain situations. A modular monolith is a software design approach in which a monolith is designed with an emphasis on interchangeable (and potentially reusable) modules.
If you have to ask what something is (a tech, language, platform), you don’t need it.
Monitoring is vital to a thriving microservice arch
The Four Golden Signals for Monitoring Distributed Systems: latency, traffic load, error rate, saturation
Circuit Breaker Pattern

Paved Roads – Architecting for Distributed Teams

Nathaniel Schutta – 4/5

Main Takeaway: Any alert someone gets should be informative and actionable. Otherwise, put it on a dashboard or report.

Even when we’re in person we’re still communicating remotely (sending IMs, Texts, etc)
Fitness function = todo list from arch to devs
Review boards don’t work!
Just because we can measure it does NOT mean it matters
If everything is an option, nothing is an option
Look into spring cloud contract
Temporal fitness function = essentially a reminder (ex: Review this code in 1 year)
Keep track of non-decisions/non-goals too (i.e. we don’t care about X because…)
Fitness functions should be visible and reviewed at least annually.
If you’re going to get an alert it needs to be informative AND actionable. Just informative goes on a dashboard or report.
Look into building a “radar”
thoughtworks.com/radar

To Hug or to Strangle: Tips for Dealing with Monolith Pain

Laine Minor & Josh Smith – 3/5

Main Takeaway: Consider “hugging” (applying micro-service best practices) legacy apps that are too big to strangle

pain = the thing that prevents you from doing the part of your job you came/want to do
pain = mental load of things you know are not as they should be
You get an architecture whether you plan for it or not
Long time between delivery is a BUSINESS problem
Biggest benefit of microservices is clean lines
Option 1: strangle, then hug
Option 2: hug, then strangle
Hugging = applying microservice best practices to a monolith (monitoring, etc)

Developer To Architect

Nathaniel Schutta – 3/5

Main Takeaway: Review boards and heavy handed governance doesn’t work.

Consequences can be positive and negative
Maximizing one minimizes another
Governance in most orgs is heavyweight, high ceremony… and it does NOT work
SLA vs SLA. The A matters and it indicates a consequence. If there is no consequence its an SLO (Objective)
A reform most often advances via indirection
It’s not just about the tech. It’s the relationships
Portfolio architect provides high-level architectural and software engineering expertise to managers and technical staff.
Domain architect : the way he describes it is essentially what we describe as a digital architect
Specifically mentioned TOGAF as a “meh” certification

Sifting Technologies – Separating the Wheat From the Chaff

Nathaniel Schutta – 3/5

Main Takeaway: Consider implementing architectural briefings

Education isn’t something you finish
Attention is like real estate. they’re not making any more of it.
Architectural briefing: why, how, where should/n’t we use
Not just how much does the thing cost, but how much does it cost to use it (dev, maint, hardware, etc)?
Speed reduces risk
There’s a difference between a dead tech vs a mature one
Developers are like cats. They’ll push back just on principle.

Building Evolutionary Architectures

Venkat Subramaniam – 5/5

Main Takeaway: Postpone decisions until the last possible moment because it’s possible YAGNI and doing so lessens the considerations for reversibility. Keep all code as simple as possible.

UFD = Up Front Design
Now that we’re “Agile” we’re not doing enough UFD (nor big UFD)
Power point architects = dangerous
Scrum master was never intended to be a title, else there’s no such thing as a self organizing team
“adaptive planning” and “feedback driven development” are the most important words for Agile
Rate all features/stories by business value and architectural impact
Goal should be delivering value. Not using a particular tech.
People confuse unfamiliar w/ complex
People confuse familiar with simple
reversibility = the ability to back out of a decision (less expensive)
postpone decisions until the last responsible moment
YAGNI = You Aren’t Gonna Need It
parsimony = the most minimal solution. Ask “do we have to” for everything
triangulate = implement 1 way, then another, and abstract common code to Base class
Don’t START with an abstraction. Refactor into it.
Postel’s law = be generous about what you receive and conservative about what you send
Good reuse comes from repeated active use
Be ruthless in minimizing dependencies including libraries and frameworks
http://www.agiledeveloper.com/downloads.html

Core Software Design Principles

Venkat Subramaniam – 4/5

Main Takeaway: Have the courage to postpone doing things, and when you do, keep it DRY

DRY = don’t repeat yourself
Violating DRY results in duplication of effort, not just duplication of code
Manual testing is a violation of DRY
Manual deploy is a violation of DRY
Effort: now > later -> postpone, now == later -> postpone, now < later -> eval probability of needing it
We need to have the courage to postpone doing things
SRP = single responsibility principle
SLAP = Single Level of Abstraction Principle
Then use the Compose Method Pattern to combine same level SLAPs
OCP = open close principle
Software modules (functions, classes, etc) must be open for extension but closed from modification
LSP = Liskov Substitution Principle
Inheritance should only be used for substitutability and not for reuse
DIY = Dependency Inversion Principle -> class should not depend on another class. Both should depend on abstraction or interface.

Cloud Integrations and Data Architecture for Enterprise Applications

Rohit Bhardwaj – 3/5

Main Takeaway: The API should come first. Or, when implementing an API for an existing implementation, don’t model the API on the internal workings of the system.

Application EA -> define our objects, what things they are part of, and the relationships between them
Applications interact with domains and data flows between them
Orchestration services should always queue requests and process/respond async
Lambda is basically serverless (functions)
You might consider using topics/queues for each service instead of load balancer
https://github.com/robertmrk/docker-cometd-demos
Check out CometD
Use a correlation id to sync across systems
API comes first! Then the implementation.
schema.org
MDM data cleansing: normalize data formats, replace missing values, standardize values, map attributes
Identify sources (producers and consumers of master data) -> collect and analyze metadata -> appt data stewards -> implement data gov program and council -> dev MD model and choose toolset -> Design infra, generate and test MD -> Modify producing and consuming -> implement maint process

Modeling for Architects

Nathaniel Schutta – 2/5

Main Takeaway: The value in the artifact is not in the artifact itself. It’s in the conversation it facilitates.

If the team can’t understand it, they can’t build it
It’s ok to throw out or deprecate a diagram
The value in the artifact is not in the artifact itself. It’s in the conversation it facilitates.
Component diagrams, deployment diagrams, and sequence diagrams are most common

Architectural Awareness: Engineering Super-skill

Ken Sipe – 3/5

Main Takeaway: Question everything. Don’t be afraid of a little chaos or of making mistakes

Hardest part of architecting is being aware
awareness = awareness or perception of a fact
chaos breeds creativity
Dryfus model: novice, advanced beginner (most people in IT industry), competent, proficient, expert
you get what you tolerate
shame and fear are toxic
We shouldn’t loosely couple everything. We should have it in the right places.
Team strengths: empathy, vulnerable/humble, collaborate/communicate, ability to share vision.
Is your process intentional or not?
“scrum but…” = I want all the benefits but don’t want to pay for it
Why are we doing ..x..? Should we do something else? Is it working?
context matters… and context could be foreign
embrace inconsistency
dependencies matter
it’s a mistake to worry too much about scalability from the start, but also to not think about it at all.

Architectural Resiliency

Jeremy Deane – 4/5

Main Takeaway: Need to have ownership to have accountability, and ownership needs to be end to end.

Threat Modeling book
openmastery.org
promote accountability/ownership. No orphans
Correlate activities. use a tracking id/correlation id
Do synthetic transactions
Look into “data dog” for dashboarding
Cloud hosting should be multi-region
Security Resiliency: Secure by default, defense in depth, least privilege
Event sourcing
Postel’s Law – Be conservative in what you send, be liberal in what you accept
Bulkheads. Limit failure exposure.
Validate your input. Sanitize your output.
Need to have end to end ownership
https://prezi.com/mb-vcfp-cry8/architectural-resiliency/

Architectural Trade-offs

Jeremy Deane – 4/5

Main Takeaway: Be aware that there’s a trade off (negative) to any choice you make.

RBAC = Role Based Access Control (ex: AD, Prism)
ABAC = Attribute Based Access Control (context based policies. ex: location based, etc)
Feature Toggles tend to result in technical debt
Blue green results in unnecessary releases
orchestration causes coupling and dependencies
choreography has complexity and needs monitoring
Need to understand the requirements and your domain!
Cloud providers tend to be “sticky”. Hard to get out of.

How to Technology Good – Tips for Implementation at Scale

Laine Minor & Josh Smith – 2/5

Main Takeaway: For good or bad, metrics (or data if you prefer) are needed to promote any tech

Metrics help build understanding, certainty, and trust
Until you have metrics it’s a non-starter

Data as a Service (DaaS)

David Sietz – 5/5

Main Takeaway: Publish data changes to your topics, have microservices consume the data as needed, and version as necessary.

Data model changes are expensive
Use a NoSQL db
Version all data coming in
Provisioning data: real time, self guided flow, variable load, parallel
Publishing data: real-time, variable endpoints, variable load, managed access
Use a business lens: risks, rewards, volatility
ROI is not always monetary
Last Responsible Moment (LRM)
There’s nothing wrong with copying data as long as you understand the intent and retention
Build your data marts at the last responsible moment

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Why is this necessary?

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 04:09:30 +0000

Hats off to President Elect Biden. As I’ve said before, I’m not really even that big a fan of the Democratic Party, but the actions of the crybaby in chief, his minions, 17 state AGs, and hundreds of Congressmen have guaranteed I will NEVER vote for someone in the Republican Party. I can only hope a majority of Americans feel the same.

Until then, the restraint, kindness, and generosity shown by the President Elect is admirable. Too bad his predecessor and minions are all pathetic weasels.

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Real Beauty

Sun, 22 Nov 2020 12:36:00 +0000

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Like a Girl

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 21:33:15 +0000

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2020 Election Results and News

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 15:36:28 +0000

What I’m watching/following…

Click the map to create your own at 270toWin.com

https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2020-us-election-results

https://apps.npr.org/liveblogs/20201103-election/

https://www.270towin.com/2020-election-results-live/

https://go.cnn.com/?stream=cnn

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Yuval Noah Harari: the world after coronavirus

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 12:27:31 +0000

A good perspective from the author of Sapiens, Homo Deus, and more on the Coronavirus

https://www.ft.com/content/19d90308-6858-11ea-a3c9-1fe6fedcca75Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

How will the bomb find you?

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 12:38:32 +0000

This was from my parents pastor, but I thought it was good enough to share…

In 1948, professor and author, C.S. Lewis, wrote an essay titled On Living In An Atomic Age. With the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki still ringing in the world’s ears, fear about atomic technology was rampant. Lewis’ words were a timely reminder then. In the perilous times that we are currently living through, the professor’s words are just as important.

As you read through this excerpt from his larger essay, I’ve replaced the word “atomic” with “coronavirus”, and ask yourself, how will the bomb (or the virus) find you?

*In one way we think a great deal too much of the coronavirus. ‘How are we to live in an coronavirus age?’ I am tempted to reply: ‘Why, as you would have lived in the sixteenth century when the plague visited London almost every year, or as you would have lived in a Viking age when raiders from Scandinavia might land and cut your throat at night; or indeed, as you are already living in an age of cancer, an age of syphilis, an age of paralysis, an age of air raids, an age of railway accidents, an age of motor accidents. *

*In other words, do not let us begin by exaggerating the novelty of our situation. Believe me, dear sir or madam, you and all whom you love were already sentenced to death before the coronavirus was invented… It is perfectly ridiculous to go about whimpering and drawing long faces because the scientists have added one more chance of painful and premature death to a world which already bristled with such chances and in which death itself was not a chance at all, but a certainty. *

*If we are all going to be destroyed by a virus, let that virus when it comes find us doing sensible and human things—praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, bathing the children, playing tennis, chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of darts—not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about the coronavirus. They may break our bodies (a microbe can do that) but they need not dominate our minds. *

What the coronavirus has really done is to remind us forcibly of the sort of world we are living in and which, during the prosperous period before, we were beginning to forget. And this reminder is, so far as it goes, a good thing. We have been waked from a pretty dream, and now we can begin to talk about realities.

*It is our business to live by our own law not by [fear’s]: to follow, in private or in public life, the law of love and temperance even when they seem to be suicidal, and not the law of competition and grab, even when they seem to be necessary to our own survival. For it is part of our spiritual law never to put survival first: not even the survival of our species. We must resolutely train ourselves to feel that the survival of Man on this Earth, much more of our own nation or culture or class, is not worth having unless it can be had by honorable and merciful means. *

*Nothing is more likely to destroy a species or a nation than a determination to survive at all costs. Those who care for something else more than civilization are the only people by whom civilization is at all likely to be preserved. Those who want Heaven most have served Earth best. Those who love Man less than God do most for Man. *

Let the coronavirus find you doing well,

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Remote Work Q&A, Part 2

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 13:16:32 +0000

This part may be even better than Part 1. Love the commentary on shared calendars and documenting over meetings.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/2a0efd93Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

On Digital Minimalism and Pandemics

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 13:48:30 +0000

Read the entire post, but it boils down to…

Check one national and one local new source each morning. Then – and this is the important part – don’t check any other news for the rest of the day. Presumably, time sensitive updates that affect you directly will arrive by email, or phone, or text.

Distract yourself with value-driven action; lots of action. Serve your community, serve your kids, serve yourself (both body and mind), produce good work. Try to fit in a few moments of forced gratitude, just to keep those particular circuits active.

https://www.calnewport.com/blog/2020/03/13/on-digital-minimalism-and-pandemics/Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Remote Work Q&A, Part 1

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 13:47:31 +0000

Great podcast on the transition to remote work from some of the guys that have been doing it for years. Strongly recommend anyone working remotely, especially managers or “leaders”, listen.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/afeec331Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

The Ultimate Guide to Remote Work | Miro

Sun, 22 Mar 2020 18:01:32 +0000

In the current remote work age there are a number of guides popping up out there with good tips/tricks. I thought this one was pretty good. Mostly management focused, but the last 3 sections are more employee focused.

https://miro.com/guides/remote-work/Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Inside Mark Zuckerberg’s Lost Notebook

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 14:35:34 +0000

Love him or hate him it’s an interesting little history lesson…

“Even as hundreds of thousands of users expressed their disapproval of News Feed, their behavior indicated the opposite.”

“I just think I take more chances, and that means I get more things wrong,”

https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-mark-zuckerberg-lost-notebook/Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

The Day We Stopped Sprinting

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 04:13:33 +0000

An interesting take on a different approach to Agile.

“We get better results faster when we help new agile teams begin with a flow-based approach rather than sprints.”

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/day-we-stopped-sprinting-joshua-kerievsky/Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Marc Andreessen’s Guide to Personal Productivity

Sun, 09 Feb 2020 23:43:31 +0000

Yes, it’s an older post, but still some interesting ideas. Like he says, they may not be for everyone (including himself), but there may be something of use. I may even try the index card thing…

https://pmarchive.com/guide_to_personal_productivity.htmlPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

The Motivation Manifesto

Sat, 08 Feb 2020 17:43:16 +0000

Our challenge is that we have been conditioned to believe the opposite of these things – that bold action or swift progress is somehow dangerous or reckless. But a certain degree of insanity and recklessness is necessary to advance or innovate anything, to make any new or remarkable or meaningful contributions. What great thing was ever accomplished without a little recklessness? So-called recklessness was required for the extraordinary to happen: crossing the oceans, ending slavery, rocketing man into space, building skyscrapers, decoding the genome, starting new businesses, and innovating entire industries. It is reckless to try something that has never been done, to move against convention, to begin before all conditions are good and preparations are perfected. But the bold know that to win, one must first begin. They also deeply understand that a degree of risk is inevitable and necessary should there be any real reward. Yes, any plunge into the unknown is reckless – but that’s where the treasure lies.

From The Motivation ManifestoPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Screens, Social Media, and Middle School Kids

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 03:18:54 +0000

Personally, I’m a huge fan of our middle school principal and his measured and thought provoking commentary on what is happening in the school. This is just a snippet from a recent newsletter, but thought it worthwhile to share:

We notice how much of the drama and struggle kids have at school is linked directly to the time and influences they are getting from social media, edgy television, and interactive gaming when those things go unmonitored. I can’t tell you how many friendship break-ups happen in 5th and 6th grade because someone insulted someone else while playing Fortnite! I can’t tell you how many issues that would have been forgotten by 4pm but have grown into anxiety because kids continue the petty conversations through their texting apps and social media late into the night. I can’t tell you how many parents seek the school to fix these things or label other people’s kids as “the problem” when the real problem is any kids having unlimited access to interactive technology when their brain is not developed enough to deal with it. This is a societal problem.

Something I can tell you, is I believe as parents we’re all trying to do our best. I can also tell you that no child is born mean. Kids just aren’t ready for all that we’ve allowed them access to, because it’s so darn intriguing (and designed to addict us all).Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Stevey’s Google Platforms Rant

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 02:45:10 +0000

I don’t recall how this gem of an article came to my attention recently, but even though it is now 8 years old it is still amazingly relavent. If you are at all invovled in writing software I would strongly encourage reading this and taking it to heart.

https://gist.github.com/chitchcock/1281611Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

On Being Told “No”

Sat, 11 Jan 2020 03:17:20 +0000

Read this on James Clear’s blog today and it made me stop and think. It really is good advice.

When someone says no to a request, they usually mean “not right now” or “not in that way.”

Most people want to help others, but there are many priorities competing for our time.

Don’t take it personally. Ask again later. Ask differently.

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NeverSSL

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 15:13:59 +0000

Ever connect to a wi-fi hotspot only to have nothing happen? Enter NeverSSL. After connecting to the hotspot, enter the URL (web address) http://neverssl.com into your browser of choice and watch magic happen.

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This is Water

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 20:17:40 +0000

It depends on what you want to consider…

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Habits: Challenge 01: Food Log

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 11:04:29 +0000

As originally posted on the Habits.MarkJacobsen.net blog (2 weeks ago – apparently I forgot to hit publish over here)…

Ok, here’s the first 66 day challenge/habit… Log everything you eat and the time of day. Doesn’t matter if you take photos of everything, write it down electronically, on paper, or do some combination, but by the end of the day have 1 consolidated list of everything you ate – including those little snack size Snickers I know you’re eyeing – seeing as it is near Halloween and all 🙂

Now, do that for 66 days. Every day. Every thing you eat (and drink).

See, super easy! I’m not even asking you to change anything about what you eat or drink. Just write it all down. Now, this may be simple for some, but if you’re like me I’ve tried to do this time and again. Usually by about the 4th day I miss something, then just say “ah, what’s the use” and quit.

Using HabitShare this is actually pretty easy – as I’ve been piloting it for a couple days. On any day, you can tap the circle for the day, then just click the triple ellipse “…”, I select the “Empty” icon at the start of the day, add your entry to the text area, and save. At the end of the day, just set the status to “Success” (the green check) if you’ve logged everything. You can even setup multiple reminders throughout the day so that you have a little tickler. For me I have 3 reminders for my “Log Food” habit scheduled at 7:15am, 12:30pm, and 7:15pm.

Now, obviously this is setting us up for future challenges, but for now the goal is to get in the habit of tracking and logging something daily. As I mentioned, don’t worry about analyzing or adjusting now unless you truly get the itch. Just build the logging/tracking habit.

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Habits: Return of the Challenge

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 02:31:12 +0000

As originally posted on the Habits.MarkJacobsen.net blog…

So it’s been a few years since my last series of challenges, and a few things have changed since then 🙂

For one, as posted yesterday, I’m now using HabitShare to track my habits and that’s where anyone that wants to participate in these new set of challenges can share their progress as well. Just be sure to let me know what email address you signed up under or look me up in the app to share.

Also, between reading things like Atomic Habits and The One Thing, the challenges will be a little longer (66 days to be exact) in an effort to make the habit a little more ingrained, but feel free to work on them as long as you see fit. That said, my plan is to start a new challenge monthly until I run out of ideas or fall off the bandwagon – which is why I’m hoping some of you will join in – to make the journey a little more fun.

Now, don’t worry, I realize the holidays are coming up which is why the first few challenges will be relatively easy to get you in the habit of following a habit on a daily basis.

Hope to see you on the journey!

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Habits: Habit Tracking

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 02:13:14 +0000

As originally posted on the Habits.MarkJacobsen.net blog…

I’ve used habit tracking apps off and on for years to try and get my life in order. The last one I tried, Coach.me, seemed to hold promise, but then they switched their model to be more coaching centric and less focused around social sharing. Plus, let’s be honest… I fell off the bandwagon a bit myself.

Anyway, I recently started considering getting into coaching, but still wanted to find something that would be more social and flexible in terms of being able to share certain things with some people and not others – as well as not locked into sharing 50% of your income.

Well, I think I may have found that app. It’s called HabitShare. Check it out on the App Store of your choice or start by visiting https://habitshareapp.com/

Once you’ve installed it, let me know if you’re interested in joining any of my 66 day challenges, or want some free coaching on a habit of your choice! It’s my treat as I see if it’s something I want to do on an ongoing basis, and so I can build up my skills.

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2018 Financial Freedom Lessons With Scott & Mindy

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 11:50:28 +0000

If you want to get a years worth of podcast content in 1 show, this is the one to listen to.

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Selling the Investment to Pay Down Technical Debt: The Code Christmas Tree

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 11:50:18 +0000

I meant to post this over the holidays, but still think it’s relevant. Personally, I like the prominent visual aspect of the idea.

Selling the Investment to Pay Down Technical Debt: The Code Christmas Tree | Agile AlliancePlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Yes, Cross-functional Teams — but Real Ones!

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 13:27:36 +0000

As we work through the process this seemed pertinent (emphasis is mine)…

The next leap is bringing these different units together (not only through the interface of the Product Owner) to form teams that are actually as knowledgeable about business, contracts, mathematics, sales, marketing, and everything else that is relevant for the company’s value stream as they are in software. For the Scrum teams, the leap means that they can’t “hide” behind their backlog or the Product Owner and need to explore and learn about the market, their customers, and the company’s value stream themselves. Basically it means that now the Agile teams’ focus is beyond software.

Yes, Cross-functional Teams — but Real Ones!Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

How to Retire Forever on a Fixed Chunk of Money

Wed, 06 Feb 2019 02:36:17 +0000

It’s at least worth considering.

The absolute _key _to success in early retirement, and indeed most areas of life, is to get the big picture approximately right and not sweat the small stuff. And design the big picture with a generous **Safety Margin, **which allow lots of slop and mistakes in your original forecasts and allows you to still come out with a surplus.

How to Retire Forever on a Fixed Chunk of MoneyPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Use SCP to copy files between remote and local hosts

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 01:44:54 +0000

So you need to copy a file you have on a remote server locally, or send a local file to a remote server? Fortunatally, it’s pretty easy with scp. Here’s an example to copy a remote server to the local machine.

scp -P 65124 remoteuser@remotehost:/var/lib/path/to/file.txt /var/lib/path/to/

…which will connect to “remotehost” on port 65124 as “remoteuser” and copy the /var/lib/path/to/file.txt on “remotehost” to the local /var/lib/path/to/ directory.

Need to copy a local file to a remote host? Just switch the parameters up!

scp -P 65124 /var/lib/path/to/file.txt remoteuser@remotehost:/var/lib/path/to/

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Set a proxy and carry over the values to sudo

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 16:15:51 +0000

If you’ve ever been behind an enterprise proxy server and needed to reach things on the outside, you probably know how frustrating it is to try and just use your normal commands for something as simple as a wget. So, to get started you will need to know the URL and port for your proxy server, but once you have that, start by editing your .bashrc and add the following (setting proxyhost, the port, and adjusting “no_proxy” as appropriate)…

function proxyon(){
 echo -n "password (for proxy): "
 read -es password
 export http_proxy="http://$USER:$password@proxyhost.com:8181/"
 export HTTP_PROXY=$http_proxy
 export https_proxy=$http_proxy
 export HTTPS_PROXY=$http_proxy
 export ftp_proxy=$http_proxy
 export rsync_proxy=$http_proxy
 export no_proxy="localhost,127.0.0.1,localaddress,.localdomain.com,.domain.com"
 echo -e "\nProxy environment variable set."
}
function proxyoff(){
 unset HTTP_PROXY
 unset http_proxy
 unset HTTPS_PROXY
 unset https_proxy
 unset FTP_PROXY
 unset ftp_proxy
 unset RSYNC_PROXY
 unset rsync_proxy
 echo -e "\nProxy environment variable removed."
}

# remove next line if you don't want to set proxy automatically on login
proxyon

Now you can turn your proxy on and off with the “proxyon” and “proxyoff” commands, but that doesn’t help you when you try to install something with yum or apt that requires sudo. To carry over the proxy values, you’ll need to “sudo visudo” and add the “Defaults” line like shown below…

###############################################
# DO NOT ADD ANYTHING FROM HERE TO END OF FILE #
#
#includedir /etc/sudoers.d
#
# DO NOT ADD ANYTHING ABOVE THIS LINE###########
Defaults env_keep = "http_proxy https_proxy HTTP_PROXY HTTPS_PROXY ftp_proxy"

… and now, hopefully you are all set.

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Configure a Static IP in Ubuntu 18.04

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 23:00:56 +0000

As with all things Linux there’s a million ways to do things, and every brilliant release comes up with a new way to do the same old things in a “better” way. Can you tell I’m be sarcastic yet? Good.

Anyway, after spending over an hour trying to get a freakin static IP on my desktop box I thought I’d share in case it saved anyone hours of their life.

My simple goal was to provide a static IP. Nothing more. Nothing less. Well, the “better” way of doing it now appears to be with “netplan”, and unless you enjoy banging your head against the wall, just create/edit this file and replace with the network interface (enp3s1), IP (192.168.20.55) and gateway (192.168.20.1) of your choice (this config appears to use the DNS servers from the router w/ DHCP turned on). Oh yeah, and don’t bother with the GUI based configuration tool, because apparently they’re not connected at all, and using this will force the config from this file (you’ve been warned and saved hours)

sudo nano /etc/netplan/01-networkd.yaml

# this is the actual file content
network:
 version: 2
 renderer: networkd
 ethernets:
 enp3s1:
 dhcp: no
 addresses: [192.168.20.55/24]
 gateway4: 192.168.20.1

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Update modification timestamp on DB2 table automatically

Thu, 03 Jan 2019 17:02:00 +0000

Ever want to update your modification timestamp field any time an update is made to the row without having to add application logic? Well, DB2 makes it relatively painless…

alter table XX.MY_TABLE add column last_updated_ts timestamp not null
generated by default for each row on update as row change timestamp

Check out these resources for additional information…

https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/SSEPGG_11.1.0/com.ibm.db2.luw.admin.dbobj.doc/doc/c0051498.html
https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/SSEPGG_11.1.0/com.ibm.db2.luw.sql.ref.doc/doc/r0000888.html

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Stop Stealing Dreams (by Seth Godin)

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 13:58:00 +0000

If you’ve ever read or listened to anything by Seth Godin you know he has a knack for asking thought provoking questions, and challenging conventional wisdom. As such, he recently did a three part series on his Akimbo podcast about what school is for that I found fascinating. Hope they make you stop and think too.

S 3 E 9 Stop Stealing Dreams

S 3 E 10: Connect the DotsQ&A about Stop Stealing Dreams

S 3 E 11 Getting In (to a Famous College)

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Is it time to quit social media?

Sun, 21 Oct 2018 18:45:00 +0000

As I read this article what was running through the back of my mind was, “is it time to quit social media?”, and to be honest… but for being involved in real estate and a large bulk of that requiring being “engaged” I’m not sure I have much use for it. Never before has it been easier for marketers to target and connect with their “target audience”. You do realize that’s what social media has become right? The proverbial barrel where the fish are to shoot.

So, is it possible to take back the social networks? I’m not sure it is – at least with the current companies. Built from the ground up, or under a completely different model – maybe. But as the article linked to above points out it would be to the detriment of the “bottom line”.

Would I like a feed where I only see posts from my family, and maybe some other groups at my leisure? Of course, but unless I’m paying for that the only recourse I have is to a platform that has the resources to provide it based on the party that is willing to pay for it – the marketers.

So what would this “social media” service of the future look like? Number one, it should be built on a privacy, no-advertising first model. Second, I believe it should be decentralized, but speak a standard protocol – just like how email service is provided. Then, organizations like companies, teams, or even families could manage their own little groups and individuals could determine what they want to see or who they want to connect with…

And yet, as I sit here writing this, I wonder if it’s even possible or needed. After all, I’m able to run my own little blog right here. You can share it on social media if you so choose. In fact, I’ll probably post it to my account – and try not to look at the “likes” or “comments” that fuel the FB “engagement” engine.

So, while I may have just rambled for a number of paragraphs, let me finish by encouraging you to consider your use of social media, and at a minimum strongly consider turning off your notifications and moving the app to a sub-folder on your phone (just those two things alone have made a huge difference in my life). I would also encourage you to look into downloading and using Signal Messenger in place of text messaging and especially in favor of the social media messaging platforms.

Until we figure something out, you can always find me right here.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Including the version in a Maven artifact

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 13:33:00 +0000

Recently I wanted to include the version of an artifact generated by a Maven build into a text file in that artifact. As Google and and good friends will help you with, I was pointed to this article that was exactly what I wanted.

Basically, create a /src/main/resources/version.txt file with the following content…

${project.version}

… then including the following snippet in your “build”…

<build>
 <resources>
 <resource>
 <directory>src/main/resources</directory>
 <filtering>true</filtering>
 <includes>
 <include>**/version.txt</include>
 </includes>
 </resource>
 <resource>
 <directory>src/main/resources</directory>
 <filtering>false</filtering>
 <excludes>
 <exclude>**/version.txt</exclude>
 </excludes>
 </resource>
 </resources>
</build>

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Schooling – The Minimalists Podcast

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 12:51:00 +0000

You have to listen to this! If you don’t think you have time, start at 45 minutes. T.K. Coleman makes some great points.

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A Day In The Life of my Supposedly Frugal Stomach

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 12:24:00 +0000

Another good post by Mr Money Mustache. Probably the biggest thing that jumped out at me was this…

A cost difference of just $1.50 per person per meal, multiplied over a four-person family’s 372 meals per month makes a difference of** $558 per month, or about $96,000 per decade** after compounding.

Which, even if you don’t compound is around $65,000 in a decade.

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25 Productivity Tips and Hacks That Actually Work

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 10:33:00 +0000

Listen to/watch the video for details on all the below items, but this is a great list!

Be proactive about being productive
Outsource the Small Stuff
Batch Similar Small Tasks
Don’t Watch Too Much TV
Focus on the 80/20 Rule
Never Sit Down Without Knowing What You’re Going to Work on
Time-Block Activities
Wake Up Earlier
Don’t Multitask
Stop Paying Attention to the News
Have a Dedicated Work Space Free of Distractions
Focus on Being Effective, Not Just Efficient
Sharpen You Ax
Say No a Lot More – “Every yes is a no to your wife and kids”
Reduce Social Media Usage
Shorten Your Deadlines
Review Your Goals Regularly
Don’t Anwer Your Phone
Do What You Love
Find More Ways to Get into Flow
Moderate Your Screen Time
Hire a Coach
Join a Mastermind Group
Track the Things that Matter
Get Really Good at What You Do

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Stop Using WhatsApp If You Care About Your Privacy

Thu, 10 May 2018 14:46:00 +0000

Yet another reason to use Signal…

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Moments That Change Lives with Dan Heath

Wed, 09 May 2018 12:36:00 +0000

Love the idea of creating peak experiences. In fact, I’m reading the book now.

The EntreLeadership Podcast: #259: Dan Heath—Moments That Change LivesPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

This Week in Tech 663 Reasonably Miserable

Tue, 08 May 2018 12:15:00 +0000

You need to listen to this Twit episode.

This Week in Tech 663 Reasonably Miserable | TWiT.TVPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

What The Future Holds… (How to Use Physics to Predict the Future) with Michio Kaku

Mon, 07 May 2018 14:54:00 +0000

Probably more questions than answers, but still very interesting.

338 – Michio Kaku: What The Future Holds… (How to Use Physics to Predict the Future) – Altucher ConfidentialPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

What’s it like to be a robot?

Thu, 03 May 2018 10:50:00 +0000

Super interesting talk on how to adapt tech using robotics and the consequences of little design choices.

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Become an overnight success in 10 short years

Wed, 02 May 2018 10:29:00 +0000

Everyone should listen to this podcast, but especially anyone just starting out.

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Surviving the Unthinkable

Tue, 01 May 2018 12:43:00 +0000

You never like to think it could happen, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared.

310: Tim Larkin: Surviving the UnthinkablePlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Herding Tigers

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 10:31:00 +0000

Loved this Entreleadership podcast, and the book sounds like it could be interesting as well.

243: Todd Henry—Be the Leader Creatives NeedPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Let’s bring a little Hope (Squad) to Lansing area schools

Fri, 27 Apr 2018 13:08:00 +0000

This is the quote that got me…

“As someone who has suffered from severe depression, I can assure you that while you may think life is precious, to someone who suffers from mental illness, life is painful. It’s easy for those of you who don’t suffer from these things to say life has value, but to someone who suffers every day, there appears to be only two choices at times: continue suffering, or end the suffering (often via suicide). I know that sounds probably weird to normal people, but that’s the way suicidal people think” – Quote from HS student shared in a Hope Squad meeting

That’s from an article my sister brought to my attention about what a mother and father are doing to help fight suicide and mental illness after they lost their 15 year old to suicide in 2015.

The organization is is called the Hope Squad and traces its beginnings back to 1998. That’s the year police asked Greg Hudnall, who was then a high school principal, to identify the body of a 14-year-old who had killed himself in the public park next to his school.

“I actually had to move the body to identify him. And afterwards I walked to my car, and I literally threw up and sobbed,” he said. “I mean this was an amazing young man.”

Hudnall vowed then to do anything he could to help prevent suicide in his Provo City School District of 14,000 students.

Now, I think it’s time for us to bring the Hope Squad program to all the school districts in and around Lansing.

Have you ever lost a loved one to suicide or know someone who has? Then you know how it can shatter a person, a family, and maybe even yourself. I lost my older brother to suicide just before my 21st birthday, and I’ve always wanted to do more. To know that maybe I helped even one person to hold on.

Please share this article or any of the resources in it with your superintendent, principles, and school board. (see below for links)

Suicide Prevention Resources

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Say Yes to Your Spouse

Thu, 26 Apr 2018 14:16:00 +0000

I could probably stand to work on this, but “Your goal should be to say “Yes” as often as you can”

Or, from what I understand about improve it’s always, “yes, and”.

Keys to Your “Happily Ever After” Marriage: Say Yes to Your SpousePlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Don’t Give Away Historic Details About Yourself

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 14:17:00 +0000

Please be safe out there

Social media sites are littered with seemingly innocuous little quizzes, games and surveys urging people to reminisce about specific topics, such as “What was your first job,” or “What was your first car?” The problem with participating in these informal surveys is that in doing so you may be inadvertently giving away the answers to “secret questions” that can be used to unlock access to a host of your online identities and accounts.

Don’t Give Away Historic Details About Yourself — Krebs on SecurityPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Cousins Maine Lobster – Pushing Past Fear

Tue, 24 Apr 2018 13:56:00 +0000

Great episode on risk, entrepreneurship, and bootstrapping.

#257: Cousins Maine Lobster—Pushing Past FearPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

How to Delete Your Phone Contacts from Facebook

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 14:36:00 +0000

If you’re not going to delete your FB account completely then at least look into how to not throw your friends under the bus.

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The world organized by income

Fri, 20 Apr 2018 15:01:00 +0000

Ever forget how fortunate you are? How, to use Warren Buffet’s term, you won the “ovarian lottery”? Watch this and check out the site (dollarstreet.org).

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Tyra Banks and her mom on the Jame Altucher Show

Thu, 19 Apr 2018 15:25:00 +0000

Great interview with Tyra and her mom…

339 – Tyra Banks: – Altucher ConfidentialPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Why We Should All Ditch Other Messaging Apps for Signal

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 13:55:00 +0000

If you’re already on Signal you can find me there too. If not, I’d like to suggest it…

Why We Should All Ditch Other Messaging Apps for Signal

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Put One Person in Charge of Each Task When Getting Ready to Travel

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 15:03:00 +0000

Personally, I think this is a great idea for just about anything…

Put One Person in Charge of Each Task When Getting Ready to TravelPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Beyond #DeleteFacebook: More Thoughts on Embracing the Social Internet Over Social Media

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 11:59:00 +0000

I “like” 🙂 almost all the ideas here…

Beyond #DeleteFacebook: More Thoughts on Embracing the Social Internet Over Social MediaPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Facebook Lockdown

Sat, 14 Apr 2018 14:00:00 +0000

Warning: I may get slightly snarky below. I’m not intending to belittle anyone’s intelligence, but to forcefully promote the importance of privacy and security.

So… recently I know a number of people’s Facebook accounts that have been “hacked”, and since I don’t want to bore you with the technical details I do want to provide some basic security advice and show you how to lock down your account.

First the basics… While I know it may be super tempting, or you “just weren’t thinking”…

NEVER click on a link you don’t recognize and have a reason to click on. I don’t care if it’s unicorns and rainbows or will create world peace. Stop clicking on links for no reason. What’s a reason? Ex, your friend messages you and says, “Hey [what they would normally call you], here’s a great recipe we tried last night and [some family member of theirs] really enjoyed it [link]”. Notice how actual identifying information was included in that and it was targeted?
But what about all the great articles on Facebook? Do you recognize the domain? Do you have a real reason to be going there? Maybe you should log out of Facebook and delete your account? But anyway, same rules apply… unless you recognize where the link is going to and you have a real reason – **don’t**click on the link!
Here we’re going to get a little Facebook specific, but NEVER install apps, games, or allow third party access to any part of your profile unless you are 100% sure of the legitimacy. In fact, delete all apps with access to your account. Ready, for a real link? Here’s where you can delete apps with access to your account. You’ve heard of Cambridge Analytica, right? If not, go delete your Facebook account right now and never log back in.
Ok, back to the basics… Never use the same password for sites. Hint, your Facebook account getting hijacked isn’t usually because of a bad password, it’s usually for one of the reasons above which I why this is listed forth. Still… don’t use the same passwords.
Ok, ready for probably the most important thing you can do other than following the items above? Enable two factor authentication EVERYWHERE. In fact, go back and read that article I wrote 4 years ago.

Ok, now I’m getting tired as this may be one of my longest posts ever. So, to wrap it up, here’s how to enable two factor authentication on your FB account (note, even 2FA won’t protect you from clicking on stupid links and installing apps).

Install an authenticator app on your phone like Google Authenticator.
Go to your Facebook security settings: https://www.facebook.com/settings?tab=security
Under “Setting Up Extra Security” enable “Use two-factor authentication”
Under “Code Generator”, click the “third party app” link to generate a QR code you can scan w/ the Google Authenticator app.
Follow the instructions.

Now, go enable 2FA for your other important accounts like banking and Google/GMail.

But most importantly, stop clicking on links!

PS: Again, apologies for any snarkyness. It’s interesting because in the wake of the cambridge analytica, #DeleteFacebook, and other campaigns I’ve been thinking of what it would take to create a distributed, secure, no ads based, non-profit social network. If you know of one already I would be interested. If not, and you’re a developer who might be interested in working on such a project, please let me know.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Lean or Agile? Why choose when you can have it all? The power of applying Agile with a Lean mindset

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 11:15:00 +0000

Interesting article. I have the book queued up for perusal. If you have a subscription to Safari Books you can read it too!

Lean or Agile? Why choose when you can have it all? The power of applying Agile with a Lean mindsetPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

The Matador Defense – TWiT

Thu, 12 Apr 2018 11:14:00 +0000

I would strongly recommend listening to the segment on Facebook

This Week in Tech 658 The Matador Defense | TWiT.TVPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

The Real History of Daylight Saving Time

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 13:32:00 +0000

And now you know…

The Real History of Daylight Saving TimePlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Designing a Frugal But Luxurious FI Life by Age 32 with Liz Thames

Tue, 10 Apr 2018 12:22:00 +0000

Lots of practical advice and hard work here…

Designing a Frugal But Luxurious FI Life by Age 32 with Liz ThamesPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

It’s Your Ship

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 10:33:00 +0000

Just finished It’s Your Ship, and can’t recommend it highly enough! I haven’t read a book in a while that spoke to what I might call a “personal philosophy”, but this is about as close as it gets. Love the focus on feedback, fun, and treating people like responsible adults.

Leadership principles outline in the book:

Take command
Learn real leadership
Lead by example
Listen aggressively
Communicate purpose and meaning
Create a climate of trust
Look for results, not salutes
Take calculated risks
Go beyond standard procedure
Build up your people
Generate unity
Improve your people’s quality of life

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Still the Most Important Piece of Financial Advice You’ll Ever Receive

Thu, 05 Apr 2018 11:37:00 +0000

“Of course, simply spending less may not be the solution to every financial problem that we encounter. But it is the solution to most.”

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Telling Our Kids To “Walk Up, Not Out” Isn’t Just Wrong, It’s Incredibly Dangerous

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 12:35:00 +0000

Absolutely love every bit of this. Just a few nuggets…

“it isn’t an either/or proposition”

“Walking out is a powerful political statement being made by students too young to vote, but old enough to have performed multiple lockdown drills in their school.”

“insinuating that children are responsible for mass gun violence because they simply don’t take the time to “befriend the lonely kid” is not only victim-blaming, it’s dangerous”

“Walk up to the mirror, look yourself in the eyes, and tell yourself that you’ve done everything you can to prevent the next mass shooting. And if you can’t, stop looking to the students to save themselves and start looking at yourself.”

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The Value of Fasting (from Anything). And How to Get Started.

Tue, 03 Apr 2018 11:16:00 +0000

Have been trying this in various forms since around the beginning of this year. Thus far I’ve had success with abstaining from alcohol for almost 100 days, and intermittent fasting off and on. Haven’t had anything stick, but it does feel good to know that sometimes you can maintain some of that old self control… at least for a while.

The Value of Fasting (from Anything). And How to Get Started.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

401(k)s Aren’t ‘Bullshit’

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 10:36:00 +0000

There’s a lot of truth here, just as there is in Oh Damn, 401(k)s Aren’t Magic …

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Feed Your Kid Dinner at 3 P.M.

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 14:39:00 +0000

Seems like an interesting concept if you can pull it off. My only reservation is that it can cut down on “family time”, but if it means better bedtime routines then it may just be worth it.

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Porn is not the worst thing on obscure social media sites

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 11:59:00 +0000

Love the reminder why my kids aren’t getting a phone or going on social media any time soon (if ever)…

“Puberty is harrowing enough in physical form, asking a child to also manage an online ego is like asking them to thread a needle while the plane is going down”

Porn is not the worst thing on Musical.ly. – Anastasia Basil – MediumPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

A Funny Look at the Unintended Consequences of Technology

Tue, 20 Mar 2018 11:55:00 +0000

Funny and scary at the same time…

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Execute MySql script from the command line

Mon, 19 Mar 2018 10:24:00 +0000

This tip is very similar to how to “Execute a SQL file via the MySQL command line in one line” only this time specifying the DB you want to execute the script against and being prompted for your password…

mysql -u user -p -h localhost MyDb < ~/SQL/script.sql

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Using sed to view and replace text on a specific file in Linux

Sat, 17 Mar 2018 14:26:00 +0000

Ever need to replace very specific text on a particular line in a very large file on Linux? Enter the sed command.

To view the line (let’s say line 864 in this case) in the specific file, issue this command…

$ sed -n '864'p myfile.txt

And let’s say you get back the string ” I hate cheese”. Since we all know that’s not true, you can use a different variation of the sed command to replace “hate” with “love” like so…

$ sed -i '864s/hate/love/' myfile.txt

And if you’re really curious on how this even came about, it was due to an error in the phpMyAdmin export.php script when you had to change “break 2” to “break” on line 846 as identified here: https://askubuntu.com/questions/928883/500-error-on-phpmyadmin-export-on-phpmyadmin-export-php/930975Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

The Culture Code

Fri, 16 Mar 2018 10:23:00 +0000

Just finished reading “The Culture Code” by Daniel Coyle, and have to say that I would highly recommend it especially to anyone in a management or leadership position. You can find the 3 parts and some recommended actions below.

Build Safety
- Overcommunicate your listening
- Spotlight your fallibility early on – especially if you’re a leader
- Embrace the messenger
- Preview future connection
- Overdo thank-yous
- Be painstaking in the hiring process
- Eliminate bad apples
- Create safe, collision-rich spaces
- Make sure everyone has a voice
- Pick up trash
- Capitalize on the threshold moments
- Avoid giving sandwich feedback
- Embrace fun
Share Vulnerability
- Make sure the leader is vulnerable first and often
- Overcommunicate expectations
- Deliver the negative stuff in person
- When forming new groups, focus on two critical moments (1st vulnerability & 1st disagreement)
- Listen like a trampoline
- In conversation, resist the temptation to reflexively add value
- Use candor-generating practices like AARs, BrainTrusts and Red Teaming
- Aim for candor; avoid brutal honesty
- Embrace the discomfort
- Align language with action
- Build a wall between performance review and professional development
- Use flash mentoring
- Make the leader occasionally disappear
Establish Purpose
- Name and rank your priorities
- Be ten times as clear about your priorities as you think you should be
- Figure our where your group aims for proficiency and where it aims for creativity
- Embrace the use of catchphrases
- Measure what really matters
- Use artifacts
- Focus on bar-setting behaviors

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How to Achieve Work-Life Balance in 5 Steps

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 10:26:00 +0000

If you don’t want to read the entire article because Time’s website is so overrun with ads, here’s the summary…

Everything is not equally important. Do fewer things and do them well.
Decide what your values are — and which ones take precedence.
Do the things that get disproportionate results.
Focus on the things only you can do.
Do the important things which must be done now.

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The top business-killing habit: silos

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 13:57:00 +0000

And, this is applicable for more than just the sales and marketing teams if you ask me…

“Put everyone on as few systems as possible, discourage fiefdoms of data, and you’ll win far more than you’ll lose.”

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This Is How You Speed Up Your Morning Routine (and Get More Sleep) #1aDay

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 14:42:00 +0000

Here’s the rundown, but read the whole thing…

Figure Out When to Go to Bed Based on When You Have to Get Up
Set Your Clothes Out
Don’t Check Facebook
Get a Quick Breakfast
Eat Lunch at Work
Shower the Night Before
Brew Your Own Coffee

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Announce the Reason You Are About to Look at Your Phone

Fri, 09 Mar 2018 16:11:00 +0000

I kind of like this idea. Even if you just announce it to yourself I think it’s a great mindful practice.

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Collecting | The Minimalists

Thu, 08 Mar 2018 13:52:00 +0000

“Clutter is in the eye of the beholder.”

Podcast 118 | Collecting | The MinimalistsPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

12 Rules for Life: A Solution to Suffering

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 14:11:00 +0000

Some hard truth here…

312 – Jordan B. Peterson: 12 Rules for Life: A Solution to Suffering – Altucher ConfidentialPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Stop Asking Your Kid About Their Day

Tue, 06 Mar 2018 16:24:00 +0000

It probably wouldn’t hurt for me to remember this. My goal is for them to want to talk to me when there really are important things weighing on their minds, and I know I did and still do tend to shut down just as described when treated the same way.

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Alexander Hamilton’s Deep Advice

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 14:09:00 +0000

It may seem ridged but I like the concept of how this guidance would help instill discipline while also establishing a routine with good intentions. Note also that it doesn’t say there is no possibility of deviation, but that changes should be highly considered before hand – perhaps by talking it through with someone more experienced and wise.

Alexander Hamilton’s Deep Advice – Study Hacks – Cal NewportPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

The Confidence Gap

Fri, 02 Mar 2018 12:17:00 +0000

Job #1. Try to instill confidence in my girls…

Success, it turns out, correlates just as closely with confidence as it does with competence.

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From Disorganized to Debt Free Through Budgeting and Routine

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 15:21:00 +0000

Impressive what this family did! Yet, still achievable my most.

From Disorganized to Debt Free Through Budgeting and Routine with Rosemarie GronerPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

5% Less

Wed, 28 Feb 2018 11:32:00 +0000

Sometimes the solution isn’t to 10x everything, or maybe 5% less will make you 10% happier 🙂

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How to Run a Meeting Like Google

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 14:43:00 +0000

Lots of good ideas here on ways to run good meetings, and not just Google centric.

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Real Artists Don’t Starve

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 14:43:00 +0000

Like the reminder to charge what you’re worth. Also learned a little history lesson.

Ep. 303 – Jeff Goins: Real Artists Don’t Starve – Altucher ConfidentialPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

3 Things I Wish Parents – and Teens – Knew About Pot

Fri, 23 Feb 2018 12:18:00 +0000

You learn something new everyday. And naive little me thought marijuana was just marijuana.

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The secret to learning how to do anything

Thu, 22 Feb 2018 15:05:00 +0000

Having a problem to solve is always a good way to really learn anything.

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How to Teach Young Kids Budgeting Habits Early On

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 12:34:00 +0000

From early childhood to the teen years this does a good job of laying out a plan you may want to follow…

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How to Defeat Bad Breath Once and For All

Tue, 20 Feb 2018 16:57:00 +0000

A rather extensive post, but worthwhile read jic 🙂

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The Best Time of Day to Do Just About Anything

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 12:38:00 +0000

Read the full article for details, but these are the suggestions…

7 AM: Do Some Creative Thinking
8 AM (or 1 PM): Book a Doctor’s Appointment
9 AM: Go to the Post Office
9 AM: Schedule a Job Interview
9 AM: Search for an Apartment
9:30 AM: Drink Your Coffee
2 PM: Take a Nap
2 PM: Send Email
2 PM: Send Email
6 PM: Exercise
8 PM: Shop for Groceries
10 PM: Go to Sleep
10:30 PM: Start and End eBay Listings

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Coaching People to Their Possibilities

Fri, 16 Feb 2018 15:28:00 +0000

Wow! This was a great episode on setting expectations, following up, and coaching to success…

Podcasts Archive – The ONE ThingPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

The frightening thing you learn when you quit the 9 to 5

Thu, 15 Feb 2018 15:40:00 +0000

This is quiet the manifesto, but includes lots to ponder…

we’re born as subjects to the authoritarian figures of our parents, and from there we’re funneled straight into the education system, which steers us directly toward the employee workforce. In each of these systems, we are subordinates whose work is likely to be unrelated to our own values, on schedules that are always determined by someone else.

… though he appears to have returned to the 9-5 (at least for now), the sentiment is still good.

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All Code Is Bad, So Don’t Stress If Yours Sucks

Wed, 14 Feb 2018 14:38:00 +0000

Some funny for my developer friends. If you don’t program for a living, just ignore everything in these articles because you will become convinced the world will implode shortly. On the other hand, if you do program I’m pretty sure you’ll love this…

Read the full article here, or… check out the summaryPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Clarity on Your ONE Thing & Managing Your Time

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 14:40:00 +0000

For all my friends in education, esp the principals…

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Safety is an Expensive Illusion

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 12:37:00 +0000

If you haven’t heard of Mr Money Mustache yet, let me introduce you…

Read the full article herePlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

10% Happier

Fri, 09 Feb 2018 11:41:00 +0000

Just finished 10% Happier by Dan Harris that chronicles his journey from young upstart reporter to drug use then finding meditation as a tool to help calm the mind and make him 10% happier. It really is a good book, and his sarcastic tone makes it a perfect read for anyone skeptical of meditation and Buddhism. Probably my favorite chapter is the one on his experience at a 10 day silent retreat, and the skeptical/derogatory thoughts running through his mind. In the end, the best part is that I didn’t think it came off as preachy or as my mom would say “she she la la”. Give it a try, or if you want to check out his next book try: Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics. It’s on my list.

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20 Little Things to Make a Big Difference in Your Marriage

Thu, 08 Feb 2018 16:18:00 +0000

Read the full article here_Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!_

16 Tips for Selling Properties Faster and for More Money

Wed, 07 Feb 2018 13:50:00 +0000

Cross posting from the FreedomRE.com blog…

Listen to the full episode here, but here are the main points – some commentary added 🙂

Have a pre-listing inspection performed by a licensed home inspector.
Clean up your home. – Please, please, please – you have no idea how often this is missed/skipped
Does it pass the sniff test? – It better unless you want it to take longer to sell.
Take great pictures of your house. – That’s why you hire a great agent – like me!
Be available.
Have your home ready for showings at all times. – You never know when or where your buyer will show up.
Be informative.
Use an agent. – At your service
Ask your agent for selling advice.
Price your house right. – You mean Zillow doesn’t know everything?
List in peak market time. – If you can. If not, I wouldn’t consider this a deal breaker. Just be ready for it to potenially take longer.
Double check your listing information.
Stage those weird areas that don’t have an obvious use.
Leave during your showings and make sure you take your pets with you. – So awkward when the seller sticks around. Get out! I would also add “take any valuables and medications” as well.
Be prepared to walk away from an offer.
Tell everyone you know that your house is for sale.

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Oh Damn, 401(k)s Aren’t Magic

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 13:36:00 +0000

“All of this has always ignored the mathematical fact that scrimping and saving and investing wisely will not save you if you don’t have enough money in the first place. If you are a low-wage worker who cuts your expenses to the bone in order to sock away $500 a year, on which you earn 8%, you will still not go more than a year in retirement without starving to death. The math just doesn’t work. We need to actually give people more money. This is common sense, but is anathema to the sort of magical thinking that says that the root of all poverty is bad decisions by the poor.”

Read the full article: Oh Damn, 401(k)s Aren’t MagicPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Why You Should Let Kids Fight

Mon, 05 Feb 2018 15:34:00 +0000

Interesting, and yet hard to do sometimes. My gut says that generally speaking husbands are more apt to do this, but maybe that’s just speaking from personal experience 🙂

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Tribe of Mentors

Fri, 02 Feb 2018 12:42:00 +0000

Just finished Tribe of Mentors by Tim Ferriss which is really just a follow up to Tools of Titans if you ask me. That said, there’s still some wisdom here that is worth considering. Find some of my highlights and points to ponder below.

addiction is when we’ve “lost the freedom to abstain.” Let us reclaim that freedom.
While everyone else is running around with a list of responsibilities a mile long—things they’re not actually responsible for—you’ve got just that one-item list. You’ve got just one thing to manage: your choices, your will, your mind. So mind it.
Most teenagers choose to fool around rather than exert themselves. Halfhearted, lazy effort gives them a ready-made excuse: “It doesn’t matter. I wasn’t even trying.”
One of the most powerful things you can do as a human being in our hyperconnected, 24/7 media world is say: “I don’t know.” Or, more provocatively: “I don’t care.”
There is almost no situation in which hatred helps. Yet almost every situation is made better by love—or empathy, understanding, appreciation
We’d rather be pissed off, bitter, raging inside than risk an awkward conversation that might actually help this person and make the world a better place. We don’t just want people to be better, we expect it to magically happen
amor fati (a love of fate). It’s not just accepting, it’s loving everything that happens.
Let’s not confuse acceptance with passivity.
Perhaps today will be the day when we experience happiness or wisdom. Don’t try to grab that moment and hold on to it with all your might. It’s not under your control how long it lasts. Enjoy it, recognize it, remember it. Having it for a moment is the same as having it forever.
there is one thing and only one thing that causes unhappiness. The name of that thing is Attachment.
Don’t let another day tick away in ignorance of the reality that you’re a dying person. We all are. Can today be the day we stop pretending otherwise?
while we might be good at protecting our physical property, we are far too lax at enforcing our mental boundaries. Property can be regained; there is quite a bit of it out there—some of it still untouched by man. But time? Time is our most irreplaceable asset—we cannot buy more of it. We can only strive to waste as little as possible.

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Old-School Investing Wisdom from 60+ Years with Mike Anderson

Thu, 01 Feb 2018 14:20:00 +0000

If someone has been doing something for 60+ years it probably makes sense to listen.

Old-School Investing Wisdom from 60+ Years with Mike AndersonPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

How to Make a Marriage Work

Wed, 31 Jan 2018 20:07:00 +0000

Always good to have a reminder to put that key relationship first…

Read the full article herePlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Dr. Michael Gervais – The Mental Game, Part 1

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 12:35:00 +0000

Another good Entreleadership podcast…

#236: Dr. Michael Gervais—The Mental Game, Part 1Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

3 Keys to Making Your New Year’s Resolutions Finally Stick

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 14:51:00 +0000

A good deep dive on habits and goals to make your resolutions stick…

3 Keys to Making Your New Year’s Resolutions Finally Stick (TPS176)Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Email Bookmarklets

Fri, 26 Jan 2018 13:41:00 +0000

Ever want an easy way to email a webpage to yourself? Maybe it’s to send it to your task list, or just to share with a co-worker? Of course there are extensions for most browsers to do this, but if you would prefer a bookmarklet that doesn’t require any installation, here’s how to do it. This is the basic link structure…

javascript:document.location='mailto:?subject='+document.title+'&body='+escape(document.location);

Or, for simplicity sake, just drag and drop this link into your bookmarks bar… Email

Of course you can go wild and start customizing the URL to your hearts content. Set a value after the “mailto:”, or maybe even a CC. For example…

javascript:document.location='mailto:me@here.com?subject='+document.title+'&cc=you@there.com&body='+escape(document.location);

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Why Motivating Others Starts With Using The Right Language

Thu, 25 Jan 2018 14:06:00 +0000

I’ve loved this since I read it. “I intend to”, “I just did”, and “I have been doing” are wonderful places to be, but take some time to get to. Still, like the article points out the leap from asking permission to stating your intent is probably the most crucial and beneficial.

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Look Up

Wed, 24 Jan 2018 12:19:00 +0000

Over three years old now, but still as valid as ever…

When you’re too busy looking down you don’t see the chances you miss.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Free yourself from your filter bubbles

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 13:13:00 +0000

It probably wouldn’t hurt if we all freed ourselves from our own little filter bubble. That said, telling others their in a bubble or ridiculing them is probably not the best way to get a health dialog going. FWIW: I’m always open to a good conversation and sharing of ideas.

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You, Too, Can Live Like Royalty and Delete All Your Social Media Accounts

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 13:41:00 +0000

Something to think about…

For centuries, inbred weirdos in castles ruled every aspect of our lives. These days, they mostly just suck up public assistance that might be better spent on, I don’t know, helping sick kids or something.

…and remember, you don’t even have to follow me on social media! You can just sign up for my newsletter!

You, Too, Can Live Like Royalty and Delete All Your Social Media AccountsPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Establishing Healthy Habits for the New Year

Fri, 19 Jan 2018 13:38:00 +0000

Seems appropriate for the new year…

Podcasts Archive – The ONE ThingPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Linda Papadopoulos: Validation: Why It’s Dangerous…

Thu, 18 Jan 2018 12:45:00 +0000

The comparison of social media to a public bathroom door seems apt…

Ep. 296 – Linda Papadopoulos: Validation: Why It’s Dangerous…Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

These 10 Simple Things You Do Are Making Your Marriage Last, Even Though You’re Not Aware Of It

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 13:36:00 +0000

A happy, healthy, and lasting marriage is the goal of every couple. We have all heard that half of all marriages end in divorce, and nobody wants their marriage to be another statistic.

The list is below, but you can Read the full article here

Kiss
Express Gratitude
Touch Each Other
Talk
Go on Date Nights
Fight
Plan Things
Do Nice Things
Laugh
Grow Together

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Trump has given North Korea “the greatest gift ever”

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 11:31:00 +0000

Forget the sensationalist headline, and listen to the podcast episode. Interesting to get the perspective of people with more background then ourselves.

Trump has given North Korea “the greatest gift ever”Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Kristen Hadeed – Learning to Lead

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 15:18:00 +0000

I thought this was pretty good and she has an interesting story. Feel free to pick up a copy of the book too.

#238: Kristen Hadeed—Learning to LeadPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Ray Dalio: Principles for Investing in a Meaningful Life (Tested Strategies from 1 of The World’s Wealthiest Investors)

Fri, 12 Jan 2018 18:00:00 +0000

Not sure why it isn’t listed on his website, but if you subscribe to his podcast you probably would have caught this.

Pain + Reflection = Progress

5 step process:
Identify Goals
Identify problems
Diagnose root cause
Design way around
Push through and execute design

Ep. 290 – Ray Dalio: Principles for Investing in a Meaningful Life (Tested Strategies from 1 of The World’s Wealthiest Investors)Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Scary Chip Flaws Raise Spectre of Meltdown — Krebs on Security

Thu, 11 Jan 2018 14:10:00 +0000

Please be sure to update/patch every device you have. On most Windows machines, you should be able to do a manual reboot (Start -> Power -> Restart) and have the updates applied. On iOS you want to go to Settings -> General -> Software Update

Scary Chip Flaws Raise Spectre of Meltdown — Krebs on SecurityPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Facebook Makes You Sad, So Try Using It Less

Wed, 10 Jan 2018 18:01:00 +0000

A Facebook slam… on Facebook! Expect another FB post coming up soon. In the mean time, the best way to reach me is in person, via my blog, or the messaging platform of your choice.

“Scrolling through your news feed is distracting and depressing”

Facebook Makes You Sad, So Try Using It LessPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

White Women Keep Fucking Us Over

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 18:49:00 +0000

Interesting stats

White Women Keep Fucking Us OverPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Floyd Landis: The Consequence of Exposing a Legend

Sun, 07 Jan 2018 12:44:00 +0000

Interesting story. Discussion about the need to use performance enhancing drugs to reach the highest levels is thought provoking.

Ep. 278 – Floyd Landis: The Consequence of Exposing a Legend: Learning How to Take Your Life Back & Overcome Rejection – Altucher ConfidentialPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

The Hard Thing About Hard Things

Sat, 06 Jan 2018 13:08:00 +0000

Just finished “The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz who is probably best known as the Horowitz in “Andreessen Horowitz” – as in Marc Andreessen of Netscape fame. It was a quick read. Mostly targeted at CEOs, especially CEOs of tech startups, but still had some useful ideas and concepts for those of us not in that camp. I’ve pulled out a few of my favorites below.

If you’re going to eat $hit, don’t nibble
The customer only knows what she thinks she wants based on her experience with the current product. The innovator can take into account everything that’s possible
In any human interaction, the required amount of communication is inversely proportional to the level of trust.
Build a culture that rewards – not punishes – people for getting problems into the open where they can be solved.
When you expect your employees to act like adults, they generally do. If you treat them like children, then get ready for your company to turn into one big Barney episode.
Being too busy to train is the moral equivalent of being too hungry to eat.
Management purely by numbers is sort of like painting by numbers—it’s strictly for amateurs.
The Law of Crappy People states: For any title level in a large organization, the talent on that level will eventually converge to the crappiest person with the title.
Once an employee takes a public stance, the social pressure for him to be consistent is enormous.
Shock is a great mechanism for behavioral change.
Move fast and break things.
Perks are good, but they are not culture.
You want to optimize the organization for the people—for the people doing the work—not for the managers.
In life, everybody faces choices between doing what’s popular, easy, and wrong versus doing what’s lonely, difficult, and right.
How easy is it for any given individual contributor to get her job done?” In well-run organizations, people can focus on their work (as opposed to politics and bureaucratic procedures) and have confidence that if they get their work done, good things will happen both for the company and for them personally. By contrast, in a poorly run organization, people spend much of their time fighting organizational boundaries and broken processes.

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16 Small Habits That Could Seriously Improve Your Life Within A Year

Fri, 05 Jan 2018 16:09:00 +0000

Not a huge fan of sharing things that come off BuzzFeed, but the list is decent and doesn’t require you to click next for each one.

Here’s the list, but click through below for the detail:

Try reading for a set amount of time each day.
Practice swapping ‘sorry’ for ‘thank you’ when the situation is right.
Don’t just put things down, put them away.
And do your dishes every single day.
If something’s going to take you less than two minutes, just do it then and there.
Try to go to bed and get up at similar times each day.
Actually start flossing your teeth every day.
Put all of your spare change into a jar for an entire year.
Make a plan for the following day before you go to bed at night.
Practice a new kind of handwriting, like cursive or calligraphy.
Learn three words in a new language every day.
Get into the habit of writing in a journal daily.
Run for as long as you can…and then run again the next day, and the next.
Make your bed every morning before you leave the house.
Add new and healthy foods to your diet rather than focusing on removing other food groups.
And try meditating, starting with just five minutes a day.

16 Small Habits That Could Seriously Improve Your Life Within A YearPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Work Won’t Remember That Weekend You Didn’t Give It. Friends Will.

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 11:30:00 +0000

Read the full article here but this was my main takeaway…

I worked weekends on many occasions. One weekend a good friend from university was coming to New York on the way to a business trip in Chicago. He was only coming to see me. But IBM had asked me to work that weekend. I struggled to choose between them, trying to work out if I could do both. I couldn’t. So I told my employer I could not work. Dwin and I had a great weekend exploring the city. He is the godfather to my daughter and we see each other regularly. IBM does not remember that I did not work that weekend. Dwin would always have.

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You Are Not Special 2012 Commencement Speech from Wellesley High School

Wed, 03 Jan 2018 11:30:00 +0000

Still good 5 years later…

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The $100k Question: How to Ask for & Get What You Want

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 11:30:00 +0000

Here’s something I hope to practice even more in 2018. Maybe you can too.

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Man Asks Mike Rowe for “Life Advice”

Sun, 31 Dec 2017 11:59:00 +0000

Still as applicable now as it was then…

Many people today resent the suggestion that they’re in charge of the way they feel. But trust me. Those people are mistaken.

Read the full article here

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Why Making Your Bed Every Morning Matters, According to a Navy SEAL

Sat, 30 Dec 2017 11:30:00 +0000

Making your bed each morning seems like the least of our worries to start the day. However, according to Naval Adm. William McRaven, it may be the best way to start off your day.

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Former Facebook exec feels ‘tremendous guilt’ for what he helped make

Fri, 29 Dec 2017 11:30:00 +0000

Interesting how much more I’m seeing people in the tech sector getting off of or massively limiting their amount of time on social networks. There does seem to be a place for the concept, but I’d rather see an open spec like email whereby different groups could host a “group”, but then individuals could log into one app on their phone or computer and have very targeted settings for what they want. I guess an argument could be made that email fills almost that exact role…

Former Facebook exec feels ‘tremendous guilt’ for what he helped make

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Yelling at Kids can be Just as Harmful as Spanking

Thu, 28 Dec 2017 11:30:00 +0000

Do I believe we should or can never yell? No. But it’s worth being mindful of when and why, and that there’s often a better way…

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The Only Rules You Need to Know

Wed, 27 Dec 2017 11:30:00 +0000

Another oldie but goodie…

The 4/64 Rule (80/20 of the 80/20)
The 1000 Hour Rule (Good enough to be great, but not the best)
The 30/150/Millions Rule (know/gossip/stories)

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Merry Christmas!

Mon, 25 Dec 2017 10:55:01 +0000

Just a quick note to wish everyone that reads this blog a very Merry Christmas!Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Taking a Meeting – The Right Way and the Wrong Way

Sat, 23 Dec 2017 11:30:00 +0000

It’s worth listening to successful people…

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10 Regrets You Can Avoid

Fri, 22 Dec 2017 12:21:00 +0000

Here’s the list, but please read the full article for additional detail/context…

Don’t buy things
Don’t fall in love with someone that is in love with someone else
Don’t try to please people
Run, don’t walk
Don’t make promises you can’t keep
Don’t steal paperclips from the office
Don’t wait for them to say yes
Don’t do anything you don’t want to do
Don’t consume bad things
Don’t time travel into the past

Again, here’s the full article.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Transform Your Health, Business, Income, Finances, and Marriage Doing This ONE Thing

Fri, 22 Dec 2017 01:03:00 +0000

Sometimes all it takes is one thing.

Podcasts Archive – The ONE ThingPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Mike Van Cleave: A Conversation About Cancer & Learning How to Discard the Meaningless

Wed, 20 Dec 2017 11:48:00 +0000

A good and sobering reminder…

Ep. 288 – Mike Van Cleave: A Conversation About Cancer & Learning How to Discard the Meaningless – Altucher ConfidentialPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

How to Survive Deadly Black Ice On Winter Roads

Tue, 19 Dec 2017 13:20:00 +0000

Please read! Especially for my friends in or visiting the great white north…

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The Essence of Fatherhood: 6 Simple Lessons

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 14:56:00 +0000

Having been doing this for 10 years there’s lots of truth here…

Your first job is to love them
Your example is more important than your words
A hug is more powerful than punishment
Trust them
Let them be who they’re going to be
Read with them

Read the full article here

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18 Things People With Good Social Skills Never Do

Sun, 17 Dec 2017 11:53:00 +0000

Seems like a worthwhile reminder, especially around the holidays…

Never Let a Good Deed Go Unpaid
Never Forget a Name
Never Interrupt
Never Forget to Check In and Out
Never Let Your Appearance Go
Never Raise Your Voice
Never Get Too Excited or Angry
Never Let Yourself Get Walked On
Never Swear in Front of People Not Your Age
Never Be a Party Pooper
Never Leave Someone Out
Never Blurt Out Something Hurtful
Never Fight Immaturely
Never Laugh at Others’ Expense
Never Get Caught Without a Clean Joke
Never Upset the Apple Cart
Never Ignore People
Never Get Caught Without an Ice-Breaker

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Why You Should Care About Net Neutrality (in 1 paragraph)

Sat, 16 Dec 2017 11:15:00 +0000

Wondering why so many of your tech savvy friends are up in arms about the repeal of Net Neutrality? Here’s my answer in 1 paragraph…

Nearly 40% of the US has only 1 “choice” for broadband internet because of legislated monopolies lobbied for by those same providers. If net neutrality is wiped out not only can your favorite services be negatively impacted (think Netflix raises prices because Comcast charges them more – or you start seeing buffering on Netflix because of throttling- yes, that happened pre 2015), but many of the Netflix’s, Facebook’s, and Googles of tomorrow will likely never see the light of day if they have to pay to play as they start to reach critical mass. If there was real competition and real choice, I would have no issue. But there is not, and that’s the problem.

…do I hope I’m wrong? Of course, but the real course of action should be to eliminate all legislated monopolies first so that competition can happen. Then, maybe, consider what is under way… but if you have any trust in ISPs to make your life better… well, could I interest you in a bridge?Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

What A Little Girl Hears When You Tell Her She’s Pretty

Fri, 15 Dec 2017 18:55:00 +0000

Nearly 2 years old, but I try to remind myself of it every chance I get…

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Stop Hanging Out with Losers

Thu, 14 Dec 2017 11:23:00 +0000

Maybe a little harsh, but lots of truth!

EP246: Stop Hanging Out with LosersPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

The scary truth about what’s hurting our kids

Mon, 11 Dec 2017 13:19:00 +0000

This article makes me glad we haven’t given into giving the kids their own tablets and esp not a phone. How many years can we keep it up? Another reminder…
The scary truth about what’s hurting our kidsPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Warren Buffett’s Best Money Advice

Sun, 10 Dec 2017 22:12:00 +0000

Here’s some of Buffett’s best money advice.

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20 Misconceptions About Sex

Sun, 10 Dec 2017 03:52:00 +0000

Just in case you were interested…

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Calculate Nearly Any Percentage In Your Head with Simple Tricks

Fri, 08 Dec 2017 19:57:00 +0000

Whether you’re calculating a tip or just in need of some fast math, percentages can be something even math students goof. This video from YouTube channel MindYourDecisions shows you the easiest way to find those numbers in your head.

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We’re building a dystopia just to make people click on ads

Thu, 07 Dec 2017 14:16:00 +0000

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25 Unnecessary Wastes of Money You Don’t Think About

Thu, 07 Dec 2017 00:06:00 +0000

Another oldie but goodie, and still largely applicable.

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Turns Out the Nearly $90,000,000 Donation to Prove the NFL Cares About Social Justice Is Bullshit

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 15:54:00 +0000

Yeah, I think I’m done with the NFL.

Turns Out the Nearly $90,000,000 Donation to Prove the NFL Cares About Social Justice Is BullshitPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Why You Shouldn’t Use Your Lender’s Biweekly Mortgage Payment Scheme

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 11:24:00 +0000

Paying your mortgage every two weeks instead of monthly could save you tons of money in interest and shave years off your mortgage. However, if your lender offers a payment plan for doing this, you should probably skip it and set it up yourself. Here’s why.

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Dear Young Men

Sun, 03 Dec 2017 12:33:10 +0000

I read this article way back in 2014 and found it in my blog’s “drafts” folder as I had obviously meant to share it back then. Anyway, much of what the writer describes is as applicable now as it was back then. If you have young boys at home, maybe you’ll consider sharing this at the appropriate time.

“men need to understand as early in their lives as possible that men have a long history of getting their way for no good reason. This advantage comes, of course, at the expense of fellow human beings, and we need to learn to be aware of it and eliminate it wherever we see it.”

Dear Young MenPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Tim Ferriss: Using a New Lens To Make Life Easier

Fri, 01 Dec 2017 22:55:00 +0000

Tim Ferriss is making the rounds again for his new book, but he always has something worth listening to. Consider this.

Ep. 281 – Tim Ferriss: Using a New Lens To Make Life Easier – Altucher Confidential

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Tyler Cowen: What the Future Holds: Stagnation or Innovation?

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 22:55:00 +0000

An interesting perspective to consider. Then go out and DO something!

Ep. 282 – Tyler Cowen: What the Future Holds: Stagnation or Innovation? – Altucher Confidential

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How we can end sexual harassment at work

Wed, 29 Nov 2017 22:59:00 +0000

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How Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google manipulate our emotions

Tue, 28 Nov 2017 22:59:00 +0000

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Podcasts Archive – The ONE Thing

Wed, 22 Nov 2017 21:54:00 +0000

A good refresher on being clear about your priorities.
Podcasts Archive – The ONE ThingPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Kwik Brain 045: Improve Your Memory With A Good Night’s Sleep With Dr. Michael Breus | Jim Kwik

Tue, 21 Nov 2017 21:27:00 +0000

A great reminder. Love the 5 step process…

1 Keep 1 sleep schedule (wake up the same time every day)
2 Stop caffeine before 2pm
3 Stop alcohol intake 3 hours before bed
4 Stop exercise 4 hours before bed
5 Give the sun a high five – 5 minutes of direct sun

Kwik Brain 045: Improve Your Memory With A Good Night’s Sleep With Dr. Michael Breus | Jim KwikPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Learning to Slow Down (with Nichole Nordeman – Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker)

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 20:54:00 +0000

I thought this was a good show. While most of the talking is about moms there’s a lot that is appropriate for dads to keep in mind as well.
Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker: #40: Learning to Slow Down (with guest Nichole Nordeman)Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

The Most Dangerous Thing You Can Do While “Multitasking”

Sun, 19 Nov 2017 13:18:00 +0000

So true. Please enable “DND while driving” on your phone! Both the iPhone and Android have the feature. I’ve been using it since I updated to iOS 11, and it works well. Just getting the notifications I found was a distraction, and since I can still get calls from my “favorites” it’s been a huge help.

OPTIMIZE with Brian Johnson | More Wisdom in Less Time: +1 #52: The Most Dangerous Thing You Can Do While “Multitasking”Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Amor Fati

Sat, 18 Nov 2017 11:28:57 +0000

I really like this post on A Stoic Response to Bad News, but just wanted to call out the philosophy of “amor fati”… which if truth be told I could stand to implement more often. Anyway, what does “amor fati” mean?

Love your fate
With it you feel that everything happens for a purpose, and that it is up to you to make this purpose something positive and active.
Do not seek for things to happen the way you want them to; rather, wish that what happens happen the way it happens: then you will be happy.
Treating each and every moment—no matter how challenging—as something to be embraced, not avoided. To not only be okay with it, but love it and be better for it.

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The Hardest Sell: Convincing Someone You’re Not What You Used to Be

Fri, 17 Nov 2017 22:58:00 +0000

A worthwhile listen on the art of persuasion even if the main subject discussed is unpleasant.

Ep. 276 – Scott Adams: The Hardest Sell: Convincing Someone You’re Not What You Used to Be – Altucher ConfidentialPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

How to Communicate with Your Partner About Money

Thu, 16 Nov 2017 22:58:00 +0000

Love the perspective here. It would probably behoove me to consider some of this more often…

Recognize your fears
Consider your partners fears
Know your numbers
Make a plan and trust the plan

EP232: How to Communicate with Your Partner About Money

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Bill Gates is investing $100 million to fight Alzheimer’s, a deadly condition that becomes more common every year

Wed, 15 Nov 2017 22:58:00 +0000

Here’s why Bill Gates is so amazing. Hope the investment is able to bring about some information, relief, or even a full or partial cure.
Bill Gates is investing $100 million to fight Alzheimer’s, a deadly condition that becomes more common every year

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John C. McGinley: The Root of REAL Reinvention: Having The Right Attitude

Tue, 14 Nov 2017 22:56:00 +0000

Dr Cox was probably the single reason I watched Scrubs, and the interview is fascinating. Enjoy!

Ep. 275 – John C. McGinley: The Root of REAL Reinvention: Having The Right Attitude – Altucher Confidential

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Billionaire ex-Facebook president Sean Parker unloads on Mark Zuckerberg and admits he helped build a monster

Fri, 10 Nov 2017 22:57:00 +0000

Yes, I realize the irony of posting this to FB, but it will also be on my blog which is where I’d like to see a lot of what goes on SM now distributed to.
Billionaire ex-Facebook president Sean Parker unloads on Mark Zuckerberg and admits he helped build a monster

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This Week in Tech 639 Anywhere but Albany

Tue, 07 Nov 2017 22:55:00 +0000

Good discussion on Facebook and Twitter in This Week in Tech (TWiT 639: Anywhere but Albany):
This Week in Tech 639 Anywhere but Albany | TWiT.TV

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How to Stop Your iPhone From Autocorrecting “i” to “A”

Mon, 06 Nov 2017 22:55:00 +0000

Yes, I️ am seeing this happen…
How to Stop Your iPhone From Autocorrecting “i” to “A”

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The ONE Thing – Ep. 50 – Work-Life Balance: It Starts With Your Mindset – with Gene Rivers

Sun, 05 Nov 2017 22:57:00 +0000

The ONE Thing – Ep. 50 – Work-Life Balance: It Starts With Your Mindset – with Gene Rivers

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Lessons Learned From 2 Years With Gary Keller & Jay Papasan

Sat, 04 Nov 2017 21:57:00 +0000

The ONE Thing – Ep 87 – Lessons Learned From 2 Years With Gary Keller & Jay Papasan

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How product managers and engineers at Asana develop great relationships

Thu, 02 Nov 2017 22:00:00 +0000

“PMs own the problems and Engineers own the solutions”
How product managers and engineers at Asana develop great relationships

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The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*uck

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 11:05:00 +0000

Recently finished listening to the audio version of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson, and have to say I would highly recommend it. You’ll have to get past the language if that’s an issue for you, but the message is definitely worth it.

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What intelligent machines can learn from a school of fish

Sun, 29 Oct 2017 11:03:00 +0000

Wow!

What intelligent machines can learn from a school of fish

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Teaching Your Kids About Other Cultures (with Tsh Oxenreider)

Sat, 28 Oct 2017 00:09:00 +0000

So many good ideas and concepts in this podcast…
When everything’s amazing, nothing is.
Also love the idea of traveling and living with less.
Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker: #38: Teaching Your Kids About Other Cultures (with guest Tsh Oxenreider)

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Grant Cardone on Multifamily Investing and Why You Should Never Buy a House!

Fri, 27 Oct 2017 16:13:00 +0000

BiggerPockets Podcast : Real Estate Investing and Wealth Building to Help You Get Bigger Pockets : #250: Grant Cardone on Multifamily Investing and Why You Should Never Buy a House!

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Addicted to Your iPhone? You’re Not Alone – The Atlantic

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 11:03:00 +0000

Addicted to Your iPhone? You’re Not Alone – The Atlantic

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10 Unusual Things I Learned From Mr. X – Altucher Confidential

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 00:41:00 +0000

Ep. 265 – 10 Unusual Things I Learned From Mr. X – Altucher Confidential

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Americans Are Retiring Later, Dying Sooner and Sicker In-Between

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 16:14:00 +0000

Interesting…
Americans Are Retiring Later, Dying Sooner and Sicker In-Between

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Linux Startup Email

Sat, 21 Oct 2017 21:59:00 +0000

Want to receive an email any time your linux server reboots? Just create this script…

sudo nano /usr/local/sbin/startupemail.sh

Here’s the code for the script…

#!/bin/sh

# Lets things startup
sleep 60

# Get info
IP="$(ifconfig | grep -A 1 'eth0' | tail -1 | cut -d ':' -f 2 | cut -d ' ' -f 1)"
HOSTNAME=`hostname`

#Send email
echo "IP: $IP, Host: $HOSTNAME" | mail -s "Server Started" me@there.com

Make sure to make it executable…

sudo chmod u+x /usr/local/sbin/startupemail.sh

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The Impact, with the curious case of the $629 Band-Aid

Sat, 21 Oct 2017 15:23:00 +0000

The Impact, with the curious case of the $629 Band-Aid):
buff.ly

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The Checklist Manifesto

Fri, 20 Oct 2017 18:23:00 +0000

Just finished The Checklist Manifesto

…and now I’m contemplating checklists for everything 🙂 Really though, it was a good quick read and had a number of gems like this one:

“under conditions of true complexity—where the knowledge required exceeds that of any individual and unpredictability reigns—efforts to dictate every step from the center will fail. People need room to act and adapt. Yet they cannot succeed as isolated individuals, either—that is anarchy”

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The ONE Thing | Ep 83 – Why Accountability Starts By Looking in the Mirror

Fri, 20 Oct 2017 11:03:00 +0000

The ONE Thing (Ep 83 – Why Accountability Starts By Looking in the Mirror | Geoff Woods):
The ONE Thing | Powered by Produktive: Ep 83 – Why Accountability Starts By Looking in the Mirror | Geoff Woods

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The EntreLeadership Podcast: #228: Donald Miller – How to Double Your Revenue

Tue, 17 Oct 2017 02:16:00 +0000

The EntreLeadership Podcast (#228: Donald Miller—How to Double Your Revenue):
The EntreLeadership Podcast: #228: Donald Miller—How to Double Your Revenue

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15 Productivity Tips That Are Weird But Work (TPS165) – Asian Efficiency

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 16:12:00 +0000

The Productivity Show | 15 Productivity Tips That Are Weird But Work (TPS165):
15 Productivity Tips That Are Weird But Work (TPS165) – Asian Efficiency

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Investing in Real Estate with Clayton Morris | EP220: How to Think Like a Wealthy Investor

Sat, 14 Oct 2017 11:03:00 +0000

Love all of this!
Investing in Real Estate with Clayton Morris | EP220: How to Think Like a Wealthy Investor

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Learning to Relish Life with Your Spouse, Part 4

Fri, 13 Oct 2017 16:15:00 +0000

Learning to Relish Life with Your Spouse, Part 4

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The Best Ways to Tell the Hard Truth at Work

Thu, 12 Oct 2017 11:03:00 +0000

The Best Ways to Tell the Hard Truth at Work

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Chicken Scratch: 2017-10-11

Wed, 11 Oct 2017 12:07:00 +0000

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#224: Brian Buffini—The Emigrant Edge

Sun, 08 Oct 2017 16:13:00 +0000

#224: Brian Buffini—The Emigrant Edge

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Chicken Scratch: 2017-10-05

Fri, 06 Oct 2017 00:35:00 +0000

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Ep. 259: Amy Morin – Top 10 Lessons From Amy Morin – Altucher Confidential

Tue, 03 Oct 2017 23:29:00 +0000

Ep. 259: Amy Morin – Top 10 Lessons From Amy Morin – Altucher Confidential

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Podcasts Archive – The ONE Thing

Tue, 03 Oct 2017 11:03:00 +0000

The ONE Thing Podcast – mindset, purpose, and relationships. It’s hard for me to share this one because she was lucky and privileged in so many ways. Still, glad she did turn it around and is trying to do some good.
Podcasts Archive – The ONE Thing

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Did a U.S. Veteran Influence Kaepernick’s ‘Take a Knee’ Protest of Police Brutality?

Sun, 01 Oct 2017 16:11:00 +0000

I didn’t know the whole back story. Take a moment to read. Personally, I find it really encouraging that these two men could have an open and honest discussion, respect each other’s viewpoints, and reconsider some of their own. This is what makes America great.
FACT CHECK: Did a U.S. Veteran Influence Kaepernick’s ‘Take a Knee’ Protest of Police Brutality?

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USAFA Superintendent talks to cadets about racial slurs found on campus

Sat, 30 Sep 2017 11:22:00 +0000

If you can’t treat someone with dignity and respect you need to get out!
USAFA Superintendent talks to cadets about racial slurs found on campus

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Docker and Kubernetes for Java Developers

Fri, 29 Sep 2017 21:57:00 +0000

Nerd alert! Just started Docker and Kubernets for Java Developers and it’s awesome. Looking forward to working with this.
Docker and Kubernetes for Java Developers

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Finding the Balance Between Youth Sports and Family, Part 8

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 23:58:00 +0000

Only 3% will play in college and only 1% of that 3% will play professionally. Focus on the love of the game and the healthy benefits. Not the professional and scholarship aspects.
Finding the Balance Between Youth Sports and Family, Part 8

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Thinking Time: the Counterintuitive Approach to Growth (Podcast)

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 16:14:00 +0000

Thinking Time: the Counterintuitive Approach to Growth (Podcast)

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The Condom “Facts” Taught in Many Schools Are All Wrong

Tue, 26 Sep 2017 16:13:00 +0000

The Condom “Facts” Taught in Many Schools Are All Wrong

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BiggerPockets Podcast : Real Estate Investing and Wealth Building to Help You Get Bigger Pockets : #245: Creating Wealth that Lasts Generations with Bestselling Author Ryan Holiday

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 22:44:00 +0000

Valid in life and real estate.
BiggerPockets Podcast : Real Estate Investing and Wealth Building to Help You Get Bigger Pockets : #245: Creating Wealth that Lasts Generations with Bestselling Author Ryan Holiday

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Ego Is the Enemy

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 16:14:00 +0000

Just finished Ego is the Enemy. Quick read with some useful insight
Ego Is the Enemy

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Finders Keepers: A Novel (The Bill Hodges Trilogy Book 2)

Sun, 24 Sep 2017 16:12:00 +0000

Just finished “Finders Keeper”. A good follow up to “Mr Mercedes”
Finders Keepers: A Novel (The Bill Hodges Trilogy Book 2)

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TED Talk – How to be a Great Leader

Thu, 21 Sep 2017 16:13:00 +0000

Leader != Manager
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Facebook’s Harm Is Taking Life Out of Context

Wed, 20 Sep 2017 22:40:00 +0000

Facebook’s Harm Is Taking Life Out of Context

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It’s All Too Much: 3 Keys to Overcoming Information Overload

Wed, 20 Sep 2017 11:03:00 +0000

It’s All Too Much: 3 Keys to Overcoming Information Overload

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Investing in Real Estate with Clayton Morris | Buy and Hold Investing | Morris Invest | Turnkey Real Estate| Passive Income: EP210: I Want to Retire Early. Where Should I Invest?

Tue, 19 Sep 2017 21:57:00 +0000

Investing in Real Estate with Clayton Morris | Buy and Hold Investing | Morris Invest | Turnkey Real Estate| Passive Income: EP210: I Want to Retire Early. Where Should I Invest?

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Find the Members of an Active Directory Group

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 20:21:00 +0000

The simplest way to get the list of users in an Active Directory group is to use the following command right from the command line:

NET GROUP "my_group" /DOMAIN

And yes, that is the work “DOMAIN”, not the domain you are in. The only value to change in the command is my_group

Ref: Is there a way to view the members of an Active Directory group if you aren’t a domain admin and can’t log into a domain controller?Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Hakuna Tabata

Fri, 11 Aug 2017 11:03:00 +0000

I was listening to another James Altucher podcast the other day when his guest, Shawn Stevenson, mentioned a “tabata” (aka HIIT) workout almost in passing. But what caught my attention was the 4 minute duration! Given that, how could I not give this a try…

If you want a quick primer (and it’s really simple) you can check out this link, but basically all you’re doing is 20 seconds at max intensity followed by 10 seconds of rest then repeat that 8 times.

Now, don’t go trying to count the time in your head. Instead get an interval timer like the aptly named “Interval Timer” for audio and visual queues.

Once you have the interval timer setup here’s some suggestions (yes, I realize some are not really aerobic and purests may balk but I don’t care)…

Sprints (yeah, that’s it. But it’s only 4 minutes)
Lap/Length in the pool (this one the timer may not work so great for, but 20 seconds is about how long it takes me to do a lap/length – depending on pool size)
Curls, air squats, pushups, situps (x2)

Other things you might throw in the mix could be jumping rope, running in place, jumping jacks, or anything else that gets you moving. Google Tabata or HIIT for other ideas. Let me know how it goes if you give it a try!
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Toodledo: Rekindling an old flame

Wed, 02 Aug 2017 03:00:00 +0000

Many moons ago there weren’t a lot of options for good web based task management systems. Being the nerd I am I tried a few and fell fast for Toodledo. Not because of it’s pretty face, or exotic sounding name, but because it does just about everything and more.

But, time moved on and I couldn’t get my wife to understand and appreciate this fling (that, and the collaboration functionality is a paid feature). So, to make peace we decided to use Wunderlist (i.e. it was the only one I could get her to use) which was great for a time, but then it was bought out by Microsoft, the site started getting slow, and the announcement was made that they would pull the plug and force everyone over to their new todo app (which to date doesn’t have a fraction of the features of Wunderlist).

So, lost in the woods and dragging my tail between my legs I logged back into my Toodledo account after being gone for too long. There was the fast, no-nonsense, easy to use task system I loved from the beginning. And new features had been added since I ran off in the night like lists and habit tracking.

Now, I’m back in love with the features that are sorely lacking or overly burdensome in most of the task management systems available. Things like start dates, start and due times (yes, imagine that – things need to be started or completed at specific times), duration planning, timers, priorities, status, and so much more! Add in the ability to create custom saved searches and it’s the engineers dream.

In addition, with the new habit tracking feature there’s one less app that I need on my phone, and because Toodledo “gets it”, the functionality is also available on the web and in the app.

In the end, if you’re tired of feeling like a sad sack with your trailer trash task management system that only lets you track tasks, and due date, and maybe a description I would strongly suggest you check out Toodledo and start up a new flame!Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

It’s not the critic who counts

Sun, 09 Apr 2017 11:55:00 +0000

Yesterday caused me to be reminded of this great quote by Theodore Roosevelt…

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Favorite Super Bowl Ads

Mon, 06 Feb 2017 02:59:00 +0000

The full version…

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My 1 Word for 2017

Mon, 30 Jan 2017 18:42:00 +0000

For a few years now I’ve watched as people I follow have picked 1-3 words to focus on. As Christopher S Penn as described it, “It’s something of a mantra, something of a phrase we used to remind ourselves what we are supposed to be focused on at any given time during the year.”

While interesting, I haven’t taken the time to do so until this year. Now I realize the first month of the year is almost over, but I picked my word near the beginning. Plus, now that I’ve had a little time to test it out I think it’s more appropriate to write about it. So without further ado, my 1 word for 2017 is…

Present

…and in case anyone is confused about what variation I’m referring to it’s “the period of time that is happening now”. In other words: being present in the present. Some may call it being mindful.

On the off chance you’re wondering why I happened to pick being present it mostly has to do with building connections and trying not to miss things because I’m distracted. Our kids only grow up once, and if you’re buried under a pile of work or have your nose buried in your phone you’ll miss it. I think this video does a great job of touching on the topic…

… So now, if you’re like me you’re probably asking, “ok, so what are you actually going to do?”. I’ve already started by turning off nearly all notifications on my phone (yes, there are a few exceptions, but it would probably be in all of our best interests to find the notification settings on our phones). I’ve turned off email notifications at work (no, I don’t need the toaster popping up every time I get an email). I’m trying to remind myself to keep my phone in my pocket except for when I’m sitting down and not with others (lunch, walking the halls, etc). And as of today I’ve buried the Face Space app on my phone (will still be able to post, but the goal is to not check it except for 1 time a day and from a laptop/PC).

What about you? Have you ever picked a word or words to focus on for a year? What did you pick and why?

See also:
http://chrisbrogan.com/3words2017/
http://www.christopherspenn.com/2017/01/my-three-words-for-2017/
http://myoneword.org/pick-your-word/
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Canada Creek Ribs

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 02:47:00 +0000

I had blogged this a number of years back, but due to changes it managed to disappear from the interwebs. Back for everyone’s benefit…

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not the cook in our family, but every so often I come across a recipe that becomes a staple. I think I found another one…

While hanging out at my college buddy’s cabin in Canada Creek (near Atlanta, MI) he made the most delicious, fall off the bone baby back ribs I’ve probably ever had. Naturally, I had to get the recipe.

Go to the store and get…

– Baby Back Ribs
– Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce
– Garlic Salt
– Paprika
– Hickory Salt (I used Hickory Bacon Salt)

The morning of (or the night before), sprinkle the Garlic Salt, Hickory Salt, and Paprika on the ribs, wrap them in aluminum foil, and stick them back in the fridge.

Appox 5-6 hours before dinner, put the ribs (still wrapped in aluminum foil – I’d also suggest on a cookie sheet) in the oven at 300. Let them cook for 4-6 hours (I did 5.5).

Once they have cooked for 4-6 hours, fire up the grill. Put the ribs on the grill (no cookie sheet) leaving the aluminum foil under them (but opened up). Slather with BBQ sauce and let cook for another 10 minutes or so.

Enjoy!Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

DB2 Ownership Transfer

Mon, 03 Oct 2016 20:46:00 +0000

If you ever get an error in DB2 along the lines of…

SQLCODE=-727, SQLSTATE=56098, SQLERRMC=1;-551;42501;MARKJ|EXECUTE|XX.PROC_P

…but in your code are executing the proc as another user (say “USR1”) instead of MARKJ, it may be that MARKJ created the proc and until recently still had the necessary access for executing everything in XX.PROC_P. Subsequently permissions were “fixed” and now stuff starts blowing up all over because MARKJ no longer has access. How to fix? Well, like all things I’m sure there are a million ways to do it, but the easiest in this situation was to have MARKJ transfer the ownership on everything he owned. To determine that, the following SQL was run to generate the commands, then the commands were run…

SELECT 
CASE ROUTINETYPE WHEN 'F' THEN
 'TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF FUNCTION '||
 RTRIM(ROUTINESCHEMA)||'.'|| ROUTINENAME ||
 ' TO USER DB2DBA PRESERVE PRIVILEGES; '
ELSE
 'TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF PROCEDURE '||
 RTRIM(ROUTINESCHEMA)||'.'|| ROUTINENAME ||
 ' TO USER DB2DBA PRESERVE PRIVILEGES; '
END
FROM SYSCAT.ROUTINES 
WHERE OWNER = 'MARKJ' 
WITH UR;

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Weekly Challenge 9: Stretch

Sun, 17 Jul 2016 12:38:00 +0000

Weekly challenge 9 will be structured slightly different than previous challenges. Because I’m trying to reduce the number of apps and things to update as well as to schedule things on my calendar, I’m dropping my personal use of coach.me. That said, if it works for you please keep using it to motive yourself!

This weeks challenge is a simple one, but one we probably all forget about. I want you to simply stretch every day. From what I’ve read our bodies start to tighten up as we get older and that can lead to other problems or at least make them worse.

So add stretching to your habit tracker, calendar, or task list of choice. If you still want accountability or to chat, just use this blog’s commenting features.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

We Believe

Sat, 18 Jun 2016 15:40:00 +0000

There’s no reason in today’s day and age that everyone shouldn’t have access to safe and clean water. Today I’ve recommitted myself by setting up a recurring contribution to charity:water. Will you join in? Donate today.

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It’s Time to Grow Up and Figure this Out

Wed, 15 Jun 2016 11:03:00 +0000

“These are weapons of war”. “Nobody I know or have ever met in my entire life should have access to a weapon that can kill so many people so quickly”
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OwnCloud webapp not reflecting true list of files

Mon, 06 Jun 2016 18:54:00 +0000

If you’re using OwnCloud and have a process whereby your add or remove files from directories via some sort of server process, you may find that you need to force OwnCloud to update/rescan the file listing. To do so you can manually run the following command…

sudo -u username php /path/to/owncloud/console.php files:scan --all

You may also want to consider adding it to the crontab for “username” on a daily basis.

Thanks to this site for pointing me in the right direction.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Sendmail isn’t sending to domain.com : Linux

Thu, 02 Jun 2016 12:31:00 +0000

Say you’re using sendmail to relay email on a web server that you own that’s named “domain.com”, and email is being delivered fine to any domain except domain.com. What could be the problem?

Rename your server. No server should be named with an actual domain name.
Change /etc/hostname to the new name for your server
Update /etc/hosts to remove the domain name and replace with the new hostname
Remove the domain name from /etc/mail/local-host-names
Restart sendmail “sudo service sendmail restart”
Restart your server “sudo reboot”

Once you’ve done that test sendmail out like so…

echo "command line test" | mail -s "Sendmail test" me@domain.com

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Improved Linux command history

Sun, 03 Apr 2016 23:14:00 +0000

With four lines setup one time you can type the beginning of a command (ex: “ls”) then press the up and down arrows to see the most recent commands containing the text you typed (ex: “ls ~/scripts”) making it much easier to find what you’re looking for. To make this happen, create a text file called .inputrc in your home folder and put the following four lines inside:

"\e[A": history-search-backward
"\e[B": history-search-forward
set show-all-if-ambiguous on
set completion-ignore-case on

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Weekly Challenge 8: Go to Bed!

Sun, 03 Apr 2016 12:48:00 +0000

Weekly challenge 8 is the compliment to what we were trying to achieve in the week 1 and week 4 weekly challenges.

Numerous studies have shown how important the amount of sleep we get is. It affects important things like our mood, memory, and ability to control ourselves/impulses. Take a minute to read this article by the National Sleep Foundation, this article by Sleepdex, and the info-graphic at the bottom of this post. Then, set a timer/alarm that’s at least 7 hours before the alarm you set in week 4 (which you’re still doing, right?). You may even consider setting an alarm for the amount of sleep you want plus a buffer so that you can wrap up what you’re doing or prep the next day so you’re ready to go when your alarm goes off in the morning.

Personally, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m more of a night owl than a super early morning person so I’m getting up at 6:15. From what I can tell I need about 6.5-7 hours of sleep so that means I need to be asleep by 11:15 to 11:45 (asleep, not just getting into bed). Based on that I’ll be setting an alarm for 10:30 as a reminder that it’s time to start wrapping things up. What about you? What’s your schedule? How much sleep do you need?

To join the challenge follow this link or go to my goal page where you can find it and join in. Each day when you went to be at your scheduled time be sure to “check in” on coach.me.

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Weekly Challenge 7: Be Present

Tue, 29 Mar 2016 03:16:00 +0000

Sorry for the delay, so hopping right to it… Here’s to the lucky #7 weekly challenge!

This weeks challenge is all about being present in our daily interactions. About taking the time for our loved ones. Let’s start with getting acquainted with the “do not disturb” function on our phone. Look it up if you don’t know how it works. Now, everyday before you go to work and when you come home I want you to turn “do not disturb” on. Maybe even consider setting your phone somewhere you’re not going to look at it.

Don’t like that idea? Then turn off notifications. I’ll be doing a mix of the two. Might even turn off sound/vibrate on sms/messaging. The point here is to help get rid of that temptation to always be checking your phone, and it does not help if it’s always nagging you for your attention.

So, needless to say, if you have a job where you’re on-call and responsible for any sort of critical function you should either wait on this challenge or not participate (though I’d recommend waiting). Outside of that, I hope you’ll join me in giving your family and loved ones more attention.

To join the challenge follow this link or go to my goal page where you can find it and join in. Each day when you’ve ate nice and clean without any junk be sure to “check in” on coach.me.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Weekly Challenge 6: Eat Clean

Mon, 21 Mar 2016 10:39:00 +0000

If you’re been following along at home with the weekly challenges you should now be getting up earlier, have smooth clean teeth, be more relaxed, and writing all about it! Seriously though it’s been interesting to see what is sticking and what is not.

This weeks challenge is to try and clean out our systems a bit by “eating clean”. What do I mean by that? Whatever you want it to mean. We’re all adults and know whats not good for us. For me, my stomach has been queasy for a while now nearly every morning. Of the 3 things I think it could be, two of them are diet related so my focus will be on no sweets and no alcohol. I realize that I could have made these into 2 separate challenges, and maybe I’ll extend one or the other depending on the outcome of this weeks challenge.

What about you? What is “eating clean” going to mean to you?

Weekly Challenge 5: Floss

Mon, 14 Mar 2016 02:10:00 +0000

Hope everyone who participated in the 1st 4 weekly challenges has had great success, and is excited for this weeks. Waking up earlier hasn’t been too bad, but I had limited success w/ meditation. How about you?

This weeks challenge is to take up a habit that many dentists say is even more important than brushing your teeth. That habit is of course, flossing. If you’re anything like me you probably don’t do this nearly as much as you should.

You may have even gotten on a kick once or twice, but then fell of the bandwagon. Well here’s a chance to get back on or get started. Either way there’s no shame, and I’d love for all of us to have healthier teeth and happier dental hygienists 🙂

To join the challenge follow this link or go to my goal page where you can find it and join in. Each day when you have nice clean teeth, be sure to “check in” on coach.me.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Weekly Challenge 4: Slightly Alarming

Sun, 06 Mar 2016 12:00:17 +0000

This week we are going to build off of week 1s challenge to wake up every day at the same time to an alarm clock without hitting snooze.

This week, we’re going to wake up 30 minutes earlier. Don’t say I didn’t warn you that the challenges would build off of each other 🙂

Again, the rules are you need to use an alarm clock and no snooze button. By the end of the week, you need to be waking up 30 minutes earlier. Whether you want to jump right in and start w/ 30 minutes or work your way up to it by the end of the week is up to you. Personally, I am going to jump right in.

Of course, if you’re getting up 30 minutes earlier I would also highly recommend that you start going to bed 30 minutes earlier as well. Sleep experts do still recommend 6.5-8 hrs of sleep a night – even for adults.

What will you do with your 30 minutes in the morning? I’m planning to continue the meditation habit or try to do some working out.

There will be no “new” habit on Coach.me this week as we can continue to use week 1s habit. Looking forward to seeing the early risers!Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Weekly Challenge 3: Meditate

Mon, 29 Feb 2016 04:03:00 +0000

Hope everyone who participated in the 1st 2 weekly challenges has had great success, and is excited for this weeks. Feel free to continue to keep up the previous challenges as there may be future ones that build off of them 😉

I have the feeling that some of you have already dismissed me as a new age wacko from the title of this weeks challenge alone, but there have been plenty of studies that have shown the long term benefits of meditation. Whether your goal is reduced stress, increased relaxation, or clarity of purpose meditation may just be the key.

Speaking frankly this has been a habit I’ve tried to build up for quite some time and have had little success sticking with so I’m hoping this challenge and all of you will help to keep me accountable.

But where to start? There are a number of apps out there and I’ll list a few I know of below. I’ve also read numerous blog posts and listened to a number of podcasts on the subject so a quick “google” should point you in the right direction. At the end of the day it all seems to boil down to this…

Find a quiet place
Sit still
Count your breaths
When your mind wanders (and it will), return to your breathing

To join the challenge follow this link or go to my goal page where you can find it and join in. Each day when you complete your meditation, be sure to “check in” on coach.me.

Some apps to help with the meditation habit:

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The Gratitude Journal

Fri, 26 Feb 2016 12:06:00 +0000

As you likely know this weeks challenge to to journal every day. I’m glad that I’ve been successful everyday, but if I am honest I have been successful at doing so this entire year!

What is new for me is the keeping of a separate “gratitude journal”. I’m not sure where I first heard about the practice, but if you read up on productivity, life hack, and minimalism topics (like I have a tendency to) it will undoubtedly come up.

Originally I tried to incorporate it into my daily journal, but found I just wasn’t making time for it and it wasn’t called out enough. What has been working for me is to do the gratitude journal 1st thing in the morning which helps set a more positive track for the day, and then journaling about what happened during the day right before bed.

If you’re not keeping a “gratitude journal” I would strongly encourage it. Even though it’s only been a few days it’s still fun to read, and they help bring a smile to my face.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

How to find and replace text in a string using Perl

Thu, 25 Feb 2016 19:12:00 +0000

To replace specific text in a string with other text, using perl, the syntax is…

$fullString =~ s/$findString/$replaceString/;

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Weekly Challenge 2: Journal

Sun, 21 Feb 2016 12:30:24 +0000

Hope everyone who participated in the 1st weekly challenge had great success, and is excited for this weeks. Feel free to continue to keep up the 1st challenge as there may be future ones that build off of it 😉

For week 2 the challenge is to journal daily. Whether you call it a journal, diary, log, or chronicle the point is the same: to record your daily experiences so that you can reflect back on them. Plus, someday it may be interesting for your kids or family to read about your daily life after you’re gone.

But what to journal? Anything you want really, but here are a few ideas:

Your feelings or workout
What you had to eat
What you did that day
What you’re grateful for
That you’re doing this crazy weekly challenge some guy named Mark came up with

But where to journal? Choose what you will, but my preference is the Day One app for iPhone and Mac. Other options could be Evernote (cross platform), Journey (Android), or good old paper and pen.

Again, you may be asking what the challenge is if you’ve been a long time journaler, but if you’re like me you may have tried and stopped or been quite inconsistent. Here’s a chance to build up that consistency, and like the 1st weekly challenge this may be a foundational habit to challenges coming up. 😉

To join the challenge click here or go to my goal page where you can find it and join in. Each day when you complete your journal entry, be sure to “check in” on coach.me.
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Apple vs FBI

Thu, 18 Feb 2016 17:39:00 +0000

So my mom asked my opinion on the current standoff between Apple and the FBI over their insistence on building a back door into the iPhone “just this once” (wink, wink, nudge, nudge). As I said to her…

I completely agree with Apple’s stance. Once they create such a method to circumvent the security on the phone, I guarantee it will be ordered to do so from now until eternity. That is unless you believe everything the government and law enforcement tell you. In that case, then yes it will be just one time (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).

Let’s also address certain politicians insistence on “opening up” security and “using our heads”…

START: Sarcasm and Contempt
Yeah, let’s open up security all over the place. In fact, then no one will ever be able to transmit anything securely ever again. Hint: “open up” just means lets build in a vulnerability, a bug – intentionally!! You didn’t want your credit card info submitted securely now do you? Probably should let the gov’t be able to scan all your photos and financial documents, and travel plans, and basically anything that’s stored digitally. Not like that’s everything now a days.

Not that hackers or “bad guys” would take advantage of that or anything. Gahh!!

END: Sarcasm and Contempt_Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!_

Weekly Challenge 1: Nothing Alaming

Sun, 14 Feb 2016 12:20:13 +0000

Welcome to the first in a series of weekly challenges. This first one is “nothing alarming”, and anyone should be able to do it.

Simply pick a time you’re comfortable waking up. Set an alarm, and wake up when it goes off.

What’s the challenge here? For some it may be waking up to an alarm. But here’s the kicker… No using the “snooze” and you have to wake up at the same time on the weekend (and tomorrow if you have it off).

To join the challenge search in coach.me for “WC01” or go to my goal page where you can find it and join in. Each day when you wake up to your alarm, be sure to “check in” on coach.me.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Join my weekly challenge!

Thu, 11 Feb 2016 03:46:00 +0000

I would like to invite all of you to a little series of weekly challenges! Doing something for a day doesn’t provide much benefit. Asking to do something for an entire month may be too much…

But we can all do something for a week. Who knows. You may like it!

My goal is to post each challenge on Sunday right here on MarkJacobsen.net and provide a link to the goal on coach.me where you can check in each day, chat with others participating in the challenge, and follow your progress.

At the end of the week, if you want to keep up the challenge as a regular habit keep it around. If you want to just move onto the next do that.

What are these challenges going to be? Who knows. Some may be easy. Others more difficult. They could be heath, diet, or productivity related. They may even be categorized as something else.

Your first challenge is to go out and download the coach.me app from the iTunes App Store or the Play Store, create an account, get logged in, and follow me so I know you’re playing along.

The first challenge will be posted Sunday.

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Giving Thanks

Fri, 27 Nov 2015 02:51:00 +0000

As I sit here in the last hour or so of Thanksgiving I can’t help but reflect back on the many things I have to be thankful for…

For a wife that supports me whether it’s for work, new endeavors like real estate, or giving me time to work on projects for the family.

For being able to wake up to the smiling faces and “morning hugs” from my daughters. The ones who can make everything right in the world even if everything leading up to that point has been sh!+.

For family holidays like days of old. I may have passed out for an hour or two, and I could care less about people’s physical ailments, but it’s hard to explain how happy it makes me just to be around family on holidays. It’s how we grew up, and it’s how I want the girls to grow up.

To have a roof over our heads. Actually, our choice of roofs with the “new” house and the “old” one on the market. Paying off the house is probably one of the best things ever as it gives me the piece of mind to know that, while I want to unload it, I don’t have to do anything… but seriously, if you know someone please let me know. That said, I am beyond excited about the “new” place. I just love the 9′ ceilings, amazing kitchen, the privacy behind us, the changes being made, excitement to open the pool, and being in the same neighborhood with our friends.

For a growing family. We welcomed 2 new members of the clan this year and I was beyond honored to be asked to be Godfather to my niece. Family was such an important part of growing up that I hope the girls one day appreciate it.

For work and the mind and body to do it. Whether it’s software development, real estate, telecommunication, or even work on the house I love coming up with solutions that make my client’s lives better. While any one of them can be exhausting I’m glad to have the ability to do what needs to get done. To be a do’er. To make a difference.

Hoping you have much to be grateful the rest of this year and in the coming year!
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Access a Console (including CYGWIN) from Notepad++

Mon, 12 Oct 2015 18:22:00 +0000

If you’re regularly in Notepad++ you may find the NPPConsole to be a huge help. With it you can access a windows console or even cygwin if you prefer (I do). To get started…

Download the NPPConsole Plugin
Extract the dll to your n++/plugins directory
Restart Notepad++ if it was already running
Use the Plugin Manager to make sure the plugin is available

If you want to just use the Windows console (DOS) you should be all set. To integrate with CYGWIN…

Choose Plugins -> NppConsole -> About…
In “Command to run” enter: C:\cygwin\bin\bash.exe ${–login -i}
In Line number pattern after file name enter: :${LINE}

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iPad 2 Black Screen Of Death

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 03:29:00 +0000

Tried to turn on our iPad today and got nothing but a black screen. If you would take it into a dark room you could tell that the back light was going on and off, but other than that it was just black. Tried a hard reset, and even did a full factory restore from the PC to no avail.

Then, I found this helpful YouTube video, and apparently the secret is just to beat the thing! Watch and see. It worked for me.

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Windows Batch File (.bat) Not Running

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 16:33:00 +0000

If you’ve ever accidentally set batch files to open in a text editor, and now are unable to run them anymore you have to use the registry editor instead of the Control Panel file associations. As pointed out in this article…

Click on “Start”->”Run” and type in “REGEDT32” and press Enter to start the Registry Editor.
Find the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts.BAT\UserChoice
Delete the key named “UserChoice”

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My Evernote Wishlist

Sat, 15 Aug 2015 12:53:00 +0000

I’ll admit right off the bat that I love Evernote. It has a ton going for it and is extremely flexible. I’ve been a premium subscriber for 3+ years now so I think have a good handle on the things I would really love to see integrated into the platform.

Recurring Reminders – It’s nice to be able to get a reminder, but what about that weekly status report?
iCal Integration – I get it, you want to keep people on the platform but if I can’t see reminders on my calendar there’s less chance of me opening up the app in the first place (prob even more true for new users)
Differentiate between overdue and future reminders. When I look at my reminders all I see is a huge list until I do the mental processing to say “oh, that’s not due until next week”
Stop clearing my iPhone reminder notices. As soon as I open up the app, and close it I have no more visual indicator that I have something in there waiting for me. My suggestion would be to give users a couple options for what they want the little red counter to represent:

Due Today and Overdue Reminders
Overdue Reminders
Include Unread Chat Count

Email tasks – I’ve sent this one in a number of times, but I’ll list it here to. I love the Evernote email integration, but why can’t I email myself a task? It could be as simple as all “[]” get converted to task checkboxes. (ex: “[] Pick up milk”)
Improved search – I get it. The natural language and search in docs/images is great! But why can’t I easily search for all my overdue reminders? Or things due between this date and that? I don’t want to have to go to notes and click on the reminder icon that keeps moving but doesn’t show up unless your in snippet view. I should just be able to search “due:overdue” or “due:today”. Check out RTM, Gmail, etc. There’s a ton of companies doing this so not sure why you can’t.
Web merge / multi-edit – One of the things I like the most about the desktop client is the ability to select multiple notes and merge them or edit (add tags, move to a notebook, etc). Would love this ability from the web client!
Email clipper – When work doesn’t allow it or you’re on the go, to be able to send an email with a subject like “clip:http://freedomre.com” to my Evernote email address and have it clip the site/article to my account (instead of just creating a note w/ the link) would be awesome!

Oh, and I’d also like to report what appears to be a bug. If I email multiple tags with a reminder the first tag and reminder get set, but the 2nd tag gets put in the note title (ex: “This is a note @_Inbox #tag 1 #tag 2 !tomorrow” gets turned into a note with the title “This is a note #tag 2”).

While this may seem like a bunch of complaints you’ll notice most of it has to do with reminders and tasks. The rest of the platform is awesome and I love that I can use it across all my devices (Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iPhone, Android, Kindle, etc). I’d highly recommend giving it a try, and if you haven’t already, just click on this link to get a free month of Evernote Premium.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Screen Capture Open Menus

Wed, 12 Aug 2015 17:33:00 +0000

I know I posted a link to this on SM the other day, but wanted to add the abbreviated version here for my reference.

If you’ve ever had the need to capture a screen shot, but also capture a menu that may be open (like File -> New…) you can still use the build-in Windows “Snipping Tool” to grab what you need.

Run the “Snipping Tool”
Press the Esc key
Open the menu you want to screen shot
Press Ctrl+PrtScr
Click “New” on the “Snipping Tool” and pick what you want to grab

Here’s an example:

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DB2 Stats vs Actual

Tue, 07 Jul 2015 14:30:00 +0000

Ever have a DB2 query that all of a sudden went from performing just fine to being dog slow? If so, there may be an issue with the stats on one or more of the tables being used in the query. To check, run the SQL below replacing XX and TABLE_NM with your appropriate schema and table in 2 places…

-- What DB2 thinks the table count is
SELECT 'Stats' AS TYPE_X,
 CARD AS COUNT_NB,
 STATS_TIME AS UPDATED_TS
FROM SYSCAT.TABLES 
WHERE TABSCHEMA = 'XX' 
 AND TABNAME ='TABLE_NM'
 UNION
-- Actual table count
SELECT 'Actual' AS TYPE_X,
 COUNT(*) AS COUNT_NB,
 CURRENT_TIMESTAMP AS UPDATED_TS
FROM XX.TABLE_NM
FOR READ ONLY WITH UR

… if the record counts are way off, have your DBA do a runstats on the table in question followed by a rebind of any stored procs that use the table.
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Do I have 32 or 64 bit Java Installed?

Wed, 08 Apr 2015 19:48:00 +0000

Hopefully by now you’re familiar with…

java -version

… to determine what version of Java you have installed, but sometimes you may want to know if you’re running a 32 bit or 64 bit version because you get an error like this…

Can't load AMD 64-bit .dll on a IA 32-bit platform

… to find out just run this variation of the command…

java -d64 -version

… if you have a 64 bit version you’ll get typical output. If not, you’ll get an error similar to this…

This Java instance does not support a 64-bit JVM.
Please install the desired version.

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DB2 Recursive Query

Fri, 03 Apr 2015 20:58:00 +0000

If you’ve ever had to do a recursive query in DB2 to get a hierarchy of records, feel free to use this as a starting point…

WITH LINKS (PARENT_ID, CHILD_ID, UPDATED_TS) AS 
 ( 
 SELECT ROOT.PARENT_ID, ROOT.CHILD_ID, ROOT.UPDATED_TS 
 FROM XX.EVENTS ROOT 
 WHERE ROOT.CHILD_ID = '234ASDFASDF' 
 UNION ALL 
 SELECT CHILD.PARENT_ID, CHILD.CHILD_ID, CHILD.UPDATED_TS 
 FROM LINKS PARENT, XX.EVENTS CHILD 
 WHERE PARENT.PARENT_ID = CHILD.CHILD_ID 
 ) 
SELECT PARENT_ID, CHILD_ID, UPDATED_TS 
FROM LINKS 
ORDER BY UPDATED_TS 
FOR READ ONLY WITH UR

… yes, newer versions of DB2 have this ability built in but you’re not always using the most recent version are you??

Thanks to this page for pointing me in the right direction.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Remove Duplicate Lines in Notepad++

Thu, 02 Apr 2015 18:31:00 +0000

If you’ve ever had the need to remove the duplicate lines from a long list of entries like so…

hi
bye
hi
guy
bye
hi

… and are looking for this…

hi
bye
guy

You can use the find/replace feature in Notepad++ to do it if you use the regex funcationality. Here’s the find string…

^(.*?)$\s+?^(?=.*^\1$)

Just replace with a zero length string.

If you’d like to read up on the details I found this tip herePlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Photo Journal for 3/26/2015

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 21:18:00 +0000

It’s an interesting and exciting time to be getting into real estate. Shouldn’t you have one of the most tech savey agents in the area on your side?

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Linux ls output colors

Mon, 23 Mar 2015 15:48:00 +0000

If you’ve used linux much and your terminal is set to display files and directories in color, you know how frustrating it can be to have dark blue text on a black background like so (I’ve seen it much worse too)…

If you would like to modify the output so the colors are a bit more readable, you can add the following to your .bashrc file…

alias ls='ls --color'
LS_COLORS='di=33:fi=36:ex=31'
export LS_COLORS

which will produce an easier to read version like so (with directories yellow, files a crayon/teal, and executable files red)…

As pointed out in this article…

The first line makes ls use the –color parameter by default, which tells ls to display files in different colours based on the setting of the LS_COLORS variable.

The second line is the tricky one, and what I have worked out so far has been by trial and error. The parameters (di, fi, etc.) refer to different Linux file types. I have worked them out as shown

di = directory
fi = file
ln = symbolic link
pi = fifo file
so = socket file
bd = block (buffered) special file
cd = character (unbuffered) special file
or = symbolic link pointing to a non-existent file (orphan)
mi = non-existent file pointed to by a symbolic link (visible when you type ls -l)
ex = file which is executable (ie. has ‘x’ set in permissions).

The *.rpm=90 parameter at the end tells ls to display any files ending in .rpm in the specified colour, in this case colour 90 (dark grey). This can be applied to any types of files (eg. you could use ‘*.png=35’ to make jpeg files appear purple.) As many or as few parameters as you like can go into the LS_COLORS variable, as long as the parameters are separated by colons.

Using trial and error (and a little bash script I wrote… my first one ever! 🙂 I worked out all the colour codes, at least my interpretation of them –

0 = default colour
1 = bold
4 = underlined
5 = flashing text
7 = reverse field
31 = red
32 = green
33 = orange
34 = blue
35 = purple
36 = cyan
37 = grey
40 = black background
41 = red background
42 = green background
43 = orange background
44 = blue background
45 = purple background
46 = cyan background
47 = grey background
90 = dark grey
91 = light red
92 = light green
93 = yellow
94 = light blue
95 = light purple
96 = turquoise
100 = dark grey background
101 = light red background
102 = light green background
103 = yellow background
104 = light blue background
105 = light purple background
106 = turquoise background_Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!_

Photo Journal for 3/17/2015

Wed, 18 Mar 2015 17:25:00 +0000

Had a great time outside today. Nice to be on the swings again even if a hat and mittens were necessary.

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Photo Journal for 3/14/2015

Sun, 15 Mar 2015 11:03:00 +0000

The thing I like most when working with buyers is to find a home that doesn’t look like much from the outside, but when you walk in something like this beautiful sight hits you. Love the natural light. Love the floor to ceiling windows.

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Outlook Email Snooze

Fri, 13 Mar 2015 17:55:00 +0000

If you’ve gotten used to apps that allow you to snooze your email (have it disappear from your inbox until the date you specify and then reappear) I just found this page which appears to be the perfect solution for implementing in Outlook.

Basically it consists of creating a custom view of your inbox w/ 2 filters set. One for Due Date not existing and the other where Due Date is on or before “Today”.

Hit up the full post for step by step instructions and screen shots.
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NullPointerException – could not publish to server

Tue, 10 Mar 2015 21:30:00 +0000

Ok, so this is an obscure one, but if it saves anyone from multiple days of banging their head against the wall it’s worth it…

Recently I was working in eclipse, had created my component, compiled it, and had it pushed to our ivy repository. I then went to bring it into another (web) project when I started getting complaints about a NullPointerException. For kicks I tried running the web app and received the error “NullPointerException (could not publish to server)”. With all that useful information how could I not figure out what the problem was?

Fortunately another developer I spoke with had seen the issue before and pointed me in the right direction. In the utility component/jar you have to (see screen shot below too)…

Go to Project -> Properties
Click on “Project Facets”
Check “Utility Module”

And then it will just magically work. Wasn’t that completely obvious?

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Photo Journal for 3/8/2015

Mon, 09 Mar 2015 02:20:00 +0000

Me and the infamous puke bucket got very familiar today. Can’t remember the last time I felt this lousy (don’t think I have at least in my adult life)

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Photo Journal for 3/7/2015

Sun, 08 Mar 2015 11:03:00 +0000

Always good to see good friends and support their endeavors.

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Photo Journal for 3/6/2015

Sat, 07 Mar 2015 03:51:00 +0000

Waiting around for a baby to be born and having daddy try to get some work done sometimes means allowing this tornado.

Don’t worry dear, it got cleaned up :)

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Photo Journal for 3/4/2015

Thu, 05 Mar 2015 12:03:00 +0000

Someone lost another tooth… And is it just me or does that look gross?

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Photo Journal for 3/1/2015

Mon, 02 Mar 2015 03:30:00 +0000

A little early birthday celebration for Grandpa.

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Photo Journal for 2/27/2015

Sat, 28 Feb 2015 21:53:00 +0000

Good to be with family. (the people, not the beer 🙂Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Photo Journal for 2015-02-24

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 00:45:00 +0000

Rest in Peace Grandpa. You are always in our hearts and on our minds._Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!_

Photo Journal for 2/22/2015

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 03:58:00 +0000

Two days. Two trains. Still was good to see my Grandpa and some family in a whirlwind journey to WI._Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!_

Photo Journal for 2/21/2015

Sun, 22 Feb 2015 12:03:00 +0000

Hoping it’s not the last time, but in all likelihood it is._Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!_

Photo Journal for 2/19/2015

Sat, 21 Feb 2015 19:10:23 +0000

Puttin’ on the Ritz… Cause we’re fancy like that in our jeans 🙂

“The key is to act like you know what you’re doing”Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Photo Journal for 2/18/2015

Sat, 21 Feb 2015 18:05:14 +0000

Some days it never ceases to amaze me how small the world is, and how fortunate we are to have so many great friends. Thanks today to the Stuber family for having us over to enjoy the beach and pool!_Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!_

Photo Journal for 2/17/2015

Sat, 21 Feb 2015 16:50:18 +0000

Explain to me why I would come back_Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!_

Photo Journal for 2/16/2014

Fri, 20 Feb 2015 16:45:49 +0000

Where’s my driver? This walking thing is for the birds._Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!_

Photo Journal for 2/15/2015

Mon, 16 Feb 2015 01:55:00 +0000

Let’s blow this Popsicle stand_Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!_

Photo Journal for 2/14/2015

Sun, 15 Feb 2015 04:07:00 +0000

There was a slight wintery mix this morning, and by slight I mean pretty much a white out.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Photo Journal for 2/13/2015

Sat, 14 Feb 2015 02:49:00 +0000

Another fun time at the Goldfish Swim School family swim. Always good to see so many friendly faces.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Photo Journal for 2/11/2015

Thu, 12 Feb 2015 04:29:00 +0000

The photo doesn’t do it justice so hop on over to FreedomRE.com and check it out.

Just a few of the recent enhancements include the new search functionality (MLS or address), the ability to deliver saved searches right to your inbox, the ability to save homes to your “favorites”, and a bunch more that will help me serve you better!Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Photo Journal for 2/9/2015

Tue, 10 Feb 2015 02:15:00 +0000

HOMR got a flashy new grill 🙂Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Photo Journal for 2/8/2015

Mon, 09 Feb 2015 02:02:00 +0000

Had a great morning building snow forts and a snowman with the girls. Once again realized how fortunate we are when our neighbor brought over the snowman kit shown here so we didn’t have to use the jack-o-lantern kit we were using. 🙂Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Photo Journal for 2/7/2015

Sun, 08 Feb 2015 03:46:00 +0000

Fortunate to have so many great friends. I was able to take Ali to the Spartan game today and we even got on the jumbo tron after posting this selfie to Twitter! Check it out at http://twitter.com/EastLansingRE_Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!_

Photo Journal for 2/6/2015

Sat, 07 Feb 2015 12:39:00 +0000

Very cool midnight cross country skiing w good friends.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Photo Journal for February 05, 2015 at 09:15PM

Fri, 06 Feb 2015 02:57:00 +0000

Hey, it’s not a picture about snow! Did have the opportunity to meet with a valued partner with Churchill Mortgage today!

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Photo Journal for February 04, 2015 at 08:18PM

Thu, 05 Feb 2015 02:20:00 +0000

Good thing I have a handy, strong, and resourceful wife 🙂

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How Much Space Is Being Used by 1 LOB / CLOB / BLOB in DB2

Wed, 04 Feb 2015 23:36:00 +0000

Building off of yesterdays lesson on how to determine how much space a table is using (including LOBs and Indexes), there may come a time when you need to determine how much space 1 or more specific records are taking up. To do that, use the LENGTH() function which will return you how many bytes the field is using. Simply do some math to get a more useful value (like KB).

SELECT length(LOB_DATA_X) BYTE_A, length(LOB_DATA_X) / 1024 KB_A
FROM XX.MY_TABLE
FETCH FIRST 10 ROWS ONLY WITH UR FOR READ ONLY;

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Get Space Used by LOB / CLOB / BLOB in DB2

Wed, 04 Feb 2015 03:07:00 +0000

If you have a DB2 table and want to get information as to how much space a particular table is using, you could try and deduce it from things like the row length, or you could just query the view via a table function and make your life a heck of a lot easier.

For instance, start with something like this…

SELECT * FROM TABLE(SYSPROC.ADMIN_GET_TAB_INFO('XX', 'MY_TABLE'));

Previous versions of this function include ADMIN_GET_TAB_INFO_V97 and ADMIN_GET_TAB_INFO_V95. The nice thing is that it appears you don’t have to be a DBA to query the info which is nice for us app developers out there!

Keep in mind that sizes returned are in KB, so you may want to convert the data to something more useful like so…

SELECT TRIM(TABSCHEMA) || '.' || TRIM(TABNAME) AS TABLE_NM,
 DATA_OBJECT_P_SIZE / 1024 AS DATA_P_SIZE_NB, 
 LOB_OBJECT_P_SIZE / 1024 AS LOB_P_SIZE_MB, 
 XML_OBJECT_P_SIZE / 1024 AS XML_P_SIZE_MB, 
 LONG_OBJECT_P_SIZE / 1024 AS LONG_P_SIZE_MB, 
 (DATA_OBJECT_P_SIZE + LOB_OBJECT_P_SIZE + XML_OBJECT_P_SIZE + LONG_OBJECT_P_SIZE) / 1024 AS TOTAL_P_SIZE_MB,
 INDEX_OBJECT_P_SIZE / 1024 AS INDEX_OBJECT_P_SIZE_MB
FROM TABLE(SYSPROC.ADMIN_GET_TAB_INFO('XX', 'MY_TABLE'));

See also: this linkPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Photo Journal for February 03, 2015 at 06:28PM

Tue, 03 Feb 2015 23:46:00 +0000

Thank you plow, garbage truck, or mailman.

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Photo Journal for February 02, 2015 at 08:20PM

Tue, 03 Feb 2015 01:24:00 +0000

Are you tired of seeing snow pictures yet?

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Photo Journal for February 01, 2015 at 10:31PM

Mon, 02 Feb 2015 04:11:00 +0000

Still going….

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Photo Journal for February 01, 2015 at 02:27AM

Sun, 01 Feb 2015 12:03:00 +0000

It’s begun

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Photo Journal for January 25, 2015 at 11:26PM

Sat, 31 Jan 2015 12:23:00 +0000

Puzzle pallozza

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Photo Journal for January 29, 2015 at 09:21PM

Fri, 30 Jan 2015 17:46:00 +0000

Absolutely amazed at these 2. No school because of ice and they played the entire day without any major blow ups. Because of it I actually had a productive day working from home. Amazing when the stars align.

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Photo Journal for January 23, 2015 at 08:44PM

Fri, 30 Jan 2015 12:07:00 +0000

This year’s read-a-thon selection

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Photo Journal for January 28, 2015 at 07:31AM

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 21:26:00 +0000

PSA: keep your plastic water bottles off the bottom rack of the dish washer unless you want to generate enough heat when it melts to start melting the other plastic things

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Photo Journal for January 24, 2015 at 11:17PM

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 16:59:00 +0000

Another good night with good friends.

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Photo Journal for January 27, 2015 at 08:08PM

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 15:54:00 +0000

Reminds me of all the time I spent building things as a kid. Sure would have preferred to have been playing Legos today vs work.

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Photo Journal for January 22, 2015 at 11:08PM

Fri, 23 Jan 2015 04:25:00 +0000

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Photo Journal for January 21, 2015 at 07:19PM

Thu, 22 Jan 2015 00:27:00 +0000

Don’t forget to drink lots of liquids to help your organs! Recommended: 1) don’t touch infected pigs. 2) get lots of rest. 3) drink lots of liquids

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Photo Journal for January 20, 2015 at 09:08PM

Wed, 21 Jan 2015 02:12:00 +0000

Progress on the walkway

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Photo Journal for January 19, 2015 at 05:23PM

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 22:26:00 +0000

Sometimes life is full of sh!*. RIP big man.

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Photo Journal for January 18, 2015 at 03:20PM

Sun, 18 Jan 2015 20:39:00 +0000

There was one important thing missing from today’s festivities. Get better soon sweetie pie.

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Photo Journal for January 17, 2015 at 07:56PM

Sun, 18 Jan 2015 01:00:00 +0000

Birthday breakfast for Mary at Soup Spoon

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Photo Journal for January 16, 2015 at 07:37PM

Sat, 17 Jan 2015 00:41:00 +0000

After a week on call this is necessary

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Photo Journal for January 15, 2015 at 11:28AM

Thu, 15 Jan 2015 16:51:00 +0000

It’s official! Sworn in today. Please let me know how I can help you or those you know with your real estate needs. I would forever be grateful and promise to do all that I can to make your experience as enjoyable as possible.

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Photo Journal for January 14, 2015 at 08:45AM

Wed, 14 Jan 2015 14:03:00 +0000

OMFG and it was reading -17 at one point

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Photo Journal for January 13, 2015 at 09:37PM

Wed, 14 Jan 2015 02:40:00 +0000

Thankful that my wife has introduced me to so many new foods, but also that my parents didn’t force things on me – making me more open to learn new things at my own pace.

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Photo Journal for January 12, 2015 at 08:43PM

Tue, 13 Jan 2015 02:25:00 +0000

Another one bites the dust

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Photo Journal for January 10, 2015 at 10:37PM

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 21:22:00 +0000

Mary’s Ladies Breakfast Run was a huge success even w the temp in single digits.

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Photo Journal for January 11, 2015 at 10:39PM

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 04:07:00 +0000

It’s the ties vs the triangles at Packers Stadium (yes, that is the concession stand in the background)

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Photo Journal for January 09, 2015 at 05:38PM

Sun, 11 Jan 2015 17:30:00 +0000

First “snow day” of the year. Frickin freezing!

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Determine Default Java JVM HeapSize

Sun, 11 Jan 2015 00:16:00 +0000

In the life of a Java developer every now and then you’ll have one of your apps run out of memory. While this is usually due to poor coding (not closing resources, or managing large files) it helps to know exactly what the defaults are for your system. I had just this need today so went out looking for an answer.

What I found that was the most helpful was this page, but for quick reference here’s how to do it on Windows…

c:\>java -XX:+PrintFlagsFinal -version | findstr /i "HeapSize PermSize ThreadStackSize"
 
 uintx InitialHeapSize := 266634176 {product}
 uintx MaxHeapSize := 4267704320 {product}
 uintx PermSize = 21757952 {pd product}
 uintx MaxPermSize = 85983232 {pd product}
 intx ThreadStackSize = 0 {pd product}
java version "1.7.0_40"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.7.0_40-b43)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 24.0-b56, mixed mode)

Note that the values returned are in bytes so throw them into google to convert them into something useful 🙂Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Photo Journal for January 08, 2015 at 10:05PM

Sat, 10 Jan 2015 02:34:00 +0000

If I’ve had to stare at it all day then so do you 🙂

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Photo Journal for January 07, 2015 at 06:37PM

Thu, 08 Jan 2015 11:46:00 +0000

Possibly the single most meaningful, amazing, and beautiful gift I’ve ever received. Thank you so much Uncle Randy!

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Photo Journal for January 06, 2015 at 10:10PM

Tue, 06 Jan 2015 12:38:00 +0000

Playing the I hate cars game

For any of my friends who enjoy a car mystery… This is the 2006 Honda Odyssey. Yesterday around 1pm Mary got rear-ended but all seemed to be ok. It’s also colder than sin.

Today, after having kids go in and out of various doors without indecent she went to pick Al up from school. After getting in the van and putting it into reverse or drive the door ajar alarm (constant buzz) would sound until the car was put in park or neutral. It did this until she got home (drove home with the buzz) and left it for me.

When I went to look at it I noticed the same behavior and also noted that none of the door ajar dashboard lights were on. After fiddling with some things (mostly trying to diagnose a pattern), I discovered that if you put the rear doors into manual mode via the driver side dashboard switch the sound went away. Score 1 for the good guys.

Unfortunately, I knew someone wouldn’t consider that a permanent fix so I went looking for another solution. What I found online suggested removing the drivers side #7 fuse labeled “back up”, so I gave that a shot. When you remove that fuse the beeping for doors open/key in the ignition stops and the rear power doors do not work at all. After waiting the prescribed 30-60 seconds I replaced the fuse and the constant buzz in drive/reverse is no longer there, but now the passenger side sliding door does not open automatically (just manually).

So I and apparently Google appear to be out of ideas. That and I’m tired. If any of you can help me w/ a solution that doesn’t require a trip to the mechanic there’s many beers or other beverages of choice in your future.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Pass a Command Line Argument to an Alias

Fri, 28 Nov 2014 15:11:06 +0000

Ever want to pass in a command line argument to an alias? You would think you could just do it with $1, but actually you have to create a function and then call that function. So, for instance if you want to pass a portion of a log file name, you could set your alias like this…

alias catlog='function _catIt() { cat /var/logs/$1.log; };_catIt'

then, when you want to see the XX00D log, you just call your alias like so…

catlog XX00D

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Google App Launcher Keyboard Shortcut

Tue, 11 Nov 2014 12:03:00 +0000

If you’re using AutoHotKey (and I would recommend that you do), here’s a handy script for remapping the caps lock to show the app launcher (which is convenient if you’ve gotten used to a Chromebook)

SetCapsLockState, AlwaysOff
Capslock::Run, chrome.exe --show-app-list

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Checking and Maintaining Linux Disk Space

Mon, 10 Nov 2014 13:30:00 +0000

Ever need to find out what’s using the most space on your Linux box? There are a couple commands that will help make things easier…

To find out how much space you have use:

df -h .

Which will give you output like so…

Filesystem Size Used Avail Use% Mounted on
/dev/sda 20G 15G 4.2G 79% /

To list out the directories using the most space, use this handy command…

sudo du /usr/local | sort -n

… where /usr/local is the directory you want info for (you can also just start from root: /)
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charity:water update

Wed, 15 Oct 2014 11:03:00 +0000

Wow. Just the other day I received an updated report on what my 2012 birthday campaign helped achieve and I have to say I’m absolutely floored. The $1001 we raised helped over 860 people!

Let me say that again, you helped over 860 people.

There’s a reason I’ve always been a big fan of charity:water and these types of results just help to reinforce that belief. Take a look at the projects here: Project Page

Wow. Just wow. And THANK YOU!!!Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Learning VIM

Wed, 24 Sep 2014 11:49:00 +0000

So you would think that as a programmer for many moons now that I would have considerable experience in VIM and VI, but I’m hear today to admit that I am not. For years I’ve gotten by with my favorite Windows text editor notepad++, but the geek in me wanted to know why everyone loves Vim so much. To that end the 2 things I started with are…

Downloading the Windows vim editor from Vim.org

Working through the tutorial at http://www.openvim.com/tutorial.html

I can’t say I’m a convert yet, but it’s always nice to have another tool in the toolbelt. Here for your and my reference is my quick VIM cheat sheet.
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Connect to DB2 via UNIX Command Line

Tue, 23 Sep 2014 11:26:00 +0000

To access DB2 via the command line on a UNIX/Linux box you need…

The DB2 client installed on the box
The DB you’re trying to connect to cataloged in the client

Once you know you have that, simply source your db2profile and connect…

. /path/to/db2profile
db2 connect to DBCATNAME user yourid using yourpw

… where DBCATNAME is the name the DB is cataloged as on that box, yourid is your user ID for connecting to the DB, and yourpw is your password for connecting to the DB. Note, that if the actual database resides on the same box, and you want to login as the user your logged into the UNIX box as, you can simplify the connect string and not have to include your user ID or password…

. /path/to/db2profile
db2 connect to DBNAME

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Determine DB2 Client Version (aka: level) installed on UNIX box

Fri, 19 Sep 2014 15:10:00 +0000

Sometimes you need to know what version of the DB2 client is installed on a particular unix/linux box. To do so, simple source the client profile and run db2level like so…

. /path/to/db2profile
db2level

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Generate test data to help debug DB2 SQL

Tue, 16 Sep 2014 15:24:00 +0000

You can easily create test data to help debug SQL statements:

with data (key, value) as
( values ('key1', 'a')
 , ('key2', null)
 , ('key3', 'z')
)
select 'min', min(coalesce(value,'')) from data
union
select 'max', max(coalesce(value,'')) from data

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UNIX: Don’t Show Permission Denied Errors when using find Command

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 11:49:00 +0000

If you’re using the unix find command to search for files with a particular name

find -name theName
find: `./dir/thing': Permission denied
find: `./dir/thing1': Permission denied
find: `./dir/thing2': Permission denied

You might get distracted by all those “Permission denied” errors. The easy way to solve this is to redirect stderr to /dev/null like so…

find -name theName 2>/dev/null

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UNIX: No such file or directory but the file exists

Fri, 29 Aug 2014 10:49:00 +0000

Ever have a script that is executing another script and get an error that looks like this?…

/path/stub.ksh[2]: /path/XX/script.ksh: not found [No such file or directory]

Then you make sure that the file does in fact exist, and that you can read it?

So why does it say there’s “No such file or directory”?

Might want to check if the file has Windows line breaks. Easiest way to do that is run the following…

cat -v /path/XX/script.ksh

… and you’ll probably see that your lines end with ^M characters. If so, you have Window’s line breaks and you might want to look into not introducing them in the first place (save in Unix format), or check out the dos2unix command.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Missing You

Mon, 25 Aug 2014 15:45:00 +0000

I sit here on the eve of your death some 15 years ago. Of course I’ve had a few and have been listening to Runaway Train and Crazy Train a number of times. Not even sure why I’m writing this, but of course I do. It’s because I miss you. My girls miss you. And they never met you. You eliminated that possibility.

For years I’ve tried to come to terms with why you did what you did. I still can’t say I understand. I can’t say that I’ll ever be able to let it go.

Try figuring out how to explain suicide to a brilliant 6 year old, or a 4 year old that won’t stop asking questions. Sure I’ve read the articles. The thing is, kids aren’t dumb. So instead we just stick with the fact that Uncle Scott died. We already have to deal with tears just for that fact. Often for no apparent reason.

Why not just write this in a “journal”? Because the thing is that in the “adult world” we like to gloss over the issue. We make gun to the head gestures in jest not knowing the potential pain we’re bringing to those nearby. We take the “righteous” and “pious” positions that suicide is a sin or that the person who committed suicide was “weak” or “cowardly”.

Maybe, but what gives you the right? WHAT GIVES YOU THE RIGHT???

The thing is, suicide takes someone from a family. From loved ones. From people who care about them.

Even if they’ve screwed up. Even if they’ve done stupid things. Even if [insert your own reason].

The point is… I would argue that mental illness is a real thing. It’s not a weakness unless by weakness you mean a deficiency in some area that most of us have plenty of reserves (or at lease enough to make it through).

To wrap up this rant let me just say…

I apologize to any coworkers
I’m sorry Mom and Dad (let me know if you want me to delete this. I may anyway)
Even if my girls never see this they mean more to me than words can ever describe and it makes me appreciate how far my parents have come, because I’m not sure I could be so strong.
I miss you Scott

Anyway, I’ll close with the poignant words to Runaway Train…

Promised myself I wouldn’t weep. One more promise I couldn’t keep. It seems no one can help me now. I’m in too deep there’s no way out…

Can you help me remember how to smile? Make it somehow all seem worthwhile? How on earth did I get so jaded? …

It seems no one can help me now. I’m in too deep there’s no way out. This time I have really led myself astray.

Bought a ticket on a runaway train. Like a mad man laughing at the rain. Little out of touch. Little insane. Just easier than dealing with the pain.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Let me help you buy or sell that house!

Sat, 23 Aug 2014 11:40:00 +0000

It may have been a little quiet around here lately, but that’s because I’ve been hard at work studying for my real estate sales license. Fortunately, I passed the exam on Thursday and am now free to help anyone buy or sell real estate in the state of Michigan!

Visit my new site at FreedomRE.com (note it’s still under some construction)

Why did I want to get my license? It’s actually been something I’ve been interested in for a long time, and briefly considered probably 6 or 7 years ago. With a strong interest and actual background in finances, technology, business, and sales I figured that should pair well with my interest in Real Estate. In addition, I’ve been selling real estate Call Capture Hotlines to real estate agents and mortgage brokers for the last 9 years.

What differentiates me and why would someone want to work with me? I would say it’s a combination of personality fit, professionalism, and competence. As anyone who has worked with me before knows, I have a reputation for getting things done and putting my client first. I’m not going to gush all over you or sit and gab your ear off, but I will provide you my 12+ years of technology and finance experience, 10+ years sales and marketing experience, and my reputation for success. Most of all, I don’t think you’ll find another agent in the area with anywhere close to my background and skills.

I would love a chance to put my money where my mouth is and help you buy or sell that home! Contact me today:

mark@freedomre.com
517-252-4440
http://www.freedomre.com/contact
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Parental Zen: How to Keep Your Cool as a Parent #1aDay

Thu, 03 Jul 2014 11:09:00 +0000

Leo provides more great insight on keeping your cool as a parent. I know I’m nowhere near perfect on this, but it’s a good reminder. As he says:

“The main problem is that we have some ideal as parents, of how our kids should behave. We think they should be ideal kids, but in truth they’re not ideal, they’re real. They have faults, just like we do. They need help, they make mistakes, they get angry, they get frustrated. We do too. Let’s figure out how to behave when we make mistakes, get angry, get frustrated, and show the kids how to do this through our example.”

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Q3 charity:water Campaign

Wed, 02 Jul 2014 12:26:00 +0000

My third quarter charity:water campaign is now live! To date you’ve helped raise over $2,500 for clean water and in doing so helped over 300 people! I don’t know about you, but the fact that you can potentially save someone’s life for less then $9 just blows my mind.

Every day, 5,000 kids under the age of 5 die from water-related illnesses.

So, if you would like to help continue to help solve the water crises, please take a moment to consider a small donation. And remember, with charity:water’s 100% model your entire donation helps to serve the people who need it!

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The Single Easiest Habit Change to Improve Your Life Forever #1aDay

Thu, 26 Jun 2014 12:15:00 +0000

This one thing has made a huge difference in my life. Find out about it by reading the full article herePlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Happy Memorial Day

Mon, 26 May 2014 11:56:00 +0000

Now go out and enjoy some of those freedoms provided by those who fought and served. And while you’re doing that, take a moment to say “thanks”.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

You’re Not Charging Enough. Charge More. End of Discussion. #1aDay

Fri, 09 May 2014 11:55:00 +0000

One of the top lessons that have recently come out of the ShankMinds Business Masterminds is that people simply don’t charge enough. And you probably don’t, either.

I know I have this problem too, but over time I’ve learned to charge more. I know what I do is valuable, and should be compensated accordingly. Read Peter’s post and see if you disagree.

Read the full article herePlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

For The Children’s Sake, Put Down That Smartphone #1aDay

Thu, 08 May 2014 11:01:00 +0000

It’s not just kids who are overdoing screen time. Parents are often just as guilty of spending too much time checking smartphones and e-mail — and the consequences for their children can be troubling.

While I’m no angel when it comes to my phone I do make a conscious effort to disable just about every type of notification and not look at it when in the middle of talking to someone (unless it’s to check on something they asked about). If there’s one thing I can’t stand it’s the people who have every notification turned on then tell you that they don’t even notice it anymore… well the rest of us who are trying to talk to you do – and so do your kids as this article points out.

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You’re Washing Your Clothes Too Often! (What to Do Instead) #1aDay

Wed, 07 May 2014 11:01:00 +0000

My wife is probably going to hate this article, but I did promise a “clean” article after yesterday’s post.

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Go the F**k Home #1aDay

Tue, 06 May 2014 12:05:00 +0000

Ok, so I’ve posted this one before, but I still love it every time I listen to it. Especially appreciate the part about leaders setting the example.

Sorry for the string of videos with “strong language”. I promise the next post will be “clean” 🙂

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The Internet Is About to Become Worse Than Television #1aDay

Mon, 05 May 2014 12:19:00 +0000

Last week, an obscure but potentially internet-transforming document was leaked from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. It revealed that government regulators are considering rules that would give big companies a chance to make their online services run faster than smaller ones.

Personally, the thing I like least about it is that it’s easy to see how small/new companies could get screwed and stifle innovation. The other thing that I had not though of until I read this is I trust the cable companies so little that I wouldn’t be surprised if they started “bundling” sites like they do with TV. I don’t need 100 channels! Of course, this is why I don’t have cable TV. Finally, the other thing you should be upset about is the cable companies “double dipping”. They’re already charging insane prices (because usually they have a monopoly in most areas other then major metros), and now they’re also going to start extorting the companies too – what, you didn’t think they’d actually lower your rates when they started charging the companies did you?… Comcrap-Warner wants it’s cake and to eat it too (see the video below – warning: language).

Read the full article here

Comcast Doesn't Give a F*CK from Tarik Ellinger

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Concurrently process for maximum productivity #1aDay

Fri, 02 May 2014 12:13:00 +0000

Christopher Penn makes a good argument for the separate concept of concurrent (or parallel processing) over the traditional single vs multi-tasking debate. Of course the key to success in concurrent processing is knowing how to split up the work without getting stuck in analysis paralysis. In that case, I would strongly recommend dropping down to single tasking instead of what most people seem to do.

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The Hidden Health Costs of the College Arms Race #1aDay

Thu, 01 May 2014 12:09:00 +0000

Every time I hear stories like this it makes me worry for my kids. While I can be a competitive person there’s always been a release valve buried somewhere deep inside that has been able to say “the work will be there tomorrow” or (when I was in school) “Being first in class doesn’t matter. Just learn the material well enough. There’s always time to dig deeper.”

The question is, how to pass that on while still instilling the discipline and joy of hard work and sacrifice?

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If You’re Not Saving, You’re Losing Out #1aDay

Wed, 30 Apr 2014 12:13:00 +0000

We’re supposedly in a new era of financial sobriety. Yet the evidence suggests otherwise.

Personally, I find this article very scary because at some point someone (unfortunately, it will probably be the responsible) will have to help save the irresponsible.

Need to save money? Here’s a few quick ways anyone can do so…

Get rid of your insanely expensive wireless plan and switch to something reasonable
Get rid of cable TV – there are way better things to do than watch the idiot box
Get rid of all the extra toys (kid and grown-up ones)
Get rid of the gas guzzler

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Emails Are Not For Real-Time Requests (and Other Rules) #1aDay

Tue, 29 Apr 2014 11:28:00 +0000

Here’s an article that’s been spreading like wildfire it seems, and while it raises an interesting idea it seems to forget that the reason people are contacting you like they are isn’t because they don’t know how to or what method to use. They don’t care about what’s convenient for you. They care about what’s convenient for them.

That’s not to say you have to use every communication method known to man or have notification turned on for all channels (for heaven’s sake, TURN OFF THE NOTIFICATIONS). Still, if you want to get a hold of me, please email. Just don’t be shocked if I don’t reply or it takes a while. We all have to set limits 🙂

Read the full article herePlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

The Male Dominated Field of Programming #1aDay

Mon, 28 Apr 2014 12:14:00 +0000

Apparently only around 20% to 30% of currently working programmers are female, and in my experience it seems to be closer to 20% than 30%. Still, the post raises some important points especially about behavior.

I want my girls to be able to do anything they are capable of and interested in just like I wish the same for any boy.

Still, regarding the cartoon, I half wonder if the person has ever watched a girl play with a doll. There is more going on in a 5 minute session than I can keep track of when I watch my girls with their dolls… And yes, they also love the “ipad” (aka Kindle Fire).

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Why a Big Tax Refund Isn’t as Awesome as You Think #1aDay

Mon, 21 Apr 2014 12:04:00 +0000

With tax season behind us, here’s a little PSA to remind you why a big refund isn’t actually all that great even if it may feel that way. I just need to remind myself of this every time I have to write checks to Uncle Sam 🙂

Read the full article herePlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Make Your Fridge Last (Almost) Forever With These 8 Tips #1aDay

Fri, 18 Apr 2014 11:47:00 +0000

After the furnace, the most important appliance in your home is probably the refrigerator. It’s also one of the most expensive ones. When you spend $1,000 or more on an item, you want it to last for many years.

How many of these tips have you heard?

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Stop Fooling Yourself With These 7 Money Traps #1aDay

Thu, 17 Apr 2014 12:18:00 +0000

What are the 7 traps?

Mental Accounting – Treating some money as more special than other money based on subjective criteria, such as how it will be spent or where it came from.
The “Anchoring” Effect – Estimating the value of something based on irrelevant information (e.g., the “anchor”), such as the price you paid for it, the cost of something else you own, or what someone told you it was worth.
Present Bias – Difficulty postponing immediate returns, or delaying gratification.
Status Quo Bias – Preferring things you know over the things you don’t know, even if other options are superior.
Restraint Bias – Overestimating our ability to resist temptation.
Ownership Effect – Placing a higher value on the things you own, because you own them.
Familiarity Bias – Gravitating toward products and investments that you know over unknown options, which may be better.

While some of them may be pretty similar I’m sure we all have a tendency to fall into one of the traps from time to time. For me, it’s probably “Restraint Bias” – especially once I’ve gotten an idea in my head that I want something. How about you? What’s your biggest trap?

Read the full post here
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Heartbleed and the Importance of Two-Factor Authentication #1aDay

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 11:28:51 +0000

With the recent announcement of the Heartbleed vulnerability it’s more important than ever to consider your security precautions. Of particular importance you should be…

Using a password manager like LastPass or KeePass
Using Two-Factor Authentication wherever you can
Using strong passwords wherever you can’t use Two-Factor Authentication

So now a few details…

What is Heartbleed and why do I care?

For those who are not server administrators, Heartbleed made it possible for attackers to steal information from servers memory. Of importance to you, that information may have included usernames and passwords. Should an attacker have your username and password I’m sure you can figure out that they could do not nice things with that information.

What can I do?

Use a password manager like LastPass or KeePass

Tools like LastPass and KeePass are great because they give you a secure and central place to store your usernames and passwords. Plus a service like LastPass includes additional tools and can provide valuable services like they did with Heartbleed to let you know where you should be updating your passwords. Concerned about using a service like LastPass? Here’s a good article on why you may not need to worry.

Use Two-Factor Authentication wherever you can

As that article above pointed out, you should be using Two-factor authentication wherever you can. Two-factor authentication requires an additional step in addition to entering your password, usually by sending a message to your mobile phone or using an app on your smartphone. Basically, with 2 factor authentication, logins require something you know (your password) and something you have (your phone). In short, two factor auth prevents Heartbleed because should an attacker have your password, they still don’t have your phone and thus would not be able to login as you.

You can find a good site with lots of places that allow two factor authentication here. My suggestion, support companies like these with take security seriously.

Use strong passwords wherever you can’t use Two-Factor Authentication

If a site does not allow two factor authentication, I would highly recommend that you use a strong password. Here’s another place where a service like LastPass or KeePass come in handy because they can generate strong passwords for you.

Change your Passwords

Keep an eye on this list for when and where to update your passwords. Even if a site sends you an email saying they weren’t affected, it wouldn’t hurt to change your password and add it to your password manager. Chances are you weren’t using a secure one to being with.
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How to Tell What Objects Reference a DB2 Table

Tue, 15 Apr 2014 07:15:00 +0000

This “little” 🙂 query will do it for you. Just change the where clause at the bottom…

SELECT Type_X AS "Type" 
, RefObj_X AS "Referencing Object" 
FROM ( 
SELECT RTRIM(SYSPROC.PROCSCHEMA)||'.'||RTRIM(SYSPROC.PROCNAME) AS RefObj_X 
, RTRIM(SYSPROC.PROCSCHEMA) AS Schema_X 
, RTRIM(SYSPROC.PROCNAME) AS Obj_X 
, RTRIM(PDEP.BSCHEMA)||'.'||RTRIM(PDEP.BNAME) AS BaseObj_X 
, 'Proc' AS Type_X 
FROM SYSCAT.PACKAGEDEP PDEP 
INNER JOIN SYSIBM.sysdependencies SYSDEP 
ON SYSDEP.BSCHEMA = PDEP.BSCHEMA 
AND SYSDEP.BNAME = PDEP.PKGNAME 
INNER JOIN SYSIBM.sysprocedures SYSPROC 
ON SYSDEP.DNAME = SYSPROC.SPECIFICNAME 

UNION ALL 

SELECT RTRIM(TRIGSCHEMA)||'.'||RTRIM(TRIGNAME) AS RefObj_X 
, RTRIM(TRIGSCHEMA) AS Schema_X 
, RTRIM(TRIGNAME) AS Obj_X 
, RTRIM(BSCHEMA)||'.'||RTRIM(BNAME) AS BaseObj_X 
, 'Trigger' AS Type_X 
FROM SYSCAT.TRIGDEP 

UNION ALL 

SELECT RTRIM(VIEWSCHEMA)||'.'||RTRIM(CAST((VIEWNAME) AS CHAR(126))) AS RefObj_X 
, RTRIM(VIEWSCHEMA) AS Schema_X 
, RTRIM(CAST((VIEWNAME) AS CHAR(126))) AS Obj_X 
, RTRIM(BSCHEMA)||'.'||RTRIM(BNAME) AS BaseObj_X 
, CASE DTYPE WHEN 'S' 
THEN 'SUMMARY TABLE' 
ELSE 'View' 
END AS Type_X 
FROM SYSCAT.VIEWDEP 

UNION ALL 

SELECT RTRIM(INDSCHEMA)||'.'||RTRIM(INDNAME) AS RefObj_X 
, RTRIM(INDSCHEMA) AS Schema_X 
, RTRIM(INDNAME) AS Obj_X 
, RTRIM(TABSCHEMA)||'.'||RTRIM(TABNAME) AS BaseObj_X 
, 'Index' AS Type_X 
FROM SYSCAT.INDEXES 

UNION ALL 

SELECT RTRIM(TABSCHEMA)||'.'||RTRIM(TABNAME) AS RefObj_X 
, RTRIM(TABSCHEMA) AS Schema_X 
, RTRIM(TABNAME) AS Obj_X 
, RTRIM(BASE_TABSCHEMA)||'.'||RTRIM(BASE_TABNAME) AS BaseObj_X 
, 'Alias' AS Type_X 
FROM SYSCAT.TABLES 
WHERE TYPE = 'A' 

UNION ALL 

SELECT DISTINCT RTRIM(CAST(RTRIM(TABSCHEMA) AS VARCHAR(126))) || '.' || RTRIM(TABNAME) AS RefObj_X 
, RTRIM(CAST(RTRIM(TABSCHEMA) AS VARCHAR(126))) AS Schema_X 
, RTRIM(TABNAME) AS Obj_X 
, RTRIM(REFTABSCHEMA)||'.'||RTRIM(REFTABNAME) AS BaseObj_X 
, 'Table' AS Type_X 
FROM SYSCAT.REFERENCES 
) AS RefTbl 
WHERE BaseObj_X = 'XX.MY_TABLE' 
ORDER BY 
Type_X 
, RefObj_X;</pre>
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_<small>Disclaimer: Thoughts and opinions are my own, and do not reflect the views of any employer, family member, friend, or anyone else. Some links may be affiliate links, but I don't link to anything I don't use myself.</small>_

Quick apt-get Tutorial

Thu, 10 Apr 2014 07:18:38 +0000

List installed packages…

dpkg --get-selections | grep -v deinstall

List installed packages (but filter based on name)…

dpkg --get-selections | grep -v deinstall | grep filter

Install a package…

sudo apt-get install the-package-name

Uninstall/remove a package…

sudo apt-get remove the-package-name

Update package lists/dependencies (does not actually install anything)…

sudo apt-get update

Apply updates to existing packages based on an “update” call (without removing anything)…

sudo apt-get upgrade

Apply updates to existing packages based on an “update” call and remove obsolete packages…

sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

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Force values into DB2 GENERATED ALWAYS fields

Tue, 08 Apr 2014 07:12:23 +0000

If doing a conversion of data where you need to force a value into a field that is GENERATED ALWAYS after the conversion, you can still load values into the generating and generated fields.

In your conversion load process, use the “generatedoverride” modifier (ex: LOAD FROM C012 OF CURSOR MODIFIED BY generatedoverride MESSAGES $l_sLog). This will allow you to force values into GENERATED ALWAYS fields.

Once your load completes, issue one of the following statements to take your table out of the “set integrity pending” state:

SET INTEGRITY FOR table-name GENERATED COLUMN IMMEDIATE UNCHECKED; 
-- will not verify the values you supplied in the load</pre>
<p></p>


 SET INTEGRITY FOR table-name IMMEDIATE CHECKED; 
 -- will verify the values you supplied in the load</pre>
 <p> </p>
 
 
 Ref: http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/db2luw/v9/index.jsp?topic=/com.ibm.db2.udb.admin.doc/doc/c0004592.htm _Please remember to subscribe to the <a href="https://markjacobsen.net/newsletter" target="_blank">newsletter</a> or <a href="https://markjacobsen.net/feed" target="_blank">feed</a> to stay up to date!_
 
 
 _<small>Disclaimer: Thoughts and opinions are my own, and do not reflect the views of any employer, family member, friend, or anyone else. Some links may be affiliate links, but I don't link to anything I don't use myself.</small>_

How to Tell who has DB Admin Privileges in DB2

Thu, 03 Apr 2014 07:09:57 +0000

If you…

SELECT * FROM SYSCAT.DBAUTH</pre>
<p></p>


... you will get back a lot of details about what permissions people have including DB Admin. _Please remember to subscribe to the <a href="https://markjacobsen.net/newsletter" target="_blank">newsletter</a> or <a href="https://markjacobsen.net/feed" target="_blank">feed</a> to stay up to date!_


_<small>Disclaimer: Thoughts and opinions are my own, and do not reflect the views of any employer, family member, friend, or anyone else. Some links may be affiliate links, but I don't link to anything I don't use myself.</small>_

Quick CRON Tutorial

Wed, 02 Apr 2014 02:50:16 +0000

The fastest way to setup scheduled tasks in Linux is with cron. To list your cron tasks, run:

sudo crontab -l

To modify your cron tasks, run:

sudo crontab -e

For help generating the string for when your tasks should run, just google around for “cron calculator”, and remember to test, test, test.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

When Was a DB2 Table Created and by Who?

Thu, 27 Mar 2014 07:08:00 +0000

This little bit of SQL should help you determine who created a table or when it was created…

SELECT 
CASE TAB.TYPE 
WHEN 'A' THEN 'Alias' 
WHEN 'N' THEN 'Nickname' 
WHEN 'S' THEN 'MQT' 
WHEN 'T' THEN 'Table' 
WHEN 'V' THEN 'View' 
ELSE 'OTHER: '||TAB.TYPE 
END AS T_TYPE 
,RTRIM(TAB.TABSCHEMA)||'.'||TAB.TABNAME AS TABLE_NAME 
,DATE(CREATE_TIME) AS CREATED 
,DATE(ALTER_TIME) AS ALTERED 
,TAB.COLCOUNT AS COLUMNS 
,TAB.DEFINER AS CREATED_BY 
FROM SYSCAT.TABLES TAB 
WHERE TABSCHEMA = 'XX' 
ORDER BY TABLE_NAME 
FOR READ ONLY 
WITH UR;</pre>
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_<small>Disclaimer: Thoughts and opinions are my own, and do not reflect the views of any employer, family member, friend, or anyone else. Some links may be affiliate links, but I don't link to anything I don't use myself.</small>_

How to Force or Reset the Starting Index for a DB2 IDENTITY Column

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 07:05:31 +0000

Of course you want to use our old friend “ALTER TABLE”…

ALTER TABLE XX.MY_TABLE ALTER COLUMN THE_COL RESTART WITH 1001;

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Now Reading Atlas Shrugged

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 02:24:27 +0000

Now Reading Ayn Rand’s Classic: Atlas Shrugged

It’s been a long time since I’ve started on a book that has been hard to put down. After hearing about this book for years I finally had someone get it for me off of my wishlist and I’ve been up every night until around midnight to 1am reading. At over 1000 pages it’s a long read but it’s a great story with a message I mostly agree with (so far). Of course there are a few things I’m not entirely on board with, but I’m interested to see how it all shakes out in the end. By far my favorite part is Francisco’s speech at Jim Taggat’s wedding about 35% of the way into the book. Right now I’m on John Galt’s radio address near the end and sadly it’s my least favorite part. Too long winded. If he wants to sell his idea to the world I say he needs to cut to the chase instead of blathering on. The mental image I keep getting is of the entire nation listening, and after about ten minutes just tuning out.

Still, this is one book I would highly recommend.

Anyone else out there read it? Thoughts?

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Check DB2 Tablespace Status for Load Pending State

Thu, 20 Mar 2014 07:02:41 +0000

Did you do a LOAD and lock up your tablespace? The best way to find out is from the command line via…

LIST TABLESPACES SHOW DETAIL

Note: The issuer must have sysadm, sysctrl, sysmaint, dbadm, or load authorization
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Find DB2 Fields Containing Carriage Returns, Line Feeds, or Both CRLF

Tue, 18 Mar 2014 07:59:55 +0000

select * 
from HH.MY_TABLE 
where TEXT_X like '%' || chr(13) || chr(10) || '%' </pre>
<p></p>


... or ... 


 select * 
 from HH.MY_TABLE 
 where TEXT_X like '%' || chr(10) || '%' </pre>
 <p></p>
 
 
 ... or ... 
 
 
 select * 
 from HH.MY_TABLE 
 where TEXT_X like '%' || chr(13) || '%'</pre>
 <p>_Please remember to subscribe to the <a href="https://markjacobsen.net/newsletter" target="_blank">newsletter</a> or <a href="https://markjacobsen.net/feed" target="_blank">feed</a> to stay up to date!_</p>
 
 
 _<small>Disclaimer: Thoughts and opinions are my own, and do not reflect the views of any employer, family member, friend, or anyone else. Some links may be affiliate links, but I don't link to anything I don't use myself.</small>_

Find time between records in a logging table with DB2

Mon, 17 Mar 2014 15:39:21 +0000

One trick I’ve used for quite a while is to have stored procs “log” information to a table with the structure…

XX.SYS_PROC_AUD
(
PROC_X,
ACTIVITY_X,
CREATED_TS,
ERROR_NB
)

…which is great for seeing what’s going on across the board, on a proc by proc basis, or looking for specific things. But what about when management request “metrics” about how things are running? Well, since I already log stop and start of the procs to the aforementioned table, you can use a WITH query to help get run times of procs and even between procs without resorting to Excel like so…

WITH rows AS
 (
 SELECT ROW_NUMBER() OVER (ORDER BY CREATED_TS) AS rn, CREATED_TS, PROC_X
 FROM XX.SYS_PROC_AUD 
 WHERE (
 PROC_X = 'XX.FIRST_PROC_P' 
			 AND ACTIVITY_X = 'Starting Exec' 
 )
 OR
 (
 PROC_X = 'XX.LAST_PROC_P' 
			 AND ACTIVITY_X = 'Finished Exec' 
 )
 ORDER BY CREATED_TS DESC
 FETCH FIRST 1000 ROWS ONLY WITH UR
 )
SELECT mc.CREATED_TS as START_TS, 
 mp.CREATED_TS as END_TS, 
 TIMESTAMPDIFF(2, CHAR(mp.CREATED_TS - mc.CREATED_TS)) AS SEC, 
 TIMESTAMPDIFF(2, CHAR(mc.CREATED_TS - mpe.CREATED_TS)) AS SEC_BETWEEN_LAST
FROM rows mc
 INNER JOIN rows mp
 ON mc.rn = mp.rn - 1
 INNER JOIN rows mpe
 ON mc.rn = mpe.rn + 1
WHERE mc.PROC_X = 'XX.FIRST_PROC_P'
ORDER BY mc.CREATED_TS DESC
FETCH FIRST 100 ROWS ONLY WITH UR FOR READ ONLY

Note: I prefer to see the most recent things first so you may need to adjust your ordering appropriately if you don’t like that setup.

Thanks to this post for getting me started.
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Find Nullable Columns in DB2 with no Null Values

Fri, 14 Mar 2014 07:52:43 +0000

I’m not a fan of NULL columns. So check out the query below if you want to find DB2 fields that are defined as nullable, but which contain no null values. You can also modify the query to show you how many records contain null values. Make sure to set the COLS.TABSCHEMA in the WHERE predicate.

SELECT RTRIM(TAB.TABSCHEMA)||'.'||TAB.TABNAME AS TABLE_OBJECT_NAME 
, COLS.COLNAME AS COLNAME , COLS.TYPENAME AS 
TYPE ,RTRIM(CHAR(COLS.LENGTH))|| 
CASE COLS.SCALE 
WHEN 0 
THEN ' ' 
ELSE ','||RTRIM(CHAR(COLS.SCALE)) 
END || 
CASE COLS.TYPENAME 
WHEN 'VARCHAR' 
THEN ' AVG:'||RTRIM(CHAR(COLS.AVGCOLLEN)) 
ELSE ' ' 
END AS LENGTH 
,TAB.CARD as TAB_CARD 
,COLS.COLCARD AS COL_CARD 
,CASE 
WHEN NULLS ='Y' 
THEN 'NULL ('||RTRIM(CHAR(NUMNULLS))||')' 
WHEN NULLS = 'N' THEN 'NOT NULL' 
ELSE '??' END as NUM_NULLS 
,RTRIM(COLS.TABSCHEMA)||'.'||COLS.TABNAME||'2' AS SORTCOL,COLS.COLNO AS SORTCOL2 
FROM SYSCAT.COLUMNS COLS 
INNER JOIN SYSCAT.TABLES TAB ON (COLS.TABSCHEMA = TAB.TABSCHEMA AND COLS.TABNAME = TAB.TABNAME) 
WHERE RTRIM(COLS.TABSCHEMA) = 'XX' 
AND ( 
(NULLS = 'Y' AND NUMNULLS=0 AND TAB.CARD > 0) 
--OR (COLS.TYPENAME = 'VARCHAR' AND COLS.AVGCOLLEN >= COLS.LENGTH-2) 
) 
ORDER BY SORTCOL,SORTCOL2 
FOR READ ONLY WITH UR;

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How to Truncate a DB2 Table

Thu, 13 Mar 2014 07:43:57 +0000

There’s 2 ways to do this…

The first way should work on any version of DB2. Make sure to add to add the savecount and nonrecoverable as seen below so you don’t put your table space into a bad condition.

{CALL SYSPROC.ADMIN_CMD('LOAD FROM /dev/null of del savecount 1000 replace into XX.MY_TABLE nonrecoverable')};

The seconds is easier but has only been around since v9.5 or v9.7…

TRUNCATE TABLE XX.MY_TABLE IMMEDIATE

Just make sure you include that IMMEDIATE in there 🙂

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DB2: When were index stats last updated on a table?

Fri, 07 Mar 2014 20:51:56 +0000

To find out when stats were updated for an index, run the following SQL substituting your schema and table names…

SELECT IND.TABSCHEMA,
 IND.TABNAME,
 IND.INDNAME,
 IND.COLNAMES,
 IND.STATS_TIME AS IDX_STATS_TIME, 
 T.STATS_TIME TBL_STATS_TIME, 
 CASE T.VOLATILE
 WHEN 'C' THEN 'YES'
 ELSE T.VOLATILE
 END AS TBL_VOLATILE,
 T.OWNERTYPE AS TBL_OWNERTYPE,
 T.TYPE AS TBL_TYPE
FROM SYSCAT.INDEXES IND 
 LEFT OUTER JOIN SYSCAT.TABLES T
 ON IND.TABSCHEMA = T.TABSCHEMA
 AND IND.TABNAME = T.TABNAME
WHERE T.OWNERTYPE != 'S'
 AND IND.TABNAME = 'MY_TABLE' 
 AND IND.TABSCHEMA = 'XX' 
ORDER BY 
 IND.TABSCHEMA,
 IND.TABNAME,
 IND.INDNAME 
FOR READ ONLY WITH UR;

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Recline! Why “leaning in” is killing us

Wed, 26 Feb 2014 12:27:45 +0000

I thought there were some good points in this article: Recline!.

Two of my favorites:

The general American tendency to think that “more time at work” equals “better work” is exacerbated by the All Crisis All the Time culture
When a workplace is full of employees who always lean in and never lean back, it’s full of employees who are exhausted, brittle, and incapable of showing much creativity or making good decisions.

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Five Reasons to Lower Your Thermostat

Mon, 24 Feb 2014 07:00:15 +0000

Here are Five Reasons to Lower Your Thermostat. Who can argue with…

Losing weight
Extending the life of your fridge (have you seen the prices of fridges?)
Better sleep

Find out the details and the other reasons in the article.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Analyzing a Memory Leak in a Java Application

Fri, 21 Feb 2014 19:00:30 +0000

In trying to diagnose an Out of Memory error in a large Java application, a co-worker of mine (Chad Handrich) came across the article Analyzing a Memory Leak in Java Applications using VisualVM and used the tips in it to find a memory leak that had been causing OOM errors for quite some time.

He also found that another helpful tool is the “Performance Monitor” app that comes with Windows. To use it, create a new “User Defined Data Collector Set”. Choose the option “Create Manually”, then “Performance Counter”, then you can select “Process”, and choose all the byte-count style counters if analyzing memory usage. And choose the “java.exe” instance from the list. Once it’s created, right click the collector you made and select “Start”. It will begin polling and saving the metrics you specified.

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Weekly Round-Up: 2/2/14 to 2/8/14

Sun, 09 Feb 2014 12:43:27 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 2/3
Melanie Pinola helps answer: How Should I Teach My Kids About Money? – http://bit.ly/1imvpoX

Tue 2/4
Melanie Pinola tells us: What Happens When You Tip: It Doesn’t Always Go to Your Server – http://bit.ly/1emPaxx

Wed 2/5
Thorin Klosowski gives us: Lessons from the Top: What We Can All Learn from CEOs – http://bit.ly/N1CyjX

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Missed a call? ‘One-ring’ cell phone scam could cost you money

Fri, 07 Feb 2014 07:00:22 +0000

Take a quick look at this article from NBCNews.com, and then remind yourself that return calls should be handled just like email… If you don’t know who or what it is, just ignore it and delete it. Do NOT click on it or call back!

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DB2 Stored Proc Performance Analysis

Tue, 04 Feb 2014 11:00:02 +0000

Have you ever wondered what tables and indexes a DB2 stored proc are using? How about if the proc has been rebound since the stats were last updated? Are there even stats for the table you’re querying? Luckily I work with a very talented application DBA (Fred Johnson) who put together the following query to tell you all these sorts of things. It’s quite long, but all you need to do is set your proc in the “FILTER_PARMS” “VALUES” section at the top of the query.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- DB2 for AIX QUERY
--PROCS WITH DEPENDENT TABLES INDEXES CALLED_PROCS AND OTHER OBJECTS 
--FLAG column shows possible stats issues. See FOOTNOTES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Directions: Change FILTER_PARMS,Cut and paste, run, examine output
-- More than 1 proc can be reviewed by adding addition lines
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
WITH FILTER_PARMS (ROUTINESCHEMA,ROUTINENAME) AS 
 (VALUES 
 ('XX','PROC1_P') 
 ,('XX','PROC2_P')
 ) 
,ROUTINEDEP (STOREDPROC,TEXTX,OBJECTNAME,CARD,BIND_STATS_CREATE_TIME,FLAG,SORTCOL) AS
(SELECT RTRIM(X.ROUTINESCHEMA)||'.'||X.ROUTINENAME AS STOREDPROC , 
 'PACKAGE' AS TEXTX ,RTRIM(P1.PKGSCHEMA)||'.'||P1.PKGNAME AS 
 OBJECTNAME ,' ' AS CARD
 , 'BIND: '||CHAR(DATE(P1.LAST_BIND_TIME))||'*'||CHAR(TIME(P1.LAST_BIND_TIME)) 
 AS BIND_STATS_CREATE_TIME 
 ,CASE
 WHEN P1.LAST_BIND_TIME < CURRENT_TIMESTAMP - 9 DAYS
 THEN '*STALE REBIND ' ELSE ' ' 
 END
 ||
 CASE
 WHEN P1.VALID = 'N' THEN '*PACKAGE INVALID '
 WHEN P1.VALID = 'X' THEN '*PACKAGE INOPERATIVE '
 ELSE '' END 
 
 AS FLAG 
 ,RTRIM(X.ROUTINESCHEMA)||X.ROUTINENAME||'1' AS SORTCOL
 FROM SYSCAT.PACKAGES P1
 INNER JOIN SYSCAT.ROUTINEDEP R
 ON (P1.PKGNAME = R.BNAME
 AND P1.PKGSCHEMA = R.ROUTINESCHEMA)
 INNER JOIN SYSCAT.ROUTINES X
 ON (R.ROUTINENAME = X.SPECIFICNAME
 AND R.ROUTINESCHEMA = X.ROUTINESCHEMA)
 INNER JOIN FILTER_PARMS FP
 ON (FP.ROUTINESCHEMA = X.ROUTINESCHEMA 
 AND FP.ROUTINENAME = X.ROUTINENAME)
 UNION
 --TABLES
 SELECT ' ' AS STOREDPROC , CASE
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'A' THEN 'ALIAS'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'B' THEN 'TRIGGER'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'D' THEN 'SERVER DEF'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'F' THEN 'PROC/FUNC'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'I' THEN 'INDEX'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'M' THEN 'FUNCTION MAP'
 WHEN TAB.TYPE = 'N' THEN 'NICKNAME'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'O' THEN 'PRIVILEGE DEP'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'P' THEN 'PAGE SIZE'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'R' THEN 'STRUCT TYPE '
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'S' THEN 'MQTABLE'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'T' THEN 'TABLE'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'U' THEN 'TYPED TABLE'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'V' THEN 'VIEW'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'W' THEN 'TYPED VIEW'
 ELSE ' ?' END AS TEXTX ,RTRIM(P.BSCHEMA)||'.'||
 P.BNAME AS OBJECTNAME ,RTRIM(CHAR(TAB.CARD)) AS CARD 
 ,'STATS:'||COALESCE(CHAR(DATE(TAB.STATS_TIME))||'*'||CHAR(TIME(TAB.STATS_TIME)) ,'NO STATS')
 AS BIND_STATS_CREATE_TIME
 ,CASE
 WHEN TAB.CARD = -1
 THEN '*NO TABLESTATS'
 WHEN TAB.STATS_TIME > P1.LAST_BIND_TIME
 THEN '*PROC BIND < STATS'
 ELSE ' '
 END 
 ||
 CASE
 WHEN TAB.STATUS <> 'N'
 THEN '*STATUS '||RTRIM(TAB.STATUS)
 ELSE '' 
 END 
 AS FLAG
 
 ,RTRIM(X.ROUTINESCHEMA)||X.ROUTINENAME||'2'||RTRIM(
 P.BSCHEMA)||'.'||P.BNAME||'2' AS SORTCOL
 FROM SYSCAT.PACKAGES P1
 INNER JOIN SYSCAT.ROUTINEDEP R
 ON (P1.PKGNAME = R.BNAME
 AND P1.PKGSCHEMA = R.ROUTINESCHEMA)
 INNER JOIN SYSCAT.ROUTINES X
 ON (R.ROUTINENAME = X.SPECIFICNAME
 AND R.ROUTINESCHEMA = X.ROUTINESCHEMA)
 INNER JOIN FILTER_PARMS FP
 ON (FP.ROUTINESCHEMA = X.ROUTINESCHEMA 
 AND FP.ROUTINENAME = X.ROUTINENAME)
 INNER JOIN SYSCAT.PACKAGEDEP P
 ON (P1.UNIQUE_ID = P.UNIQUE_ID
 AND P.PKGNAME = R.BNAME
 AND P.PKGSCHEMA = R.ROUTINESCHEMA)
 
 INNER JOIN SYSCAT.TABLES TAB
 ON (P.BSCHEMA = TAB.TABSCHEMA
 AND P.BNAME = TAB.TABNAME
 AND P.BTYPE IN ( 'T','N','S','U','W'))
 UNION
 --INDEXES
 SELECT ' ' AS STOREDPROC , ' INDEX' AS TEXTX ,RTRIM(P.BSCHEMA)
 ||'.'||P.BNAME AS OBJECTNAME ,RTRIM(CHAR(IND.FULLKEYCARD)) AS CARD
 ,'STATS:'||COALESCE(CHAR(DATE(IND.STATS_TIME))||'*'||CHAR(TIME(IND.STATS_TIME)),'NO STATS')
 AS BIND_STATS_CREATE_TIME 
 ,CASE
 WHEN IND.FULLKEYCARD = -1
 THEN '*NO INDEXSTATS'
 WHEN IND.STATS_TIME > P1.LAST_BIND_TIME THEN '*PROC BIND < STATS '
 ELSE ''
 END 
 ||CASE
 WHEN IND.STATS_TIME < TAB.STATS_TIME - 10 SECONDS
 THEN '** IND.STATS_TIME < TAB.STATS_TIME'
 ELSE '' END AS FLAG 
 ,RTRIM(X.ROUTINESCHEMA)||X.ROUTINENAME||'2'||RTRIM(IND.TABSCHEMA)||'.'||IND.TABNAME||'3'
 AS SORTCOL
 FROM SYSCAT.PACKAGES P1
 INNER JOIN SYSCAT.ROUTINEDEP R
 ON (P1.PKGNAME = R.BNAME
 AND P1.PKGSCHEMA = R.ROUTINESCHEMA)
 INNER JOIN SYSCAT.ROUTINES X
 ON (R.ROUTINENAME = X.SPECIFICNAME
 AND R.ROUTINESCHEMA = X.ROUTINESCHEMA)
 INNER JOIN FILTER_PARMS FP
 ON (FP.ROUTINESCHEMA = X.ROUTINESCHEMA 
 AND FP.ROUTINENAME = X.ROUTINENAME)
 INNER JOIN SYSCAT.PACKAGEDEP P
 ON (P1.UNIQUE_ID = P.UNIQUE_ID
 AND P.PKGNAME = R.BNAME
 AND P.PKGSCHEMA = R.ROUTINESCHEMA)
 INNER JOIN SYSCAT.INDEXES IND 
 ON (P.BSCHEMA = IND.INDSCHEMA
 AND P.BNAME = IND.INDNAME
 AND P.BTYPE = 'I')
 INNER JOIN SYSCAT.TABLES TAB
 ON (IND.TABSCHEMA = TAB.TABSCHEMA
 AND IND.TABNAME = TAB.TABNAME)
 UNION
 SELECT ' ' AS STOREDPROC , ' OTHER '||
 CASE
 WHEN XDEP.ROUTINETYPE = 'F' THEN 'FUNCTION '
 WHEN XDEP.ROUTINETYPE = 'M' THEN 'METHOD'
 WHEN XDEP.ROUTINETYPE = 'P' THEN 'STORED PROC'
 ELSE ' ?' END AS TEXTX
 ,RTRIM(XDEP.ROUTINESCHEMA)||'.'||XDEP.ROUTINENAME AS OBJECTNAME 
 ,' ' AS CARD 
 ,'CREATED:'||CHAR(DATE(XDEP.CREATE_TIME))
 AS BIND_STATS_CREATE_TIME
 ,CASE 
 WHEN XDEP.ROUTINETYPE = 'P' 
 THEN CASE
 WHEN NOT EXISTS
 (SELECT 1
 FROM FILTER_PARMS FP
 WHERE FP.ROUTINESCHEMA = XDEP.ROUTINESCHEMA
 AND FP.ROUTINENAME = XDEP.ROUTINENAME)
 THEN ','||'('||''''||RTRIM(XDEP.ROUTINESCHEMA)
 ||''''||','||''''||RTRIM(XDEP.ROUTINENAME)
 ||''''||')' 
 ELSE ' ' END
 ELSE ' ' END AS FLAG --('CH','GET_NEXTID_P') 
 ,RTRIM(X.ROUTINESCHEMA)||X.ROUTINENAME||'3' AS SORTCOL
 FROM SYSCAT.PACKAGES P1
 INNER JOIN SYSCAT.ROUTINEDEP R
 ON (P1.PKGNAME = R.BNAME
 AND P1.PKGSCHEMA = R.ROUTINESCHEMA)
 INNER JOIN SYSCAT.ROUTINES X
 ON (R.ROUTINENAME = X.SPECIFICNAME
 AND R.ROUTINESCHEMA = X.ROUTINESCHEMA)
 INNER JOIN FILTER_PARMS FP
 ON (FP.ROUTINESCHEMA = X.ROUTINESCHEMA 
 AND FP.ROUTINENAME = X.ROUTINENAME)
 INNER JOIN SYSCAT.PACKAGEDEP P
 ON (P1.UNIQUE_ID = P.UNIQUE_ID
 AND P.PKGNAME = R.BNAME
 AND P.PKGSCHEMA = R.ROUTINESCHEMA)
 INNER JOIN SYSCAT.ROUTINES XDEP
 ON (P.BNAME = XDEP.SPECIFICNAME
 AND P.BSCHEMA = XDEP.ROUTINESCHEMA)
 UNION
 --OTHER
 SELECT ' ' AS STOREDPROC , ' OTHER '||
 CASE
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'A' THEN 'ALIAS'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'B' THEN 'TRIGGER'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'D' THEN 'SERVER DEF'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'F' THEN 'PROC/FUNC'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'I' THEN 'INDEX'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'M' THEN 'FUNCTION MAP'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'N' THEN 'NICKNAME'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'O' THEN 'PRIVILEGE DEP'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'P' THEN 'PAGE SIZE'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'R' THEN 'STRUCT TYPE '
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'S' THEN 'MQTABLE'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'T' THEN 'TABLE'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'U' THEN 'TYPED TABLE'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'V' THEN 'VIEW'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'W' THEN 'TYPED VIEW'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'Q' THEN 'Sequence object'
 WHEN P.BTYPE = 'G' THEN 'Global temporary table'
 ELSE ' ?'||RTRIM(P.BTYPE) END AS TEXTX 
 ,RTRIM(P.BSCHEMA)||'.'||P.BNAME AS OBJECTNAME 
 ,' ' AS CARD
 , '' AS BIND_STATS_CREATE_TIME ,' '
 AS FLAG ,RTRIM(X.ROUTINESCHEMA)||X.ROUTINENAME||'4' AS SORTCOL
 FROM SYSCAT.PACKAGES P1
 INNER JOIN SYSCAT.ROUTINEDEP R
 ON (P1.PKGNAME = R.BNAME
 AND P1.PKGSCHEMA = R.ROUTINESCHEMA)
 INNER JOIN SYSCAT.ROUTINES X
 ON (R.ROUTINENAME = X.SPECIFICNAME
 AND R.ROUTINESCHEMA = X.ROUTINESCHEMA)
 INNER JOIN FILTER_PARMS FP
 ON (FP.ROUTINESCHEMA = X.ROUTINESCHEMA 
 AND FP.ROUTINENAME = X.ROUTINENAME)
 INNER JOIN SYSCAT.PACKAGEDEP P
 ON (P1.UNIQUE_ID = P.UNIQUE_ID
 AND P.PKGNAME = R.BNAME
 AND P.PKGSCHEMA = R.ROUTINESCHEMA)
 WHERE P.BTYPE NOT IN ( 'I','F','T','S','N','U','W')
 ) 
SELECT STOREDPROC,TEXTX,OBJECTNAME,CARD,BIND_STATS_CREATE_TIME,FLAG
 FROM ROUTINEDEP
 ORDER BY SORTCOL
 WITH UR;
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
-- FLAG column show possible stats mismatch where a
-- procs bind time < stats time for Tables/Indexes
--
-- Also review CARD, which shows row counts for tables based on stats
-- is that what you expect?
--
-- Flag column also generates values clause that you can cut and paste
-- into the values clause to review called procs using this query
------------------------------------------------------------------------

And a few things Fred suggested to be mindful of… “It should work with DB2luw and has been tested in AIX v9.5-10.2. There is one major caveat. The query assumes one proc has only one specific name i.e., it only works for non-overloaded procs. It also uses at least one deprecated column, ROUTINENAME in ROUTINEDEP. Changing the proc to use specific names wouldn’t be a big deal.”

Have fun, and if you use this or have any suggested enhancements, please leave a comment below.

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Weekly Round-Up: 1/26/14 to 2/1/14

Sun, 02 Feb 2014 12:43:30 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 1/27
Hilary Stout says More Retailers See Haggling as a Price of Doing Business – http://bit.ly/Mk8hg6

Tue 1/28
Sarah Koppelkam @skoppelkam on How to Talk to Your Daughter About Her Body – http://bit.ly/1aFaQ7b

Wed 1/29
Tessa Miller answers the question: Do I Really Need to Log Out of Webapps? <- See the longer answer. - http://bit.ly/1nj5LEu

Thu 1/30
MMM @mrmoneymustache on The Low Information Diet – http://bit.ly/1npmxBX

Fri 1/31
Courtney Carver @bemorewithless says to Encourage Simplicity by Redefining Your Purchase Process – http://bit.ly/1kjq6am

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What files are taking up the most space on my LINUX box?

Tue, 28 Jan 2014 20:42:50 +0000

Use du piped to sort for a nice list with the files using the most space at the bottom…

cd /dir/you/care/about
du -a|sort -n

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Clutterfree with Kids

Mon, 27 Jan 2014 06:25:30 +0000

A few weeks ago I was honored to receive an advanced copy of “Clutterfree with Kids” by Joshua Becker for review. One of the things I appreciate most about Joshua’s writing and articles is that he’s what I consider a “normal” minimalist in that he owns a house, has kids, and has a job. In other words, he’s just like you and me – only he and his family have chosen to live a life of less so that they may appreciate it more. Even better, he rightfully acknowledges that everyone’s brand of minimalism is different.

Regarding the book, I’ll say that if you’ve read one book on minimalism you’ve read them all and this is not a huge exception to the rule, but if you have not this is a great place to start if you consider yourself to be a “normal” person and are interested in how living a life of less can give you more.

I think the key if you’re married is that you have to get your spouse on-board. Otherwise, don’t expect to have a truly “clutterfree” life (not that it’s really even possible with kids). I think the most you can really hope for is a more organized chaos. Making intentional choices like limiting TV or Internet time. Choosing to eat together as a family. Choosing your activities more deliberately. Choosing to travel with less so that you experience more.

To hit on some of the high points, these were a few of my main take-aways…

Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it <- Read that again
Start with small victories. Don’t tackle the hard things first.
Owning less allows us to own higher quality items.
Consider the true cost of your purchases – time, maintenance, cleaning
Less is different than none.
There is more joy to be found in owning less then can ever be found in organizing more.
Organizing more never addresses the underlying problem.
It is far better to de-own than to declutter.
Intentionally or unintentionally we are all minimizing something.
Gift giving: take time to let the fads show themselves then purge without concern. Conversely don’t force your ideas on others.
Compare downward – many people with less “stuff” are actually happier.

Bottom line, for a couple bucks and a few hours of your time, there are much worse things you could be doing, and on the bright side, it just may change your life. Can’t go wrong with that.

Get the book today

What do you think?

PS: Thanks again Joshua for allowing me to preview the book. I read every word, and it was a good refresher.
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Weekly Round-Up: 1/19/14 to 1/25/14

Sun, 26 Jan 2014 12:43:17 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 1/20
Rebeca Plantier on: 10 Eating Rules French Children Know (But Most Americans Don’t) – http://bit.ly/1mk7CFK

Tue 1/21
Rachel @handsfreemama on: The Bully Too Close to Home – http://bit.ly/1fVqJsj

Wed 1/22
Eric Ravenscraft on Practical Math Shortcuts For Everyday Life – http://bit.ly/1jnaAwi

Thu 1/23
Ragnar Terjeson Miljeteig @TangibleFree says This Is How Credit Cards Are Manipulating You Into More Debt – http://bit.ly/KMgGYy

Fri 1/24
Meredith Fineman @meredithfineman asks you to Please Stop Complaining About How Busy You Are – http://bit.ly/1aRtEuu

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Weekly Round-Up: 1/12/14 to 1/18/14

Sun, 19 Jan 2014 12:43:31 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 1/13
MMM @MrMoneyMustache asks How Big is your Circle of Control? – http://bit.ly/KUHPIr

Tue 1/14
Joshua Fields Millburn @JFM on The Sound of Irrelevance – http://bit.ly/1j5g26V

Wed 1/15
Brandon Honeycutt @SEOAllDay on Ten Parenting Mistakes That Can Negatively Impact Your Childs Future – http://bit.ly/1gJVddb

Thu 1/16
Krissy Brady @writtenbykrissy on 20 Unproductive Habits You Should Let Go of – http://bit.ly/1dyfsfy

Fri 1/17
Rachel Macy Stafford @handsfreemama on: The Important Thing About Yelling – http://bit.ly/1czDEIp

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DB2 Get Current MAX value for all IDENTITY Columns

Fri, 17 Jan 2014 15:05:58 +0000

If you’ve ever dealt with DB2 IDENTITY columns chances are you may have wanted to know what the currently assigned max value is for all of the IDENTITY columns in the DB. If so, you can use the following SQL to generate the SQL that will give you your answer. Hope it helps!

select 'select '''||trim(t.tabname)||''', '''||trim(c.colname)||''', max('||trim(c.colname)||') from '||trim(t.tabschema)||'.'||trim(t.tabname)||' for read only with ur;'
from syscat.sequences s join syscat.tables t on
(s.seqschema=t.tabschema and s.create_time=t.create_time)
join syscat.columns c on
(t.tabschema=c.tabschema and t.tabname=c.tabname)
where s.seqname like 'SQL%'
and c.identity='Y'

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Weekly Round-Up: 1/5/14 to 1/11/14

Sun, 12 Jan 2014 12:43:39 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 1/6
Daniel Wallen @TheWallenWay on 20 Simple But Powerful Changes You Can Make To Simplify Your Life – http://mjg2.net/l/1905

Tue 1/7
This One Minute Video May Help You Save Someone’s Life – http://mjg2.net/l/1906

Wed 1/8
10 Health Myths That Just Won’t Die, Debunked by Science – http://mjg2.net/l/1907

Thu 1/9
Don’t Always Aim to Meet Unrealistic Deadlines – http://mjg2.net/l/1908

Fri 1/10
LPT: Open letter to car drivers from a part-time truck driver : LifeProTips – http://mjg2.net/l/1909

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Now Reading Mini-Missions

Sun, 05 Jan 2014 20:10:54 +0000

Reading Courtney Carver’s latest book: Mini-Missions for Simplicity

 <p>
 Interesting so far. Anyone else out there read it? Thoughts?</td> 
 
 <td>
 <a href="http://cfg2.com/go/book/mini-missions/"><img decoding="async" alt="" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00H0LAI3Q&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=firenice" border="0" /></a><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" alt="" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=firenice&l=as2&o=1&a=B00H0LAI3Q" width="1" height="1" border="0" />
 </td></tr> </tbody> </table> 
 
 <p>
 <i>Please remember to subscribe to the <a href="https://markjacobsen.net/newsletter" target="_blank">newsletter</a> or <a href="https://markjacobsen.net/feed" target="_blank">feed</a> to stay up to date!</i>
 </p>
 
 <p>
 <i><small>Disclaimer: Thoughts and opinions are my own, and do not reflect the views of any employer, family member, friend, or anyone else. Some links may be affiliate links, but I don't link to anything I don't use myself.</small></i>
 </p>

Weekly Round-Up: 12/29/13 to 1/4/14

Sun, 05 Jan 2014 12:43:15 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 12/30
Marla Walters @cruelironing on 10 Rules of Etiquette Everyone Should Know (and Follow!) – http://mjg2.net/l/1899

Tue 12/31
Kiyah Duffey @KiyahDuffey: a beautiful body – http://mjg2.net/l/1902

Thu 1/2
Joshua Fields Millburn @JFM on The Success Template – http://mjg2.net/l/1903

Fri 1/3
Lynn Truong @lynntruong says 68% of Shoppers Are Getting Ripped Off – http://mjg2.net/l/1904

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Saving $1000 on Auto Insurance

Sat, 04 Jan 2014 05:02:01 +0000

We recently received our auto insurance bill in the mail, and for once I decided to “just see” how much of a difference it could make going with a different company. At over $2k for the year (keep in mind MI is a no-fault state) I was hoping to knock a couple hundred bucks off. I started off as I would imagine anyone would do these days and took right to the internet. First stop… State Farm. After entering the data they wanted I waited eagerly and… more expensive. I almost stopped figuring “everyone is going to be the same”.

Still something pushed me onward even with children who needed things wining in the background. Next up I hit Progressive. This time I got a little encouragement with a quote around $700 every six months. I played around with the numbers and got it down to around $550 every six. We were talking some serious cash now. How could roughly the same benefit cost nearly 1/2 what I was paying??

Figuring it didn’t hurt to keep looking I decided to also give Geico a try. This time I was shocked to get a quote even lower! After looking over the numbers I chose to actually increase some of the limits and still kept it around $550 every 6 months.

In the end I chose Geico because for the same rate as Progressive I got more coverage, and still wound up paying nearly 1/2 what I was with AAA. When calling in to setup the coverage I was told that the primary discount was for an excellent credit rating, so for anyone reading this, make sure you’re paying your bills on time, in-full every month.

For those who want a breakdown of the actual coverage numbers, here they are…

Coverage	AAA	Progressive	Geico
BI Liability	$100k/$300k	$100k/$300k	$300k/$500k
Property Damage Liability (PD)	$50k	$100k	$100k
Limited property Damage Liability	“Included”	$1k	$1k
Property Protection (PP)	“Included”	$1M	$1M
Uninsured Motorist BI	$20k/$40k	$100k/$300k	$300k/$500k
Deductible/car	$550 basic	$500 comp/$1k collission broad form	$500 broad form

The moral of the story? Go check your auto insurance coverage and rates then go comparison shopping. No guarantees you’ll see the savings I did, but it just may save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars a year.
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Weekly Round-Up: 12/22/13 to 12/28/13

Sun, 29 Dec 2013 12:43:20 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 12/23
The Minimalist Mom @racheljonat reminds us: You Can Stop Shopping Now – http://mjg2.net/l/1901

Tue 12/24
Adam Penenberg @Penenberg challenged hackers to investigate him and what they found out is chilling – http://mjg2.net/l/1896

Thu 12/26
Sean Blanda @SeanBlanda gives 10 Tips for an Awesome Coffee Meeting – http://mjg2.net/l/1897

Fri 12/27
Jegede Abayomi @abayomi_jegede tells us about 10 Habits of The Richest People in the World – http://mjg2.net/l/1898

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Weekly Round-Up: 12/15/13 to 12/21/13

Sun, 22 Dec 2013 12:43:11 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 12/16
Amy Morin @AmyMorinLCSW on 8 Scientific Secrets Of A Happy Marriage – http://mjg2.net/l/1890

Tue 12/17
Peter Shankman @petershankman On Entitlement, Regardless Of Your Generation <- this. So much this. - http://mjg2.net/l/1892

Wed 12/18
Why 9 to 5 is a Joke (And How to Deal) – http://mjg2.net/l/1893

Thu 12/19
MMM @MrMoneyMustache tells you how to Get Rich With The Position of Strength – http://mjg2.net/l/1894

Fri 12/20
How to Plant Ideas in Someone’s Mind – http://mjg2.net/l/1895

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Weekly Round-Up: 12/8/13 to 12/14/13

Sun, 15 Dec 2013 12:43:27 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 12/9
Mark Panay @redeye on 13 Productivity Tips from People Getting Stuff Done – http://mjg2.net/l/1887

Tue 12/10
MMM @MrMoneyMustache says we’re Predictably Irrational – http://mjg2.net/l/1888

Thu 12/12
As a father of girls this makes me sad: How the Media Failed Women in 2013 – http://mjg2.net/l/1900

Fri 12/13
jlcollinsnh: Case Study #4: Using the 4% rule and asset allocations – http://mjg2.net/l/1889

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DB2: How to find records with non-printable characters (SQLSTATE 01517)

Wed, 11 Dec 2013 14:17:09 +0000

If you run a select statement and get the following error…

"SQLSTATE 01517: A character that could not be converted was 
replaced with a substitute character."

… you can use the TRANSLATE function to strip away printable chars, and compare that to a zero length string like so…

SELECT * 
FROM XX.TBL 
WHERE TRANSLATE(UPPER(FIELD_X),'','ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ1234567890!@#$%^&*()-=+/\{}[];:.,<>? ') <> '' 
FOR READ ONLY WITH UR;

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Weekly Round-Up: 12/1/13 to 12/7/13

Sun, 08 Dec 2013 12:43:14 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 12/2
Joshua Fields Millburn @JFM on Five Steps Toward a More Meaningful Holiday Season – http://mjg2.net/l/1891

Tue 12/3
Brianna Wiest @briaeliza – 18 Things Everyone Should Start Making Time For Again – I agree with some of them. – http://mjg2.net/l/1883

Wed 12/4
Leo @zen_habis on The Necessary Art of Subtraction – http://mjg2.net/l/1884

Thu 12/5
Michelle Schroeder @senseofcents on 10 Things Successful People Do Differently To Reach Their Dreams – http://mjg2.net/l/1885

Fri 12/6
Kimberly Weisul @weisul on How I Became the Kind of Person Who Can Work a Room – http://mjg2.net/l/1886

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How to concatenate multiple columns in a DB2 select statement to return a single column

Tue, 03 Dec 2013 15:27:23 +0000

Use “||” like so…

SELECT LastName||', '||FirstName 
FROM [schema].[table]

If one of the columns is numeric you’ll probably want to convert to CHAR and TRIM like so…

SELECT LastName||', '||FirstName||' - '||TRIM(CHAR(EmplId))
FROM [schema].[table]

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Extract and insert tables (or portions of them) in DB2 – similar to BCP for Sybase and SQL Server

Mon, 02 Dec 2013 16:47:37 +0000

You’ll need to be in the DB2 Command Line for this. Also, the version of your DB2 client should match the version of the DB or be higher than the DB version (i.e. no using a version 7 client to go after a version 8 DB).

To get data out of a db2 table:

db2 "export to [file_name] of [file_type] select * from [table]"

[file_name] is a fully qualified name of the ouput file
[file_type] is either del (delimited) or ixf (db2 native format).
[table] is a fully qualified table, nickname, or view

For example:

db2 "export to /home/user/people.ixf of ixf select * from db2dba.people"</pre>
<p></p>


**To import data into a db2 table:**


 db2 "import from [file_name] of [file_type] commitcount [value] insert into [table]"</pre>
 <p></p>
 
 
 For example:
 
 
 db2 "import from /home/user/people.ixf of ixf commitcount 10000 insert into db2dba.people"</pre>
 <p></p>
 
 
 commitcount is optional but should be used to avoid filling up the transaction log. I generally use 10k to 20k.
 
 
 Notice on the export command you use SQL syntax to get the data. You could use a where clause. You can also select and insert specific columns (**_Strongly recommended_**). 
 
 
 The import command allows you to insert into, replace into (replaces existing data), and create into (creates a new table). 
 
 
 You may wish to consult the DB2 Command Reference manual for more information 
 _Please remember to subscribe to the <a href="https://markjacobsen.net/newsletter" target="_blank">newsletter</a> or <a href="https://markjacobsen.net/feed" target="_blank">feed</a> to stay up to date!_
 
 
 _<small>Disclaimer: Thoughts and opinions are my own, and do not reflect the views of any employer, family member, friend, or anyone else. Some links may be affiliate links, but I don't link to anything I don't use myself.</small>_

Should I use DB2 LOAD or IMPORT?

Mon, 02 Dec 2013 16:39:07 +0000

Use LOAD when:

Performance is critical. Load outperforms Import in all scenarios, sometimes by as much as a factor of 10 (May be closer to 6 times for UNIX systems).
You want to LOAD FROM CURSOR to avoid the creation of an intermediate file.

Use IMPORT when:

You have smaller tables.
You want additional “safety” in the case of an error.
Target table needs to be created from the input file (applicable to PC/IXF files only.)
Logging of every inserted record is necessary.
You require triggers to fire.
You need to be able to update the table while appending data to the table.

In general I would recommend IMPORT unless performance is absolutely critical or you have more than 10 million records (yes, that’s relatively arbitrary – the point is a LOT of data). The primary reason for this is that a botched load can send your entire table space into backup pending and leave you dead in the water. If you do decided to do a load, make sure you include steps to recover from the failed load (but that’s a topic for another day).

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How do I override the JVM Heap Size?

Mon, 02 Dec 2013 14:57:06 +0000

If you’ve ever received a java.lang.OutOfMemoryError when processing a large amount of data, there’s a chance you need to manually specify the JVM size if you can. Here’s an example…

java -Xms64m -Xmx256m MyProgram

… Of course, another option you may want to consider is to structure your program more efficiently (i.e. don’t store all that data in memory, process in blocks, use a tool more suitable to the task like BCP or DB2 LOAD).

Want to read more on the subject? Read thisPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Weekly Round-Up: 11/24/13 to 11/30/13

Sun, 01 Dec 2013 12:43:12 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Wed 11/27
More good reasons to skip Black Friday: The Dirty Secret of ‘Discounts’—Black Friday and Beyond – WSJ.com – http://mjg2.net/l/1882

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DB2 Duplicate Key Debugging

Tue, 26 Nov 2013 18:13:40 +0000

If you’ve ever gotten a DB2 error like this…

SQL0803N One or more values in the INSERT statement, UPDATE statement, 
or foreign key update caused by a DELETE statement are not valid because 
the primary key, unique constraint or unique index identified by "1" 
constrains table "XX.TABLE_NAME" from having duplicate values for 
the index key. SQLSTATE=23505

You may be asking yourself, but exactly which unique index is causing the problem?

Use the info from the error along with this query to find out:

SELECT *
FROM SYSCAT.INDEXES
WHERE IID = 1
 AND TABSCHEMA = 'XX'
 AND TABNAME = 'TABLE_NAME';

Of course you will want to replace the WHERE clause conditions with your values.
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Weekly Round-Up: 11/17/13 to 11/23/13

Sun, 24 Nov 2013 12:43:18 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 11/18
12 Powerful Habits Of Happy Relationships – http://mjg2.net/l/1881

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Weekly Round-Up: 11/10/13 to 11/16/13

Sun, 17 Nov 2013 12:43:30 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Tue 11/12
Consumerism In America: How Your Stuff Is Killing You And You Don’t Even Know It – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1877

Wed 11/13
10 Things Every Couple Needs To Stop Doing – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1878

Thu 11/14
Working Long Hours Is Like Working for Free – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1879

Fri 11/15
Marriage Isn’t For You – Great article by @SethAdamSmith – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1880

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Mind lending a hand?

Tue, 12 Nov 2013 06:30:09 +0000

Thanks ahead of time to everyone who’s already taken a moment to help out, but if you haven’t had the chance yet I’d appreciate your assistance in giving me just a few clicks. Since one of the most important signals to search engines for “recommending” sites when you do a search is social media presence, I was hoping you might be willing to lend a hand by giving my company, Communication Freedom, a link little juice.

Just visit the various sites below and like, follow, or circle it from your account. Don’t worry, I won’t start sending you a bunch of spam 🙂

Facebook

Twitter

Google+ (be sure to “Follow” and “+1”)

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How to tell if a Perl Module is Installed

Mon, 04 Nov 2013 21:55:50 +0000

Want to check if a perl module is installed on your system? There’s a oneliner for that! Here’s an example…

perl -e "use Text::CSV"

… which would of course check if Text::CSV could be loaded. If it can, nothing will be printed. If not, you’ll get an error with some possibly useful information to figuring out why not.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Generate a GUID or UUID in DB2

Wed, 30 Oct 2013 20:54:15 +0000

Want to generate the equivalent of a GUID or UUID in DB2? The closest you’ll get is with GENERATE_UNIQUE(), but beware that you need to do some conversion on it as the value is “BIT DATA” and not character data. To put the value into a typical CHAR or VARCHAR field (like you would with a java UUID), use this…

select TRIM(CHAR(HEX(GENERATE_UNIQUE()))) from sysibm.sysdummy1;

I should probably also mention that there is the IDENTITY and SEQUENCE, but the GENERATE_UNIQUE() function is the closest you’ll get to a GUID or UUID.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Weekly Round-Up: 10/13/13 to 10/19/13

Sun, 20 Oct 2013 12:43:23 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 10/14
Peter Shankman @PeterShankman says: Stop Tying Your Employee’s Hands – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1875

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Change permissions on files of a specific type in linux

Thu, 17 Oct 2013 07:09:32 +0000

Need to change all *.ksh files to be executable under a directory, but not having luck with a recursive chmod? The issue is you need to combine chmod with a find and xargs like so…

find /home/user -name '*.ksh' | xargs chmod 744

The first piece lists all the files under the path that match *.ksh and passes them to xargs and chmod. If you want to see an example without changing any permissions, just substitute ls -l like so…

find /home/user -name '*.ksh' | xargs ls -l

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Find the column causing a DB2 import to fail

Wed, 16 Oct 2013 17:30:17 +0000

Ever run DB2 IMPORT and get a super helpful error like…

SQL0407N Assignment of a NULL value to a NOT NULL column "TBSPACEID=7,
TABLEID=265, COLNO=2" is not allowed. SQLSTATE=23502

SQL3185W The previous error occurred while processing data from row "126" of 
the input file.

After you calm down from wanting to smack a DB2 developer in the face, remember the syscat tables and run this SQL to find out the table and column giving you grief…

select * 
from syscat.columns c
 inner join syscat.tables t
 on c.TABSCHEMA = t.TABSCHEMA
 and c.TABNAME = t.TABNAME
where c.COLNO = 2 
 and t.TABLEID = 265
 and t.TBSPACEID = 7

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How do I send email from the linux command line?

Tue, 15 Oct 2013 17:04:19 +0000

Need to email from your linux command line? Assuming the underlying pieces are configured correctly (run the 1st example to see) here are the basics…

Send a test email

mail -s "Hi there" someone@somewhere.com

Include some body text…

echo "This is some body text" | mail -s "Hi there" someone@somewhere.com

Email the contents of a file to someone…

mail -s "My Subject" someone@somewhere.com < /path/to/your/file.txt

You can find more herePlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Weekly Round-Up: 10/6/13 to 10/12/13

Sun, 13 Oct 2013 12:43:25 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 10/7
Emily Co on: Ways to Make Passive Income – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1871

Tue 10/8
Krissy Brady @writtenbykrissy on: 12 Habits of Perfectly Organized People – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1872

Wed 10/9
MMM @MrMoneyMustache on: Wealth Advice that Should Be Obvious – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1873

Thu 10/10
iOS 7’s Biggest Annoyances (and How to Fix Them) – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1874

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Weekly Round-Up: 9/29/13 to 10/5/13

Sun, 06 Oct 2013 12:43:25 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 9/30
11 Tips to Keep iOS 7 From Destroying Your Battery Life – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1866

Tue 10/1
The Minimalists @JFM reminds us: A Rolex Won’t Give You More Time – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1867

Wed 10/2
What to Do (and Not Do) When You’re in a Car Accident – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1868

Thu 10/3
Craig Dewe @LifestyleOutlaw on: How To Double (Or Triple) Your Current Income – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1869

Fri 10/4
Tom Webster @webby2001 says: Open Plan Offices Make People Unhappy – and I would tend to agree – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1870

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Listening Twice as Fast!

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 07:03:22 +0000

I have a few PodCasts I enjoy and have recently been enjoying our library’s audio book selection. The thing is it always seemed to take so long to get through everything and I don’t like feeling like I’m behind on things. Then, one of my favorite PodCasts (the Lifehacker PodCast) mentioned a feature on most PodCast listening apps to let you listen at 1.5 speed. Sure enough, I opened up my favorite PodCast player and there was the option. Not only did I try it out, I cranked it up to 2x speed and have done the same on my audio book app as well!

If you’re a fan of spoken word content, check it out!
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How can I be getting a deadlock trying to create a stored proc?

Mon, 23 Sep 2013 07:41:50 +0000

If you’re getting an error similar to the following…

SQL0911N The current transaction has been rolled back because of a deadlock 
or timeout. Reason code "68". LINE NUMBER=171. SQLSTATE=40001

… and you know your tables are all just fine, it may be that someone (likely a DBA) has the SYSCAT.ROUTINES table locked up. Try running this…

SELECT RTRIM(R.ROUTINESCHEMA),RTRIM(R.SPECIFICNAME),RTRIM(R.ROUTINENAME) 
FROM SYSCAT.ROUTINES R 
WHERE R.ROUTINETYPE='P' 
ORDER BY RTRIM(R.ROUTINESCHEMA), RTRIM(R.SPECIFICNAME), RTRIM(R.ROUTINENAME)

…and if that errors, try running “WITH UR”. Assuming the 1st fails and the 2nd does not, have your neighborhood DBA kill any connections that may be causing the lock.
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Weekly Round-Up: 9/15/13 to 9/21/13

Sun, 22 Sep 2013 12:43:22 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 9/16
Joshua Becker says: We Can Do Better – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1863

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What timezone is my linux server configured for?

Thu, 19 Sep 2013 07:16:09 +0000

To find out, just run the following command from the shell…

date +%Z

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How do I run a script in the background?

Tue, 17 Sep 2013 07:14:07 +0000

Use nohup! Here’s an example…

nohup /some/script.ksh

And even better, to redirect all output to a specific location…

nohup /home/user/script.ksh > /home/user/script.log 2>&1 &

Yes, the ” 2>&1 &” at the end is important.

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Putting it on a shirt doesn’t make it true

Mon, 16 Sep 2013 01:01:01 +0000

I’ve never been impressed with the help at our local Kroger which is probably why I’m always so glad when I do get someone that takes more than 4 seconds to assist and is actually pleasant.

Recently I’ve noticed that the new Kroger shirts all say, “our #1 goal. Highly satisfied customers”…

Sorry guys, but putting it on a shirt doesn’t make it true.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Weekly Round-Up: 9/8/13 to 9/14/13

Sun, 15 Sep 2013 12:43:26 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 9/9
Amanda @SemiHealthNut on: 14 Things to Do in Your Relationship – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1859

Tue 9/10
MMM @mrmoneymustache on: How (and How Not) to Buy a House – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1860

Thu 9/12
Sheila Wray Gregoire on: Negotiating Chores With Your Spouse – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1861

Fri 9/13
Laura Vanderkam on: The Case for Replacing Family Dinners with Family Breakfasts – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1862

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Weekly Round-Up: 9/1/13 to 9/7/13

Sun, 08 Sep 2013 12:43:23 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Tue 9/3
Leo @zen_habits tell you about The Thinking Habit That Changed My Life – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1855

Wed 9/4
David @DavidDCain does An interview with The Man – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1856

Thu 9/5
MMM @mrmoneymoustache reminds us that Luxury is Just Another Weakness – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1857

Fri 9/6
Joshua Fields Millburn @JFM on What It Feels Like to No Longer Worry About Money – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1858

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Weekly Round-Up: 8/25/13 to 8/31/13

Sun, 01 Sep 2013 12:43:23 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Tue 8/27
Leo @zen_habits – My Advice for Starting a Business – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1851

Wed 8/28
Joshua Fields Millbur @JFM on The Worst Thing That Could Happen – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1852

Thu 8/29
5 reasons to place your marriage as top priority – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1853

Fri 8/30
Glennon Melton on: The Talk – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1854

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Weekly Round-Up: 8/18/13 to 8/24/13

Sun, 25 Aug 2013 12:43:28 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 8/19
Happily Ever After: How to Stay Married for 29 Years (and Counting) – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1846

Tue 8/20
15 Things You Need to Give Up if You Want to Be Happy – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1847

Wed 8/21
MMM @mrmoneymustache on: The Surprising Effect of Small Efforts over Time – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1848

Thu 8/22
Are You Stressed, Rushed, and Aggravated? – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1849

Fri 8/23
Saving 2 Hours Per Work Day is Easy! – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1850

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Weekly Round-Up: 8/11/13 to 8/17/13

Sun, 18 Aug 2013 12:43:47 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 8/12
jlcollinsnh – Stocks — Part XVIII: Investing in a raging bull – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1841

Tue 8/13
Liz Rivera on: Why You Should Revisit Your Five Year Plan – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1843

Wed 8/14
Jeff Haden on: 8 Things You Shouldn’t Do Today – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1844

Thu 8/15
Don’t Be a (Work) Hero – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1845

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Weekly Round-Up: 8/4/13 to 8/10/13

Sun, 11 Aug 2013 12:43:25 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 8/5
jlcollinsnh – Stocks — Part XII: Bonds, and a bit on REITS – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1836

Tue 8/6
jlcollinsnh – Stocks — Part XIII: Withdrawal rates, how much can I spend anyway? – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1837

Wed 8/7
jlcollinsnh – Stocks — Part XIV: Deflation, the ugly escort of Depressions. – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1838

Thu 8/8
jlcollinsnh – Stocks — Part XV: Target Retirement Funds, the simplest path to wealth of all – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1839

Fri 8/9
jlcollinsnh – Stocks — Part XVI: Index Funds are really just for lazy people, right? – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1840

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Weekly Round-Up: 7/28/13 to 8/3/13

Sun, 04 Aug 2013 12:43:23 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 7/29
jlcollinsnh – Stocks — Part VII: Can everyone really retire a millionaire? – http://mjg2.net/l/1831

Tue 7/30
jlcollinsnh – Stocks — Part VIII: The 401K, 403b, IRA & Roth Buckets – http://mjg2.net/l/1832

Wed 7/31
jlcollinsnh – Stocks — Part IX: Why I don’t like investment advisors – http://mjg2.net/l/1833

Thu 8/1
jlcollinsnh – Stocks — Part X: What if Vanguard gets Nuked? – http://mjg2.net/l/1834

Fri 8/2
jlcollinsnh – Stocks — Part XI: International Funds – http://mjg2.net/l/1835

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Weekly Round-Up: 7/21/13 to 7/27/13

Sun, 28 Jul 2013 12:43:31 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Wed 7/24
jlcollinsnh – Stocks — Part IV: The Big Ugly Event, Deflation and a bit on Inflation – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1828

Thu 7/25
jlcollinsnh – Stocks — Part V: Keeping it simple, considerations and tools – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1829

Fri 7/26
jlcollinsnh – Stocks — Part VI: Portfolio ideas to build and keep your wealth – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1830

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Weekly Round-Up: 7/14/13 to 7/20/13

Wed, 24 Jul 2013 03:43:28 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 7/15
MMM @mrmoneymustache on: Getting Rich: from Zero to Hero in One Blog Post – http://mjg2.net/l/1823

Tue 7/16
Craig Jarrow @TMNinja says: Beware: 10 Time Management Rules That You Are Breaking – http://mjg2.net/l/1824

Wed 7/17
jlcollinsnh – Stocks — Part 1: There’s a major market crash coming!!!! and Dr. Lo can’t save you. – http://mjg2.net/l/1825

Thu 7/18
jlcollinsnh – Stocks — Part II: The Market Always Goes Up – http://mjg2.net/l/1826

Fri 7/19
jlcollinsnh – Stocks — Part III: Most people lose money in the market. – http://mjg2.net/l/1827

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DB2 Incremental Delete

Mon, 15 Jul 2013 16:40:00 +0000

Ever have to delete a lot of records from a table in DB2 and can’t truncate, but you keep filling the transaction log? One way of solving the problem without having to manually update ranges of values in a where clause is to do an incremental delete in a stored proc. Here’s an example/template to get you started…

WHILE EXISTS ( SELECT ITEM_ID 
		FROM XX.TABLE
		WHERE SOMETHING_NB = 1
		FETCH FIRST 1 ROWS ONLY )
DO
	DELETE FROM 
		(SELECT ROW_NUMBER() OVER() AS ROW_NB
		FROM XX.TABLE
		WHERE SOMETHING_NB = 1
		FETCH FIRST 20000 ROWS ONLY)
	WHERE ROW_NB <= 20000;
	
	IF ((L_SQLCODE_NB <> 0) AND (L_SQLCODE_NB <> 100)) THEN
		SIGNAL SQLSTATE '20003' SET MESSAGE_TEXT = 'Error deleting records';
	END IF; 
	
	COMMIT;
END WHILE;

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Weekly Round-Up: 7/7/13 to 7/13/13

Sun, 14 Jul 2013 12:44:11 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 7/8
Eric Jackson on: The Ten Biggest Lies of B-School – http://mjg2.net/l/1819

Tue 7/9
Scott Hanselman @shanselman asks: Programming’s not for you? How about thinking? Be empowered. – http://mjg2.net/l/1820

Wed 7/10
Adam Dachis @adachis on: How to Quickly Find and Replace Text Across Multiple Files with One Command – http://mjg2.net/l/1821

Fri 7/12
Leo Babauta @zen_habits tells you how to: Create the Habits of Being Lean, in 7 Years – http://mjg2.net/l/1822

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Weekly Round-Up: 6/30/13 to 7/6/13

Sun, 07 Jul 2013 12:43:20 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 7/1
Joshua Becker @joshua_becker on: 10 Unconventional Habits to Live Distraction-Less – http://mjg2.net/l/1815

Tue 7/2
MMM @mrmoneymustache on: Getting Enough.. and Then Some – http://mjg2.net/l/1816

Wed 7/3
Shelly Phillips on: Six Communication Tricks That Will Get Your Kids to Cooperate – http://mjg2.net/l/1817

Fri 7/5
Melanie Pinola asks: How Can I Keep My Family from Disturbing Me When I Work at Home? – http://mjg2.net/l/1818

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Happy birthday America

Thu, 04 Jul 2013 05:05:24 +0000

As I sit here watching “The Patriot” I can’t help but be appreciative of all those who have sacrificed for the dream and reality that is America. Those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and those who left their families – if even for a short time – in service of a cause they considered greater than themselves.

In salute of all the Patriots: Abe Lincoln, Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, John Adams, Sam Adams, Ben Franklin, Teddy Roosevelt, George Patton, General Sherman, General Grant, FDR, those who will never be known (the unknown soldiers), and many many more I am ever grateful to have been born in this wonderful Land of Opportunity.

As a parent, I haven’t the luxury of principles. I have long feared that my sins will come back to haunt me – and the weight is more than I can bare.

Thank you again to all who have sacrificed so that we may pursue happiness.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Resolving Ant javac “class file has wrong version” issues

Wed, 03 Jul 2013 15:10:11 +0000

Ever run an ANT build in eclipse and it works just fine, but as soon as you run it outside of eclipse you get something like…

class file has wrong version 51.0, should be 49.0

The issue is likely that you need to “fork” in your javac task…

Before (with error)

javac srcdir="${build.path}" 
 verbose="true" 
 includeantruntime="false" 
 includejavaruntime="false"

After (no error)

javac srcdir="${build.path}" 
 verbose="true" 
 includeantruntime="false" 
 includejavaruntime="false" 
 fork="yes"

Hopefully this can save you about 2 hours some day!
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Weekly Round-Up: 6/23/13 to 6/29/13

Sun, 30 Jun 2013 12:43:42 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 6/24
The Cost Of FI – http://mjg2.net/l/1811

Tue 6/25
jlcollinsnh on: My path for my kid — the first 10 years – http://mjg2.net/l/1812

Wed 6/26
Martin Luther King Jr’s: Letter from a Birmingham Jail – http://mjg2.net/l/1813

Thu 6/27
jlcollinsnh – Why your house is a terrible investment – http://mjg2.net/l/1842

Fri 6/28
Adam Dachis tells you how to: Generate a Monthly Calendar from the Command Line – http://mjg2.net/l/1814

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Weekly Round-Up: 6/16/13 to 6/22/13

Sun, 23 Jun 2013 12:43:39 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 6/17
Nora Dunn @hobonora suggests you: Spice Up the Conversation by Skipping “What Do You Do?” – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1805

Tue 6/18
Supercharge Your Command Line’s History Search with Four Lines of Code – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1807

Wed 6/19
Am I Brushing My Teeth Correctly? – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1808

Thu 6/20
Leverage Email to Get a Response When Your Prospect Has Gone Dark – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1809

Fri 6/21
David @DavidDCain on: Why the minimalists do what they do – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1810

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Weekly Round-Up: 6/9/13 to 6/15/13

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 12:43:25 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Wed 6/12
David Cain @DavidDCain on: How to Walk Across a Parking Lot – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1806

Thu 6/13
Mr. Money Mustache @mrmoneymustache on: The Principle of Constant Optimization – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1802

Fri 6/14
Christopher S. Penn @cspenn gives you: The graduation lesson I wish I’d had – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1803

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The One a Day Challenge

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 04:12:25 +0000

For those of you who follow me on the social media platform of your choice I’m not referring to my (attempted) daily post of something interesting. Instead this is a little challenge I dreamed up and considered a while back, but finally decided to do the month of June. Being the type who likes confirmation before proceeding, I’ve been following the challenge with great success since the beginning of the month so now feel comfortable talking about it.

So you’re probably asking by now, what is it? Simply put, pick something (or in my case 3 somethings) that you want to limit to 1 or less a day. The 3 that I picked are…

No more than 1 cup of coffee a day
No more than 1 alcoholic beverage a day
Spend less than $1 a day directly on myself (primarily eliminates “fancy coffee” and numerous non-brown bag lunches)

Why do I do these things? Primarily to keep myself sharp and to help build willpower. Plus, I like a challenge of my own choosing.

So what about you? Have something you’d like to challenge yourself to limit to 1 or less a day? Tell me about it in the comments below.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Weekly Round-Up: 5/26/13 to 6/1/13

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:28:29 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Wed 5/29
Jeff Haden @jeff_haden gives you 8 Things You Should Not Do Every Day – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1797

Thu 5/30
Mr. Money Mustache @mrmoneymustache asks: Do We Need to Fire the Entire Financial Advice Industry? – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1798

Fri 5/31
Gary Foreman on: 7 Car Dealership Fees and Services to Avoid – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1799

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Weekly Round-Up: 5/12/13 to 5/18/13

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:43:50 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 5/13
Consider Not Setting Goals in 2013 – Peter Bregman – Harvard Business Review – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1787

Tue 5/14
The @honesttoddler writes: Dear IRS – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1788

Wed 5/15
Janet Choi on: How to Escape the Cult of “Busy” – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1789

Thu 5/16
7 tips for maintaining an organized home – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1790

Fri 5/17
Bruce Feiler @brucefeiler on: Agile programming – for your family – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1791

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Weekly Round-Up: 5/5/13 to 5/11/13

Sun, 12 May 2013 12:43:30 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Thu 5/9
Why “The Gap” Is the Personal Finance Number That Matters the Most – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1785

Fri 5/10
I’ve Been Using Evernote All Wrong. Here’s Why It’s Actually Amazing – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1786

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New cffreedom-utils repo on github

Tue, 07 May 2013 03:22:46 +0000

For the last 10 years or so I’ve built up a number of Java utility functions and classes to help me write code easier. Over time I’ve probably had to re-write many of the functions as I’ve moved teams, lost the code, or just wanted to make it better. I’ve also had to jar up and help other developers use the code one too many times. Since I’m finally sick of that I’ve switch over to Maven for dependency and build management, moved the library to github, and am open sourcing the development so that others can take advantage of my work, and contribute to it to make it better.

You can find the project at https://github.com/communicationfreedom/cffreedom-utils. Please take a look, and consider helping make it even better.

Note: Since I’ve been using the project more and more the pace of change is pretty steep and the package structure has been changing frequently, but I believe that is starting to settle down a bit.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Weekly Round-Up: 4/28/13 to 5/4/13

Sun, 05 May 2013 12:43:14 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 4/29
Scott Dinsmore @_Scott_Dinsmore on: How Simplicity Swindled the Investment Banker (and the rest of the world) – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1784

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Weekly Round-Up: 4/21/13 to 4/27/13

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 12:43:23 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 4/22
Mark Schaefer @markwschaefer has – A Rant: In praise of The Unremarkable – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1779

Tue 4/23
Johann Hari on: The dark side of Dubai – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1780

Wed 4/24
MMM @mrmoneymustache hits another home run on: The Incomparable Advantage of Having to Work for what you Get – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1781

Thu 4/25
Laura Beck says: Don’t Call People Fat in Front of Your Kids Unless You Really Want to Screw Them Up – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1782

Fri 4/26
David Cain @DavidDCain tells you: How to Make Trillions of Dollars – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1783

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Weekly Round-Up: 4/14/13 to 4/20/13

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 12:43:28 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 4/15
Living With Less. A Lot Less – I like the point about filling our space whether we need to or not – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1774

Tue 4/16
Joshua Becker @joshua_becker says: Maybe the Answer is Owning Less – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1775

Wed 4/17
James Collins: Manifesto – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1776

Thu 4/18
James Altucher @jaltucher on: Why I Am Never Going to Own a Home Again – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1777

Fri 4/19
MMM @mrmoneymustache says: A Peak Life is Lived Off-Peak – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1778

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Weekly Round-Up: 4/7/13 to 4/13/13

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 12:43:35 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 4/8
The @tmninja on: Why Your Todo List Should Never Be Empty – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1770

Tue 4/9
Science Explains Why You Should Stop Hitting the Snooze Button – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1771

Wed 4/10
MMM @mrmoneymustache clues you in on: A Lifetime of Riches – Is it as Simple as a Few Habits? – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1772

Fri 4/12
Kristen Howerton: Can We Bring The Holidays Down A Notch? <- Amen to that! - http://markjacobsen.net/l/1773

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Outlook Macros to Categorize and Archive Messages

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:22:39 +0000

If you’re still rockin’ Outlook 2007 and want to create some macros to categorize or archive your email, here’s some copy and paste code to have fun with…

Sub Archive()
 Call CommonCategorizeAndArchive(True, False, False)
End Sub

Sub Categorize()
 Call CommonCategorizeAndArchive(False, True, False)
End Sub

Sub CategorizeAndArchive()
 Call CommonCategorizeAndArchive(True, True, False)
End Sub

Sub Task()
 Call CommonCategorizeAndArchive(True, True, True)
End Sub

Private Sub CommonCategorizeAndArchive(archiveEm As Boolean, categorizeEm As Boolean, taskIt As Boolean)
 Dim olApp As New Outlook.Application
 Dim olItem As Object
 Dim olExp As Outlook.Explorer
 Dim olSel As Outlook.Selection
 Dim olArchive As Outlook.Folder
 Dim olTasks As Outlook.Folder
 Dim olNameSpace As Outlook.NameSpace
 Dim olTmpMailItem As Outlook.MailItem
 
 Set olExp = olApp.ActiveExplorer
 Set olSel = olExp.Selection
 Set olNameSpace = olApp.GetNamespace("MAPI")
 
 Set olArchive = olNameSpace.GetDefaultFolder(olFolderInbox).Folders("@Archive")
 Set olTasks = olNameSpace.GetDefaultFolder(olFolderInbox).Folders("zTasks")

 For intItem = 1 To olSel.Count
 Set olItem = olSel.Item(intItem)
 olItem.UnRead = False
 
 If (categorizeEm = True) Then
 olItem.ShowCategoriesDialog
 End If
 
 If (archiveEm = True) Then
 olItem.Move olArchive
 End If
 
 If (taskIt = True) Then
 Set olTmpMailItem = olItem.Copy
 olTmpMailItem.Move olTasks
 End If
 Next intItem
End Sub

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Weekly Round-Up: 3/31/13 to 4/6/13

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 12:43:49 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 4/1
Dan Rowinski says: The Hackers Are Winning – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1765

Tue 4/2
Mansal Denton gives you the: Top 10 Time Killers (and How to Fight Back) – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1766

Wed 4/3
Why you need F-you money – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1767

Thu 4/4
Meghan Nathanson on: 10 Ways to be Mindful with your Children Again – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1768

Fri 4/5
Leo @zen_habits on: Getting Your Family On Board with Life Changes – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1769

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Weekly Round-Up: 3/24/13 to 3/30/13

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 07:43:18 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 3/25
How car salesmen use the Four Square Worksheet to get you to pay as much as possible – thanks genius for posting 🙂 – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1760

Tue 3/26
17 Things Car Salesmen Don’t Want You to Know – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1761

Wed 3/27
Get the Best Price on Your Next Car by Never Setting Foot on the Lot Until You’re Ready to Buy – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1762

Thu 3/28
Money Might Be Ruining Your Mood (Here’s How to Stop It) – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1763

Fri 3/29
Email Best Practices for Teams – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1764

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XPath Query Not Returning any Results in Java

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 07:25:27 +0000

In looking over documentation on XPath queries it seemed easy enough to be able to pull out values from XML, but try as I might I kept getting no results back. Even searching on the root element “/elementName” didn’t return any results. Of course, as with all things Java there’s a trick and that trick is to call setNamespaceAware(). Here’s a quick and dirty example…

DocumentBuilderFactory domFactory = DocumentBuilderFactory.newInstance();
domFactory.setNamespaceAware(false); // NEVER FORGET THIS
DocumentBuilder builder = domFactory.newDocumentBuilder();
XPathFactory factory = XPathFactory.newInstance();
XPath xpath = factory.newXPath();
XPathExpression expr = xpath.compile("/items/item[@id='2']");
return (NodeList)expr.evaluate(domDocument, XPathConstants.NODESET);

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Weekly Round-Up: 3/17/13 to 3/23/13

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 07:43:33 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 3/18
Christopher S Penn @cspenn reminds us about the power of open standards asking: What will kill email? – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1754

Tue 3/19
John Cheese on: 4 Things Politicians Will Never Understand About Poor People – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1755

Wed 3/20
The @tmninja on: 10 Mistakes Companies Make That Destroy Employee Productivity – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1756

Thu 3/21
Big Food Is Making Us Sick – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1757

Fri 3/22
How I failed my daughter and a simple path to wealth – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1759

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Output a DOM Document as XML using Java

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 02:23:28 +0000

Ok, here’s another nerdy post for all the java developers out there. Hopefully it saves you some time.

Let’s say you have a XML DOM Document that you’ve been modifying in your code, and now want to write it back out as XML. One would think there would be a nice toXml() method or something on the Document, but there isn’t. Instead, make sure you have the xalan.jar file on your class path and use this function…

public static String getDomDocumentAsXml(org.w3c.dom.Document domDocument)
{
	try
	{
		TransformerFactory tf = TransformerFactory.newInstance();
		Transformer transformer = tf.newTransformer();
		transformer.setOutputProperty(OutputKeys.INDENT, "yes");
		StreamResult xmlOutput = new StreamResult(new StringWriter());
		transformer.transform(new DOMSource(domDocument), xmlOutput);
		return xmlOutput.getWriter().toString();
	}
	catch (Exception e) { e.printStackTrace(); return null; }
}

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Weekly Round-Up: 3/10/13 to 3/16/13

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 07:43:38 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Tue 3/12
The Pawn Shop Debacle: I learned why Pawn Shops are evil & reinforced the value of being able to fix things http://markjacobsen.net/l/1749

Wed 3/13
Christopher S. Penn @cspenn on: Which 3 metrics should you pay attention to – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1750

Thu 3/14
The @tmninja on: 10 Ways You’re Wasting Other People’s Time – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1752

Fri 3/15
100 Life Hacks That Make Life Easier – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1753

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Subscribe to the newsletter if you’re reading this in Google Reader

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 02:39:56 +0000

Do you read this blog on Google Reader? Then chances are you’ve heard that the Goog is shutting the party down in July. As a big fan this makes me sad, but as the Chris(es) (Penn and Brogan) have done, I too would like to remind you that you can get the same content by subscribing via email.

When you subscribe you’ll never get more than 1 email a day (and realistically much less frequently) as well as a Weekly Round-Up of my 1 a day daily shares.

If you would rather not do that, you can follow me on the social network of your choice…

Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Google+

Don’t want to do that? Hopefully you’ll bookmark the site, try another RSS Reader (maybe Feedly), or at least stop by from time to time.

Note: I’ll likely post this periodically until the final nail is in the coffin. As always, thanks for reading.
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Gmail Snooze Script – We Don’t Need No Stinkin MailboxApp

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:29:37 +0000

I’ll admit it. I got caught up in the MailboxApp fever and watched the little counter until I could get my hands on the app. Then I did and realized I didn’t particularly care for the interface or for giving up credentials to yet another service (though I do have 2 factor authentication setup). I like the Gmail interface. I think it’s done well. And I want control. So I asked that question that every engineer asks: “How can I do this better?”. Naturally the answer was smacking me in the face. Maybe a year ago I came across a Gmail snooze script, but didn’t really take the time to understand it or tweak it to my needs. This time was different.

Below you’ll find the setup instructions that will give you MailboxApp like functionality in something you completely control and that you can use from any email client. Just attach labels or move your messages to the any of the snooze labels and let the script do the rest. Personally, I’m using the script with a Dispatch “quick action” to easily triage my inbox.

See the “Setup” instructions in the comment block at the top of the code or refer to the images below…

Paste the code from below into the script

To use the functionality provided by the script just move any email to one of the snooze labels. For example, Move to –> _Z/Tonight to have the email reappear at the time you selected (default: 5pm). These are the suggested options to use, but there are more specific labels you can use for tighter control:

_Z/Later
_Z/Midnight
_Z/Noon
_Z/Tonight
_Z/Tomorrow
_Z/This Weekend
_Z/Next Week
_Z/Next Month

I hope you like it!

/*
* Author: Mark Jacobsen (http://mjg2.net/code)
*
* This is a massively modified and more powerful GMail snooze script that mirrors much of the functionality of
* the iPhone "Mailbox" app with the added benefit of not having to hand over your credentials, and being able to 
* use from any mail client (web, Android, iPhone, etc). If you like it or have suggestions, please drop me a line
* from my blog at http://mjg2.net/code
*
* Setup:
* 1) Fill in the values below (or just use the defaults)
* 2) Run the "setup()" function using the method drop down and run arrow
* 3) Set time based triggers for:
* moveDailySnoozes() - Daily between Midnight to 1 am
* moveHourlySnoozes() - Every 5 minutes
*
* Changes:
* 2013-05-06 markjacobsen.net Fixed getLabelForHour to correctly handle am/pm thanks to "benlarge"
* 2014-02-23 markjacobsen.net Fixed moveDailySnoozes to correctly handle the current DOW thanks to "Jeff Hirsch"
* 2014-03-24 markjacobsen.net Added additional parseInt()s to moveHourlySnoozes
*/

// =============================================================================
// Set these values according to your needs
// =============================================================================
var TIMEZONE = "America/Detroit"; // Your timezone
var TONIGHT_HOUR = 17; // Hour (on a 24 hour clock. ex: 17=5pm) representing when something snoozed until "Tonight" should reappear
var HOURS_UNTIL_LATER = 3; // Number of hours when something snoozed until "Later" should appear
var REAPPEAR_LABEL = "_Action"; // Full label path to apply when a message reappears in the inbox (leave blank "" to not set a label)
var REAPPEAR_UNREAD = true; // Decide if you want to mark a thread as unread when it reappears in the inbox

// ==========================================================================================
// I wouldn't recommend changing these values but it shouldn't hurt anything if done right :)
// ==========================================================================================
var LABEL_BASE = "_Z"; // The label to create all snooze labels under (it's suggested that you don't change this)
var LABEL_BASE_DOW = LABEL_BASE + "/zDay";
var LABEL_BASE_MO = LABEL_BASE + "/zMonth";
var LABEL_BASE_TOD = LABEL_BASE + "/zTime";

// =============================================================================
// =============================================================================
// Do NOT change anything below here
// =============================================================================
// =============================================================================
var LABEL_LATER = LABEL_BASE + "/Later";
var LABEL_MIDNIGHT = LABEL_BASE + "/Midnight";
var LABEL_NOON = LABEL_BASE + "/Noon";
var LABEL_TONIGHT = LABEL_BASE + "/Tonight";
var LABEL_TOMORROW = LABEL_BASE + "/Tomorrow";
var LABEL_THIS_WEEKEND = LABEL_BASE + "/This Weekend";
var LABEL_NEXT_WEEK = LABEL_BASE + "/Next Week";
var LABEL_NEXT_MONTH = LABEL_BASE + "/Next Month";


function setup() {
 GmailApp.createLabel(LABEL_BASE);
 GmailApp.createLabel(LABEL_BASE_DOW);
 GmailApp.createLabel(LABEL_BASE_MO);
 GmailApp.createLabel(LABEL_BASE_TOD);
 GmailApp.createLabel(LABEL_NEXT_WEEK);
 GmailApp.createLabel(LABEL_NEXT_MONTH);
 GmailApp.createLabel(LABEL_LATER);
 GmailApp.createLabel(LABEL_MIDNIGHT);
 GmailApp.createLabel(LABEL_NOON);
 GmailApp.createLabel(LABEL_TONIGHT);
 GmailApp.createLabel(LABEL_TOMORROW);
 GmailApp.createLabel(LABEL_THIS_WEEKEND);
 GmailApp.createLabel(getLabelForDayOfWeek("Sunday"));
 GmailApp.createLabel(getLabelForDayOfWeek("Monday"));
 GmailApp.createLabel(getLabelForDayOfWeek("Tuesday"));
 GmailApp.createLabel(getLabelForDayOfWeek("Wednesday"));
 GmailApp.createLabel(getLabelForDayOfWeek("Thursday"));
 GmailApp.createLabel(getLabelForDayOfWeek("Friday"));
 GmailApp.createLabel(getLabelForDayOfWeek("Saturday"));
 
 // Time of day Labels
 for (var i = 0; i <= 23; ++i) {
 GmailApp.createLabel(getLabelForHour(i));
 }
 
 // Month Labels
 for (var i = 0; i <= 11; ++i) {
 GmailApp.createLabel(getLabelForMonth(i));
 }
}

function test(){
 Logger.log(getLabelForHour(0));
 Logger.log(getLabelForHour(12));
 Logger.log(getLabelForHour(13));
 Logger.log(getLabelForHour(23));
}

function getLabelForHour(hr){
 var ampm = "am";
 if (hr > 12)
 {
 hr -= 12;
 ampm = "pm";
 }
 else if (hr == 12)
 {
 ampm = "pm";
 }
 else if (hr == 0)
 {
 hr = 12;
 ampm = "am";
 }
 return LABEL_BASE_TOD + "/" + parseInt(hr) + ampm;
}

function getLabelForMonth(mo){
 var tmp;
 
 if (mo == -1){
 tmp = new Date();
 }else{
 tmp = new Date(2000, mo, 1);
 }
 return LABEL_BASE_MO + "/" + Utilities.formatDate(tmp, TIMEZONE, "MMMMM");
}

function getLabelForDayOfWeek(dow){
 return LABEL_BASE_DOW + "/" + dow;
}


function moveDailySnoozes() {
 var dow, dom, mo;
 
 // Move anything that was snoozed until tomorrow
 moveSnoozesToInbox(LABEL_TOMORROW);
 
 dow = Utilities.formatDate(new Date(), TIMEZONE, "EEEE");
 dom = Utilities.formatDate(new Date(), TIMEZONE, "d");
 
 // Move anything that was snoozed until this DOW
 moveSnoozesToInbox(getLabelForDayOfWeek(dow));
 
 if ((dow == "Sunday") || (dow == "Saturday")){
 // If something was snoozed until this weekend, that should be moved too
 moveSnoozesToInbox(LABEL_THIS_WEEKEND);
 }
 
 // Move anything for "next week" to the DOW it should come off snooze (i.e. the current DOW).
 // This works and doesn't move the messages pre-maturely because we moved
 // msgs for the DOW, prior to this and this functions should only fire
 // once a day
 moveSnoozes(LABEL_NEXT_WEEK, getLabelForDayOfWeek(dow));
 
 if (dom == 1){
 // Move anything snoozed until "next month" or
 // specifically for the current month on the 1st day
 // of a new month
 moveSnoozesToInbox(getLabelForMonth(-1));
 moveSnoozesToInbox(LABEL_NEXT_MONTH);
 }
}

function moveHourlySnoozes() {
 var curHour, curHourLabel, hourForLater, curDateTime;
 
 curHour = Utilities.formatDate(new Date(), TIMEZONE, "H");
 curHourLabel = getLabelForHour(curHour);
 
 moveSnoozes(LABEL_NOON, getLabelForHour(12));
 moveSnoozes(LABEL_MIDNIGHT, getLabelForHour(0));
 
 if (parseInt(curHour) == parseInt(TONIGHT_HOUR)){
 moveSnoozesToInbox(LABEL_TONIGHT);
 }
 
 moveSnoozesToInbox(curHourLabel);
 
 hourForLater = parseInt(parseInt(curHour) + HOURS_UNTIL_LATER);
 if (hourForLater >= 24){
 hourForLater = parseInt(hourForLater - 24);
 }
 moveSnoozes(LABEL_LATER, getLabelForHour(hourForLater));
}


function moveSnoozesToInbox(oldLabelName) {
 var oldLabel, page, reappearLabel;
 oldLabel = GmailApp.getUserLabelByName(oldLabelName);
 page = null;
 // Get threads in "pages" of 100 at a time
 while(!page || page.length == 100) {
 page = oldLabel.getThreads(0, 100);
 if (page.length > 0) {
 GmailApp.moveThreadsToInbox(page);
 oldLabel.removeFromThreads(page);
 if (REAPPEAR_LABEL != ""){
 reappearLabel = GmailApp.getUserLabelByName(REAPPEAR_LABEL);
 reappearLabel.addToThreads(page);
 }
 if (REAPPEAR_UNREAD == true){
 GmailApp.markThreadsUnread(page);
 }
 } 
 }
}


function moveSnoozes(oldLabelName, newLabelName) {
 var oldLabel, newLabel, page;
 oldLabel = GmailApp.getUserLabelByName(oldLabelName);
 newLabel = GmailApp.getUserLabelByName(newLabelName);
 page = null;
 // Get threads in "pages" of 100 at a time
 while(!page || page.length == 100) {
 page = oldLabel.getThreads(0, 100);
 if (page.length > 0) {
 newLabel.addToThreads(page);
 oldLabel.removeFromThreads(page);
 } 
 }
}

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Weekly Round-Up: 3/3/13 to 3/9/13

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 07:43:41 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 3/4
Thorin Klosowski @kingthor on: How to Get Anything You Want with Minimal Negotiation – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1744

Tue 3/5
Shit Happens… to Mr. Money Mustache’s House – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1745

Wed 3/6
Been meaning to post this for a while about my favorite charity: @charitywater – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1746

Thu 3/7
Leo @zen_habits on the: Discomfort Zone: How to Master the Universe – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1747

Fri 3/8
Craig Ballantyne @craigballantyne gives you: 12 Rules to Live By – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1748

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Principles, Priorities, and Values – oh my!

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:23:26 +0000

Lately I’ve been thinking about the important things to me. What my “principles”, “priorities”, or “values” are. I’m sure I could spout off a number of things, but here are the big ideas that come to mind.

Family
My family is the most important thing in the world to me. I will do anything within my power for my wife and kids. What is the purpose of life without someone or a cause to love?

Goals
Goals keep us moving forward. They give us something to strive for. But don’t confuse a want with a goal. Remember, goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Planning
A dream without a plan is only a wish upon a star, but beware analysis paralysis. Use planning to achieve your goals. And remember, plans change. Change with them.

Disciplined Action
This is where you walk the walk. Achieving any goal or carrying out any plan is primarily a matter of disciplined action. It’s making the hard choices. Doing things you don’t want to do. Doing as you say. Being a role-model.

Routine
The easiest way to maintain disciplined action is through routine. Routine isn’t a dirty word or meant in a negative way. Some might call it a ritual.

Spontaneity (White Space)
Of course once you have planned your disciplined actions and made them a routine it’s amazing how much time you can find for other things. Once you know where the unmovable objects are it’s easy to find the space between. Remember to keep white space in your schedule. You can’t plan everything and if you try to you will drive yourself and those around you crazy. Schedule your priorities. Don’t schedule your life.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Weekly Round-Up: 2/24/13 to 3/2/13

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 07:43:37 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Mon 2/25
Derek Khanna @dkhanna11: The Law Against Unlocking Cellphones Is Anti-Consumer, Anti-Business, & Anti-Common Sense – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1739

Tue 2/26
Joshua Fields Millburn @JFM says: Here, Have an Organ – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1740

Wed 2/27
Former sex trafficking victim shines light on dark underworld of Super Bowl – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1741

Thu 2/28
Leo @zen_habits gives: Advice to My Kids – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1742

Fri 3/1
Marelisa Fabrega @Marelisa on: The Ten Habits of Zen to Done – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1743

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Weekly Round-Up: 2/17/13 to 2/23/13

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 07:44:06 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Tue 2/19
Gretchen Rubin @gretchenrubin asks: Do You Find Yourself Falling for These 12 Familiar Myths about Clutter? – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1735

Wed 2/20
Leo @zen_habits on: The 7 Habits of Calmness – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1736

Thu 2/21
An oldie but a goodie – Paul Graham @paulg on: Maker’s Schedule, Manager’s Schedule – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1737

Fri 2/22
Alan Henry @halophoenix on: How to Work an On Call Job and Keep Your Sanity – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1738

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Weekly Round-Up: 2/11/13 to 2/17/13

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 05:24:55 +0000

The Weekly Round-Up is a once weekly collection of my #1Aday daily shares. Hope you find something of interest!

Tue 2/12
14 Photographs That Shatter Your Image of Famous People – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1711

Wed 2/13
Use a “daily do” list to remember and execute the little things – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1712

Thu 2/14
Why You Should Want to Pay for Software, Instagram Edition – While the dust up may be over this is still important – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1714

Fri 2/15
My 10 Essential Email Habits by @zen_habits – http://markjacobsen.net/l/1734Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Setting up the ultimate console

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:40:00 +0000

If you’ve been coding for any time, chances are you’ve become acquainted with the command line. While some love it and some hate it I think it’s wonderful for getting things done quickly. Unfortunately, the windows command line is crap. With that said I finally got fed up and asked that most important programmer question of “How do I get a better command line”?

That search led me to an open source application called appropriately enough: Console. When I first opened it up and started playing around I have to admit my first reaction was “meh”. Then I asked that import question again, “How can this be made better”? A little Googling and experimentation later I got things working to my satisfaction.

So, here for your one-stop quick-reference is how to setup the ultimate console for Windows…

Assumptions

You access the console for all different platforms (not just Windows)
You already have putty and its utilities downloaded – and are familiar with their use
You already have installed cygwin – and are familiar with its use

Installation

Download Console and extract the contents to the folder of your choice
Download ANSICON and extract the following files to the same directory you extracted Console to.
- ANSI32.dll
- ANSI64.dll
- ansicon.exe

Great, now you have Console installed, but this is the configuration I use to make it really rock.

Configuration

These can all be found under “Edit -> Settings”

Appearance
- Custom color: Change it to an awsome green
Appearance -> More…
- Uncheck “Show toolbar”
- Select “Alpha” under “Window transparency” and set “Active window” to 25 and “Inactive window” to 40
Behavior
- Check “Copy on select”
- Uncheck “Clear selection on copy”
Hotkeys
- Set “New Tab 1” to “Ctrl+T”
- Set “Copy selection” to “Ctrl+C”
- Set “Paste” to “Ctrl+V”
Hotkeys -> Mouse
- Set “Copy/clear selection” to “None”
- Set “Select text” to “Left”
- Set “Paste text” to “Right”
- Set “Context menu” to “Middle”

Tab Configuration

Now that you have your console looking pretty and being functional, lets hook it into putty and cygwin. You can do this configuration under “Edit -> Settings -> Tabs”. Obviously, the directories you’ve chosen for things will be different (change to your values).

Cygwin: Add a tab and set the shell to:

C:\cygwin\bin\bash.exe --login -i

Putty: Add a tab and set the shell to:

C:\apps\Console2\ansicon.exe "C:\apps\Putty\plink.exe" -load "aSavedSessionName"

Reference

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How to list all environment variables

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 03:47:23 +0000

Often times you can find useful information in your environment variables, but since it’s something you don’t have to do everyday it’s easy to forget. Here’s a refresher:

Windows
First bring up a command prompt, then run the following…

set

To see the value of a single environment variable:

echo %ENVVAR%

Linux
Run the following from a terminal to see all environment variables…

printenv

To see the value of a single environment variable:

echo $ENVVAR

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The Best iPhone Apps

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 03:35:10 +0000

Despite what Apple may think, they don’t create the world’s greatest apps. I love my iPhone, but to really get the best experience outside of jailbreaking (work frowns on that) there are a handful of apps I use almost daily. Since I had a friend recently ask me about some of them I thought you, dear reader, may also find my “insight” useful. So in the interest of creating an up-to-date list of what i consider to be essential iPhone apps, I’ve created a page dedicated to The Best iPhone Apps!

Hit up the page for all my recommended iPhone apps, but here’s the top 3…

<td valign="top">
 <b><a href="http://mjg2.net/go/itunes/toodledo">Toodledo</a></b><br /> After trying just about every single to-do and task list manager under the sun, the one I keep coming back to is Toodledo.
</td>

<td valign="top">
 <b><a href="http://mjg2.net/go/itunes/drafts">Drafts</a></b><br /> Far and away the best note taking and all purpose app
</td>

<td valign="top">
 <b><a href="http://mjg2.net/go/itunes/fantastical">Fantastical</a></b><br /> I wasn&#8217;t sure it would be worth it, but this app is so much better than the Apple calendar.
</td>

Hope you find something useful.
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Google Chrome Keyboard Shortcuts for Tabs

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:41:05 +0000

So I hope by now everyone knows that Ctrl+T opens a new tab in Chrome, but I always forget these shortcuts so hope they help trigger your memory too…

Ctrl+T = Open a new tab
Ctrl+W = Close the current tab
Ctrl+1 through Ctrl+8 = Go to the tab at the specified position in the window
Ctrl+9 = Go to the last tab in the window
Ctrl+Tab = Go to the next tab in the window
Ctrl+Shirt+Tab = Go to the previous tab in the window

Note: Yes, these all appear to work in FireFox too. I’m just partial to Chrome.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Inbox Zero – How I do it

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 09:19:35 +0000

Why is it that when I mention I have no email in my inbox or that I just delete email I get these looks and comments of complete disbelief? Probably my two favorite comments are “How can you possibly do that?” and “You must not do anything.”

Well, I’m here to tell you that you can do it and that you can actually get stuff done. While there are a ton of ways to do this and you might want to tweak your implementation a little bit, I’m going to give you a run down of how I do it.

Ok, so how do you go about implementing inbox zero? First, create a new folder (Outlook) or label (Gmail) called “_oldCrapCloggingMyInbox”. Second, move all the email in your inbox into “_oldCrapCloggingMyInbox”. There, don’t you feel better already?

Now, repeat after me…

Delete
Delegate
Do
Defer
Delete
Delegate
Do
Defer
Delete
Delegate
Do
Defer

Got it yet? No? One more time then…

Delete
Delegate
Do
Defer

Ok, those are the 4 questions you need to ask yourself (in that order) for every email. Now you’re going to start honing your “deleteability”. Seriously, don’t be afraid of deleting email (if you’re really paranoid, replace delete with archive”).

Can I just delete this? If so, delete it. It’s liberating isn’t it?

If you can’t delete it, can or should someone else be doing it? If so, send it on its way and delete it.

If it’s something you have to do you have a decision to make. If it’s something you can do in 2 minutes or less – do it! Then delete it! If you can’t do it in 2 minutes or less either put it on a task list or move it to a “Read Review” folder/label. Naturally, if you put it on a task list – delete it.

Doesn’t that feel so much better?

Now, this may feel a little weird and it will take some getting used to, but practice it over the next few weeks and see if it doesn’t feel great to have an empty inbox.

You might also want to watch the original presentation by Merlin Mann.

Questions? Still think I’m crazy? Sound off in the comments.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Setup password-less SSH and SCP with public/private keys

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 07:25:11 +0000

Want to scp a file to another server without having to enter the password? Want to just make your security even stronger? Public/private keys to the rescue! Of course, if you don’t know what I’m talking about or why you would want to do this, feel free to google it or just go visit another site.

For those still with me, you need access to both the local and remote servers (duh). I’m going to refer to the server/host you are logged into as the local machine, and the one you want to connect to as the remote machine.

First, on the local machine you need to generate your public and private keys. To do so, enter this command…

ssh-keygen -t rsa

Be sure to just hit enter to the questions you’re prompted with (otherwise you will have to enter a password when connecting with the keys – which goes against the whole point of this post). This will create a couple of files in your .ssh directory (something like id_rsa and id_rsa.pub – your private and public keys respectively). Your public key (the file you want to distribute) ends in “.pub”. Assuming you have that file, send it over to the remote machine (perhaps with scp, yes?)…

scp ./id_rsa.pub user@server.com:/home/user/.ssh/id_rsa.pub

Of course password authentication isn’t enabled yet so you’ll have to enter the password. Next up, you need to login to the remote machine and visit your .ssh directory, and cat the .pub file into your “authorized_keys” file (don’t worry, the command below will create the file if it doesn’t exist. I leave it to you to know how to create the .ssh directory if needed)…

cat id_rsa.pub >> authorized_keys

It’s then a good idea to secure your file and delete the temporary public key on the remote machine…

chmod 600 authorized_keys
rm id_rsa.pub

Once you’ve done all this, you should now be able to connect without a password! Just use your private key…

ssh -i ./id_rsa user@server.com

Have fun!Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

SSH, SFTP, and SCP on non-standard ports

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 04:24:05 +0000

One common suggestion for securing a secure shell connection on Linux is to change the port that ssh runs on. But how exactly do you connect to a server on one of these non-standard ports?

Naturally, the syntax is different for each so here goes:

ssh

ssh -p 33432 user@server.com

Yes, ssh uses a lower case p command line argument. Just wait until we get to scp.

sftp

sftp -o "Port 33432" user@server.com

Of course sftp uses a plain English option parameter of “Port XXXX”

scp

scp -P 33432 /home/user/file.txt user@server.com:/home/user

And naturally scp uses a capital P

Gotta love consistency!Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Mount a Windows Share in Linux

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 17:23:54 +0000

So you want to access a Windows UNC share in Linux? No problem if you know the magic commands and have root access. This can be a great alternative to running cygwin if you are able to access a linux box (directly or via a virtual machine).

First, start by creating your mount point…

sudo mkdir /mnt/share1

Then, actually mount your UNC share to the mount point…

sudo mount -t cifs "//server/share1" /mnt/share -o username=my,password=secret

This would make \server\share1 available to you on the Linux box as /mnt/share. Note the use of the options parameter (-o) to specify username and password.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Find DB2 Nicknames

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:19:28 +0000

Want to see the nickname setup for a DB2 database? Here’s a handy query…

SELECT 
 NICK.TABSCHEMA,
 NICK.TABNAME,
 NICK.SERVERNAME,
 NICK.OWNER,
 NICK.REMOTE_SCHEMA,
 NICK.REMOTE_TABLE,
 SRV.SERVERTYPE
FROM SYSCAT.NICKNAMES NICK
 INNER JOIN SYSCAT.SERVERS SRV
 ON (NICK.SERVERNAME = SRV.SERVERNAME);

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Start ColdFusion8 on Ubuntu Server Start

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 04:41:50 +0000

Ok, so this is not the most bleeding edge post, but hopefully useful if you need it. Here’s what you need to do if you need to get ColdFusion8 to start on server reboot (since it doesn’t appear to install itself as a service) using Ubuntu server.

First, create a service script and make sure it’s executable like so…

sudo touch /etc/init.d/coldfusion
sudo chmod 755 /etc/init.d/coldfusion

Next, you need to actually put something in the script…

sudo nano /etc/init.d/coldfusion

Here’s what to put in the file…

#! /bin/sh

### BEGIN INIT INFO
# Short-Description: ColdFusion8 service
### END INIT INFO

file=/opt/coldfusion8/bin/coldfusion

case "$1" in
stop)
$file stop
;;
status)
$file status
;;
restart)
$file restart
;;
*)
$file start
;;
esac

exit 0

Finally, you need to tell Ubuntu to use your service and make it available

sudo update-rc.d coldfusion defaults

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Seven commands developers can run to resolve issues in DB2 AIX development

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:35:19 +0000

Now here’s a super geeky one for you, but also super helpful when doing DB2 dev on AIX. Thanks to one of our App DBAs for providing this!

Please note that you will need DBADM rights to do some of these things so your mileage may vary.

First you need to determine what command(s) to run…

REORG(#1), RUNSTAT(#5), REBIND (#6) as a first step when performance is suffering
REORG(#1) when you recieve a SQL0668N reason code 7 or any other SQL message indicating a REORG is required
REORG(#1) after table alters or deleting lots of rows when you want to reclaim space.
REORG(#2) when you recieve a ADM6044E or a SQL2216N SQL error “-289” on a REORG (#1)
CLEAR LOAD PENDING (#3) when you recieve a SQL0668N reason code 3
RUNSTAT(#5) after REORGs(#1 or #2), data volume changes(+10%), and/or adding indexes
EMPTY A TABLE WITH A LOAD REPLACE(#4) when you want to empty a medium or larger sized table
REBIND(#6) after every RUNSTAT(#5) if you are using stored procedures
SET INTEGRITY(#7) to fix SQL0668N reason code 1

Then change the command syntax to match the required objects. All parameters starting with a dollar sign($) e.g. $TABSCHEMA, $TABNAME, $ROUTINESCHEMA, $ROUTINENAME, and/or $STEMP_TBSPACE must be replaced with valid table schema/name, stored procedure schema/name, system temporary tablespace.

Note: RAPID SQL 7.7.5 Issue: Add cast syntax (CAST(‘command-syntax’ AS CLOB)) if your version of Rapid SQL returns an error
Example: CALL SYSPROC.ADMIN_CMD (CAST(‘REORG TABLE $TABSCHEMA.$TABNAME ALLOW READ ACCESS’ AS CLOB));

Finally, run the commands via any interface that can call stored procedures including RAPID SQL

Other resources for troubleshoot messages or research other options for the commands supplied below by searching these

1. REORG A TABLE

CALL SYSPROC.ADMIN_CMD ('REORG TABLE $TABSCHEMA.$TABNAME ALLOW READ ACCESS');

2. REORG A LARGE TABLE

CALL SYSPROC.ADMIN_CMD('REORG TABLE $TABSCHEMA.$TABNAME ALLOW READ ACCESS USE $STEMP_TBSPACE');

Note: To find $STEMP_TBSPACE:

SELECT TBSPACE AS $STEMP_TBSPACE, PAGESIZE FROM SYSCAT.TABLESPACES WHERE DATATYPE = 'T' WITH UR;

3. CLEAR A LOAD PENDING **This leaves the table empty**

CALL SYSPROC.ADMIN_CMD('LOAD FROM /dev/null OF DEL TERMINATE INTO $TABSCHEMA.$TABNAME NONRECOVERABLE');

4. EMPTY A TABLE WITH LOAD REPLACE

CALL SYSPROC.ADMIN_CMD ('LOAD FROM /dev/null OF DEL REPLACE INTO $TABSCHEMA.$TABNAME NONRECOVERABLE');

5. RUNSTAT A TABLE

CALL SYSPROC.ADMIN_CMD('RUNSTATS ON TABLE $TABSCHEMA.$TABNAME ON ALL COLUMNS AND SAMPLED DETAILED INDEX ALL ALLOW WRITE ACCESS');

6. REBIND A STORED PROCEDURE

CALL SYSPROC.REBIND_ROUTINE_PACKAGE('P','$ROUTINESCHEMA.$ROUTINENAME','ANY');

7. SET INTEGRITY

SET INTEGRITY FOR $TABSCHEMA.$TABNAME IMMEDIATE CHECKED;

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Execute a SQL file via the MySQL command line in one line

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 03:04:40 +0000

Have a large script (like a DB dump) you want to execute from the command line in one line so you can just drop it in a batch/shell script and run with it? Assuming MySql is on your system path, here’s the command…

mysql -u user -ppass < C:\temp\myscript.sql

Where “user” is the username, and “pass” is the password (note, there’s no space or other delimiter between the “-p” and the password)Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Add a SSL Cert to Your Java Keystore

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 19:51:19 +0000

If you’ve ever had to add a SSL certificate to a java keystore, you know that the command is a little convoluted. Here for your and my reference is the command…

 "D:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_22\bin\keytool" -import -trustcacerts -alias MyCA2 -file C:\MyCA2.crt -keystore "D:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_22\lib\security\cacerts"

When promoted for the password, the default is “changeit”, and make sure to choose/type “yes” when asked if you want to trust the cert.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

How I manage my social media intake

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 18:03:06 +0000

Every now and then, people ask how I knew something or how I can keep up on the things I do. Rather than go over it a bunch of times I’d like to try and share it once.

First and foremost, the most important thing is managing the “noise” you do listen to. Specifically, I do not watch or read the “news” unless an event somewhere else triggers the need/desire to check things out. Second, in social media you need to learn how the tools work, and by that I mean using things like lists, or hiding individual noise makers (for example, if less than 1 in 3 of your posts has anything useful and you’re not immediate family there’s a good chance you’re getting blocked).

So on to the specifics… The way I make this work is with a few tools:

Feedly – For subscribing to RSS feeds
Social Media – Take your choice. Mine are LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google+
Flipboard – For viewing social media and RSS feeds
Pocket – For reading the things that may actually be useful
Evernote – For storing the things that actually were useful

Step 1 – Setup your Inputs

****In this step, you would subscribe to the feeds you’re interested in via Google Reader, setup social media profiles on the network(s) of your choice, connect with the people you want to on those networks, and create your VIP lists.

On Twitter I have a private “VIP” list I maintain of people I most respect and that post useful content. This list has less than 20 members.

On Facebook, because of their ridiculous “news feed”, I don’t pay attention to most posts and a lot of people wind up getting hidden. I also have a VIP list for immediate family.

No matter what network I strongly recommend setting up a “VIP” list (actually call it that) so you can easily get at the people and content you’re most interested in without all the other noise.

Step 2 – Setup Flipboard

****This is my platform of choice for being able to quickly scan inputs at a glance and decide which things may be worth my time. For example, you can have a board for your Google Reader feed, social media feeds, or even specific lists on Twitter, Facebook, or Google+.

You’ll also want to setup the “read it later” service of your choice, which for me is Pocket. Once you’ve done this, as you’re flipping through the posts on any “board” you can simply long press and choose “Read Later” to have the article saved without all the ads and garbage for easy reading later.

This is where the “triage” is done multiple times a day. When I have a spare minute I’ll flip through a given board or boards marking articles of interest to read later.

Step 3 – Read

After things have been saved to Pocket, when I have more than a quick minute I’ll read the articles I’m interested in. Pocket is great because it has apps for iPhone and Android as well as a web app for reading on a larger screen.

Step 4 – Archive

If I find something I really like, Pocket makes it very easy to save the article to Evernote for future reference (except for on the web platform). Once in Evernote I can get at any article from anywhere since they have an app for just about every platform under the sun. Personally, I have an “Article Ref” notebook that everything gets shoved into.

So there you have it. My personal method for managing my social media intake. Hope you find it useful and learned something you hadn’t known before.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Self Control

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 21:59:37 +0000

A friend shared this post from facebook and I thought it worthwhile to pass along…

If we cannot control our own mouths (e.g. we lecture too much, have to prove our point, yell and scream)…how can we expect our children to control their mouths?

If we cannot control our emotions, how can we expect our kids to control their emotions?

… Let’s make 2013 the year we get control of ourselves.

Of course this is sometimes easier said than done as any parent can attest to 🙂

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Exclude Categories from WordPress Feed

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 20:40:05 +0000

Want to keep posts from a given WordPress category or categories out of your public feed? If so, just edit the template’s functions.php file and append this code…

function myFeedExcluder($query) {
 if ($query->is_feed) {
 $query->set('cat','-12');
 }
return $query;
}

add_filter('pre_get_posts','myFeedExcluder');

This code will keep the category ID=”12″ out of the feed. If you want to exclude more than one category, put them in separated by commas ‘-12,-25,-33′.

Thanks to this page for this tip!Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Thankful for Being Blessed

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 07:13:24 +0000

As we enter the stereotypical season of thanks I’ve been looking back at things that we’ve accomplished over the years, and I’ve realized that I have been extremely blessed. I’m blessed…

To have been born in America
To be healthy
To have parents from a working class background
To have had a good education
To have married a wonderful woman
To have healthy children
To have a great company
To have a great job
To have been taught: discipline, self-sacrifice, and hard work

For any of you that helped to heap these many blessings on me, I say “Thank You!” now, tomorrow, and forever.

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It’s my unbirthday!

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 17:57:54 +0000

There’s still time left in my charity:water unbirthday campaign to bring safe drinking water to people in developing countries. 100% of all donations directly fund water projects, and every dollar is proven using photos and GPS coordinates on a map.

You can even check out the results from my last “unbirthday”

The best gift is a gift to my unbirthday campaignPlease remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!