September 2003 Archives
Movable Type's permalinks, ironically, are not really permanent. So I decided to correct this problem.
Everyone's heard of it, but how many people know the history behind it? Here's a great article explaining the history of it from the self-proclaimed expert on Murphy's Law. And yes, there really was a Murphy.
The Nice programming language is a OO language based on Java. In fact, it compiles down to Java class files, can be run in a standard JVM, and can call existing Java libraries. Features included that I've missed in Java are: anonymous functions, multi-methods, tuples, named parameters, and full design by contract.
I've gotten used to how IntelliJ IDEA saves files when it loses focus. I never have to remember to save files anymore. Given that most machines are fast enough that saving a file takes only a few milliseconds, I'd like to see this practice adopted in more programs. Since I still use XEmacs, and it's usually infinitely customizable, I decided to see if it was possible to write some elisp to do this. And it is indeed possible, and easy:
(defun dld-deselect-frame-hook () (save-some-buffers 1)) (add-hook 'deselect-frame-hook 'dld-deselect-frame-hook)
Just found this new middleware technology called the Internet Communications Engine (Ice) from a company called ZeroC. It claims to be a better RPC/middleware than SOAP, XML-RPC, or CORBA. They take the Sleepycat licensing approach by releasing their software under GPL and commercial licenses. I find it particularly interesting that one of ZeroC's founders is Michi Henning of CORBA fame. For some fun reading, check out this thread on comp.object.corba.
I've always been interested in CORBA. I've felt that Web Services (and SOAP) was started because CORBA wouldn't work through firewalls and as a way to (ab)use XML. Also, Microsoft hated CORBA. My prediction is that Web Services will fail to catch on due to its many limitations. But what will fill its shoes? CORBA hasn't made any progress. I'll be watching Ice. In a way, this reminds of of how small, agile Hibernate has mopped the floor with EJB.
I got a new Robotron high score of 181,500! w00t! Does it make me old when to say "they don't make 'em like they used to?" Well, they don't ;)
Update: Windows crashed and MAME lost the high score! I wanna strangle billg.
There are numerous examples of successful Open Source projects, however, little is said about the failures. Well, I have one to talk about: Game Launcher.
What's the opposite of a green thumb? Brown thumb? Well, whatever it is, that's me. I have this magic aura of death with house plants. I must hold the record time for killing a plant while actually trying to keep it alive. At least it's a nice looking pot...
I forgot how awesome the Dance Hall Crashers are. I just added Purr
