weekends are for leisure

Got to use node.js for a work project recently. We needed an FTP server with special user authentication that would run custom code after a file was uploaded. There was one node.js FTP server implementation on github, so I forked it and started rounding out the basic functionality. My fork is here.

The first significant change I made was to encapsulate the data connection logic. File lists and file contents are transferred over the data connection (FTP commands and responses over the control connection). I quickly found that some clients are super eager to send you data and will do so once a passive data connection is made, even before the FTP server tells them it’s ok to do so. This was especially problematic for file uploads over passive data connections. Without a workaround for these aggressive clients, the flow looked something like this:

Continue reading

Read linked content

Caught an episode of Nature last night. Great as always. Spotted skunks …. my, what a coat! You can watch the full episode, just click the title of this post.

Continue reading

If you play the game Lume you may get stuck at the cabinet lock. If so, don’t go to any other sites or you’ll accidentally see the answers like I did! Here’s a hint, instead.

You found the “9#” clue, right? Go back to where you can see that clue on the screen. Everything you need for the lock is right there. That’s all I’ll say.

Continue reading

I’m curious about i.am FIRST: Science is Rock and Roll. It will air this Sunday night at 7pm on ABC. I was mostly speechless during the segment of Science Friday that featured Dean Kamen and will.i.am. I have to confess that I actually teared-up out of joy.

This week there was also news of a COSMOS sequel that will be airing on FOX. So glad a chance is being taken and the effort is being made to inspire and educate such a broad audience.

Continue reading

I didn’t expect learning of variations in Core 2 Duo processors and sockets while fixing my mom’s laptop to lead to interest in building a new PC, but that’s what happened. Shopping for parts takes too much time but I powered through, eventually narrowed it down, and made some purchases. Wanted something quiet and efficient (80 Plus Gold power supply, fanless graphics card, Core i5 2400, 8G RAM). Kristen mentioned Bioshock as a game I might like which gave me a performance-related goal.

Continue reading

I finally finished fixing up my mom’s laptop. Several mis-diagnoses later, and it’s back with the original fan, new processor, new thermal compound, fast maxed-out RAM, new battery, and new install of Windows 7. Whew. One CAN buy laptop processors on Ebay if one pays attention.

The past few months have also taught me that some Amazon sellers will sneak a knock-off product to your doorstep. I attribute this to malice, and not a listing mis-match. Ugh.

Continue reading

Recently I became aware that while teaching I sometimes go on and on for far too long. It usually happens when I realize a student isn’t “getting it” after a period of time, after the rest of the group has moved on. I address them personally, repeat the nugget on information, and then I may go into the “why” portion of what I’m talking about, after which I may go into variations that might be helpful to think about, and then I may go back to the original point and re-iterate.

Continue reading

Couldn’t pass up Tina Fey’s new book, Bossypants. I’ll start by saying that 30 Rock is the best comedy show on network television. And I’d be right. The Office faded fast. Family Guy got old after the 1st season. The Simpsons was probably good 10 years ago (though I was never a huge fan). But I don’t want to write about TV.

So yes, Tina Fey… Heard her interview on Fresh Air and I had to buy her book. If you like Tina Fey, you’ll enjoy it. I’m especially glad she specifically writes about this 30 Rock line … it’s one of the all-time greats:

Continue reading

Lately, the thing I’ve wanted to yell most at people is “pay attention!” It should probably be prefixed by “slow down!” People don’t read. They don’t listen to what others say. They don’t pay attention to the details. They apparently think they’re effective at multi-tasking at light-speed.

Continue reading

I continue to like Merlin Mann’s podcasts. A few weeks ago I stumbled upon Back to Work. Being familiar with You Look Nice Today I figured it had to be good, so I jumped in without a clue what it was about. Turns out to be centered on:

• fear
• happiness
• no-fluff life hacks
• creative work

In episode 14, some things that really struck a chord with me were related to job unhappiness. It’s hard to describe my current situation to people. Most people don’t seem to get it. They seem to assume that programming is programming, and that if I enjoy programming, I should be happy programming. No. You wouldn’t question a construction worker that prefers framing over roofing, would you?

Continue reading