Jul 31 09

CSS – Select adjacent element

by richard

So, I had a table row with two table cells. The first cell had an class attribute, so I could style it easy enough, but the second table cell had no such class or ID and I need it to style it as well. It should also be noted that i had no means to change the generated html!

Search around a bit and found the CSS adjacent selector. This nifty operator allows me to target the second child within a specified parent. So in my case, the parent was the table row which had an ID, and the children where the two table cells (one with a class and another without). So to get to the second table cell I was able to do:

Viola!

Jul 6 09

Sharepoint Dispose

by richard

Apparently I was informed that when instantiating an SPWeb or SPSite object, I should call Dispose on those objects to make sure they’re released.

Oh really? My response went something like, “Isn’t that the purpose of memory management and having an Garbage Collector?” Apparently not.  Whatever, so I call Dispose after my objects, no big deal.

Until one day I stumble upon this lovely error:  “Trying to use an SPWeb object that has been closed or disposed and is no longer valid” Say what?!

So I google it and find out that I’m trying to dispose the current context of an SPWeb that needs to be used by other controls on the page.

Oh lovely, so how in the world then should I know when or when not to dispose? This is so retarded. Microsoft/Sharepoint fail.

Jul 5 09

Startup Tip # 2: Find your customers before your business

by richard

So you come across this great idea for a new business, and you’re excited! You’re pacing back and forth in your bedroom, frantically thinking things through,validating how awesome your idea is. Once you’ve validated internally, you start telling people and usually their first reaction is around the lines, “Wow – that’s an awesome idea, I’ve wish I thought about that!”

So great, now you’ve validated internally and the people you’ve told also validate the awesomeness of your idea. You’re on cloud nine, nothing can stop you now. So you mortgage the house, quit your job and start your business right? Not quite.

Having a great idea for a new business is all well and good, but looking for validation on how “great” your idea is follows the wrong approach. You see, most people will agree that your idea is awesome. Whether they think so or not is besides the point. Having a great idea for a business isn’t what’s going to pay the bills or make you rich. Its not even great execution of your terrific idea. At the end of the day its whether someone is gonna pay you money for your product or service.

So let’s restate that, It is possible to have an awesome idea, and execute it flawlessly and still fail as a new business.

So how do you avoid this no-win scenario? Instead of asking people what they think of your new idea, ask them “Would you use this service?” Or “Would you buy this product?” Then if they say yes, follow up with “How often?” and then “How much would you be willing to pay?”

You’ll find that responses to these questions will be less enthusiastic than the “What do you think of this idea?” type questions. Also, discount anyone who answers “Personally I wouldn’t have a need for this, but I know of several people who would” If someone tells you this, then ask “Okay, how can I contact those people?”

And keeping digging until you find an audience of people who responses are along the lines “GOD YES! Where have you been all my life? I will pay you to build this product! I want to invest in your company! Can I be your co-partner?”  Once you find multiple people who have money and wish they could buy your product/service right this moment, you’re golden. Your good idea now has value.

As you start your business and develop your product/service, keep in constant contact with your first customers. They want your product/service because they need it. They won’t have any problems helping you get to market.

Lastly, a word on the “if you build it, they will come” philosphy. You may be tempted to think “pft… this idea is so new that people will just have to experience it”. Perhaps, but more than likely not. Just think of all the movies that are released that are total flops at the box office. Movie studios have been playing this game for years, and even they can’t predict a win, so what chance do you have? At least movie studios can recover from their losses – can you? If not, make sure to find all the people who are going to be waiting in line once your product hits the market.

Jul 3 09

Star Trek iPhone Wallpaper

by richard

Just saw Star Trek for the second time (phenomenal movie!) Now that I have an iphone, I thought wouldn’t it be nice to sport some new wallpaper. Surprisingly, all the Star Trek iphone wallpaper i found wasn’t suiting my fancy. So for both me and you here you are – black, electric and emotive of a true Trekkie… live long and prosper!

iPhone Star Trek Wallpaper

iPhone Star Trek Wallpaper (320 x 480)

Jun 25 09

Cost of Living Calculator

by richard

Found this link via LifeHacker. Breaks down nicely your equivalent salary in other major cities in the US and where the increase will most likely be spent.

Link: http://cgi.money.cnn.com/tools/costofliving/costofliving.html

Interesting to compare my salary to places where I will hopefully like to live someday.

Jun 20 09

Brothers

by richard

I was in Best Buy today and saw perhaps the most heartwarming thing ever. There were two brothers about 10 and 6 playing this game on one of the PS3 demo kiosks. The older brother was wheel chair bound, and had his little brother on his lap so he didn’t have to stand. The older brother just sat back and watched his younger sibling play the game, holding onto his elbows – perfectly content with just watching his lil bro slice through the game and score points.  It was a very endearing thing to see and reminded me of my own older brother. Both me and this 6 year old are extremely blessed.

Jun 13 09

New iPhone 3GS

by richard

As solid as the iPhone is, the lack of storage beyond 16GB has been an issue for me and prevented me from owning one until now. With the iPhone 3GS, now complete with 32GB, I finally have everything I need in a phone. So I should be psyched right?! Going, “OMG! The perfect iPhone!”

Not really…While the new 3Gs brings some great features to the table, it seems by Apple standards more of a technical refresh, as opposed to a next generation product. Which leaves one to guess that next year will bring the next gen iPhone complete with the breakthrough features and a complete product redesign.

So then does purchasing the 3GS mean buying a stepping stone? Sure feels that way. As I don’t have a contract with AT&T, buying the 3GS would mean being stuck with it for the next two years. If a significant iPhone is released next year, where does that put me? Probably like current iPhone 3G owners looking to upgrade to the 3GS.

So what’s an iPhone eager person to do? Well, carefully thinking through everything – I’ve concluded that my best option is to the buy the iPhone 3GS off contract, meaning paying full retail price (yep, a nice $700) for the phone. Sounds crazy? Perhaps, but here’s my reasoning:

  • Sticker shock yes, but still at $700 – I’m not breaking the bank. Subsidized pricing is nice, but if it means selling my soul for the next two years, I can pass.
  • Second, no contract. Meaning I have options. I’ve never been on a cellphone contract (ever) and the thought of one doesn’t make me too happy.
  • Third, there is a very real possibility that Apple may end its exclusivity deal with AT&T. If that happens, I can think of a couple other carriers I would like to get my service from instead.
  • Next, and most importantly – I can always sell my iPhone 3GS. Used models on eBay have easily fetched $400 to $550. If next year brings a new iPhone, I can ebay the 3GS, recoup atleast half my cost, and have the option of purchasing a new model – possibly at a subsidized price this time since I was never on a contract.

I really wish I could just go for it, get a new iPhone with the 2 yr agreement and be happy. But don’t think I can convince myself that I not making a mistake if I’m doing this for the 3GS. So off contract it is.

Update: Looks like AT&T is reversing course slightly and allowing early buyers of the 3G to get in on the fully subsidized price for the 3GS. Details at: http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/06/17/atandt-relents-a-little-lets-iphone-3g-customers-with-upcoming-up/

Update: Talking to my excellent co-workers and friends I found out you can always end your contract early by paying a termination fee of $175 (which goes down each month).  Didn’t know such a thing exists! So with that in mind think I’ll go on-contract and get the 3GS subsidized.

May 24 09

Someone make this happen!

by richard

Premium seating for movie theatres… yea that’s right. For a few dollars more, movie theaters would section off the best rows ensuring that no one under 18 would be allowed in without an adult. Rows would be spaced to prevent anyone from kicking the back of your seat, or resting their stinky feet next to your head. Also an attendant would be ready to get you anything from the concession bar. Come on, there has to be other people like me to justify a market for this.

May 24 09

Stuck in an elevator…

by richard

Most people desire elevators to work without a problem, safely taking you floor to floor without a quip. Secretly I’ve sometimes hoped the opposite, darkly wishing that at least once in my life I could have a moment straight from the movies.

Luckily (should I strangely use that word) last night that moment came through for me. Here I am heading down from the 19th floor to the first, when I stop on the 17th to pick up a dude. As soon as he gets in and the door close, the elevator proceeds down for a few seconds and then stops.

We both look at each other – uh oh (me secretly grinning inside). Realizing that neither of our phones had a signal, we use the emergency call button to page for help. But who wants to wait for that?

So my comrade, Alex, proceeds to push against the ceiling to reveal some sort of hatch (just like the movies right?) while I use my vegan manliness to pry the elevator door apart. Observing me having more progress, Alex joins the effort and soon we have both the elevator door and the floor door open. Success! Climbing out to the 17th floor, we both hi-five our escape and head down another elevator to our original destination. Yep, can scratch that one off the list.

May 5 09

Twitter or Facebook?

by richard

My good friend over at Laksha.net recently asked the following question: “How do people decide when to post on a blog, facebook or twitter?”

I’ve been asked this question before so here are some of my thoughts…

Blog

Extremely heavy. Sort of picking up the phone to call someone.

Facebook

Somewhat heavy. Sort of sending someone an email.

Twitter

Least heavy. Sort of communicating via IM.

So just like the phone, email, and IM – all three will do the job of communicating with someone. Similary sharing thoughts and ideas using your blog, facebook or twitter are pretty much the same, but there is “appropriateness” for each. Only by using them – IMHO, will come to realize how to target your audience and choose the best means to express your self.