Recently I’ve been getting into Stack Overflow, after dabbling with it once or twice over the last couple of years.
Now, I’ve been using SO almost constantly since it started. It’s probably the best general resource for answering programming questions on the internet. What I haven’t really been doing until recently is contributing. Continue reading
Coming from a background in Computer Science and Software engineering, some of the tasks I have to do in my current role are daunting. I used to write code 100% of the time but now I’m more likely to be putting together a presentation or writing public documentation. Even worse, app developers look to me for advice on copywriting and content for their app’s promotional video. Nightmare!
Actually, it’s not that bad. One of the reasons I took my job was because I enjoy these ‘right brain’ problems. Applying flair and creativity to something as rigid and mathematical as software is incredibly rewarding.
I can’t remember who told me about this, but about a month ago someone sent me a link to Power Bag. It’s a series of backpacks, messenger bags and briefcases that come with a built-in battery pack that you can use to charge your phone, tablet, or other usb device while out and about. The idea is that you charge it at home from the mains, then plug your phone (or whatever) into it while you’re out so that it recharges while you’re in transit. Pretty clever!
I’d love to see this coupled with a dynamo accessory so that you could mount it to your bike and charge the bag while cycling. If I hadn’t recently bought a Thule messenger bag for my work laptop (which I love by the way), I’d definitely try one out.
I love seeing little pieces of geek culture showing up in day-to-day places.
This isn’t related to anything in particular, but here are a couple of great signs that I saw at Starbucks stores recently:
I saw the Link/Starcraft 2 one a few weeks ago in Little Italy, and the Admiral Ackbar sandwich board was spotted today at South Keys. They both made me smile, so I thought I’d share them.