HP Slate – The tablet I’ve been dreaming of??

• YouTube interview with HP CTO of Personal Systems Group (the way he’s staring at  spokesgirl at the beginning is a little creepy if you ask me).
• Engadget
• and on and on :)

NewSequentialID() vs NewID() – SQL Server 2005+

I was not aware of this! – “…using NEWSEQUENTIALID can be faster than using the NEWID function. This is because the NEWID function causes random activity and uses fewer cached data pages. Using NEWSEQUENTIALID also helps to completely fill the data and index pages.”

Update: After the initial euphoria wore off, my more experienced peers were quick to point out that “…the bummer is if you want to generate guids from the app and the database then you can't use sequential –Gregg Stark”… i.e. typically in these scenarios the reason you’re using a GUID in the first place is exactly because you need to generate the IDs from outside of the central database server context where the NewSequentialID() works it’s magic… so you really don’t get to take advantage of it’s index defragging potential (duh :(

Austere – word of the day

Adjective: austere
1. Severely simple
2. Of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
     "an austere expression"
3. Practicing great self-denial
     "a desert nomad's austere life"

Portable Air Compressor - Dust Out Your PC In Style :)

These lists quickly set my bearings on what’s out there in my low end interest bracket:

• ToolCritic.com handy sortable list
• Amazon reviewer’s list

I found the Bostitch Model# CAP1516 to be an obvious choice based on features, price & ratings + it gets consistently good reviews + excellent price: $80 street + low end weight as far as these buggers go: 20lbs + good air flow @ good psi: 1.8 CFM @ 90 PSI (6.2) bar which is plenty to blast your components with … it actually maxes at 120 PSI (8 bar) + i like the protection the hood provides which is fairly unique if you look around + the built in gauge and regulator are nice - no accessories included – however the 1/4” quick release is VERY standard and easily accessorized… and we don’t lose any extra cost on junky accessories -  challenging to mount water trap – unfortunately the protective hood wraps around the outie such that we can’t hang a typical trap right there (see trap photo below)… i am going to make due with mounting mine on the inside of the hood… there is a 1/4” threaded junction point with decent room to hang something right next to the air tank… the trap will take a while to fill up, you’ll know when it’s time when you see the water and the hood is easily removed… with a little work I might even widen a potential access hole on the undercarriage.

Recommended accessories:

• Hose - $13
• Attachments & Fittings - $28
• Water Trap - $20
  • ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IF YOU PLAN ON HOSING DOWN DELICATE ELECTRONICS … it’s a well known fact that compressing air also compresses the humidity in the air … this ultimately results in spraying a fine mist of water all over your subject if not otherwise accounted for… honestly a little bit probably wouldn’t kill something immediately but it’s jut not the kind of thing you want to be subjecting your precious toys to on a regular basis

BuckyBalls

20% off promo code: BUCKFRIEND

  

MadCon – Soulicious Norwegian Hip Hop <who knew?!?>

These guys are awesome!  Thank goodness I stumble on this stuff so late so they’ve had time to cough up 3 albums!!  (2004, 2008, 2009)

“What If” is my favorite song so far.

 

Richard Feynman (Nobel Physicist, 1918 - 1988)

Just kinda catching up with how “fun smart” this guy was… worked on the Manhattan project, all kinds of creative physics problem solving, “Original Prophet of Nanotechnology”, Nobel prize in Physics 1965, liked strip clubs, art and bongo drums… there are at least two semi-auto biographies out there in public circulation… I’m reading “Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!” right now… also a few enjoyable BBC Horizon videos featuring a fair amount of direct interview content: “The Pleasure of Finding Things Out (1981)”, “The Quest for Tannu Tuva (1988)” and “No Ordinary Genius (1993)”