(Mostly) not a tech blog

If you ever code something that `Feels like a hack, but it works,` just remember that a CPU is, literally, a rock that we tricked into thinking.* * Not to oversimplify: first you have to flatten the rock and put lightning inside it.

This was from a startup I was running in 2016/2017 that came to an unfortunate end too early. This is a cluster of 50 Raspberry Pi 3's complete with networking (all GigE for some reason) and self contained power supplies. We eventually expanded this to 150 nodes. Someday I should write a postmortem of this project.

I caught a scary moment on video... I had about the most terrifying 10 seconds I've ever had today. We are in Maui enjoying one of the most beautiful places and cultures on Earth. We are out in some pretty calm water enjoying the surf, many people are playing all along the beach. We are very shallow, and sticking close to shore. Two things happen that made for a moment of danger that damn near injured my son. First, we had started letting ourselves get close to a jet of rocks along one side. If you watch the video fully,…

People that use the recline feature of their seat are Nazi war criminals. People that don't get drunk on airplanes are flying wrong. The first time a child takes off in an airplane is awesome. The first time a child feels the air pressure pain in their ears is not. Everything is too short, too narrow, too low, too close and too cramped for a wild omnivore of my species. Is is wildly irresponsible to let a bear ride on a plane. The guy in front of me is a dude-bro, a seat recliner, and a member of the illuminati.

"All is forgiven" A more beautiful and strong message of defiance I cannot imagine. Using forgiveness in the face of terror is possibly the only weapon that can work. This oddly makes me reflect on my own understanding of the biblical story of Job. I'll spare you the elaboration, but a short inaccurate summary is in order. Job was devout to God, wealthy, had many strong sons and a wonderful wife. The devil made a wager with God, betting that if God took his good blessings away then Job would curse God’s name. His theory was that Job’s praising of…

New theory of creativity to drive my personal work in 2015. I think I danced around this subject informally in how I work, but I recently read a Hemingway quote and then shortly after a documentary about Star Wars: A New Hope. Hemingway said "Write drunk; Edit sober." I don't think chemical abuse is required for writing, but it frames a specific dichotomy well enough to demonstrate the point. The act of creation is equal parts building and demolishing. The Star Wars documentary showed how many major scenes were deleted from the movie that Lucas ultimately released. And the film…

I looked into his eyes. Whatever shred of humanity he once held no longer lived behind those twin raging green oceans. It was empty and cold behind them now. A tiny breeze cools my neck. I might not normally have noticed it. Standing here though, right now, it feels like a hurricane. My gut sinks, I worry this small amount of wind will push him off the ledge. The balance of his feet hang past the edge. He flicks his finished cigarette out into the pitch. We both watch the ember fade into the depth below us. Eighteen stories up.

My father taught me three ways to size up a stranger that never fail. A good handshake and squared look in the eye. How children react to the person. And how dogs feel about them. This video falls squarely in the last camp. I often wonder why children and dogs are on that list. Recently I read blog post that pointed me down a path of possible answer. I would link to it if I could recall where it was, not bookmarking a mistake on my behalf. The blogger discussed the meaning behind the Bible passage Mathew 25:45, and I…

A little parent-brag here. At an end of year conference with his teachers, my son was called "hard working" and "persistent" repeatedly. He was doing well, and developing skills at the right rate. But they could have told me he was very behind or failing in some academic sense and I would have been happy. If I can raise my child to have work ethic and determination enough to keep trying, even when it's hard, then I have succeeded in my job. I can teach him no higher skill than grit. "Computers just come easy to you." "You’re lucky to…

Okay engine, tell me your secrets. Whisper to me of your pain so that we might find its relief and turn you back to a path of joy. Sing to me the song of your heart, that I might experience your mechanizations through brotherhood. Then walk with me unto heaven, the eternal open country road. Let us find the coast together, and enjoy a forever of just one mores. Run, idle, WOT and drive on. Tell me your secrets, so I may become less ignorant to who you are.