Before Safari is Truly #1

6 comments (closed), posted on june 30, 2003, tags: software

Ever since the WWDC keynote, I've been using Safari as my default browser on my G4 at work. This wasn't initially by choice. For some reason, after installing Safari 1.0 on that machine, I can no longer get Camino to work. I tried everything—reinstalled, installed a fresh build, clean install of a nightly—but it just won't work any longer on that machine. It's weird, because Mozilla proper runs, just not Camino. Anyway, since all other OS X browsers are a bit sluggish, I decided to give Safari a shot. That was over a week ago.

Today I made Safari my default browser at home. I didn't think it would happen so soon (I love Camino), but it has. And I'm somewhat happy with it. There are some things, however, that Safari must have/change before it can truly become my only browser.

» Continue reading Before Safari is Truly #1

Round Two

2 comments (closed), posted on june 30, 2003, tags: site

I've been tweaking/adding/removing on and off over the past two days since the launch of this new version. I'm sorry to bore you with all the technical details, but I'm going to. Here are the new changes:

• Removed CSS-based mouse over on the masthead up there, changed it to a simple JavaScript one so that everyone can see it. It's still using PNGs, so if your browser doesn't support them it sucks (also see next item).
• Fixed masthead image's JavaScript preloader.
• Added the BlogShares link to the sidebar (very bottom). There's another interesting thing coming up in a day or two related to BlogShares that you might enjoy.
• Added the search function back in. This time, however, it's different. Now, upon hitting enter, you'll receive a pop-up window that acts as a remote to view results. I rather like this functionality. Tell me if you don't.
• Realized I forgot to add the breadcrumb navigation to the bottom of the page as well, and did that. Now you can actually move around if you've read to the bottom of the page (without having to scroll back up). I will add a "back to top" link as soon as I figure out how to get it to look right.
• Changed the external link JavaScript function once more to properly retarget links posted in user comments (this script is almost bullet-proof now, yay!) (also, see next item).
• Added semi-hidden option (at the bottom of the about page—last FAQ) that allows you, if you wish, to change all link targets (site-wide) to open in the same window. Check the box to retarget all links, uncheck it to restore default link targets (will save your preferrences in a cookie). Note that this will not mis-colour links, so you'll still be able to see which links are "off-site."
• Fixed Opera 7.01 layout bug (thanks to Daniel for the heads up on this).
• Reinstated click-counting for the "elsewhere" links in the sidebar. This shouldn't be noticable for the most part, unless you're on dial-up (if your connection is slow, you'll see that the links go to a local page at maniacalrage before forwarding to their actual destination). Broadband users won't notice at all (see more information below).

The reason for bringing back click-counting: I send a lot of referrals to the sites on my sidebar, and I'm just curious how many people are actually clicking them. I'm writing a small pop-up window that will give me stats on how many times each link has been clicked, and when I'm done I'll add a link to the sidebar under statistics.

I think I've also found a way to make the comment preview spell-check work in Safari and Mac IE, but it will take me a few days to get it going (if it works). I'll keep you posted.

Other than that, not much else needs be done with this design. Now I can stop bothering you with long lists and get back to the real stuff. In a day or two I will be releasing two scripts. One is BlogShares related, the other is the statistics script people have requested in the past. And, if there's enough interest, perhaps I will release the PHP spell-check I wrote for comment preview.

Whiteout and Tape

15 comments (closed), posted on june 26, 2003, tags: site

As you can see, I've finally finished the new version of this website. The design is minimal, but took the longest. I couldn't seem to decide on what I wanted (this was concept 14 of 17, most of which were similar but ultimately unlikable).

I've also made significant changes to the site on a whole. This version was created from the ground up, completely rewritten in PHP. I've circumvented the MT template system, and used Template Modules to output all information to PHP, where I have a much smarter, faster system going (I'm also utilizing Smarty this time around). Everything on this site is now dynamic, rather than being "built" by Movable Type. You should see large improvements in speed.

I have also changed the archiving and commenting systems. Instead of keeping all archives on monthly pages only, you can now view an entry on its own page. Comments have been changed from a pop-up window to inline, and appear beneath entries on their individual pages. Monthly and category-based archives are still the same. This system has broken all links to entries from off-site. I am fixing this now using .htaccess and will hopefully have redirects going as soon as possible.

Speaking of comments... you might notice I added a neat little feature to the preview function. Basically, if your browser supports posting a form to a pop-up window (should be everything but Safari and Mac IE right now), you can preview your comments in a pop-up window with a simple spell-check. It's not perfect (by far), but it's neat none the less.

In an effort to keep a running log of what I change on this site, I will again list some significant differences in this version of ManiacalRage.

Layout/Design:

• Switched to 100% CSS layout. And yes, it validates.
• Removed graphical dates.
• Added breadcrumb navigation.
• Entirely new entry layout with large left margin and large dates. This style is also used for all other sections of the site.
• Removed a few sidebar items, including the forums link, search box (see next item) and anti-Verizon button (I'm number one on Google for Verizon Sucks already, I don't need the button).
• Removed the search function. There were a total of 24 searches in 5 months, and only 3 were not expletives.
• Corrected sidebar items that weren't all lowercase.

Archives:

• Added individual archives, changed the way you link to/view each entry.
• Added next/previous links to individual entries (right below title).

Comments:

• Changed to inline, no longer appear in pop-up windows. Now they appear underneath entries on individual archive pages.
• Removed comment error page by circumvention of MT. Implemented my own JavaScript based error checking.
• Removed comment preview page and implemented my own preview page which has a simple spell-check (does not currently work in Safari or Mac IE) in a pop-up window.
• Added notes to the bottom of the comments form concerning comment content and 'rules for posting.'

General:

• Updated the plugin page for easier reading.
• Rewrote the "External Links" JavaScript hi-lighting function—it should now behave quite well on every page (and takes email links into account).
• Added information about the website and FAQs to the about section (this used to be just about me).
• The whole site should have ridiculously clean source code, especially in Mozilla when viewed without word-wrap on.
• Moved RSS link to sidebar (underneath contact link), and switched it to RSS 1.0 by default (those of you using the old 0.91 feed will still get updated content).
• Switched RSS feeds to include full entries rather than 30 words.

As always, please feel free to post suggestions, questions, comments or anything else to this entry. I'm interested to see what you think. In the meantime, I'm going to keep tweaking here and there to make sure everything is right.

Updates: I have used mod_rewrite to fix old broken links, but they unfortunately cannot be entirely direct. Since there's no way to get the name link out of a requested URL (ie: #000217), I can only send old links to the monthly archive they belong in. That will have to do.

I also found out Mac IE doesn't like my comment spell-check pop-up either, so that feature has been disabled for that browser as well. Doesn't really matter, as it's a dead browser now and there are many better alternatives (thanks Shawn).

Panther, G5, Etcetera

6 comments (closed), posted on june 23, 2003, tags: tech

It's a good time to be Apple. I just got back from watching Jobs' WWDC Keynote speech, in which some really fantastic things were announced. The most important to me is Panther, the next version of OS X (10.3), and the second most important is the new G5. (I'm not going to go into details, because most people already know—but this is a remarkable machine. It's also priced quite nicely.)

Panther looks quite good, although I am a bit disappointed that it will be another $129 to upgrade. I feel that buying two Apple computers in the last 8 months entitles me to save $129 on upgrading to another point-release of OS X, but oh well. I think in the long run it will be worth it, especially since it has some really cool new features (fast user-switching, better Mail.app, and (oh dear lord this looks cool—)Expose) and will hopefully be even faster than the current build.

The only unfortunate thing is waiting until (possibly) December. I hope it comes faster...

Come On, You're Starbucks!

7 comments (closed), posted on june 21, 2003, tags: new york

Yesterday I needed to download some updates on my Powerbook, and since my connection here is still dial-up, I decided to head over to Union Square and use the WiFi access at Starbucks, since I remembered seeing signs about it the last time I was in there.

After ordering my mocha Frappuccino, I sat down at a table in the back and took out my laptop. My Airport Extreme Card instantly found a WiFi network called "tmobile" and I accessed it. I opened Software Update to start the download, but it couldn't connect. I opened Camino and I was instantly taken to a T-Mobile page on which you are given three choices for your WiFi subscription. Monthly, something else, and by-the-minute. Confused, I looked at the subscription details. Monthly was 29.95 and by the minute was 10¢ per. Really confused, I looked around me and saw four other people browsing the Internet. They were paying for it? That's crazy.

You mean to tell me that after I order a $5 drink composed of 90% water, I have to pay you 10¢ a minute to use your WiFi connection? I don't think so pal. There's no way in fuck I'm paying Starbucks, one of the most intrusive corporations in my life (there's one on both sides of fucking Union Square) money so that I can access their Internet connection. You would think they could maybe just have something like that for free, wouldn't you? I mean, Jesus, there are normal everyday people providing WiFi networks all around the city for free, but Starbucks, the megalocorporation, has to charge for it. Stupid.

Bucket Full of Holes

1 comment (closed), posted on june 20, 2003, tags: tech

Or at least that's what Apple seems to be. I've been part of the ever growing community of Apple users for almost a year now, and in that time I have become just as excited by rumor sites and possible new software and hardware releases as the next geek. Hell, I went and saw the iPod keynote a month ago, and I plan to go to the SoHo store next week* to see the WWDC keynote in which Steve Jobs will most likely reveal the new G5.

How do I know? Well, Apple told everyone. It seems to be a problem the last few months... Apple, an inherently secrets-based company that thrives on anticipation and major releases, has been 'accidentally' leaking things like crazy. There were the countless builds of Safari, the drawing of the new iPod, and then yesterday they actually posted the specs of this new secret machine on their website [see image]. Don't get me wrong—it sounds fantastic—but can't Apple keep anything secret these days?

I guess the problem is just that keeping secrets in this kind of business is like begging for someone to break into your house. How can you make sure the people who work for you—who are as excited by the new developments as the community is—don't slip news out early? You can't. It's fun to watch from the sidelines, but I'm actually sort of disappointed by this G5 slip-up. I would have rather heard about it for the first time in the keynote.

* Most Apple stores will be showing the WWDC keynote. In NYC, the SoHo store will be playing it in the theatre at 1:00PM (10:00AM PST). Also, if you're nowhere near an Apple store, you can watch the keynote after it is complete on Apple's website by clicking here.

Good Stuff

4 comments (closed), posted on june 18, 2003, tags: entertainment

Recently I signed back up with NetFlix after a few years away from the service and I don't know how I survived without it. I started using it back in its first year, and then cancelled about a year later because I ran out of money (not from NetFlix, just in general). And now, after much time without it, I'm loving it.

This past week I've watched One Hour Photo, The Rules of Attraction (not good), Monsters, Inc. (Katia hadn't seen this) and My Big Fat Greek Wedding (she hadn't seen that either). In just one week, NetFlix was worth the $20 a month. Right now I have 3 more DVDs on their way—I'm gonna make the most of the unlimited rentals.

Another great thing recently is my crazy obsession with BlogShares. When this whole thing started I wasn't really interested, but the other day I started clicking around and making a few transactions and now—4 days later—I'm almost a millionaire. Granted, I also paid $15 for the premium membership (20 transactions a day just wasn't enough). It's been a lot of fun to play with. More on this later.

Also worth picking up is The Animatrix, a collection of 9 short anime films based on or in the world of The Matrix. There are some really fantastic shorts, one in particular done by Square (the people who made the Final Fantasy film) called "Final Flight of the Osiris" that will blow anyone away with its detail. A few of the films tie into the trilogy and those that don't have unique storylines. Definitely worth watching if you're a fan of the movies.

God Damn It

8 comments (closed), posted on june 12, 2003, tags: work

You see, the scenario is such that someone I know just accepted a job at a place that said something absolutely horrible to him. This place could potentially be full of these employees, making the assumption that it could very well be a shitty company full of shitty people who say shitty things to their employees. Even with all of that—the rude, politically incorrect ridiculousness—the company still offered him more money than I'm getting. Roughly $10,000+ more (with me at 80% salary).

At what point do I just say fuck this and go work for a company that treats me like shit, but pays me what I'm worth in the mean time? I mean, is it worth working at a place where I'm semi-comfortable in my chair or get to control most of the projects? I don't really think so.

I'm tired of the little places. I suddenly want to work for Big Company Incorporated, that will pay me how much I should be paid and never speak or look at me. I want to see 14,000 people a day. I want to work in a cubicle in the middle of 5,000 other cubicles. I want to become a nameless face in a nameless building. I fucking hate this stupid bullshit.

Where I've Been

2 comments (closed), posted on june 11, 2003, tags: site

Work has been really busy lately, as I've been trying to tie up a project for the United Nations that has been going on for way, way too long. This project has been an assault on me from multiple fronts, since it involves so many different variables. Most recently, I had to convert the website part of the project from ASP to ColdFusion—a task which sounds worse than it is. Surprisingly, I think I almost like ColdFusion more than ASP from time to time, only because of how much I hate ASP and VBScript (even though I use it every damned day). The hardest part of the transformation was the fact that CF5 (yes, we're not even using MX) has a COM bug built into the server that doesn't allow you to use the Microsoft DOM object to properly use XML and XSLT. Basically, you can't send parameters to the XSL files, which was a serious problem since I had to do that for this project.

I eventually ended up writing my own COM object (a wrapper, really) that allowed me to circumvent CF5 to send parameters, and it worked. Thank god, because we were getting to the point of giving up on the CFML conversion and admitting defeat. Since then, I've been working on a really complicated JavaScript-based form that allows users to get all sorts of statistical information about 173 different countries. I've never pushed multidimensional arrays so hard in JS before. It's actually been kind of fun.

Aside from that, there's been some other personal work I've been trying to get done (not involving this website), so that's the real reason for the dead feeling around here. I finished the code rewrite of this site about two weeks ago—I just haven't found a new design I've liked yet. As soon as I do, I'll try to finally finish the redo here. In the meantime, I'll also attempt to sneak some new entries in.

Hopefully by next week everything will be back to normal. Thanks for your patience.

What Do You Plead?

posted on june 10, 2003, tags: entertainment

Over the weekend we made a trip to the Angelika to see Capturing the Friedmans, a documentary about a family destroyed by child pornography and molestation charges in the late 80s. It was this years Grand Jury Prize winning film at Sundance, and with good reason.

CTF was the epitome of a well-made documentary. Directed by Andrew Jarecki*, this documentary relies heavily on family films shot during the time all of these terrible allegations came out. Where a normal family would have buckled down and turned to hiding and secrecy, the Friedmans' sons continued to film home movies and record audio of arguments. The footage is remarkable, since it ranges in subject matter from Seder to the day before Arnold Friedman, the father, is to plead guilty or innocent.

If you have the chance to see this, you should. If nothing else, it gives you a very intimate look at a family dealing with something so terrible it is almost incomprehensible. It's a fair documentary, and really does what it does well. For more information, see Ebert's Review and the Sundance '03 Film Note.

* Jarecki has done some really strange things other than this film. He was the co-founder of MovieFone.com, and co-wrote and performed the theme song for the TV show Felicity. Weird.

Brooklyn Loves Fight Club

1 comment (closed), posted on june 2, 2003, tags: entertainment

Last week I finished reading Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk*, and shortly thereafter, so did Katia. So, last night, we decided we both really wanted to see the film again, having already seen it a long while ago, before reading the book. We called the local video store, and they told us their one copy on DVD was out.

Not to be broken that easily, we rode a mile to the nearest Blockbuster. Unfortunately—we didn't call before we went—after all that riding, their one copy on DVD was rented out too. Once again, however, we decided we weren't finished. We rode another mile in the opposite-ish direction to Bedford Avenue only to find that the video store there had one copy on DVD—and it was fucking rented out.

I don't understand it, but apparently Brooklyn loves Fight Club, specifically on DVD. In the end, we actually found it at the first place (right near our apartment), where it had been returned 20 minutes after I called the first time. Weird.

* The book itself was really great. I definitely recommend it for anyone—and it's a quick read too.