I’d like to post more here. I want to convert more of the site to using ridiculous fonts and scripts you wouldn’t be able to understand. However, I’ve been busy.

Essentially, here is a recap. Since last October, I’ve immersed myself in the local tech scene. I’ve met a lot of people, learned about the local tech culture, and read about and talked to people about how startup companies work. I’ve written code in PHP, learned a bit of Ruby and Python, and utilized CSS/HTML/XHTML skills in building or assisting with several websites.

Now all the hard work is getting close to paying off. I’m pushing hard to find a new job in this field. I’m incredibly close to reaching my goal of finding a new job by the end of August. Only a few days left, but I’ve been interviewing for a web developer position. If all goes well, I’ll be in a whole new world by Fall.

Update: I should have more news by next Wednesday.

Categories: Life, Work
Tags: excuses, scene, technology

Today, I’ve found potential job opportunities through Twitter and made important networking connections through Facebook. Don’t neglect the social web in your job hunt. Networking has stronger roots when the connection begins in person, but the internet can be a great asset in expanding your reach.

Having four-hundred friends or followers on your social network of choice won’t help you. Knowing the friends you have, who they know, and what they can provide will help you.

Categories: Life
Tags: Facebook, networking, social, Twitter

Tip #1: To thicken any pasta-from-a-box meal, break a packet of ramen and mix it into the pasta for the last few minutes you cook it. This can add a lot more pasta to the meal without you having to go for a second pasta-in-a-box at ten times the cost.

(Hat tip to 4L for teaching me this trick during the Summer of the Bat back in ‘03.)

Categories: Life
Tags: cooking, food

I’ve been waiting for Liam & Me to release an album for the last two years. They had one EP, but it sold out ages ago and I can’t find it for sale anywhere. Still waiting for their new album to release. In the meantime, I crank the “There’s a Difference” MP3 I grabbed from their PureVolume (or somewhere) back in ‘06. Occasionally, I’ll hop onto their Myspace and listen through the playlist.

If through the magic of the webs somebody finds this post and knows where I can legally acquire their music, please oh please let me know. (Liam & Me is based on Philadelphia, PA.)

I used to think networking consisted of constant pandering and ingratiating oneself to another. I’ve come to realize much networking can happen by relating with people who have common interests and goals, helping them out, and receiving favors in return. Networking doesn’t have to be shallow — people appreciate it when you ask genuine questions and provide real answers.

Through this communication and interaction, you can develop a bond and both parties benefit through the sharing of life, skills, and knowledge.

Recommendation: Freakonomics Blog (New York Times). If you enjoy reading about economics and sociology, the Freakonomics blog is a good place to find articles of interest. I find at least a few of the articles every week to be compelling and cause me to rethink my position socially, culturally, and economically.

Today’s article, Michael, Meet Curtis: Philanthropy Gets Personal, was one of these. In it, Sudhir Venkatesh, shares the story about his introduction of a multi-millionaire philanthropist to a squatter in Chicago.

Other recent articles of interest include “The Illogic of Farm Subsidies, and Other Agricultural Truths,” “How Cops Really Want to Police, and Oprah’s effect on the presidential vote.

Categories: Life, Music
Tags: Freakonomics, Liam & Me, networking

I now own a Paul Reed Smith SE EG electric guitar. And I Rock.

I won the guitar from a contest when I signed up for a subscription to Alternative Press magazine a few months ago. I found out about winning a couple weeks ago, and the guitar arrived unexpectedly on Friday. My roommate texted me at work and I anxiously awaited being able to return home for the remainder of the day.

Yesterday, I bought some gear for it including a strap, picks, electronic tuner, and an intro book to playing guitar.

I’ve managed to learn three chords so far. C, D, and G. As soon as I’m able to transition between them with enough speed to make a cohesive song, I’ll put something on YouTube. For now though, just bask in the photographic glory.

Categories: Life, Music, Photographs
Tags: Alternative Press, guitar, Paul Reed Smith