Month: September 2005

Woke up at 3 AM, couldn’t sleep, so I decided to snack and ended up online. Noticed a bug in Firefox 1.5 beta’s print dialog. Just had an interview for a testing job and realized I’ve never really contributed to projects with bug reports. Decided to join Mozilla’s efforts by reporting issues on Bugzilla.

Found a bug: in print preview, can’t switch between Landscape/Portrait. Landscape is default, but clicking Portrait just flickers a dialog box without changing the layout. So, I reported it.

After that, heard on NPR about Hurricane Rita, predicted to surpass Katrina. It’s unsettling, and I’m hoping it doesn’t come to that. Here’s to hoping for the best.

Its my little buddy Niko’s Birthday today. It seems like just recently I was at Plattsburgh and the little guy just appeared! The big 6.0 … I am excited to see what has changed from version 5.0. Its my little buddy Niko’s Birthday today. It seems like just recently I was at Plattsburgh and the little guy just appeared! The big 6.0 … I am excited to see what has changed from version 5.0.

Last night I did an interview with Palm Inc which is next door. I have to say that it is hard to interview after a full day of work. It didnt help that I had some chocolate before I got off work. I was a blithering idiot. Oh well, what can you do … maybe go for a mountain bike ride to bring things back in line.

Not much to say as I begin another work day and my thoughts wonder off to where I am riding tonight. Hopefully Ill get a variety of stuff done today like hardware, software, and bug fixes.

I met up with you but forgot your name … sorry. Anyway you sent me an email but for some reason I did not receive it (If you use the gmail option in my contact form, it may not be working) so I dont have your phone or contact information. Please call me at work today 721-6280 ext 126, tonight at home 829-1988 (Ill be at the Brewfest tonight 5:30 – 10:00), or email me at bill at williammartin.com.

Ah, the twists and turns of life at M.A.R.S. Stout Inc! It’s like a jolt of caffeine that woke up an old project I’d shelved, one that’s all about collaborative wizardry in software development. And voilà, here comes DevTrack! Picture this: a shiny, new web-based tech tool, a kind of Swiss Army knife for tracking projects, reporting issues, and brainstorming new ones. It’s like a digital butler, always ready to assist.

What’s the secret sauce? Well, DevTrack is a brainchild of my Bortal technology. It’s a cool blend of PHP serving up XML data, while XSLT transformations do a little dance and put everything up on the web. It’s like making a smoothie with tech ingredients!

Now, this isn’t just a pet project. M.A.R.S. Stout Inc is actually using it to streamline their service development and deployment. Talk about a test drive! I’ve jazzed it up with MySQL (goodbye, SQLite!), full XSLT integration, and some nifty user tools. It’s growing up so fast, I’m getting sentimental.

I’ve got a laundry list of upgrades I’m itching to roll out. If this winter traps me indoors, well, that’s just more time for tinkering. I read somewhere – a government paper, I think – that collaboration tools are the next big thing in software. They’re like the hot new band everyone wants tickets for. My baby, DevTrack, is web-based and flaunts the latest in XSLT and XML tech. But hey, what do you, dear readers, think about it? Drop a comment, don’t be shy!

And Mom, if you’re reading this – no, this post isn’t for you. I can hear you already: “My child, the greatest programmer in the galaxy!” Yes, yes, but let’s keep that between us, shall we?

Weekend Whirlwind: From Eviction to Elevation

Friday rolled around, and it was business as usual with chores on the docket – laundry, groceries, and the like. But no ordinary Friday is complete without a detour to Kettlehouse Brewery, where Larry, Alden, and I tackled the world’s woes over some cold ones. Post-beer, we migrated to the bridge for some much-needed pizza slices.

In the whirl of it all, I nearly slipped my mind that Thursday night had me facing eviction. Coming home to the chaos of unpacking and moving back in, I braced myself for an all-nighter. Once I managed to sort my life back into boxes and corners, sleep was on the agenda, but the overpowering scent of glue and new carpet waged war on my senses, leaving me with a throbbing headache and a queasy stomach.

Saturday dawned with a trip to Superior for a hike with the Rocky Mountaineers. Despite my secret hopes for a weather-induced cancellation, due to rain and snow predictions and my sleep-deprived state, the day unfolded surprisingly well. The hike was a refreshing escape, beautiful and captivating enough to nearly lull me to sleep mid-stride.

Sunday brought me to Cares Park for German Fest, my taste buds set on brauts I’d been fantasizing about. To my dismay, beer was off the menu, sold out before I even arrived. Not that it mattered much to me; my mission was singular – a braut, which set me back $7.50. Observing the scene, it struck me – Cares Park’s festivals seem overwhelmingly focused on beer, regardless of the occasion. An ice cream festival, you say? You’d still find a sea of beer tables dwarfing the lone ice cream stand.

Now, as Monday unfolds, aside from witnessing a confusing tussle between a dog and a girl (the details of who attacked who remain murky), life’s slipped back into its regular rhythm. And that’s the scoop from my end. Catch you at F&F!

Eviction Turned Adventure: The Unplanned Packing Marathon

So, Thursday Night Ride was on the agenda, and there I was, getting my bike all prepped and ready for the evening’s escapades. Just as I’m about to head out, I spot a note by my door. Barely giving it a glance – something about moving out by Friday – I chuck it inside to deal with post-ride. Ignorance is bliss, right? Especially when you’re about to hit the trails.

During the ride, I’m cracking jokes with the crew that I’ve been evicted, not knowing how true those words would soon become. Fast forward to getting home, and what was a joke turns into an all-night, grueling packing spree. The landlady wasn’t playing – she wanted everything out, fridge included. Which is kinda hilarious, considering my fridge’s usual state of emptiness.

So there I am, running on adrenaline, packing up my life. Sleep? A distant memory. But hey, there’s a silver lining – a post-work trip to Kettlehouse is on the horizon. As for moving, that’s a weekend problem. Hopefully, I’ll find a new place to call home, assuming the landlady doesn’t lay claim to my bike too. Here’s to new beginnings, fueled by beer and the unwavering support of ride buddies.

I woke up and wondered if I was late for work. The damn clock didn’t buzz me. Then after about 5 minutes of wonder I realized that I had come home and fell asleep wondering if I should go for a bike ride or not. I was a little happy to realize that I did not have to go to work at all. I got a reprieve!

So then I decided I would stay home and enjoy the evening. I made some black beans and rice and turned on the computer. I was messing around on the web when I ran across something for a game I have had played two or three years ago. I decided to pull it out and play a little last night.

I was getting tired and decided to have a snack and wait for myself to slip into a good nights rest. On the way to the toaster (Toast and Jam time) I looked at the clock … 3:20 AM. Holy Shit.

I sit here at work now with a body buzz so strong it feels like I have vertigo. Can possibly make it through the day? Will I make the Thursday Night Ride? One moment at a time I tell myself. I expect to blog or post a lot today because when I get tired I have a lot to bitch about.

As an employer if one decides to pay someone $8 something an hour what do they expect? I am sorry but I do not feel that I can be responsible for ramifications of their unreasonable expectations. Here is what I believe and keep in mind that it will probably get me banished from the good-ol-boy employers of Beautiful Missoula.

I got an education and I need to pay for it. If an employer can not help me pay for it (with a reasonable wage) then can they really benefit from the knowledge I gained while getting my education? So if you don't think that that is like taking advantage of me …. Your Wack (a quote I learned from watching a show with Tommy Lee in it)!

What do you think of those apples? Leave me a comment!

I feel bad that I am even thinking about my situation, not having a bathroom and bedroom. The images of the Gulf States are very heartbreaking and amazing at the same time. On the news this one man was being interviewed and they asked him who all was in the house with him when he had to get on the roof. He said that it was himself and his wife. The reporter asked where his wife was and the guy said that she didn't make it. It was so sad.

I came home last night from Shakespeare in the Park to find that I had walls and a bathroom. I was overjoyed to be peeing indoors. I am happy for now that I can use facilities without going to the park now. I can step down my apartment hunt and pick back up on my job hunt. I am always hunting for something.

Today is the Thursday Night Ride and we are going to the Wallman Trail. It is not the most popular trail due to its extreme climbing. I am thinking about brining my camera but with so much going on I don't think I will any more. No more rambling got to go!

Today I will no longer have internet access at home. My free trial has ended and I must cancel my access with MSN.

I am glad because I really am irritated in the service which doesn't allow me to use my email and prevents me from starting without MSN Messenger and that damn MSN Explorer. It will be good to get rid of all that old crap.

On the other hand since I have no job I will put off getting internet access until I do in which I will then get DSL.

For now its a daily trip to the library for job searching and email answering. Tonight is the group ride and I am looking forward to that and as usual all day is job searching. So far no luck although there are a shit load of jobs in Helena.

My friend Chuck is going to introduce me to some people at the college. This weekend looks good for my second attempt up Mc Cloud Peak and Sunday is the nicer of the two days. Well must run and shut this internet down.

Recently upon moving to Missoula where the average vehicle is a beat up 300.00 toyota pickup GEICO has informed me that my premium is now 174.00 a month. This is why I left CT. They are canceling my coverage because I don’t have the money and this is what I have sent them in response.

"I cant believe that my rate went so high. I have added up all the money I have paid you and realized that I could of replaced my car by now. I am 38 years old and haven"t ever had a accident and this is how I am rewarded. I think soon I will be going car-less and that way I will be able to eat on a regular bases and you….will feed off of other suckers instead of me." ~Bill

Answering emails this morning has been taking too long. Well it didn't help to see and chat with a friend that suddenly appeared online this morning. I stayed up late because of the book “Wild Animus” I was reading. It got real exciting and I couldn't put it down. Now I am running late. Today's I want to check into Government jobs (US Forest Service), and college jobs (U of Montana). Also I want to sign up at the Job Service today. Tonight I am going to a friends for some dinner but not before I go on a wicked ride. Well I must go to my favorite place … Downtown.

Ok, well. I have been reading this book called “Wild Animus”. It is real freaky because I identify with the character and I have been in places where the book takes place. A real freaky experience. Today I hope to get out and hike Sentinal and enjoy the sun but not before job hunting. I think a little research is at hand to find out just what kind of work is available here in Missoula. I am thinking this weekend that I want to attempt Mc Cloud Peak again but in one day. I think a trip up the North Side is at hand.

I just got done with my breakfast and it is nice to have real Food for once. I came back from the Rattlesnake Wilderness last night and I am really tired and sore. I had a great time and the sun was out every day. I came from the weekend with a big ol sunburn. I see the Grizzlies held off the Bears for a 27-16 football win. A friend of mine says that the defense stood them up and wouldn't let them in at the goal line, good for them. Well today is Monday which means laundry, cleaning, and grocery shopping. This weeks goal besides getting a job is to try to cancel my MSN subscription. So far I have not succeeded. It is harder than you think.

I stayed up all night last night looking for a cyclocross bike on the web. I couldn't find one in my budget and couldn't sleep thinking of how much I want to cyclocross. Well I must get a job first I think so as hard as it seems I think I better focus on that. I slept in this morning and just put down some eggs and sausage. Now I think I promised Marcy we would climb Mount Sentinel. Today I want to get real serious on my next phase of my job search. Tonight is Thursday Night Group Ride out at Marshall Canyon and I plan to ride out at around 5PM. Well better get down to it.