PyMag has released their first issue for free. The fact that it's free doesn't impress me. The fact that there is finally a Python magazine with lessons and tips is what impresses me. I'm a subscriber automatically. I should get the Sony Reader and download them so that I can read while riding the BART to work after selling my car.

Now it's time to read...

Microsoft OS.NET

Developers at Microsoft have announced that they will open source .NET3.5 (comes with Visual Studio 2008), including the basic .NET libraries, Linq, ADO.NET, ASP.NET, and a few others, under Ms-RL.

The problem is, we won't be able to modify the code. We will be able to see it in a debugger, just so we can understand what's going on. It's for reference. Hence, the name "Microsoft Reference License".

Which, to me, is fine. I'm glad that they're taking this step. It means, that, for the first time in Microsoft's history, we will get to see the man behind the mask. We will finally be able to figure some basic building blocks of the Windows operating system that previously would have been reverse engineered. Since they're keeping comments in the source code, they can instruct how to use that specific function/class/interface.

I'm excited, because for the first time, we can see MSDN content integrated within the source code. Think PyDoc.

I probably won't be an early adopter to .NET3.5 (although I've already used it for a project) with Visual Studio 2008 (formerly Orcas), but I can't wait to use Linq and XLinq to query me some data. I'm excited!

Musics

Last night, I purchased a couple books from Dog Eared Books on Valencia. I've been interested recently in learning about the human brain (because of my interested in a PhD program in neuroscience and neural prostetics), and in learning French (because I'm thinking of moving to France). I purchased my first French dictionary, and started translating a French book that they had for sale. The first sentence on the back of the page is "Insociants amis bachelates!", which (as far as I can tell) translated to "Carefree graduates!" in English. I'm going to keep doing this to learn words, and pronunciations (from the dictionary).

After the book store, I saw the movie Once, which eventually captivated me into oblivion. Music is becoming boring for me. I've listened to all of the genres. I know what it all means. I understand, and I still shiver when I hear a very technical performance live. I think my life has too many other things going on, which is very sad. However, a rekindling due to Oink has begun. I'm concerned with my share ratio, but it doesn't seem to do too bad if you're on albums that people want. I just shared a John Cage album that wasn't up there before, and received Shocking Pinks in return. I like this new stuff...

I think my nerves have been worn down regarding new music since I've been so agitated with our president and congress...that nothing else seems to matter much.

But, we're all going to die someday anyway, right?

How to get an apartment in San Francisco

I've been looking for an apartment in San Francisco for the last 2 months. My roommate and my budget is tight, and neither of us are willing to compromise on space and security. There was one place that I was 2nd on the list only because I hadn't applied fast enough. Through all of these experiences, I've learned a few tricks that should land me a place in the coming weeks. So, I've made a list of tips on how to secure your next hipster pad across the street from Dolores Park, or your yuppie GOP heaven near Grace Cathedral. It ain't easy, but either is livin'.

1. Bring your credit report.
• Don't just bring your credit report, bring your resume, a cover letter telling them why you're looking and what you're looking for...and two pay stubs to prove that you've been in the city (or in a job) for a while. Any form of proof that you exist is probably good, as most people that come to open houses don't really exist, and the home owners know this.
• If the person there isn't the home owner (happens very often) give it to them anyway. The worst they can do is throw it away.
  
2. Show up earlier than everyone else.
• Be the first to fill our all of their required documentation.
  
3. Be interested.
• If you walk in, fill out an app, and walk out...you're screwed. I don't care if your credit score is 850...at least shoot the shit with these people. Can you image working like that all day? I would need someone to make me utilize my vocal cords, or I'd go nuts!
  
4. Set up an email or phone correspondence.
• If there's an open house with times and addresses in Craigslist then...email them before the open house to let them know. If you just show up, they won't be familiar with you, and you're less likely to get the place.
  
5. Don't bribe or be a douche-bag about needing it.
• Seriously. Are you that desperate? Couch Surf until they move rent to your level. This country is run by it's citizens, not by corporations and government. Be a damn citizen and suck it up for a bit. That right place will fall into your lap. My first place in the city was a result of a 2 bedroom open house with a 4 bedroom upstairs. My roommates went to the 2 bedroom, and were surprised to find a 4 bedroom that wasn't in Craigslist for $2200 in 2005.
  
6. Get a place you can barely afford.
• Everyone is moving up in the world, right? So, chance are, if you're serious, you'll get a raise in the next year. Learning how to budget the money you do have will make that raise more important and feel good.
7. Don't give them too much.
• If the place isn't worth it...fuck 'em. They can find some idiot who can pay their exorbitant rates (ah hem CityApartments).
  

Linus Torvalds

I compare it with science and witchcraft (or alchemy). Science may take a few hundred years to figure out how the world works, but it does actually get there, exactly because people can build on each others knowledge, and it evolves over time. In contrast, witchcraft/alchemy may be about smart people, but the knowledge body never “accumulates” anywhere. It might be passed down to an apprentice, but the hiding of information basically means that it can never really become any better than what a single person/company can understand.

And that’s exactly the same issue with open source vs proprietary products. The proprietary people can design something that is smart, but it eventually becomes too complicated for a single entity (even a large company) to really understand and drive, and the company politics and the goals of that company will always limit it.

Programming + Music

I have learned SO much in the last few weeks, it's unreal. Here's a short list of what I've done:
1.) set up mysql, apache, bugzilla, a cvs server, vsftpd, sshd, and twisted on a linux box (all for the first time in my life successfully and completely)
2.) re-learned batch file scripting for an install script for my twisted Windows service. It does the following:

• Initialize registry values
• installs python, twisted, pymssql, and transfers other files where necessary
• creates a windows service and changes the type to "Auto"
• figures out whether SQL Server 2000 or 2005 is installed and initializes all databases, tables, stored procedures, triggers, functions, and initializes data in one table based on user input...depending on which is used.

It's not a final script, but it works ok.
3.) C++ times a million
4.) I finally figured out what I was missing in my brain that prevented me from understanding the following:

• asynchronous programming using either .NET2.0 (not asyncsocket) or Twisted
• OSI TCP/IP layers. I finally realize how simple and affective this is (I always assumed I knew)...it's a great advancement.

5.) I know what I want in a woman. I just need to find her. I'll find you, don't worry.
6.) I've been researching cybernetics, specifically biocybernetics and bionics. I think my next company will involve something I learn from this.

I will be posting some of the amazing coding techniques and styles I've been learning recently, but don't have enough time right now.

Detachment from Intention

Yeah...what he said. It's important that we (collectively not singularly) have forgotten about our founding. We've forgotten and still use it as an excuse to freedom. Since 1999, I thought that if I were to meet Governor Bush (yes...he was actually elected to at least one political position), I would spit on him and turn my back, since he's done that to my country. However, I was thinking of a question today. "Please tell me what freedom means to you. What makes a man (proverbial) free?" It's the rhetoric that is killing us, and the fact that politicians understand what they want, and will do anything to get it. I think our founding fathers knew this would happen, and tried the best way they knew to keep politics out of politics (if that makes sense). I still wonder what would have happened had George Washington accepted the popular idea of making him "King of Columbia". He was a mean but humble man. Where are the mean but humble presidents now? Obama? no... Kucinich? maybe... me? Hell no... I think we're all out of them. Maybe Clint Eastwood? Maybe Chuck Norris? Seriously...who's mean and humble at the same time?

You know, in Islam, the first 40 years after Mohammad died were the best (some say) because it was a true democracy during this time. The rulers and teachers were selected by the masses to represent those particular jobs. This doesn't work well in a large mass where no one knows anyone else, etc...but the reason it changed is because the original intent of Mohammad was mis-interpreted to mean that a descendant of Mohammad were to rule... All good things must have an end. I'm just waiting for Guam or Puerto Rico to fight for its independence from the US like Cuba did in the 60s. When will we get the picture?

Anyway..ranting.