Learning new things is almost always fun, and one must try to check one's assumptions at the door.  However, what if your brain assumes something and doesn't come right out and say so?  That's interesting.

Keeping in mind that I am new to ASP.NET 2.0...

I'm experimenting, and here I have a neat little master page with a hidden field on it that I want all the other pages to use, so one page puts data in the field and then transfers control to the next page.  The next page then checks that hidden field and doesn't find anything.  This had me wondering what the darned problem was, until suddenly it occurred to me how on earth I could expect anything to be there?  The master page is not stateful, and it is generated from scratch each time.  Doh!  Somehow it had gotten into my head that the master page was some sort of repository -- despite the fact that I know there is no state preservation or information passing beyond query strings, forms, and session/application variables.  Amazing what assumptions one can make with no justification whatsoever and contrary information and experience in rich abundance from past encounters.  Makes me feel like I just called up customer support with the complaint that my computer's cup holder had broken. 

Doh!

2/12/2008 12:39:02 AM UTC      Comments [0]Trackback

Among the trials innovators in teams are expected to go through is the convincing of skeptical team members that a particular technology is something worth considering.  And when that technology is mature, but unfamiliar except through what skeptical team members see as "trendy" buzzwords, the task might be especially difficult.

Take RSS, for example.  Real Simple Syndication provides a pull-model for content that beats static-content models all hollow.  What if you want your users to be able provide content blurbs that only their own customers can see, and allow them to be able to submit the content themselves (going through moderation, to save you from inappropriate content)?  Well, a syndication model works best!  Examine this particular entry, and you will see why!

2/12/2008 12:23:39 AM UTC      Comments [0]Trackback

And what if you are trying to create a way for your customers to put content into an application that their userswill see (and only their customers).  With the additional proviso that their entries have to be approved by a moderator, and that their content can expire. 

One model that could be used is the model of a blog -- with the content accessible via RSS.  It's a thought, at least.

2/11/2008 11:15:32 PM UTC      Comments [0]Trackback

• Donald Trump speaks at an ACN Convention - This video is from Trump's visit to the September 2006 International Training Event.  Trump has spoken at other ACN events, including his latest in June 2008.
  
• Robert Kiyosaki gives personal endorsement - This video was put together by ACN and Mr. Kiyosaki as part of the promotion for his visit and speaking at the ACN International Training Event in Phoenix, AZ, in February 2008.

1/1/2008 6:43:13 AM UTC      Comments [0]Trackback

Val came up with an idea for a night out, and that was a visit to Red Wind Casino (the Nisqually Tribe casino) to listen to an Elvis impersonator!  I almost could not contain my dismay at the idea, but inasmuch as I know that she is a big Elvis fan, how could I refuse to attend?  I wanted to find some excuse, but this seemed unwise.

I am glad I didn't.

The first interesting thing was the casino itself.  We've seen it before, though we've never gambled, because one of our daughters worked there when it first opened, but it is now enormous. It's also a lot more impersonal looking -- it was homier when smaller. 

The Elvis impersonator was Danny Vernon, and he was very good and quite an entertainer.  I was not sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised.  When he took a break, another impersonator took the stage, but not another Elvis impersonator, but a Billy Joel tribute artist.  This was Brian Lloyd, whose apparent usual stock in trade is New Age, but he did an excellent set of Billy Joel hits.  I really enjoyed listening to him, more than Vernon, as Billy Joel is more my cup of tea.  I've always thought of Elvis as fairly cheesy. 

5/8/2007 4:02:51 AM UTC      Comments [0]Trackback