Archive for August, 2008

Yet Another QuickStudy Release

Yet Another QuickStudy Release

It’s that time of week again.  Time to release yet another version of QuickStudy.
There aren’t too many big updates to speak of this week, as I’ve been working to get the application converted to run on SymbianOS and Linux-based cell phones.  This is the next big challenge where all the money is.
That said, Version 0.0.1.7 [...]

No Comments

We Didn't Make You Obsolete

We Didn’t Make You Obsolete

Corvida over at SheGeeks recently wrote a post asking if people have lost their job as a result of technology and it reminded me of several arguments I’ve had with people on both sides of the Pacific.
Over the last few years I’ve been (somewhat) responsible for the lay-off or dismissal of just over 100 people [...]

4 Comments

How Important Is Data Security?

How Important Is Data Security?

With all the stories that have circulated through the news and in the depths of the internet, it’s sometimes surprising to hear that mistakes that led to the destruction of one company are being repeated by uncounted others.
This is certainly the case with Clear who, earlier this month, had reported a notebook containing the personal [...]

No Comments

Buying a Car In Japan - Option One: Nissan Tiida

Buying a Car In Japan – Option One: Nissan Tiida

Cars in Japan are so affordable. This was my thought as Reiko and I looked at the pristine models in the showroom of Gifu Nissan this past weekend where we started the search for our first family car.
In Canada, it’s quite normal to see one price, buy a car for another, then quickly discover that [...]

10 Comments

Who Says Japan Doesn't Use Unix?

Who Says Japan Doesn’t Use Unix?

Reiko bought a new Tupperware container for our bread last week and I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw the name of the manufacturer. Who would have thought that Unix could make such impossible things as a plastic box possible?

Apparently, the manufacturer (Asvel) sells most of their household goods under this name. [...]

No Comments

Sunflowers in Hashima

Sunflowers in Hashima

The weather forecast for this weekend was rain, and lots of it. Luckily for Reiko and I, the meteorological offices in Japan are just as accurate as the ones in Canada, as we didn’t see a drop of water fall from the sky. This meant that we could make the one-hour trek from [...]

1 Comment

QuickStudy Get A Little Better

QuickStudy Get A Little Better

After using the program for three days, I’ve found quite a few areas that needed work and made the changes with all haste. So far, the initial version of the application has been downloaded a total of 22 times (much more than I had expected for an Alpha release), but that’s all I really [...]

No Comments

QuickStudy Alpha Released

QuickStudy Alpha Released

I have a terrible habit when it comes to studying Japanese in that I spend more time looking at my PDA rather than the printed vocabulary sheets that I have. Unfortunately, this has meant that my study is light-years behind where it should be … so it’s time to solve the problem the best [...]

No Comments

At 300 km/h - Impressions of Tokyo

At 300 km/h – Impressions of Tokyo

This is my contribution to Shane’s Japan Blog Matsuri, where bloggers are encouraged to write about a specific topic. The topic for the month of August is “Impressions of Tokyo,” and you’re free to join in on the fun.
Tokyo’s a big place. There’s no doubt about it. For the longest time I [...]

1 Comment

Hello Darkness My Old Friend ...

Hello Darkness My Old Friend …

What’s the sound of one heart stopping?
It’s a question that few want to know,
yet a question where few minds go.
To hear the beep next to the bed,
like sound comfort next to the head.
The fearful pain and watchful signs,
the tragic moment … the tragic lines.
Sorry I’ve been gone for so long. There have been some [...]

5 Comments

The Draft Pick

The Draft Pick

Sitting in the crowded room, the candidate is just a number. Yet another who awaits the opportunity to be brought out of the shadows and into the light. Waiting to prove their worth. Waiting to share their story. Having both a name and potential, it lies in a constant state of [...]

5 Comments