1. Facebook's new messaging system uses HBase →

    Fascinating. I’m using HBase as well and this is certainly a glowing endorsement that it is ready for prime-time.

  2. Taco Bell Programming →

    Pragmatic programming with just a few ingredients:

    It may not get you invited to speak at conferences, but it will get the job done, and help keep your pager from going off at night.

  3. The Less Feature →

    I agree:

    I’ll pay extra if you will please give me less.

  4. Dimensions →

    BBC Dimensions: A site that lets you overlay familiar places with notable things so you can get a sense of the real size of it.

    My link shows the area affected by the 2010 Gulf oil spill if it had happened at Louisville, CO.

  5. The Duct Tape Programmer →

    A 50%-good solution that people actually have solves more problems and survives longer than a 99% solution that nobody has because it’s in your lab where you’re endlessly polishing the damn thing. Shipping is a feature. A really important feature. Your product must have it.

  6. Focalware 2.0 →

    Focalware 2.0 is now available on the App Store.

    It includes compass support for the iPhone 3GS, integrated map for custom locations, and a major UI redesign.

  7. Fears →

    Merlin Mann’s insightful post on barriers to the creative process. If nothing else, read the list of fears.

    Fear of Fear itself. “I can’t start this until I’m guaranteed that making it will never be scary.”

  8. Why are you running?

    Are you running to get away from something; to get to something; to catch up with someone; is someone chasing you; or, do you just love to run.

    If it’s a good idea and it gets you excited, try it, and if it bursts into flames, that’s going to be exciting too. People always ask, “What is your greatest failure?” I always have the same answer — We’re working on it right now, it’s gonna be awesome! —Jim Coudal

    Creative work, summarized: In the time you set aside each day to work your ass off, ignore anything that makes you consider stopping. —Merlin Mann

    Are you an artist, an opportunist, or a passionate realist?

  9. Focalware

    Well, now you know why I’ve been quiet this summer/fall. I’ve been working on an iPhone app.

    Focalware calculates the position of the sun and moon from rise to set anywhere in the world, at anytime of the year by utilizing your location and date information.

    It just got added to the App Store. Check it out.

  10. Regular Expressions: Now You Have Two Problems →

    Some people, when confronted with a problem, think “I know, I’ll use regular expressions.” Now they have two problems.