Holy Fox!

Timing in life is bizarre. I haven't thought (never mind spoken) of FoxPro in years - until last week.

A conversation about naming controls made me think of FoxPro because a VFP 6 project happens to be the worst example of controls naming (try none) I've ever encountered. For months after said project, I had nightmares about Text31. ;)  (Its meaning is as obvious to you as it was to me I'm sure!)

This led me to briefly define VFP, or rather its forgotten role in Microsoft's portfolio. Wikipedia does a better job providing all the details; but I essentially explained that VFP's role is (was) to slowly bleed features into other Microsoft tools, look alive by absorbing occasional hand-me-downs, and retain its loyal developer base.

Well, the charade is finally over after all these years. As irony would have it, I learned Monday that Microsoft announced it will release VFP to CodePlex, making VFP 9 the last Microsoft release. Amen. Long may ye run, FoxPro!

Reflections on Coke

Yesterday someone I know was drinking a Caffeine-Free Diet Coke and asking why bitterly.  I told him it was probably best called Coke Pointless, and that made him smile where it fell short. 😊

This reminded me of my random fountain-drink recipe for the world.  Forget "Coke-ness" coming from restaurants quickly making room for Coke Zero and the like.  How many restaurants have the nozzle real estate?

My solution is simple – and works for Diet Pepsi too. (Shhh. Don't tell the folks at Coca-Cola.)  Fill up 90% with Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi, as your current restaurant's allegiance allows; then simply top off with Coca-Cola Classic or Pepsi respectively.  Adjust percentages to your liking, and enjoy! 😁

First Impression: Windows Vista

For the first time since the Nintendo 64's release, I promptly ponied up for technology.  The day of Windows Vista's consumer release, I ordered a Dell XPS notebook with Vista Business.

I've only had a few hours to tinker with it over the last couple nights, but I like what I see.  Sure, the obvious changes aren't radical; but that's good in my estimation.  What I liked about XP Professional seems to remain, and what's new is downright slick!

Flashbacks to Hotmail

I'm pretty new to Gmail, and already I'm having flashbacks to Hotmail. For the last hour I've been greeted by:

We're sorry, but Gmail is temporarily unavailable. We're currently working to fix the problem -- please try logging in to your account in a few minutes.

So much for a few minutes. Isn't SaaS great? At least in the good old days I could call my ISP or hit my Exchange server. ;-)

Welcome

I've finally landed in the blogosphere to share thoughts regarding software development, investing, moto(r)sport, and my other interests. Welcome!