Author: John

i am a god

GNU Emacs for OS X is a Win


I've used Aquamacs for the past four years or so. It has its strong points. But I've always been a little unhappy with its slow performance relative to native Emacs (I use a MacBook Pro), and its unique initialization and behaviors. I'm sure there are good reasons for every difference. But each difference is a … Continue reading GNU Emacs for OS X is a Win →

Back to the Future


After my embarrassing post about anaconda, I've awakened a Jonesing for working again in Lisp. I think I'll look for a project to contribute to — maybe start by fixing some minor bugs in an Emacs package, or something similar.

Flu vaccinations and insurance companies: Gah


I just got my annual flu vaccination at Bartell Drugs. $29.99. It was quick and easy. My employer-provided insurance company, United Healthcare, won't cover it. Why? Because it wasn't done in a doctor's office. Same vaccination, no difference in effectiveness, but it's covered only if administered by a doctor. This is insanity.

M-x Twit && PyCon


If you use Emacs and Twitter, give TwitteringMode a try.  It won't replace your favorite client, but you can easily follow a list without leaving Emacs and do most things (reply, RT, etc.) with it. No image posting, but it can optionally display avatars. Just registered for PyCon 2015. Yee haw!  

IP Street is hiring! Senior Developer (Python, Django)


Overview Founded in 2010, IP Street has built the world’s preeminent Intellectual Property(IP) analytics and visualization engine, in conjunction with a nationally recognized IP law firm. Our SaaS product helps corporations and financial analysts quickly and efficiently analyze IP information.  We make IP data easy to get, use, and understand! As with any organization, we’ve continued to evaluate new ways to … Continue reading IP Street is hiring! Senior Developer (Python, Django) →

When you know enough SQL to get by


I'm in work on a Saturday, doing some database munging. We have a large update that requires dropping a bunch of rows, and a schema change. I wish we had a DBA on staff for times like this. Or maybe a kick-ass local consultant whom we could bring in from time to time. The row … Continue reading When you know enough SQL to get by →

Psyched for PyCon 2014


I'm counting the days until I get on the plane for PyCon! My company's not paying for my attendance, and I'm using PTO for my time out of the office. OTOH, I'll have a clear conscience if I happen to talk to a company in the exhibition hall.