David Brown - Cultural category

Will somebody create the IDE that does not suck?

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:49:00 GMT

My nightmare with the use of so-called IDEs (Interactive Development Editor/Enviroment) has come full circle.
I started out some years ago with my first IDE which was like a lot of folks the Eclipse software development tool.
After getting sick-to-death of IBM and WAS (Websphere) and WSAD and RAD 7 and the whole EJB gamut started by Sun Microsystems I switched from Eclipse to Netbeans and Grails. Grails is somewhat bullet-proof as it is 100% command-line driven. I appreciated Netbeans by not requiring the creation of a so-called Netbeans project or even having to import existing Grails projects so the NB IDE could get-control-of-your-project! Netbeans automagically recognizes an existing Grails project in the directory and file browser supplied with Netbeans.
This morning I was presented with a Netbeans upgrade dialog. I feared not because Netbeans had been so reasonable so far in my use of the IDE on all of my Grails project. So, figured why not? The biggest mistake I have made with my development lately is relying on updates of any kind and especially those updates the directly affect my project. Yes, my Grails app is OK only because the Grails developers were smart enough to keep the Grails development machinery on the command-line and thereby not allowing a lot of crap creeping into their development works.
Now, I'm looking a Jetbrains' IDEA I paid $250.00 for a few weeks ago. A few weeks ago I acquired the Jebrains' so-called IDEA and immediately upon launch the highly touted IDE blew-up in my face and crashed.
When I navigate to the various mailing-lists, wikis, forums and chatrooms with my questions about these so-called IDEs all I get is silence or some type of response with the sole intent of aggravating you even more about your situation.
The question remains: if Grails was able to fix CRUD style web dev by removing the idiotically endless configuration of monsters like (shudder) Struts and other XML config oriented MVCs why has not somebody stepped up and developed the IDE that does not suck like Grails does not suck when it comes to tools that perfectly build CRUD web pages?

Daniel Schorr

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 03:40:00 GMT

'taint necessarily so...

--Daniel Schorr

Karl Graduates From Mag West

Sun, 30 May 2010 03:00:00 GMT

Today I saw Karl walk across the stage and get his so-called Distinguished Achievement announced diploma. I'm not sure what that means but I suppose it helps in some small way.
Overall the commencement was very good but there were no extra programs for anybody to look at. I had really hoped to get a program.
The entire graduation activities today did not go without a mishap. Karl's right front tire had a serious defect in the tire. When I got back to Karl on the side of Highway 6 I saw a large flap of rubber hanging down but the tire was still inflated. The tire appeared to be cut. All-in-all I suppose I need to thank the Lord that the tire did not blow-out on him and Ariel at 70mph!
The real issue facing Karl and I now is: how to get him into a school. This means some serious financing is ahead of us. I suspect the house A/C will have to be shutoff by Tue. morning.
This time next year the plan is to move to College Station after selling or renting the house.

Helen's Service

Sat, 01 May 2010 11:28:00 GMT

Initially I will not publish this blog until later today. As I cannot predict my day with 100% accuracy I will leave the finishing of this blog to our Lord as all things are left to be determined by the higher power.
Helen's Memorial Service today exceeded my expectations because of all of the wonderful folks that showed up at the service. And, there were some real surprises that I must give individual thanks and recognition to:
- Ted and Melody Lancaster came. A complete but wonderful surprise for me. I'm not sure Karl remembered who they were.
- Many people from Karl's church community were there and the church ladies brought a lot of food for everyone. I can't thank them enough especially the Church-of-Christ ladies that provided so much warmth.
- My boss: Scott Holland and a special thanks to Juan and Maurice for the flower arrangement.
- Thanks to: BJ for coming to the service and thanks to Susan for coming to the house reception.
- Thanks to The Richards, Hyatts and Sadlers for coming to the service.
The reception at the house was very warm and rewarding to know so many people turned out for Helen's Memorial. Some old acquaintances were renewed and as well as some old friendships. The food was welcomed very much by me and enjoyed by all.
I now know that divine providence exists and a presentation of the will of divine providence was made in the fact that the Lord new we would lose Helen but rewarded Karl with an angel: Ariel. Ariel's entrance into Karl's life was no accident.
The eulogy given by Rev. Larry Edwards like the service for Helen in general exceeded my expectations and has proven once again what is possible given enough human spiritual love.
Helen and I met 35 years ago this summer. We were married for 28 years. An evil disease took her from us but she remains with us in Karl and all of her friends.

Preparing for Helen's service

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:13:00 GMT

Melissa has been the real trooper in preparation for Helen's burial service @ Klein on Sat. 5/1. Without Ms. M the house would not be in very good shape for the hoard of people coming to the house after the service. Karl and I will need to make a trip to the Woodland's Hubbard&Hubble.
I met with rev. Larry on Wed. and we had a good discussion about the life and times surrounding Helen's life. And, Ms M. met w/ the rev. on Thu.
I steam-mopped the floors last night and blew-off the deck. I will finish tidying the house tonight.