Moore Musings

Moore Birthday

As yesterday was my birthday, my gracious wife baked a large contingent of cookies. These pastries were distributed this morning at my place of employment, and announced via email. Read on and appreciate the exchange of thought centered on these delicious pastries.

-----Original Message-----
From: David Moore
Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 7:42 AM
To: A400 Project Team
Subject: Cookies because...

There are chocolate mint-chocolate cookies by the Pop Machine on the second floor of HQ, between the escalators on the west side.
They are there in honor of my birthday yesterday, by the grace of my amazing wife.

Also, let this be a lesson to those of you who brought food in the past and didn't give sufficient directions for me to find it.
Enjoy!
- David Moore

-----Inquisitive Student Seeks Knowledge-----
From: ##### ########t
Sent: Wed 10/22/2008 7:50 AM
To: David Moore
Subject: RE: Cookies because...

What's a Pop Machine? Which way's west? Were these cookies baked fresh today? Happy birthday.

-----All-knowing Master of Food Provides the Light of Knowledge------
From: David Moore
Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 8:02 AM
To: ##### ########t
Subject:RE: RE: Cookies because...
I never pass up the opportunity to educate a willing pupil.

The "Pop Machine" (or "machina de soda" for those of latino descent) is an aboriginal species of Indiana. Often seen prowling hallways or conferences centers, this pack animal preys on the weak and hungry, seeking to extort restitution for refreshment at exorbitant prices by shear strength of convenience. The road-wise traveler may parry its advances by preparing victuals in advance to ward off dangerous encounters.

West (or "left" for those of map-reading origins) is the direction in which adventurers and explorers have traditionally forayed for centuries, often in search of wealth, new lands, or food. In this tradition of self-sufficiency and natural resource exploitation I have placed the cookies on the west side of the escalators, symbolizing my personal journey towards self-enlightenment through the consumption of chocolate. The experienced traveler will also be able to locate these cookies by olfactory sensation alone: the directive was provided for those as yet in training.

"Were the cookies baked fresh today?" is, in itself, a question lacking context necessary for interpretation. The use of past tense establishes a de-facto boundary: by implying the cookies were baked in the past it rules out an entire half of the time-space continuum. It is hardly fair for a question to halve the answer-space in the first word. However, the question may be easily answered by transferring it to the time-space of the day in which the cookies were baked. In this context, I can unequivocally assure you that, on the day the cookies were baked, shortly after they were baked, "these cookies" were "baked baked fresh today". Present context is excluded for the sake of clarity.

I hope you enjoyed them, thanks.

- David Moore

Family Rules

My lovely wife and I decided to come up with some household rules, to aid in the governance of our eventual progeny.

1. Mom and Dad are always right.
2. Mom is righter then Dad.*
3. If Mom or Dad are proved wrong, refer to rule #1.
4. All rules must be memorized.
5. Rules instantiated post-event are still applicable to that event.
6. The rules are fair.
7. The rules are not fair.
8. The rules do not apply to Mom and Dad.
9. All the rules do not necessarily have to be divulged.
11. If the door to your parent's room is closed, stay away as you value your mortal soul (and mental health).
12. A clean room is next to godliness. In fact, it is godly in and of itself. (refer to rule #8).
13. Argument and debate over the rules is encouraged. It is also never successful.
15. Residents of age greater then 10 must pay for housing and food expenses.
16. No reading modern fiction without reading everything written before it.
17. The censor must approve of all printed materials brought on the premises.
18. Thou shalt fix my internets.
19. Fights and arguments amongst progeny are permissible insomuch as they do not disturb our royal slumber.
20. The rules are sekrit. Tell NO ONE.

* Certain articles are under debate between the parental figures. No, you don't get out of them.

Are we missing anything key to a happy and well-rounded child-rearing career?
Also, those who have had or are planning to have children shortly are encouraged to use this resource, albeit with credit (and royalties).

An Iowa Adventure

Ok, so maybe we didn't vanquish any supervillians or rescue any whales, but the journey Sharon and I took to Iowa this past weekend was highlighted by a feat of taste: pork ribs at the Irish Democrat.

This bar and food joint was flavorful in more ways then one, and I kept half expecting to see Wilson or Wheeler. But I am digressing from my account of the weekend...

Sharon and I set out after work on Friday, our four and a half hour trip joyously soundtracked by Tally Hall's Banana Man. After a brief experience at the Worst Exit In Existence, we eventually arrived at the Ice House. While the new abode of Scholl and Anna has many great properties (ie. it's well-stocked fridge), it was itself not unlike a Canadian province in climate.

Fortunately Ice Cave history was preserved and numerous coverings were available for those less acclimated. General merriment was had by all, and plans were laid to do very little and enjoy it even more.

Saturday morning dawned with Moore hungry and in search of Donuts. With minor prompting Scholl shortly joined an excursion, with delicious (and coconut-clad) results. Further festivities involved card games in which a Scholl-directed swarm of zombies conquered all comers.

From this death-defying diversion we proceeded to the aforementioned Democrat to devour delicious dishes of demonstrable delectableness. We were joined by Clint in this endeavor, although we nearly lost him on the return to the Scholl's. The afternoon passed in pleasant conversation until the appointed hour arrived and we departed to see the true reason for our entire junket.

A brief stop at Papa Murphy's (pizza creators par excellence) did not long delay us in our arrival at the Scott's. We were greeted by the entire Scott Family (now a certifiable tribe) as well and Caleb and Morgan.

The new arrivals were small, cute, quiet, and burped gently when stroked (the babies, not the Moores). They also had a great deal of hair (again, the babies). Pictures should be forthcoming once I figure out how to unload my camera. The mother seemed in good spirits. Scott particularly stood out as an extremely tender father. Kaylee and Wren seemed more interested in eating then seeing Sharon and I, but I can hardly blame them for their peerless priorities. If I have my names right, Kaylee was already exhibiting tendencies of exuberant engagement, while Wren sought peace and quiet. They were extremely awesome (and so was the Papa Murphy's Pizza we proceeded to eat.)

We said our goodbyes before it got too late, and headed back to the Scholl's. Sunday, after a lunch with our gracious hosts and Ardith and a very large black spider, we set out for Milwaukee.

That's our weekend adventure. Don't miss next weekend's adventure: Leatherwood comes to Milwaukee! Standing room only. Must be 18 or older, or accompanied by an adult.

Moore Projects

It wouldn't be another week if I hadn't been working on another coding project of fun.
This time, its a method to play the popular (read "geeky") card game of Magic via telnet.
I've created a little program which, when started on a Linux computer, allows anyone to remotely connect, chat, create decks, and play games of any size. So whether you want to test a new deck idea solo or host a 8-way multi-player game, all the cards and most of the functionality is here.

Sure, its all text-based, but thanks to some fun caching tricks this isn't so much a limitation as a "feature". What true coder wouldn't rather stare at text instead of a garish UI?

If you non-coders are lucky, I'll write a graphical front end for it too! You can check it out here on sourceforge

You can see a screenshot of it going below the fold.

Software Review

So I was thinking about my recent program, and realized I really should make an effort to test it for bugs and functionality outside of the usual as-you-go methods.

Hence, I shall soon commence on my software review, expect a report on it soon!

Software Review Analysis

I sat down to begin my software review, and realized I didn't really know what I was testing for and against. How can I adequately test my software, if I don't have a organized method of running tests? So, I shall first write up a document analyzing the methods I should use to review my software.

This software review analysis document should streamline my software review methods, allowing me to quickly and efficiently review my tests and consequently test my software.

Software Review Analysis Procedures

Eager to get started improving my program, I sat down to start the analysis of my software review tests. Once I complete the analysis, I can test and get down to making my programs faster and more efficient!

However, much to my surprise, I realized that I can't really analyze my software tests without establishing a procedure by which all software test analysis' can be done. Hence I shall first write up a Software Review Analysis Procedure, thus facilitating the rapid and efficient analysis of my tests for my software.

I can't wait to get started!!!

Software Review Analysis Procedure Change Matrix Preparation

I'm so excited get working on my new program again!

So I set out to create change matrices of the differences in software analysis procedures, but realized, to my utter horror, that I hadn't adequately defined the preparations necessary for beginning a Software Review Procedure Change Matrix* (SRPCM)!!! If I am create SRPCM's quickly and effectively, a careful list of preparations and accompanying checklists should first be prepared.

After all, rapid and efficient application development is the GOAL, and without suitable preparation my SRPCM's would lack the streamlined approach that I apply to all my endeavors here on Moore Musings.

Naturally, a bold, innovative, and practical programmer like myself wouldn't dream of starting testing my software without a test review and its requisite analysis and its necessary procedure, and of course the associated change matrix.

However, I'm feeling rather worn out at the moment with all this planning, and I think I'll just release my software As-Is. Software development is just too much work...

*Software Review Procedure Change Matrix creation is outlined in SRPCM-TC 012, which has been accidentally deleted.

TOKAR Evolution

Its 9:19 AM. Do you know where your TOKAR is?

A Mish-Mash

Sharon and I had quite an exciting weekend. Among the generous wedding presents received, probably the most unexpected and appreciated one I encountered was from Pavlov. He gave me the zombie Magic deck I built so many years ago. I am very pleased. Woot!

Sharon and I went to see Iron Man, myself for the 3rd time, her for the first. I'm happy to say I have a wife who enjoys superhero movies almost as much as I do (particularly when the protagonist is an M.E.).

Finally, I have decided I should unearth a few more quotes from my quote-book. As a warning, these are all grossly out of context.

As they should be. Enjoy!

"I don't want my stole solen!" - Gallagher [not a typo]

"Alright, there it is. Whore!" - Gallagher

"It would have been even funnier if he threw up." - [A Professor]

"We don't need all the fuzzy liberal arts." - [A Professor]

"My punching tool is plenty big, thank-you-very-much." - [I'm sure you can all guess]

"What is it with me and 69's?" - [Not who you think]

"You jump from A to hamsters." - Wheeler

"Are you trying to lure my mouth in that direction?" - Wheeler [to Rachel]

"Actually, I've already done my Jewing for the night, in the VC." - Wheeler

"Yep, no, deeet! No its not!" [shrill ending] - [Some Girl we all know]

"Flirting is breeding!" - [Some Girl we all know]

"Wheeler, you need thinner skin so that you pop out." - [Some Girl we all know]

Don't try to explain these, just shudder, be glad its in the past, and move on.

Cheesecake!

The honeymoon is (as they say), over, and Sharon and I are back to (mostly) normal life.

Of course, normal life is definitely improved with the addition of a beautiful wife, but Sharon and I both agree that having breakfast delivered in a basket on our door (official notice to all couples, this place rocks incredibly), is an addition to everyday life we would appreciate.

Our adventures this week included biking along a great bike trail that runs right by our apartment, going to the Cheesecake Factory, lazing on our nearby beach, and clearing Underbog.

It seems the area near our apartment is especially blessed with bikableness. I was aware previously of a long river park just a block away, and its trails. I was also aware of the beautiful old neighborhood behind us with many stone houses and wonderful gardens. I even knew about the beach just two miles away. I did not realize that one could bike to the grocery store in 3 minutes, Blockbuster in 4, and Einstein's Bagels in 6. The library weighs in at about 10 minutes. Not only that, but an old train line very close by has been removed, and replaced with a biking trail that runs over 10 miles, snaking along the river through dense woods, even as it goes from the suburbs right in to downtown. It is also almost entirely on a slight incline, so you can choose to divide your trip into minor uphill and minor downhill portions, depending on your original direction of travel.

Of course, I would be remiss if I did not elaborate on our blessed Cheesecake Factory. It sits about 10 minutes away (by car), in a nice outdoor shopping mall (which also houses a board games store). It is large and airy, has outdoor seating if desired, and best of all, on July 30th (next Wednesday), all cheesecake's will be $1.50 a slice. That's right folks, check your local cheesecake factory for $1.50 a slice cheesecake on July 30th.

I was going to discourse at length on our great lake beach, and maybe even talk about Underbog, but I should probably wrap things up. How can I outdoo $1.50 cheesecake?

My question for you, dear reader, is this. Where will you be on July 30th?

More Moores

I am proud and oh-so-happy to announce that there is now another Moore: my beautiful wife Sharon.
We are back from our adventuring in the Dells, but I'm not going back to work until Monday.

Thanks so very much to everyone who was able to come to the wedding. We enjoyed seeing and being with nearly all our friends as much as we did getting married... well almost.

Special thanks to Ziggy, Rachel, Toad, and Scholl who made so many things happen when we were so loaded. Our appreciation and joy for seeing all of you is frankly overwhelming, it was officially the Best Time Ever.

We plan to have wedding photos up on a Google Images gallery once I get the DVD in, and will share it around with all you great folks. We do have all rights to pictures.

We are now chilling in our new apartment in Milwaukee, for those curious let me know and I'll get you our address.

While things are still in a tumble (merging two lives and lifestyles will take some time), we would love to see folks, and anyone in traveling near or in the Milwaukee area is encouraged to let us know, and we'd love to have you around (might even dig up some air mattresses!). Ok, give us two weeks on that actually ^^

Anywho, we love you all, thanks so much for being part of the best day of our lives.

New build with Asteroids Minigame

The 0.95 build has an asteroids mini-game in it.

Check it out here

Windows Build

Windows build is now available, try it out from here

Just unzip it and run Galaxy2.