Okay, quick whine here:
It took me about two hours to get Apache's XMLBeans up and running. First, I forgot that Sun uses Program Files as a default for installing the JDK (totally my fault...I should have switched to another, spaceless location). I therefore moved the JDK (it was puking on the space in "Program Files").
I then tried to run scomp. After mucking around with my paths some more, I came across a post in which I found that the script for scomp contained the wrong info. I needed to change
java -classpath %cp% org.apache.xmlbeans.impl.tool.SchemaCompiler %*
%JAVA_HOME%/bin/java -classpath %cp% org.apache.xmlbeans.impl.tool.SchemaCompiler %*
Okay, I was just griping because I was waiting for it to compile and couldn't bear to see any more errors. It worked! Yay. I've heard great things about XMLBeans so I'm pretty psyched to use it now that I have something to play with.
Anyway, I filed the bug with Apache, so hopefully the development team will be able to fix it for others (step to it, Yoav ;))
Monday, January 23, 2006
Grape Tomatoes
Why do grape tomatoes taste so delicious when someone puts them out on a veggie platter or when someone else puts them in a salad, and taste so bad when I put them with other veggies or in a salad?
I know food always tastes better when made by someone else, but dude, these require no preparation other than washing.
I know food always tastes better when made by someone else, but dude, these require no preparation other than washing.
Sorry, Y'all
I was out enjoying the weekend too much to blog. =) Friday I spent with the fam'. I had a wonderful pizza dinner with EVE, my mom, and dad. Saturday, I went to the gym, then expected to go for a powerwalk, but mid-walk was informed by Liz that Ann Taylor was having a sale, so took a long and expensive detour to Fanueuil Hall =D. That evening, Katie and I went to Brown Sugar for some Thai food. It was excellent.
Sunday I met Yoav and Alli for a delish brunch at Tremont 647. After that, I felt a little tired and like I met get sick, so I cancelled plans to watch the AFC and NFC Championships at a bar. I stayed home instead, taking a jacuzzi during half time of the AFC Championship, and cleaning my place during the game itself.
This morning, my commmute sucked. It was snowing like there was no tomorrow, and not a plow was to be seen on the road. Luckily, I passed the time talking to Liz and my mom. I'll probably leave a bit early to work from home until a meeting at MIT with my sports management group tonight.
My life is just thrilling, ain't it?
Sunday I met Yoav and Alli for a delish brunch at Tremont 647. After that, I felt a little tired and like I met get sick, so I cancelled plans to watch the AFC and NFC Championships at a bar. I stayed home instead, taking a jacuzzi during half time of the AFC Championship, and cleaning my place during the game itself.
This morning, my commmute sucked. It was snowing like there was no tomorrow, and not a plow was to be seen on the road. Luckily, I passed the time talking to Liz and my mom. I'll probably leave a bit early to work from home until a meeting at MIT with my sports management group tonight.
My life is just thrilling, ain't it?
Friday, January 20, 2006
Sports Management and Bluegrass
Last night I had my sports management class before heading to a bluegrass concert. The class was very interesting: first we had two groups--one representing the Pats, one the Celts--pitching a product campaign to a rep from Pepsi. It was very interesting, and I learned quite a bit about sports sponsorship. Next, one of our profs went into the details of how complex trades are made. He used the Chris Mills trade as an example. Of course, this caused the mention of the words "Vin Baker" which are enough to make any Celtics fan shudder.
I had to duck out of class about 10 minutes early to make the concert. The Avett Brothers were in town. I got there just in time to hear them kick off the show with "Swept Away," one of my favorites. They also sang "Pretend Love," which will be on the album they are releasing Feb 7. I got to hang around with Matt, Matti, S., and one of the original Avett fans: Dave (and his sister).
I had to duck out of class about 10 minutes early to make the concert. The Avett Brothers were in town. I got there just in time to hear them kick off the show with "Swept Away," one of my favorites. They also sang "Pretend Love," which will be on the album they are releasing Feb 7. I got to hang around with Matt, Matti, S., and one of the original Avett fans: Dave (and his sister).
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Yeah, I'm famous
My recipe for choclate martinis is in the Sidekick section of the Boston Globe today. I will be autographing copies at Warren Tavern the Wednesday after next starting at 8pm. ;)
Boston is a Beautiful City
I was driving to class this morning along Memorial Drive. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, but the wind was creating white caps on the Charles River. It was just gorgeous. It is so much prettier when the Charles isn't frozen over ;)
As much as I love Atlanta, it always struck me as strange to be living in a city with no water (the Chatahoochee does not count).
As much as I love Atlanta, it always struck me as strange to be living in a city with no water (the Chatahoochee does not count).
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Lunch Today
Today I had lunch with five students, my professor (Jack Gill), his wife Linda, and our special guests Dr. Bernard Harris and Scott Jones.
I need to get back to work but just a couple of highlights:
- When asked about making mistakes in startups, Jones said the biggest mistake was choosing the wrong people. If someone is not working out, cut bait and move on (okay, he said it more nicely than that).
- Don't be afraid to fail. If you are going to fail, make it quick and move on.
- I wish I could share some entrepreneurial advice with Dr. Harris, but I kept asking him about his training as an astronaut.
- I did ask what he had learned in space that he could apply, and he talked about medical monitoring and the ways in which it could be improved (which I remember well from my Apollo class).
I need to get back to work but just a couple of highlights:
- When asked about making mistakes in startups, Jones said the biggest mistake was choosing the wrong people. If someone is not working out, cut bait and move on (okay, he said it more nicely than that).
- Don't be afraid to fail. If you are going to fail, make it quick and move on.
- I wish I could share some entrepreneurial advice with Dr. Harris, but I kept asking him about his training as an astronaut.
- I did ask what he had learned in space that he could apply, and he talked about medical monitoring and the ways in which it could be improved (which I remember well from my Apollo class).
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Target Located!
It took me all of about two minutes to locate my car and leave the Stata center. I am very thankful for my good sense of direction sometimes =)
Am I a student?
I just got my morning coffee. At MIT, if you are a student, you don't pay sales tax on food. I usually just suck it up and pay the extra 8 cents or so. This morning, however, the coffee woman asked the guy two people in front of me: "Are you a student?" "Yes," he replied. The guy right in front of me: "Are you a student?" "No." Me? "That's $1.58." At this point, I whipped the old ID out of my wallet and presented it to her. "I am a student." Eight cents came right off. Just in case you were wondering, this was a different coffee lady, one from whom I had never ordered, so this was not a result of my lack of proving my student-ness during prior encounters.
I guess I should feel a little offended about the whole thing, but I don't. I guess I'm just used to it. I can tell you, though, that both men in front of me appeared much older than I do. Next time I'll throw on some glasses, pull back my hair, and slouch to cover the fact that I do have (gasp!) breasts and see what happens.
I guess I should feel a little offended about the whole thing, but I don't. I guess I'm just used to it. I can tell you, though, that both men in front of me appeared much older than I do. Next time I'll throw on some glasses, pull back my hair, and slouch to cover the fact that I do have (gasp!) breasts and see what happens.
Target: Gone forever?
Target my car, of course. Today I parked under the Stata Center (pic below), after receiving a ticket on Thursday for parking in the elusive West Lot.
The sylllabus for this class said we should be able to park down there, so I drove in, expecting to find an attendant. There was none, so I drove right on in. I was a little concerned about being able to get out of there at the end of class without a proper ID. I guess we'll see what happens.
That's assuming, of course, that I can even find my damn car. I took stairs up from the parking lot only to find myself in MIT's winding tunnels. I somehow managed to get to the Stata center, but neglected to leave myself a trail of pebbles or bread crumbs. I'll keep y'all posted on my progress....
The sylllabus for this class said we should be able to park down there, so I drove in, expecting to find an attendant. There was none, so I drove right on in. I was a little concerned about being able to get out of there at the end of class without a proper ID. I guess we'll see what happens.
That's assuming, of course, that I can even find my damn car. I took stairs up from the parking lot only to find myself in MIT's winding tunnels. I somehow managed to get to the Stata center, but neglected to leave myself a trail of pebbles or bread crumbs. I'll keep y'all posted on my progress....
"God is Mad at America!"
Talk about your science vs. religion....the mayor of New Orleans declared that God is, in fact, mad at these United States, and is showing his wrath by sending "hurricane after hurricane after hurricane." Can somebody please step up and show this guy the data on the twenty-year cycles of hurricane seasons?
I'd hate to see what he says about the coldness that God forces the North to endure every year. I bet the mayor believes He's really pissed at us. Maybe it's because unlike New Orleans--what he calls the "Chocolate City"--Boston is more Neopolitan or chocolate chip. Sometimes people are just plain silly.
Actually, y'all got it right...I'm just bitter because he spoke of a Chocolate City, making me believe there was a city conconcted from sugar and cocoa beans, when he really was just discussing race.
I'd hate to see what he says about the coldness that God forces the North to endure every year. I bet the mayor believes He's really pissed at us. Maybe it's because unlike New Orleans--what he calls the "Chocolate City"--Boston is more Neopolitan or chocolate chip. Sometimes people are just plain silly.
Actually, y'all got it right...I'm just bitter because he spoke of a Chocolate City, making me believe there was a city conconcted from sugar and cocoa beans, when he really was just discussing race.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Weekend Recap
Friday was a busy night. I started out at Jamie's house for wine and cheese for a brief girls' night in. From there, I took the T (to Sonsie (being entertained on the way by a group of 23-year-old girls talking about how amazing a co-worker of theirs was because this woman was 32 and still out partying, living her life like she wants to. Good for her! I tried not to laugh too obvoiusly....) At Sonsie, I had drinks with Yoav, Alli, Sam, Kevin, Maja, and a couple of their friends. The martinis and company were excellent; the service not so much.
After Sonsie, I briefly rejoined Jamie and friends, but they were waiting outside too long at Ned Devine's, long enough for me to notice the exceedingly young median age of fellow clubgoers. I ditched out and went to join SDM 06's Will, Chris, and Adrienne. Apparently we had a lot of fun hanging out, as I didn't get home until around 3:30. =)
On Saturday I went for a walk downtown, then went to Hennessey's with Andrew for the game. I was getting really frustrated because the only reason to go out to see a game (for me) is to feel the energy of the crowd. Otherwise, I'd rather just have people over. There were two bachelorette parties there with very shrill girls (even Andrew thought so, but that might have been after he realized most were married already =D). Nobody was cheering or booing with the plays, so during half time we switched to Bell in Hand. That was slightly better. Of course, the Pats lost, so I left to go home with two minutes remaining, having been out so long the night before.
Today, I woke up at 10am, was awake til about 11, then went back to sleep until 3pm to the surprise of Pit beating Indy 14-3. Interesting game here. I'd prefer for Indy to win this year so that it takes some of the fire out of their bellies, but don't care too much. If they lose, I'll be rooting for the Seahawks, if only because Shaun Alexander looks so much like Tiki =)
After Sonsie, I briefly rejoined Jamie and friends, but they were waiting outside too long at Ned Devine's, long enough for me to notice the exceedingly young median age of fellow clubgoers. I ditched out and went to join SDM 06's Will, Chris, and Adrienne. Apparently we had a lot of fun hanging out, as I didn't get home until around 3:30. =)
On Saturday I went for a walk downtown, then went to Hennessey's with Andrew for the game. I was getting really frustrated because the only reason to go out to see a game (for me) is to feel the energy of the crowd. Otherwise, I'd rather just have people over. There were two bachelorette parties there with very shrill girls (even Andrew thought so, but that might have been after he realized most were married already =D). Nobody was cheering or booing with the plays, so during half time we switched to Bell in Hand. That was slightly better. Of course, the Pats lost, so I left to go home with two minutes remaining, having been out so long the night before.
Today, I woke up at 10am, was awake til about 11, then went back to sleep until 3pm to the surprise of Pit beating Indy 14-3. Interesting game here. I'd prefer for Indy to win this year so that it takes some of the fire out of their bellies, but don't care too much. If they lose, I'll be rooting for the Seahawks, if only because Shaun Alexander looks so much like Tiki =)
Thursday, January 12, 2006
So sleepy...
I've had a pretty amazing day, including lunch with Rod Canion, one of the founders of Compaq after my class this morning. I'm feeling kind of lazy, so I will blog notes from the talk later or tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
It finally happened....
This being a Wednesday night and all, I headed out to the Warren Tavern. When I got there, bouncer J was standing outside talking to one of the former bouncer boys. I said hi to both of them, and told J to stop scaring folks away. I then reached for the door. He told me to hold on, searched in his pocket, pulled out a key, locked the door, and said, "We're closed." I laughed, he opened the door back up, and I headed in.
I saw Gregg the bartender and waved, then did a once-through to see who was there. Here is what finally happened: I KNEW NO ONE. Shannon, one of the waitresses, passed by, and I asked if she had seen anyone. She responded that none of the regulars were there. I turned to walk out.
On my way out, I heard Gregg call my name and saw that he was holding up my drink. Who am I to turn down a raspberry Stoli and soda? I thanked him and started sipping at it, thinking that I used to walk into bars in Atlanta by myself all the time. Unfortunately, the only game on TV was a meaningless NHL matchup, and I quickly grew bored. I put the drink down, said some good-byes, then left to take a walk around the neighborhood.
Dudes...I knew *no one* at the Tavern. What is this world coming to? I'll let you know later, after I go back and try again. =)
I saw Gregg the bartender and waved, then did a once-through to see who was there. Here is what finally happened: I KNEW NO ONE. Shannon, one of the waitresses, passed by, and I asked if she had seen anyone. She responded that none of the regulars were there. I turned to walk out.
On my way out, I heard Gregg call my name and saw that he was holding up my drink. Who am I to turn down a raspberry Stoli and soda? I thanked him and started sipping at it, thinking that I used to walk into bars in Atlanta by myself all the time. Unfortunately, the only game on TV was a meaningless NHL matchup, and I quickly grew bored. I put the drink down, said some good-byes, then left to take a walk around the neighborhood.
Dudes...I knew *no one* at the Tavern. What is this world coming to? I'll let you know later, after I go back and try again. =)
Decision Made!
I have decided my new goal in life is to marry Jonathan Cheechoo.
Why? Three reasons:
1. He plays for the Sharks, and I love sharks.
2. He's from Moose Factory, Ontario. I love moose.
3. His last name is "Cheechoo." Can you beat that?? "Hi, I'm Ilana Cheechoo."
Aside from my new-found life goal, I--like many--found Joe Thonton's cheap shot on Hal Gill absolutely disgusting. If you're going to beat on a former teammate, at least do it in such a way that he can see you coming, and not with a stick to his back.
Why? Three reasons:
1. He plays for the Sharks, and I love sharks.
2. He's from Moose Factory, Ontario. I love moose.
3. His last name is "Cheechoo." Can you beat that?? "Hi, I'm Ilana Cheechoo."
Aside from my new-found life goal, I--like many--found Joe Thonton's cheap shot on Hal Gill absolutely disgusting. If you're going to beat on a former teammate, at least do it in such a way that he can see you coming, and not with a stick to his back.
Pats ten post-season wins over-hyped?
I was about to totally bash the Pats summary in this article, when I realized that the author was a classmate and friend of mine at Sharon High School: Aaron Schatz.
Here is a quote from the summary: "The Patriots only have 10 straight postseason wins because the Green Bay Packers lay down like dogs to the Jets in the last week of 2002, which created a three-way tie atop the AFC East which the Jets won on a tiebreaker. If the Jets had gone 8-8, the Patriots would have won the tiebreaker over Miami, but there's no way they would have beaten Oakland, Tennessee, and Tampa Bay to win the title."
Aaron, I know that this whole psychic thing was not taught in any of the classes that we shared. Where did you gain the ability to predict the outcome of alterations to the past? Teach me, please, so I can get a cool job like yours =D (Congrats, by the way!)
Here is a quote from the summary: "The Patriots only have 10 straight postseason wins because the Green Bay Packers lay down like dogs to the Jets in the last week of 2002, which created a three-way tie atop the AFC East which the Jets won on a tiebreaker. If the Jets had gone 8-8, the Patriots would have won the tiebreaker over Miami, but there's no way they would have beaten Oakland, Tennessee, and Tampa Bay to win the title."
Aaron, I know that this whole psychic thing was not taught in any of the classes that we shared. Where did you gain the ability to predict the outcome of alterations to the past? Teach me, please, so I can get a cool job like yours =D (Congrats, by the way!)
Excited for Today
I am really excited for my day today. It started off with an excellent workout at the gym, including 35 minutes of cardio (YOAV). It continues with the High-Tech Entrepreneurship class from 10-12. Jack Gill, the instructor, already knows my name after one class. I was pretty impressed. Then again, sometimes I guess it's an advantage when only 10% of a class is women.
This afternoon I will go to SDM to watch their robot contest. I will then try to make all the newbies go to the Muddy for beer. Corruption begins early, I tells ya. ;)
This afternoon I will go to SDM to watch their robot contest. I will then try to make all the newbies go to the Muddy for beer. Corruption begins early, I tells ya. ;)
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Jim Rice Doesn't Make the Hall & SDM
Like most everyone in Boston (except the media, I guess), I am disappointed that Jim Rice did not make the Hall of Fame on his best chance. Next year will find Mark McGwire and others on the ballot.
I remember watching Rice as a kid. I always remember him as a second baseman. Of cousre he never played second base, but I did. I therefore must have decided at some point that he switched to outfield as a favor to his coach or something. Ah, the sweet imaginations of youth.
In other news, I went over to the SDM offices tonight. Yoav and Sam were both there. Sam was working on some chemistry stuff for school, but Yoav took me around to meet many of the 07's. I'm actually pretty impressed, even more so than I expected.
They were all out testing their lego mindstorms robots. The robots must navigate an obstacle course and must be completely autonomous. There seemed to be good collaboration among the teams, and I was very impressed with the machines they were testing. I'm going to go to the competition tomorrow after my morning class. Should be a good time, though nothing could beat the Smoking Man robot that Yoav, P-Wheel, John Wang, Cenkhen and I created for the contest last year. =D
I remember watching Rice as a kid. I always remember him as a second baseman. Of cousre he never played second base, but I did. I therefore must have decided at some point that he switched to outfield as a favor to his coach or something. Ah, the sweet imaginations of youth.
In other news, I went over to the SDM offices tonight. Yoav and Sam were both there. Sam was working on some chemistry stuff for school, but Yoav took me around to meet many of the 07's. I'm actually pretty impressed, even more so than I expected.
They were all out testing their lego mindstorms robots. The robots must navigate an obstacle course and must be completely autonomous. There seemed to be good collaboration among the teams, and I was very impressed with the machines they were testing. I'm going to go to the competition tomorrow after my morning class. Should be a good time, though nothing could beat the Smoking Man robot that Yoav, P-Wheel, John Wang, Cenkhen and I created for the contest last year. =D
Desh Deshpande
Today in class, entrepreneur Desh Deshpande shared some insights on what made him successful. Below are the main bullet points I took away from the discussion:
* Need to stop saying, "There are so many problems," and instead say, "There are so many opportunities."
* Each time you fail, you increase the chance of success in your next endeavor.
* VC's look for uniqueness, not for the "best."
* As an entrepreneur, you must force the issue of money with VC's.
* When asked for 4-5 keys to success, Desh gave these:
1. Always work with great people.
- They set a new benchmark for you and push you harder
- Look for working with the best people over earning more money
2. Have fun in what you do.
- Never do anything like say you will work really hard for a number of years so the rest of your life is great. Make it great now.
3. Have the guts to quit if you are in a position in which neither of the two prior keys are present.
4. Maintain the financial freedom to quit.
- Either have a lot of money
- Or need less money
- Save money to create an entrepreneurial nest egg
The last point reminded me of the "Sex and the City" episode in which Carrie wants to buy an apartment and finds she has no savings, just hundreds of pairs of expensive shoes. Note to self: regardless of eventual career goals, STOP BUYING SHOES. And purses. And clothes. And the latest gadgets. And shiny objects. However, keep buying ridiculous toys for Scully. Those are totally worth it.
* Need to stop saying, "There are so many problems," and instead say, "There are so many opportunities."
* Each time you fail, you increase the chance of success in your next endeavor.
* VC's look for uniqueness, not for the "best."
* As an entrepreneur, you must force the issue of money with VC's.
* When asked for 4-5 keys to success, Desh gave these:
1. Always work with great people.
- They set a new benchmark for you and push you harder
- Look for working with the best people over earning more money
2. Have fun in what you do.
- Never do anything like say you will work really hard for a number of years so the rest of your life is great. Make it great now.
3. Have the guts to quit if you are in a position in which neither of the two prior keys are present.
4. Maintain the financial freedom to quit.
- Either have a lot of money
- Or need less money
- Save money to create an entrepreneurial nest egg
The last point reminded me of the "Sex and the City" episode in which Carrie wants to buy an apartment and finds she has no savings, just hundreds of pairs of expensive shoes. Note to self: regardless of eventual career goals, STOP BUYING SHOES. And purses. And clothes. And the latest gadgets. And shiny objects. However, keep buying ridiculous toys for Scully. Those are totally worth it.
"Reese" Rhymes with "Niece"
"Reese" as in "Hannah Reese" rhymes with "niece." Okay, I just realized that. Only took 19 days.
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