Thoughts

Auto-save dammit

Zach — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:43:38 +0000

Alright, first gripe about the squarespace app: no auto-save. I was mid-post on the train when I got a phone call. After finishing the call and returning to the app, it was gone. I was a little peeved, but also realized I should be saving drafts regularly.

So with this post, I started doing that. But much to my dismay, it's super cumbersome. It takes 3 taps to save the draft to my phone. Then it takes me back to the 'mange posts screen', which takes 10-15 seconds to load. Then I have to tap on the article I was just in and tap edit. Now that's a lot of work just to make sure my post doesn't get destroyed because of a phone call or randomly hitting the home button.

I still think the app is great. It's free and it does make posting super easy, but the lack of auto save on a platform where random (uncontrollable) interruptions can blow away a bunch of work is a bit of a disconnect.

CTA-Trekker

Zach — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:23:03 +0000

In an effort to stop neglecting my blog, I've decided to start blogging whenever I'm on any CTA (chicago transit authority) vehicle. Since SquareSpace (my hosting platform) has a great, free iPhone app, I can post entries directly from my phone. I've used it to post a couple of short entries with photos, and it works pretty well. We'll see how well things go with longer entries. But beyond making sure I get my money's worth on my monthly hosting bill, I really want it to be therapeutic. Doing short to medium sized posts on a daily basis will help get my mind off work for a bit while making my rush hour commute a bit more tolerable. It also allows me to carve out some 'me time' everyday, which is something that tends to wan as work gets busier.

Xmas gift

Zach — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:54:48 +0000

This was my Xmas gift from my girlfriend. The hawks lost in a shootout, but we were super close and had a bunch of fun. Highly recommend seeing live hockey (especially that close).

Bottle top art

Zach — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:12:43 +0000

Found this in a wine shop in Lincoln Square. Pretty cool.

A couple new articles for Examiner

Zach — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 03:07:01 +0000

I posted a couple new articles for Examiner.com. Check it: Comcast, Boxee 1, and Boxee 2

Shock Absorber

Zach — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:53:41 +0000

A group of MIT undergrads created a new kind of energy harnessing shock absorber.

Blight: blinds that provide a green source of light

Zach — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 06:44:02 +0000

Published an article about an interesting concept for blinds.

Cheap Geek Gadget Lovin

Zach — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 05:26:11 +0000

An article I wrote about gifts for Valentine's Day (geek style). Check it: http://www.examiner.com/x-2939-Chicago-Gadgets-Examiner~y2009m2d5-Cheap-Geek-Gadget-Lovin

Review of Word Warp

Zach — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 04:28:02 +0000

Posted my review of Word Warp. Feed back would be appreciated.

Staying Sharp

Zach — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:59:41 +0000

Here is a great blog post from Jamis at 37signals. He uses a wood carving metaphor for being happy with your profession, but I think this can be applied far more than just your career...