In Unix, there's this nifty binary called "lc" which gives you the line count of the file. However, in DOS, you have to be a little more creative. Below is a DOS command I use to count the number of lines in a text file. The "nonsense" parameter is some text that is sure not …
Author: Tony Zampogna
How to get JAX-WS Web Service Method Name
I'm not sure if this will always work, but here is some sample code that I put into a Handler to log the web service method name that is being called. I wanted to be able to track each method, and see which ones were getting use. This web service was running on IBM WebSphere …
Simple Lego Ship (with Blender mesh files)
This is a 3D model of a Lego ship that we made (over and over) when we were kids. For some reason, the simplicity of the space craft facinated us. We made many other spaceships, but this one stuck with me for some reason. Here's how it fits together. The image below shows the pieces required. …
Lego Astronaut Blender Mesh Files
Here is a Lego man that I did with Blender (v 2.4.9). I've decided I would post this, since when I did a search for one, I couldn't find one. I will try to keep it up to date. The link to the mesh files are below. Download the Blender Files (this contains LegoMan.blend, face.jpg, …
My First Indigo Bunting Sighting
Since I started paying attention to birds just a few years ago or so, I've always been fascinated with the Indigo Bunting. Probably for two reason. One (in my opinion), it's one of the more exotic looking birds that Minnesotans can see. And two, no matter how hard I tried, I could never see one …
Best CSS trick I’ve ever needed to know
I often have to put CSS hacks in my HTML (thank you IE6), and when I do, I usually refer to this simple set of rules to help me determine what browsers I need the hack to work for. Essentially, it boils down to this: 1) A dot in front of a style will cause …
Vali-Hi Drive-In
I don't know, for some reason, I like this photo. It was taken randomly doing 55 mph east on I-94. Under those conditions, I thought it turned out pretty well. I love drive-ins. The Vali-Hi drive-in is a great place for the family to go. There's nothing like sitting outside to watch a movie on …
Making Gravlax
Recently, at a party, I experienced Gravlax for the first time. When I asked about the recipe, I was told it was easy to make. As a salmon lover, this was perfect for me. So, I had to make it for myself. Here's how it went. Note: This isn't a real recipe. I'm just paraphrasing …
Odd-Looking Grasshopper
I've never seen a grasshopper like this. So, I thought I would post a picture to share. It's shorter and stubbier than what I've usually seen. It also appears to be a little red. What's stranger is that was another identical one nearby that was white. It was gone by the time I came back …