On Wednesday, June 18th, I will begin hosting weekly coding sessions (or short hackathons) in Downtown Scranton. You can read more about them here. There have been a lot questions on what to expect, what people should be doing, and how the sessions will be structured. It’s important to remember that these sessions will really be a way for programmers, designers, and other folks to get together and work on things they want to work on. However, that doesn’t mean that attendees can’t take the time to learn.
Just the other day I picked up a new book called PHP: The Good Parts. I’ve been programming PHP for over 10 years, and the book covers a lot of beginner topics like control structures, variables, etc. However, there is some stuff towards the end that will be of great value. I plan on reading the (short) book cover-to-cover. Why you ask? I feel like I have to; after so many years, there are some things I should relearn the right way.
More book news for this week, this time regarding my first book, Building WordPress Themes from Scratch. I’m happy to announce that I worked with @envato to get the book back on Amazon for purchase in both Kindle form and in print. The print version is currently being proofed and should be available next week some time. The Kindle version is available now, so if you were waiting for it, go ahead and pick it up!
Also, I’ve set up Kindle Match, so if you pick up the print version you can get the Kindle version for $1.99. Thanks for everyone’s patience on this. I’m happy to make the book readily available once again!
Building WordPress Themes from Scratch was published by Rockable Press (now part of envato’s Tuts+ Premium program) in June of 2012 and covers how to convert a set of HTML pages to a fully functional WordPress theme. Here is the book’s description:
In this book, I plan to teach you how to use WordPress, as well as how to leverage the API to create your own custom themes, plugins, and content types. In other words, I will show you how to make WordPress your own. As an added bonus, you will be able to download all of the files I talk about in the book to review and modify!
Also keep an eye out. A new website for the book, wpthemesfromscratch.com, launching soon!
WordCamp Phoenix 2014 | Jan. 17-19:I’m giving a Responsive Design Workshop at WordCamp Phoenix (@PHXWordCamp) this year. You can still sign up, and even get 10% off using the code WCPHXLASTMINUTE. Who knows, I might even have some books on hand 😉
The Goodhouse Foundation:My brothers and I have started a non-profit organization to help fund research for Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) and Cerebral Palsy (C.P.), both being afflictions we see everything in out immediate family. Right now we are trying to raise enough money to make the foundation official; this includes legal fees and fees for filing as a corporation and obtaining non-profit status. There is a Paypal link on the site for donations. We are very close to our goal and any little bit will help. Thank you!
I’ve had Google Glass for just over a week now and while I’m working up several articles on my thoughts, I did want to address some FAQs I’ve been getting from people. A lot of them are coming from the very same people you’re seeing over at People Reacting to Glass!
How much do they cost? $1500 and come with the device, an eye “shield”, sunglass attachments, and a charger. It’s rumored that when they are released to the public, they’ll be closer to $300-500.
Can anyone buy them? Not right now; they are currently only available to people who applied and were invited to the Glass Explorers program, which is now closed.
Can you use them while driving? I’d say it’s slightly less distracting that an cell phone. I wouldn’t recommend it, and some people are saying they fall under the “Texting while Driving” laws in select states.
Do you need a data plan to use them? No- as a matter of fact, Google Glass doesn’t have the ability to take on a data plan. Wifi is built in, and when you aren’t on Wifi, Glass tethers via bluetooth to your phone, using your phone’s data.
Do they work with your glasses? My glasses, personally? No. Mine have really thick frames. In general, I’m told Google Glass can be sized over your glasses. I was told they are also working on prescription versions.
How’s the battery life? The battery life is ok. It lasts about 7-8 hours on normal use. If you’re tethered to your phone all day, you might see your phone’s battery drain more quickly.
Have other questions or comments? Leave them here! The good ones may even get featured on the new blog.
Every year I make New Year’s Resolutions and while last year I did pretty well, accomplishing all but one, this year I wanted to try harder goals and make myself more accountable by telling people. I made a website listing my 13 goals for 2013; there are 7 main goals and 6 “things I should do.” Hopefully telling all of you fine people on the Internet about it will make me more inclined to do them!
I was looking through my Baseball photos and came across this one, which I took at a Phillies @ Nationals game. This is definitely one of the best photos I’ve ever taken.
In other news, I cannot wait for baseball! 10 days!
A few days ago, Web.Appstorm published my second article for them, on 10 sites that will help you find a good deal. I mention some of my favorite sites here, all of which I’ve actually ordered from. Check it out!
