March 2005 - Posts

Having a blast in class

I've been in class all week at our local New Horizons computer learning center. (Thank you UnumProvident!) The class this time around is MS2555 (Win Forms). It's been a very welcome change to the ASP.NET that I've been coding for almost 2 1/2 years now. I have to admit that the material is good. But what makes the material exceptionally good is the person they contracted to teach the class. His name is Mark Berry, and he is an Atlanta native. Mark is a funny guy, and he fits right in with the group in the class. I've been sitting next to Andrew all week, so we take turns cracking each other up by throwing out subtle blasts of laser sharp sarcasm.

When get a break during class, I'm still sneaking over to ebay and looking at saxes for sale. I'm ALL about getting a pro horn. But I need to be patient and keep my priorities straight. We hit the local "Used Books and CDs" store tonight. I found an old Phil Woods CD that I had on cassette (remember those?) back in high school.

Posted 30 March 2005 10:24 PM by eking1013 | no comments
Just scored 4 tickets......
I noticed the other night that Phil Woods, saxophonist extraordinaire will be in the south performing on April 9th. I just got off the phone with the ticket folks at the University of Alabama, and 4 tickets on the 6th row are about to be in the mail and headed my way.

 I remember listening to Phil when I was in high school. I'm a sax player, and my high school director was also a sax player, and put me on to Phil by loaning me some of his tapes. I noticed the other night that Phil has apparently switched horns to the new Yamaha Custom Z. Here's a short video with Phil talking about the horn, but you get to hear Phil play some too. (Broadband link)  If you don't have broadband, try one of the other links here.He is one of the last great old school players, and I can't wait to see him in concert.

I still play the same Yamaha YAS-23 that I've had since 6th grade. I would love to upgrade to a pro saxophone. Maybe I'll check out the Custom Z, although my heart had always been set on a Mark VI since high school. (Link to early model, probably made in late 1950s)
Posted 25 March 2005 09:59 AM by eking1013 | 1 comment(s)
Job Opening
There is a Programmer Analyst position open here where I work. Here are some of the details: (From the looks of the specs, it is probably not a high level position.)

If you are interested in knowing more, use the link on the left to contact me, and I'll get back with you. BTW, have I mentioned how much I enjoy working here, and would highly recommend this company to anyone else? :)

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

*Analyzes basic to moderately complex business/technical problems
*Designs basic to moderately complex programs under general supervision
*Develops specifications for moderately complex programs and program modifications under general supervision.
*Codes moderately complex programs and modifications to programs from specifications under general supervision
*Develops test plans and test programs and modifications to programs assigned under general supervision
*Documents programs and program modifications to programs assigned under general supervision
*Resolves most production problems with general supervision
*Understands technical environments for development and production support for assigned applications
*Understands the business process supported by the assigned application
*Performs other duties as assigned

Job Specifications:

*Demonstrated ability to develop and code from specifications
*Ability to develop business and systems analysis skills
*Demonstrates an understanding of general data analysis concepts
*Proactive thinking, analytical thinking and problem solving skills
*Familiar with the Navigator methodology and associated terminology

UPDATE:

I just looked again and realized that there are 2 of these positions open, as well as one for more advanced programmers. AND if you're an Active Directory wizard, there is an open position for an AD Engineer. (I'm sure this is no small task since we have over 10,000 employees, and TONS of desktops) REMEMBER: I get a referral for hooking up the right people with the company, so be sure to spread the love when you apply. :)
-Eric.
Posted 14 March 2005 01:04 PM by eking1013 | 1 comment(s)
MSDN Event in Chattanooga tomorrow (This is gonna be a good one)
If you're going to be in, on, or around Chattanooga tomorrow, be sure to come to the MSDN event. I'm looking forward to this event, not just because of the great content, but this time the venue is the Regal Cinemas theater located at Hamilton Place Mall. How cool is that? So tomorrow I will leave work in enough time to head to the Mall, catch a quick bite of lunch at one of the many choices there, examine the choices of used Xbox games for sale at Electronics Boutique, and then hit the MSDN Seminar. That rocks!! How many other seminars offer comfy seats, and a large Coke and Popcorn while you watch?

If you want the details, or if you want to register,  click here. (You'll get a full dose of Win Forms, Web Forms, and a sneak peek of Team System. Can you dig it?)

-Eric.
Posted 14 March 2005 09:53 AM by eking1013 | 2 comment(s)
Dinner with the Boxes...or is it Box's?
I got an email from Jon last week that he was coming into town for a couple of days, and bringing his family with him. Jon is a great guy and fun to hang around with. I scored some tickets for him and his family to the Tennessee Aquarium and the IMAX Theater. Tonight we're all going to dinner somewhere. I'm bringing my wife and daughter since it's a family outing. Now the question is where should we take these folks to eat that will give them a distinct taste of Chattanooga? We have a few great BBQ places in town, but I'm not sure that would impress our friends from Memphis. (The home of Southern BBQ)

Updated: 3/14 -- Jon has a new blog and my links were incorrect. So go check out his new blog.

-Eric.
Posted 10 March 2005 09:11 AM by eking1013 | 2 comment(s)
It showed up today!
Finally! I ordered this from a seller through Amazon about a month ago. It has taken forever to get here:

Here's what I ordered.

Yup. I'm a music geek too. :) We've got a pretty rocking horn section in our Church orchestra, and some of us had been wanting to have some fun with some Chicago tunes after our Wednesday evening rehearsals. This ought to do the trick. I've been having an awesome time with my sax lately. We played a tune last Sunday where I had a  great solo. With me being the only woodwind player in the group, that tends to happen. I'm not complaining. :)
Posted 09 March 2005 11:02 AM by eking1013 | 1 comment(s)
From CNN:

Poll: Most Americans unfamiliar with blogs


Can you say "DUH!"?

Is this news or actually shocking to anyone?? Full story here.

Posted 04 March 2005 08:16 AM by eking1013 | 3 comment(s)
It's a BOY!!
Time to start thinking about boys names that we like. Have any suggestions??????? We were totally prepared in case it was a girl. My wife and I were both in shock when the doctor told us it was a boy. But as we looked at the ultrasound, there was no denying it. It took about 3 days for it really sink in for me. I've come to accept the idea that I'm going to have a son. I am starting to come around and change my attitude. I know that deep down inside, in that extremely lazy and selfish part of me on the inside, I just didn't want to have to live up to all of that "Father / Son" stuff. I'm sure it will be OK. I'll just have to teach him how to form his own opinions without bias or prejudice. As well as to respect himself, and to understand who he is and what he stands for. And possibly how to play the Saxophone and Madden Football on the Xbox. :)
Posted 02 March 2005 08:53 AM by eking1013 | 3 comment(s)
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