This is a continuation of this post regarding binary serialization. This time around, we are focused on XML Serialization, that is serializing an object to an XML document. That is, taking an in-memory instance of a class and “formatting” it as XML. Why would we do this? Simply to store the object somewhere (file, column in… [Read More]
Out of Gas?
There I was motoring along in the channel into Marco Island, FL and pop, bang, shudder… stop. No more noise!! Hmm, says I. This is probably not an ideal place for a breakdown. I walked to the bow, tossed the anchor over and started scratching my head. I could not believe I was out of… [Read More]
Samsung Galaxy S 4G Android Phone
I upgraded my old T-Mobile Dash phone a few weeks ago. So far, I really like the Galaxy S 4G. The specifications of the Galaxy are like all new computer products – better than what was available yesterday, no surprise there. The screen is very bright and vibrant (colors are awesome) and the functionality of… [Read More]
Compassion
Compassion – what an easy concept, what a difficult thing to practice. I read a book a short while ago that discussed the concept of seemingly repeating coincidences turning out to have deep meaning and/or importance. These coincidences can be anything from thoughts, to words, to subjects we here in discussions/speeches, to things we see… [Read More]
Object Serialization (binary)
Object Serialization is an interesting subject as so many developers have never had to deal with it. In very basic terms, serialization is simply converting an object to a different format. We know that an object is an instance of a class and nearly always it is stored in memory (invisible to most developers). We get into… [Read More]
LED Lights #2
I tried the led lights that I wrote about here. The results were mixed. LEDs are particular about postive/negative poles. It seems that automotive “1156″ bulb style fixtures on my boat are wired incorrectly for the LED bulbs. Bummer – strike 1. The good news is that this is fairly easily fixed, just requries a bit… [Read More]
Sailing Lessons
I went on a little sail a few weeks ago. My plan was to sail from Fort Myers, FL to the Florida Keys and back over the course of a two week period. In summary, it ended up being a five day sail and I did not make it to the Keys. However; it was… [Read More]
Compare Date Values
I see a lot of code that requires one to compare two date, date and time, or time only values. I think there may be as many ways to skin this cat as there are developers given the number of examples I’ve seen. This I know, the proper way to compare date (or datetime) data… [Read More]
Charge!!!
I am so excited! I recieved my MorningStar SunSaver MPPT solar charge controller today. I currently have an 80 watt solar panel with an old regulator. I have read alot about these MPPT controllers and they certainly seem to be the cat’s meow! I am going to get it installed as quickly as possible and… [Read More]
Smells
I recently saw a discussion regarding removal of bad odor/smells on a boat. My sailboat smells so I was paying attention. I think my boats problem is diesel fuel smell but I don’t have any background on which to base this assumption. The product being recommended was PureAyre. It is not a cheap option but… [Read More]