Scary Stories from the Desk: Part I
Once upon a time, in a spooky universe not unlike that of our own, there was a server built with minimum specifications on hardware that was already passed its prime. The server’s hard drive was partitioned into three small drives and somehow meant to host…
On Helping Your Magical Genies
A customer once asked me why I could not just read their mind and make what they need just happen. First, I really doubt that we want people reading our minds— but I do understand the frustration. The customer is having a hard time reconciling…
“Logical Assumptions” and Technology Do Not Mix
A couple of weeks ago, I was tasked with setting up a new server for one of our departments. They wanted me to setup ArchivesSpace and migrate their data from Archon onto a new server. I have heard horror stories about this process, but the…
Fun-Packed Summer
You heard Alice Cooper, “School’s out for summer!” But if you work for a university system, or a school in general, then you know that it is not out forever! I am approaching five years of working in university systems as a web developer and…
Where Does the Time Go?
I am turning 35 this month! Although birthdays are always exciting, this time of year also always seems to put me in a particular mood. Whether it is the dawning of spring or just me chalking up another tally to age, I analyze and over-analyze…
Islandora Camp 2018
San Diego State University hosted Islandora Camp 2018 at the first of November. Unlike my last conference, I did not have to travel far for Islandora Camp, just simply walk a few doors down from my office. Islandora is an open-source software framework designed to…
ZendCon 2018
I flew out to Las Vegas, Nevada, for a week of fun and learning with fellow PHP coding nerds from all over the country. This year’s ZendCon was awesome! So much to learn crammed into three fast-paced days. After checking into the hotel, me and…
Budgets and Math
Budgets only work when you have the whole picture. Crystal ball aside, anticipating every aspect of a cross-country move is dubious at best. Between on-the-road moving expenses, getting settled into a new home somewhere new, and the usual suspects that want my money like Verizon…
I Love My New Job
It has been about four months since my first day of work at San Diego State University. I can still remember scaling the hill to get to the library from the parking structure. I was not sure if I would make it! The last campus…