Author Archives: Karl

Lack of free web based java apps – a conversation at JavaLobby

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Some interesting posts in this discussion on the lack of free Java web apps.

Some point to the lack of web hosts that provide Java services. I think Kattare, the host I am using, is great and I recommend them, but this is correct – there must be many more then there is today. Sun would do Java a world of good if it evangelized to web hosting providers and made it easy for them to provide basic services.

Some mention a difference in approach between the Perl/PHP/Python folks and the Java folks. Supposedly Java developers get overconcerned with archetecture and forget the real task is to get the job done. There’s some truth to that. I’ve run into many developers like this. I’ve been accused on occasion 🙂

Eventually it’s going to be projects like Roller and miniblog that will change people’s attitudes.

Critical Flaws and How to Ruin American Enterprise

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Posted so close together you’d figure these two are conspiring.

First read at the Washington Post what you already know, cultural critics deploy the same kinds of arguments again, and again, and again. A perfect how-to for you webloggers that want to get in the game!

And lo and behold the weblogosphere has started to link to this Benjamin J. Stein article on how our culture is slowly poisoning us.

From Yesterday’s Inquirer

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It was good reading yesterday. Let me share some highlights…

First, the Inquirer covers how Street’s biggest contributors do very well at City Hall. That’s pretty much the way it’s always been and Street simply hasn’t faught the “way it is”. Actually, he seems to embrace it according to the article. Of course this has a whole lot to do with campaign finance and Philly isn’t following other cities’ attempts at reform.

Related to what I said yesterday about Philly slowly losing the control to govern itself, Tom Ferrick details just how well the state (Republican) takeover of the parking authority has gone.

In Silencing the demons Ralph Vigoda shares the story of Larry Boettcher. Suffering from schizophrenia, not taking his medication, he set himself up to be shot by the police.

Two for Philly

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The NYTimes has started a series of articles that will explore private management’s (Edison) impact on Philadelphia’s public schools. Their first installment is depressing.

Over at PhillyBlog it’s Katz vs. Street. Looks like I will be voting Republican in the next mayoral election. I don’t want to, especially considering the underhanded politiking that’s been ripping away Philadelphia’s right to govern itself these past couple of years. Street needs to open his eyes right now or one of the biggest upsets in city political history will take place.