Today our PR firm provided press releases for our new product, VoiceScreener, which went into public beta today.
If you google Voicescreener you'll find tons of news articles and a nice write-up on Mashable here.
This is what I've been working so hard on for the last 4 1/2 months.
By the way, our new company name is harQen (harqen.com).
Monday, November 24, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
It's that time again
Wow, 2 1/2 months and I haven't said boo.
Such is the life of a lone developer for a startup company. I have no free time for this, but felt like enough had happened that I should give an update.
The new project we're working on is about to go into public beta. We're hoping we get some really good momentum out of it. I'll update more when I'm allowed to... right now we have a ban on all public talk on it.
On the downside, Cdubya got hit in her Acura TL a couple weeks ago. She was minding her own business waiting in a left turn lane, about 4th in line when 2 morons decided to tangle. Woman in about an '83 Olds Cutlass coming straight across trying to beat a yellow light was clipped by a jackass in a Grand Am trying to turn left and also beat the light. The Cutlass went out of control and in her brilliant effort to save it she ended up flooring it into Cdubya's drivers side, completely smashing it to hell.
Fortunately the Acura is a pretty safe car. The side airbags deployed and protected her head from the window and all she got out of it was a sore chest from the seatbelts retracting to smash her against the seat.
But the car was not so fortunate. Over $16,000 in damage (bent frame in 2 places, bent tie rod, damage from bumper to bumper). The insurance company declared it a total loss. And of course, no insurance for the Olds driver and the Grand Am driver fled the scene. Nice... real nice.
So, instead, we get to go buy a new car and there goes our vacation funds on a down payment. We spent all day Saturday looking at cars until we drove a Lexus IS 250 AWD. It as instant car love for Cdubya and we worked out the financing quickly and picked it up yesterday. It's a beautiful car and if you've never had the pleasure of the Lexus car buying experience, it is definitely far better than anywhere else I've ever gone. And the new Lexus of Madison dealership is a thing of beauty.
Lexus seems to go overboard with all the amenities. We got it fully loaded and it is amazing. Just a sampling of the things it has:
and the list goes on and on....
Here are a couple pictures. It's Mica Red.
Such is the life of a lone developer for a startup company. I have no free time for this, but felt like enough had happened that I should give an update.
The new project we're working on is about to go into public beta. We're hoping we get some really good momentum out of it. I'll update more when I'm allowed to... right now we have a ban on all public talk on it.
On the downside, Cdubya got hit in her Acura TL a couple weeks ago. She was minding her own business waiting in a left turn lane, about 4th in line when 2 morons decided to tangle. Woman in about an '83 Olds Cutlass coming straight across trying to beat a yellow light was clipped by a jackass in a Grand Am trying to turn left and also beat the light. The Cutlass went out of control and in her brilliant effort to save it she ended up flooring it into Cdubya's drivers side, completely smashing it to hell.
Fortunately the Acura is a pretty safe car. The side airbags deployed and protected her head from the window and all she got out of it was a sore chest from the seatbelts retracting to smash her against the seat.
But the car was not so fortunate. Over $16,000 in damage (bent frame in 2 places, bent tie rod, damage from bumper to bumper). The insurance company declared it a total loss. And of course, no insurance for the Olds driver and the Grand Am driver fled the scene. Nice... real nice.
So, instead, we get to go buy a new car and there goes our vacation funds on a down payment. We spent all day Saturday looking at cars until we drove a Lexus IS 250 AWD. It as instant car love for Cdubya and we worked out the financing quickly and picked it up yesterday. It's a beautiful car and if you've never had the pleasure of the Lexus car buying experience, it is definitely far better than anywhere else I've ever gone. And the new Lexus of Madison dealership is a thing of beauty.
Lexus seems to go overboard with all the amenities. We got it fully loaded and it is amazing. Just a sampling of the things it has:
- All wheel drive (something she really, really wanted after last winter's snow).
- Nav system with bluetooth and support for up to 6 phones and 1,000 phonebook entries. All voice activated.
- Power tilt and telescoping steering wheel. It also pushes back into the dash when you turn the car off, making it easier to get out.
- 3 driver memory settings AND 3 passenger memory settings. Never seen that before.
- Lighted door sill when you open the door so it's easier to see getting in in the dark.
- Awesome leather seating, including heated AND air conditioned front seats.
- Manual shift 6 speed automatic with paddle shifters (like you'd see on a formula one car).
and the list goes on and on....
Here are a couple pictures. It's Mica Red.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
The Palazzo
Yeah, I know, I haven't posted in forever... I'm busy trying to become a freakin' millionaire here, give me a break!
I just got back from Vegas where we stayed at the new casino called The Palazzo. It's connected to the Venetian and is all suites and very luxurious. I'm always on the lookout when new casino's open because that's about the only time I can afford to stay at them. I've stayed at the Venetian, the Wynn and now the Palazzo, all for about $150/night. Next time we go I'm sure it'll be about $500/night.
The downside to staying there is that it's usually more expensive to gamble there so we end up going elsewhere. I like the Planet Hollywood, which used to be the Aladdin. It's always fun there. In fact, we played a new blackjack game that was very weird! It's called "Double Exposure". Here's how it works:
The dealer has both cards face up, which is cool. However, to offset that all pushes (ties) go to the dealer. Also, blackjack only pays 1-1 instead of 2-1. Also, you can only double down on 10 and 11, nothing else. The part that really throws you in this game is getting a 20 only to see the dealer get a 20 and you have to hit! I did see a woman on our table actually hit a 20 and get an ace to win! I usually hit a 20 with another face card for a 30, which is a rarity to see on a blackjack table, haha.
Cdubya and I played for about 3 hours. At one point we were both up about $50 each but eventually she went back down to even and quit and I continued to throw money at it hoping for another good run that never came and was down about $75.
I did not have any luck the whole trip. I lost about $150 on craps and blackjack the first day.
Day 2 I decided to put $50 on the Brewers to beat the Mets with Ben Sheets going. Well, he fucked me of course, taking himself out after 5 innings in a 1-0 game with a very minor little groin thing (that's what she said). Gagne eventually gave up 3 in the 8th and they lost. I was not a happy camper. I went on to lost another couple hundred over the rest of the day. Just had no luck at all. I did skip betting on the Brewers again so that helped me as they lost the next 2 games as well. If I'd gotten into Vegas a couple hours earlier on Sunday I would have bet the Brewers with CC Sabathia going for sure but missed it. Of course, the line was -260 which is nuts. -260 means that a $260 bet would have gotten me back $100 ($360 total).
On Tuesday we decided to just spend the day at the pool. Well, 6 hours later, despite our best efforts to stay out of the sun, we were both sunburned. Never really saw or felt it coming as we were mostly in the shade, except for brief forays into the pool. My chest, stomach and shoulders are now a bright shade of red and it hurts like a mofo. And to make things better, I have a hockey playoff game tonight! I may skip wearing shoulder pads. I don't think that would feel too great.
After a painful shower Tuesday we went to see "The Jersey Boys" which is the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Great show, highly recommend it. Amazing they could find someone that could hit those high notes like Frankie.
Oh, almost forgot. I tried the "slip a $20 to the person checking you in for a complimentary upgrade" thing and was upgraded to a strip view for no extra charge. I'm 2-2 on upgrades that way now, definitely try it. Only thing is that they will probably try to get you to pay for a much larger upgrade. Just say you're not interested in paying more.
Anywho, here are some pictures of the Palazzo.
I just got back from Vegas where we stayed at the new casino called The Palazzo. It's connected to the Venetian and is all suites and very luxurious. I'm always on the lookout when new casino's open because that's about the only time I can afford to stay at them. I've stayed at the Venetian, the Wynn and now the Palazzo, all for about $150/night. Next time we go I'm sure it'll be about $500/night.
The downside to staying there is that it's usually more expensive to gamble there so we end up going elsewhere. I like the Planet Hollywood, which used to be the Aladdin. It's always fun there. In fact, we played a new blackjack game that was very weird! It's called "Double Exposure". Here's how it works:
The dealer has both cards face up, which is cool. However, to offset that all pushes (ties) go to the dealer. Also, blackjack only pays 1-1 instead of 2-1. Also, you can only double down on 10 and 11, nothing else. The part that really throws you in this game is getting a 20 only to see the dealer get a 20 and you have to hit! I did see a woman on our table actually hit a 20 and get an ace to win! I usually hit a 20 with another face card for a 30, which is a rarity to see on a blackjack table, haha.
Cdubya and I played for about 3 hours. At one point we were both up about $50 each but eventually she went back down to even and quit and I continued to throw money at it hoping for another good run that never came and was down about $75.
I did not have any luck the whole trip. I lost about $150 on craps and blackjack the first day.
Day 2 I decided to put $50 on the Brewers to beat the Mets with Ben Sheets going. Well, he fucked me of course, taking himself out after 5 innings in a 1-0 game with a very minor little groin thing (that's what she said). Gagne eventually gave up 3 in the 8th and they lost. I was not a happy camper. I went on to lost another couple hundred over the rest of the day. Just had no luck at all. I did skip betting on the Brewers again so that helped me as they lost the next 2 games as well. If I'd gotten into Vegas a couple hours earlier on Sunday I would have bet the Brewers with CC Sabathia going for sure but missed it. Of course, the line was -260 which is nuts. -260 means that a $260 bet would have gotten me back $100 ($360 total).
On Tuesday we decided to just spend the day at the pool. Well, 6 hours later, despite our best efforts to stay out of the sun, we were both sunburned. Never really saw or felt it coming as we were mostly in the shade, except for brief forays into the pool. My chest, stomach and shoulders are now a bright shade of red and it hurts like a mofo. And to make things better, I have a hockey playoff game tonight! I may skip wearing shoulder pads. I don't think that would feel too great.
After a painful shower Tuesday we went to see "The Jersey Boys" which is the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Great show, highly recommend it. Amazing they could find someone that could hit those high notes like Frankie.
Oh, almost forgot. I tried the "slip a $20 to the person checking you in for a complimentary upgrade" thing and was upgraded to a strip view for no extra charge. I'm 2-2 on upgrades that way now, definitely try it. Only thing is that they will probably try to get you to pay for a much larger upgrade. Just say you're not interested in paying more.
Anywho, here are some pictures of the Palazzo.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Goodbye consulting, hello funny business
As of this Friday, August 1st, I'll no longer be a consultant. I've accepted a deal with ComicWonder (actually, with the parent company that has no name yet) to be a permanent employee and partial owner (very, very, very small part, kind of like owning one brick in a skyscraper).
Why would I do this, you ask? Well, it was actually a very easy decision to make. Great people, great work, control over how I develop, I could go on and on. It's the best job I've ever had by far. And it's not just about ComicWonder. We are branching out into many different areas that all take advantage of the technology we use for ComicWonder.
Right now we have several big name customers testing out a new application I've been working on that could blow the lid off the Human Resources game. It's one of those apps that you go, wow, how come I didn't think of that? Aren't those always the ones where you're like, duh, that makes total sense and damn, I could have done that. I think it's going to be huge and we're not stopping there. There are several other apps in the hopper just waiting for me to get to them.
Before too long I'm going to actually need to bring on help. As the sole Java developer it's been great. No worrying about someone else's code or what they're working on or merging code. It's just me and I do it the way I want to. Unfortunately I'm only one person and with the amount of work we have coming in I'll need some help sooner or later.
Needless to say I'm very excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to being part of the "family" for many years to come.
By the way, one other side benefit... our bowling team will be sponsored by ComicWonder! I can't wait to see the shirts!
Why would I do this, you ask? Well, it was actually a very easy decision to make. Great people, great work, control over how I develop, I could go on and on. It's the best job I've ever had by far. And it's not just about ComicWonder. We are branching out into many different areas that all take advantage of the technology we use for ComicWonder.
Right now we have several big name customers testing out a new application I've been working on that could blow the lid off the Human Resources game. It's one of those apps that you go, wow, how come I didn't think of that? Aren't those always the ones where you're like, duh, that makes total sense and damn, I could have done that. I think it's going to be huge and we're not stopping there. There are several other apps in the hopper just waiting for me to get to them.
Before too long I'm going to actually need to bring on help. As the sole Java developer it's been great. No worrying about someone else's code or what they're working on or merging code. It's just me and I do it the way I want to. Unfortunately I'm only one person and with the amount of work we have coming in I'll need some help sooner or later.
Needless to say I'm very excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to being part of the "family" for many years to come.
By the way, one other side benefit... our bowling team will be sponsored by ComicWonder! I can't wait to see the shirts!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Miller Beer Man
For Cdubya's b-day Saturday we went to the Brewers game against the Astros. Just so happened it was Miller cooler bag day so we were lucky enough to scarf a couple of those, but the coolest thing was that the Miller beer man from the High Life commercials was there to throw out the first pitch. But that's not all. He was all over the park, always with a big smile on his face as he signed more autographs than any of the players. I think he truly enjoyed every minute at the park. And he wasn't one of those guys that throws out the first pitch then hops in his limo and is out of there. When Ryan Braun hit a 2 run homer to tie it up in the 7th inning he was down in the crowd high fiving all the fans.
Here's a picture of him up in the broadcast booth with Bill Schroeder (left) and Brian Anderson during the game. I swear he got more attention than the game...
And to make it a perfect night the Crew scored twice in the 8th to win it 6-4 and tie the Cubs for first place!
Here's a picture of him up in the broadcast booth with Bill Schroeder (left) and Brian Anderson during the game. I swear he got more attention than the game...
And to make it a perfect night the Crew scored twice in the 8th to win it 6-4 and tie the Cubs for first place!
Monday, July 21, 2008
iPhone 3G
So, as most of you know, I have the original iPhone (2G) and I totally love it. Best phone I've ever had hands down. So when Cdubya says she's sick of her Razr and wants something that can do more I explained to her that she couldn't go wrong with the iPhone. I spend time showing her mine, letting her play with it, explaining all the cool functions (especially the new apps that came out with the new software update).
She's not convinced that's the phone for her. She wants to go to the AT&T store and look around. So we go Friday evening. We talk to Jimmy Chipmunk and he says that you can't beat the iPhone. She says she wants to look around. She looks at all the other phones (almost every one of them costs more than the $199 price of the iPhone and they all have the same $30/month unlimited data plan). After all that she says "Well, that guy said the iPhone is the best, I guess I should get one."
WTF, had I not been saying that for a week?!?!?!? Why would you believe your husband, someone that actually has had the phone for a year and loves it. Someone that works in IT. Someone you should trust...
No, but she'll trust junior at the AT&T store because he must be an expert... sheesh.
So anyway, we're told at the store that they have a wait of about 20 days for one. Wow... uh, ok. We decide to check what that Apple Store has (West Towne). The web site says they have them in stock, so we decide we'll try to get there an hour before they open Saturday morning on the outside chance we might be able to get one. I told her not to get her hopes up, from what I'd been reading it was still very difficult to get one.
We show up at West Towne at 9:15 (10:00 opening) and turn the corner and there's no line out front, cool! We walk up to the Apple Store and it's open already. Weird... ok. We walk in, 2 people are getting iPhones! We are next in line and we get the phone, activate it and are out the door in 20 minutes!
So, moral of the story is the Apple Store gets a LOT more iPhones than the AT&T store and AT&T is not telling people that they have an option (in cities where there is also an Apple Store that is).
Also, the Apple Store has been doing this "soft opening" for a while now so don't be surprised if you can get in before they open.
And yes, the iPhone 3G is all that. I downloaded the iphone sdk yesterday (only a 1.2 gb download!) and made my first iphone "Hello, World" app. Their documentation is very good and they also have video instruction on how to use it. Anyone with an ADC id can download the sdk. If you want to sell your app in the App Store you must pay a $99 fee to join.
I already have 3 or 4 apps in mind to build, now I just need some free time.
She's not convinced that's the phone for her. She wants to go to the AT&T store and look around. So we go Friday evening. We talk to Jimmy Chipmunk and he says that you can't beat the iPhone. She says she wants to look around. She looks at all the other phones (almost every one of them costs more than the $199 price of the iPhone and they all have the same $30/month unlimited data plan). After all that she says "Well, that guy said the iPhone is the best, I guess I should get one."
WTF, had I not been saying that for a week?!?!?!? Why would you believe your husband, someone that actually has had the phone for a year and loves it. Someone that works in IT. Someone you should trust...
No, but she'll trust junior at the AT&T store because he must be an expert... sheesh.
So anyway, we're told at the store that they have a wait of about 20 days for one. Wow... uh, ok. We decide to check what that Apple Store has (West Towne). The web site says they have them in stock, so we decide we'll try to get there an hour before they open Saturday morning on the outside chance we might be able to get one. I told her not to get her hopes up, from what I'd been reading it was still very difficult to get one.
We show up at West Towne at 9:15 (10:00 opening) and turn the corner and there's no line out front, cool! We walk up to the Apple Store and it's open already. Weird... ok. We walk in, 2 people are getting iPhones! We are next in line and we get the phone, activate it and are out the door in 20 minutes!
So, moral of the story is the Apple Store gets a LOT more iPhones than the AT&T store and AT&T is not telling people that they have an option (in cities where there is also an Apple Store that is).
Also, the Apple Store has been doing this "soft opening" for a while now so don't be surprised if you can get in before they open.
And yes, the iPhone 3G is all that. I downloaded the iphone sdk yesterday (only a 1.2 gb download!) and made my first iphone "Hello, World" app. Their documentation is very good and they also have video instruction on how to use it. Anyone with an ADC id can download the sdk. If you want to sell your app in the App Store you must pay a $99 fee to join.
I already have 3 or 4 apps in mind to build, now I just need some free time.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Battle of Door Creek Followup
Last night was golf league time again.
When I got done I was ordering my dinner at the bar and look over and there's the guy. Luckily I don't think he recognized who I was so nothing happened.
However, later on a guy in my league tells me he knows the guy very well and tells me all sorts of stories about when the guy was in high school at La Follette and how he basically had a gang that went around terrorizing people and beating the crap out of them. Of course, I also find out that this was in the late 60's, making him about 57 or so now! Ok, I feel bad I hit someone's grandpa...
Then I find out that he has a brother that plays there too (much younger). Of course, the idiot in my league goes over to him (after the other guy left) and points me out! Sheesh, thanks buddy, needed that. I also find out he told his brother all about it and basically said that if it wasn't for Cdubya coming out there I would be dead. Not beat up, dead. Nice...
I go home and tell Cdubya all about this and then I find out that the last name of her new boss is the same as his... oh great. I do a little research this morning and find out that yep, she's married to the younger brother. Oh boy. So, I got in a fight with her new boss's brother in law. Extra nice.
And to make the world even smaller, that same woman is the sister of my friend Jim. Jim tells me that in the past, yes, I would be lucky to be alive. Nice again. I'm hoping Jim can help ease the tension a little.
Door Creek has just become an uncomfortable place for me.
BTW, I shot a 41 with a birdie on 9.
When I got done I was ordering my dinner at the bar and look over and there's the guy. Luckily I don't think he recognized who I was so nothing happened.
However, later on a guy in my league tells me he knows the guy very well and tells me all sorts of stories about when the guy was in high school at La Follette and how he basically had a gang that went around terrorizing people and beating the crap out of them. Of course, I also find out that this was in the late 60's, making him about 57 or so now! Ok, I feel bad I hit someone's grandpa...
Then I find out that he has a brother that plays there too (much younger). Of course, the idiot in my league goes over to him (after the other guy left) and points me out! Sheesh, thanks buddy, needed that. I also find out he told his brother all about it and basically said that if it wasn't for Cdubya coming out there I would be dead. Not beat up, dead. Nice...
I go home and tell Cdubya all about this and then I find out that the last name of her new boss is the same as his... oh great. I do a little research this morning and find out that yep, she's married to the younger brother. Oh boy. So, I got in a fight with her new boss's brother in law. Extra nice.
And to make the world even smaller, that same woman is the sister of my friend Jim. Jim tells me that in the past, yes, I would be lucky to be alive. Nice again. I'm hoping Jim can help ease the tension a little.
Door Creek has just become an uncomfortable place for me.
BTW, I shot a 41 with a birdie on 9.
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