Things Every Programmer Should Know

I don't write much about my work. Sometimes its because the last thing I want to do is talk about work after doing it all day! Tonight though, I came across this article that is worth sharing. http://www.javacodegeeks.com/2010/12/things-every-programmer-should-know.html

As a pilot, I've learned a lot from fellow aviators. Guns? Friends and bloggers fill in the gaps. As for programming, I've learned most everything from classes or books, and then some from co-workers. I really should reach out to the programming community more than I do. 

Chicago coming around to concealed carry?

Mark Brown (no relation) writes in the Sun Times that at least two representatives in Chicago are considering a yes vote for concealed carry in Illinois. The only objection, including the one from the author is that more guns = more gun deaths. If only Mr. Brown would do some research....

http://www.suntimes.com/news/brown/7528848-417/west-side-state-legislator-leads-toward-allowing-concealed-weapons-in-illinois.html

Carrying a firearm on the farm

I was working in the barn when Regina walked in to see what I was working on. Just playing with gears and such. Traded small talk and ended with a hug and a kiss. That's when she noticed the pistol on my side. Why was I carrying? Well, because it's my farm and I can! I'm not expecting trouble or anything, but I like to be prepared. Because of the antigun Chicago political machine, us downstaters can only carry on our property. "oh the police will save you." Yeah right buddy. Closest deputy could be 10 minutes or 30 minutes away.

More so than exercising MY right, I want my family and friends to be comfortable around firearms. What they see on tv and in the movies just isn't reality. And maybe one day we'll live in a free state where my daughters will be carrying their firearms on them all the time.

Making shooting sports safer

Why is it that Illinois is one of only 12 states that doesn't allow silencers? I think this comment from a Michigan store owner is the reason:

"We panic in the United States because in Hollywood only the assassins have silencers. The image is that every bad guy has a silencer..."

It would be so much easier to be able to teach kids how to shoot without having to mess with the ear protection. It would be so much nicer to be able to shoot without annoying the neighbors or their dogs. It would be so much nicer to be able to shoot without destroying my own hearing. Maybe that's the reason why Illinois bans them? Yep, probably so. Hey Senator Bill Brady or Representative Bill Mitchell? A little help here please?!?

h/t SIH