thomas | What's New With Mick

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As I mentioned earlier, Thomas has show some interest in learning how to program computers. After a discussion with some colleagues at work, I decided to introduce him to Logo, a graphics-centered language that is based on the more sophisticated Lisp.

A quick Google of “logo+mac” got me this website where you can download a free version of Logo for the Mac. I had him download it and try some of the tutorials here. He took to it immediately and it was interesting enough to keep him off of Runescape for a few hours.

Logo has been around since before I got into computers so there are many resources available to support learning endeavors. I searched for books on Half.com and Amazon and found a compelling review for this book by Brian Harvey. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a very good price for it.

On a whim, I googled the author’s name and found his website. He works at UC Berkeley now and has provided free online editions of all three volumes of his Computer Science Logo Style series:

I told Thomas that when he was through with Logo, I’d show him Java, the cross-platform language from Sun. He wants to learn Java already, but I’m holding him back for awhile. The second volume of the Harvey series has a few game examples, so I think that will keep him busy for the time being.

Fifteen Percent Concentrated Power of Will

Recent happenings:

After a little drama with the van (seeping coolant), we got it back from the mechanic a couple of weeks ago and it’s running like a champ again.
Last night Thomas crossed over into Boy Scouts.
Thomas recently passed his swimming lesson class.
Graham played the last basketball game of his season on Saturday.
Graham has been having continual problems controlling himself at basketball practice, in games, at home and at school. He received several referrals one week from school, so we took away almost everything he loves (Wii, DS, computer). He needs to learn to stop and think before doing things. He’s back on the right track, though, and expects to get his keyboard back for his computer this week.
Nietzsche has recovered from his enema, but is very upset at not getting table scraps anymore. Very upset.
If you’ve been tracking Vital Statistics here, you’ve noticed we haven’t caught any mice for weeks. I think they are all gone.
Thomas and I spent this last weekend at a Boy Scout lodge up on Mt. Hood with Troop 606. It was fun and I may write more about it later.
I’m transitioning from one project to another right now at work so it’s a little hectic. Hopefully, I can give you more details about the new project soon.
Tina is finishing up another term at Mt. Hood Community College and will enjoy Spring Break with the boys at the end of this week.
Planning continues for a family reunion this summer. Looks like it might be the first week in August, but that’s only tentative.
Thomas has taken an interest in programming recently. He inquired about a game that a collegue wrote and I explained how programming works. I’m thinking of starting him on Logo. Any thoughts, readers?
My new front fender is awesome.
After the MP3 CDs went over so well at Christmas, I started a “Song of the Day” club in our house. The idea is that members (everyone in the house) get a new song added to their iTunes every day. Graham really seems to enjoy it and occasionally requests specific things. Some requests have been for Queen and “heavy metal.”

Can you tell I love unordered lists in HTML?

Vital Statistics

Bike odometer: 790 miles
Weight lost: 55 lbs.
Hours of sleep last night: 7
Hours billed last week: 41
Total mice caught: 15
Current reading: 2107 Curious Word Origins, Says & Expressions by Charles Earle Funk, The Book of Totally Useless Information by Don Voorhees, The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
Recent listening: Broken Boy Soldiers by The Raconteurs, DrugMusic, KBOO Bike Show, NPR Story of the Day, Science Friday, Thick as a Brick by Jethro Tull, Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Recent viewing: Doctor Who, South Park, Countdown, Suns at Mavericks
Recent playing: Donut Games
Recently accomplished: Reunion planning
Imperative To Do: Pack for snow camping, RMA old Tivo drive, fix bathroom sink, backup everyone’s computer

Vital Statistics

Bike odometer: 726 miles
Weight lost: 57 lbs.
Hours of sleep last night: 9
Hours billed last week: 41
Total mice caught: 15
Current reading: 2107 Curious Word Origins, Says & Expressions by Charles Earle Funk, The Book of Totally Useless Information by Don Voorhees, The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith
Recent listening: Thick as a Brick by Jethro Tull, Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Corinne Bailey Rae by Corinne Bailey Rae
Recent viewing: Sportscenter, CSI: Miami, Countdown, High Stakes Poker, Academy Awards, Independent Spirit Awards
Recent playing: Donut Games, Tower Blaster
Recently accomplished: Successful Cub Scout presentation (tears were shed, spines were tingled), installed CD burner and USB 2.0 PCI card for Thomas, bought and returned new front bike fender (didn’t fit), moved music to new hard drive
Imperative To Do: RMA old Tivo drive, hair cut, fix bathroom sink, buy front bike fender, taxes, taxes, backup everyone’s computer

Vital Statistics

Bike odometer: n/a
Weight lost: 53 lbs.
Hours of sleep last night: 7
Hours billed last week: 41
Total mice caught: 13
Current reading: 2107 Curious Word Origins, Says & Expressions by Charles Earle Funk, The Book of Totally Useless Information by Don Voorhees, The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith
Recent listening: Coverville, DrugMusic, NPR Story of the Day, Science Friday
Recent viewing:Â Sportscenter, Kingdom Hospital, High Stakes Poker, Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report
Recent playing: Donut Games, Elebits
Recently accomplished: Fixed Thomas’ email, helped Tina finish her Cub Scout movie, help Thomas get video on his iPod, fixed DVD player (with Dust Off), test run for Cub Scout movie on projector
Imperative To Do: RMA old Tivo drive, hair cut, fix bathroom sink, buy front bike fender, taxes, move music to new drive, taxes, install CD burner in Thomas’ computer, backup everyone’s computer