Two software development and testing quotes

I was reading a book recently and I ran across the following quote, which I think comes from Bruce Tate:

Think of a unit test as another client of your application.

That resonates for me on many levels, and it's a great way to think about test code. I also like the following quote, but that may be because I said it:

I know this code is wrong because I can't test it.

Favorite Super Bowl quote

Here's my favorite quote from the recent Giants-Patriots Super Bowl game:

Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face.

That's from Michael Strahan of the Giants, who said he was quoting Mike Tyson.

Local radio and tv on my computer?

This morning I started wondering why off-the-shelf computers (Mac or Windows) don't include the hardware and software necessary to receive local AM and FM radio, as well as local television signals? I don't know the technicals hurdles behind this -- and that might be the problem -- but it seems like in our media-saturated age these would be standard computer features. (Hmm, after a little research it looks like this can be done, it just isn't.)

Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens (puke)

Yesterday I was at the bookstore, and I saw the next sign of the coming apocalypse: a book titled "Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens". I almost had to take action and destroy every copy on the bookshelf.

Instead, I've come up with at least two alternative titles for that book:

  • Seven Ways to Force Your Teenager to be an Adult
  • Seven Ways to Suck the Joy out of Childhood

Ugh, I can't do it ... I can't do it ... I was going to link to that book an Amazon, but I almost puked.

AppleTV review

I'm generally an Apple/Mac fan, but I don't get the idea of the AppleTV. I rent maybe 10 movies per year on DVD, and Steve Jobs has stated that this is the market the AppleTV looks to replace. Let's take a quick look at this.

First, the hardware: I already have a television, a DVD player, a DVR box, and soon, a Playstation 3 that will play Blu-ray videos. Big problem here: the AppleTV doesn't let me get rid of any of those existing boxes, and in fact I have to add another box to the mix. Sorry, but adding another box only benefits Apple and the electric company.

Price-wise, I wouldn't mind paying $229 for the AppleTV if it replaces my DVD player, but since I own 50+ DVDs and the AppleTV doesn't include a DVD player, it's not. So really, it's $229 for an alternate way of renting movies. That's way too pricey for me.

Now, one thing I do a ton today is use my DVR. If the AppleTV had DVR capability it would be a much more compelling product. Going a step further, if it also played my existing DVDs and new Blu-ray movies, this would be an insanely good product. By getting rid of my current DVR, and supporting my old DVDs, Apple would have a complete product, and would quickly get all the money I currently give to my DVR provider, and then get a stranglehold on the movie industry, just like they have on the music industry.

In fact, these notes don't have to be just about the AppleTV. This market is open, and anyone that provides this complete solution right now would have an insanely great product.

(Sigh) But until then -- even as someone who owns stock in Apple -- there will be no AppleTV for me.

Favorite Alaskan bumper sticker

Favorite bumper sticker from the summer in Alaska: "You laugh at me because I'm different. I laugh at you because you're all the same."

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