Random Thoughts

1) The idea of beautiful programming books representing the connection between art and programming is an interesting one. I think that there is an “art” to programming, but I don’t think there is really a direct connection. As a musician, I have a very formal vision of an “artist”, and knowing many programmers, few have qualities that I consider artistic. I think that the art of programming is different than visual or music arts. That being said, there are many artistic looking books, including programming books. My favorite is The Little Schemer, and it’s successful typography.

2) I’m glad to hear that David Letterman and his group pulled off a deal with the Writers Guild. Not only do I like his humor more than others, but he impresses me as a substantial human being. Way to go Dave… the beard, however, is kinda weird.

3) My friends are onto the fact that I have a blog. They really don’t need any more ammunition for calling me a nerd. Be that as it may, I am going to try to be more social, in the wake of my father’s passing.

4) One of the books that was recommended as “beautiful” in #1 was a book on Processing. I have been putting off looking into it (so I can relearn my Graph Theory, learn Python for the first time, among other things). But when I found that it included techniques for data visualization, I added it near the top of my to-do list. If only I can find enough free time to finish with Graph Theory or Python!

5) The Giants looked better against the Patriots than I had expected. Their downfall was similar to that of the Ravens and Eagles; not being aggressive enough in the second half of the game. I’m not sure what teams do during halftime, but they came out flat, and tight. It would be nice, however, if they could use this game as a springboard for their playoff game next week.

6) I hadn’t realized that there was a book created to be a sequel to Strunk & White. I’ve had Style: Ten Lessons in Clarity and Grace on my wishlist for a while, but it just shot up near the top. Liz, the interviewer, has written a few posts that have turned me on to a number of Information Architecture books. And now this. I know she plays the cello… I think her brain works A-D-G-C just like mine.

Cat's out of the bag

Raluca Bucur has found me!

Jean Edward Welker

Washington Post – Obituaries

Friday, December 14, 2007; Page B07

Jean Edward Welker – NASA Physicist

Jean Edward Welker, 72, who spent 50 years as a physicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, died Dec. 5 of heart disease at Washington Hospital Center. He lived in Laurel.

Mr. Welker was a specialist in examining climate patterns in Russia and Eastern Europe. He worked at NASA until his death.

He was born in Mineola, N.Y., and received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics from Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. He received a doctorate in history from the University of Maryland in the early 1990s.

He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Clarksville and sang in the choir. He had also sung in the University of Maryland choir.

His wife of 23 years, Joan M. Welker, died in 2000.

Survivors include three children, Edward Welker of Kensington, Catherine Welker of Washington and Tania Welker of New York; one sister, Nancy Frenze of Philadelphia; and three brothers, Paul Welker of Providence, R.I., Robert Welker of Arlington and Kenneth Welker of Oslo.

Jean Edward Welker

72, died at Washington Hospital Center on December 5, 2007 from heart failure. Beloved husband of the late Joan Mary (Minko), he is survived by his three children Edward, Catherine, and Tania. Dr. Welker, who spent 50 years working for the government, was a physicist for NASA in Greenbelt, MD. He received his doctorate in history from the University of Maryland. All are invited to graveside services Mon., December 10th at 10:30 am at Glenwood Cemetery, Great Rd. (Rte 111), Maynard, MA. Martin & Doran Funeral Home.

Published in the Boston Globe on 12/9/2007.

Jean E. Welker, NASA Technical Reports Server

Photos!

Be that as it may, I’ve been focused the last 2 days, buring through many of them. I’ve got two sets down, with one remaining. I’ve posted the first two to my newly purchased flickr pro account (I ran over the 200 image limit, and want to continue to see the old ones.)

Check out my party/band shots, and my photos of Boston and ALCS game 2.

Weekend

Leaving in about an hour to drive up to the summer house in New York. Yes, I know it’s fall, and it will be cold (40’s) but I have to shut off the fridge. Really. Anyway, I hope that I can relax a tiny bit for the time I am there.

C ya maryland!