job’s cry

Django on a Stick

Posted by joe - 15 May 08 at 23:46

Sometimes work, for me, is a lot of “monitoring”.  That’s basically “sit around and make sure nothing breaks”.  Luckily I found a way to take a working copy of Django with me on my trusty ToughDrive.

Where to find the information:

• Portable Apps - for Portable NotePad++ and Command Prompt Portable
• Portable Python
• Django

Requirements

• Thumb Drive - I use a 1GB ToughDrive
• Windows - I’m using XP
• Internet Connection - for install, once installed you don’t need one

Step 1:  Install Portable Apps

Follow the simple instructions from the Portable Apps site and install the Portable Apps Suite (Base Edition).

Step 2:  Install Portable Python

From the Portable Python site download, unpack, and rename the folder to “PortablePython”.  Make sure you place this folder into the root directory of your thumb drive.

Step 3: Add Python to Your Portable Path

Got to: X:\PortableApps\CommandPromptPortable\Data\Batch, open commandprompt.bat in a text editor.  Add “SET PATH=%~d0\PortablePython;%PATH%” right above prompt $p$g.

Step 4:  Grab a Newer Version of Django

PortablePython comes with an old version of Django (JAN 08).  From the Django site download the latest stable version (or  you could use the latest SVN version).  Copy the “django” folder into X:\PortablePython\Lib\site-packages, just overwrite the existing django folder.  Copy F:\PortablePython\Lib\site-packages\django\bin\django-admin.py to X:\PortablePython.

Step 5:  Start Django-ing

Make sure to take note (from the Portable Python site):

In this version of Portable Python it’s not possible to set current directory for a script when it’s run (working folder) so all scripts are run in a root of the portable python distribution. For example if you run django-admin.py startproject mysite project will be created in “mysite” folder in the root of the portable python. This issue can be simply resolved by copying that project folder (or cut paste) to another location and then you can continue to enjoy Django (or other python program)!

Enter Django

Posted by joe - 29 Apr 08 at 21:56

I’m working on a new and hopefully cool project.  It’s basically going to be an online Bible study group manager.  It’s really still on the drawing board but here are some basic principles I’ve got in mind:

• communication should “flow”, that being said I’d like the interface to “stream” interaction between group members
• communication will be categorized:  messages, announcements, next meeting, prayer “thoughts”, and maybe “questions”
• membership can be:  open to anyone, by invitation from group leader, by invitation from group member, or closed
• eventually I’d like to make this “email based” so a member could send a “message” to the group’s email address, kinda how Google Groups does it
• BIG time integration with the ESV Bible, they have an awesome API.

My main thought is that this should be a continuation of face-to-face meetings not a replacement.

I went through a couple of different frameworks:  CakePHP, CodeIgniter…but the grass was greener on the other side.  I’m falling fast for Django.  I’ve read the Django Book cover to cover a couple of times already and it’s freakin’ sweet!

I’m going to start two different series:  the “group manager” development process, and “holy crap, Django rocks because ______”

The Mighty Migthy Meek

Posted by joe - 20 Apr 08 at 20:30

Today at church, Pastor David spoke about “Coping With Cranky Co-Workers”, it was part of the iWork: How to Win at Work series. My favorite verse from today was:

Notice the if possible. Paul was a smart guy.

The message was pretty engaging, but what really caught my attention was when he started talking about how being meek at work does not mean being the office doormat. Pastor David pointed out how we have wussy-fied Jesus.

Meekness is strength under control.

This is pretty contradictory to what my mind conjures up when I think about strength. Strength and control just don’t seem to go together for me. I think about Lenny in Of Mice and Men. Lenny was a big dude who didn’t know his own strength. He also had a thing for rabbits, he loved to pet their coats. As you can imagine, this never ended well for the rabbits. Strength without control is clumsy. Control takes maturity and I think a change in my frame of reference. Strength under control makes for one cool-as-a-cucumber individual.

reboot

Posted by joe - 19 Apr 08 at 21:33

It’s been awhile since I’ve blogged. Too long… A couple of weeks ago my friend Derek asked when I was going to blog again. I used to blog often. Venting to strangers is strangely therapeutic.

For the last few months I’ve been in a state of transition. New job (still in the Air Force, just different shop), new apartment, new wife (well..she’s the only one, we got married last Fall), new church (DC Metro Church rocks!). The resulting daze left little time for some much needed venting and introspection.

I’m back.