• MacPort MySQL “Can’t find file: ‘./mysql/host.frm’” Error

    I recently set up a new Mac OS X Snow Leopard laptop for software development purposes. After going through my usual MacPorts installation and installed MySQL using the following steps sudo install mysql5-server sudo cp /opt/local/var/macports/software/mysql5/5.1.44_0/opt/local/share/mysql5/mysql/my-medium.cnf /opt/local/etc/mysql5/my.cnf sudo -u mysql mysql_install_db5 sudo launchctl load -w /Library/LaunchDaemons/org.macports.mysql5.plist A few days past, and one day I notice…

  • Getting iTunes To Convert/Export/Bounce To Other File Formats

    You’d think iTunes 9 would have a menu option to convert selected, non-DRM’d files to .MP3, .AAC and such. It doesn’t, but there’s a quick–if not silly–workaround to get iTunes to covert your tracks to a supported format. Mac instruction for iTunes v9 Open Preferences -> General -> Import Settings. Change the “Import Using option…

  • Get Your Kindle’s PID In 10 Seconds

    Rather than struggling with a bunch of old command-line scripts to calculate the Personal ID (PID) of your shiny new Amazon Kindle, I’ve released a super-freakin’-easy webapp to do it for you in a matter of seconds. No joke. Simply visit http://kindletools.prestonlee.com, follow the instructions, and be sure to gift me a short novel to…

  • Amazon Kindle 2 Review

    The Kindle 2 is my first commitment to electronic books and e-ink screen. I silently waited until several generations of eBook readers were on the market–including the Barnes & Noble Nook–before making the decision to commit to Amazon’s Kindle 2. Physical Interface The 6″ e-ink display that looks just like the paper of a novel…

  • SEO Is Not A Product

    One of my biggest business frustrations in 2009 has centered around Search Engine Optimization (SEO): peoples fundamental misunderstandings of what SEO is, what it theoretically accomplishes, and the large number of shysters scaring businesses into pursuing activities not nearly as important as they are made out to be. Inquires usually go like this.. Preston, My business–ACME…

  • Drawing Basics – Week 2

    I recently started a novice-level drawing class with the goal of sucking less. Note the subtle distinction here; I’m not trying to get good at drawing, just less horrible. This allows me to preserve my self-esteem despite everything looking like the Fail Whale… that ironically I can’t draw, either. I’m taking this class with Erica, who decided…

  • Top 3 Things That Tastes Good Cold The Next Morning

    Pizza. Pancakes. Lo mein.

  • Will You Be My BFF?

    For those of you riding the social media train, let’s connect! Personal Links Twitter http://twitter.com/prestonism Blog http://prestonlee.com LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonvictorlee Facebook http://www.facebook.com/prestonism Professional Links OpenRain Blog http://blog.openrain.com OpenRain Twitter http://twitter.com/openrain For those of you riding the social media train, let’s connect! Personal Twitter Blog LinkedIn Facebook Professional OpenRain Homepage OpenRain Blog OpenRain Twitter

  • Google AdWords Account Access: A Cacophony Of Stupid

    If I haven’t blabbed your ear off already, OpenRain has a small business web presence product called the Online Business Platform. It’s a big deal as it’s fairly unique in many different ways. Anyway, the the upper service level options include consulting and advisement on advertising with Google AdWords, which means we generally need access…

  • Radio Spot: Are you Social? The Social Media/Job Search Connection

    This morning I had the pleasure of doing a guest spot on Career Launch with Jane & Al: a VoiceAmerica Variety show airing live every Monday from 8-9am. Today’s discussion was on the role of social networking tools in the employment process. Lots of capable people are finding themselves particularly hard pressed to find jobs…

Got any book recommendations?