Sunday, April 05, 2009

Python Taming...

Computer programming. Fun. Kids.

These are words that most consider an unlikely mix, especially when you throw in another seemingly unwelcome word like Python. Children’s book author Warren Sande, and his inquisitive partner in crime Carter, take the task to hand and mix the words well.

Hello World! Programming for Children and Other Beginners is a clear and easy to digest voyage through the beginnings of programming with Python. The ease of navigation is supported through the balanced teaming of an author experienced in programming and a novice that isn’t afraid to ask the questions that most of us would likely let pass accompanied by a glazed look. The core elements of Python programming are clearly explained in terms and concepts that anyone, at just about any age, can understand.


By having a junior author involved in the learning process, the reader can quickly identify with the questions being asked to either reinforce the concept that they have learned, or if required, cling to it like a life preserver until they come to a better understanding. It’s a good writing strategy that not only supports an even paced read and lesson, but makes the task at hand genuinely more enjoyable.

It’s a cool approach, and that’s why the review is here.

If you have ever been interested in learning a contemporary programming language, with a variety of uses, you should get this book.

In using the book’s approach, you can be sure that Python won’t bite, and neither will Carter… at least I don’t think so.

Thursday, January 26, 2006

More Fun with Flickr...

Here is a simple game that uses Flickr.















You guess the common descriptive "tag" for the photos presented. The faster you are, the better your score.

Play in realtime with others.

Now off you go to play Fastr.

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Hunting Beer and Liquor...

Here is yet another highly practical web application using Google Maps.

















Quickly find critical beer / wine / liquor locations and hours when needed!

Check out beerhunter.ca.

Sunday, January 15, 2006

Transparent Factory

This factory looks like something out of the future, but leave it up to those Germans to be actually doing it now.

Behold the transparent auto factory where the Phaeton is made by Volkswagen.














Complete with Canadian maple hardwood flooring.

Take a detailed look at the factory in a forum post at VWVortex.com here.

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Wildlife Spycam...

Here's a site that has pictures of wildlife that are taken with a motion sensor activated digital camera.















The photographer never knows what they will end up with. Cool!

Check out Motion Sensors in Wildlife Photography.

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Strong Attraction to Fun...

Reading a phrase like:

WARNING!
THESE ARE ABSOLUTELY NOT TOYS AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS! KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN! - THESES CAN EASILY CRUSH FINGERS! WE CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR INJURY OR DAMAGE.

...can only mean cool!














There are serious magnets for serious fun.

Check out the Magnaview fluid while you're there.

via Boingboing.net

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Camera Post

Here's one of those projects where you aren't really sure what will become of it.



















See what happens when you send a camera and instructions to freely take pictures through the US postal system here.

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