To build a powerful app without using the Interface Builder, make your code modular for unit testing and master the art of when and where to release the memory and prevent crashes.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Beyond the Windows
Replacing a fogged window is no big deal. Doing it right before the tenants moving into our condo requires precise execution. Especially the Boston guy from Wayside Glass alerted me to get home as soon as possible for another window replacement project. Well, I had no choice but to give him the front door key so he could work by himself. But I still needed to caulk some bathroom tiles. Oh no! The caulk refused to come out no matter how hard I tried. My children’s scissors just couldn’t cut it. Luckily the Boston guy came to rescue with a circular cut like a surgeon. I was impressed with his right-to-the-point attitude. He’d be fine working solo.
By the time I got home, the Concord guy already set up the workshop. When the first set of windows went up, the clarity of the nature was so captivating that I firmly believed in the open architecture. With his laser sharpness for details and seamless coordination with my cleaning obsession, 11 sets of windows were completed in less than two days during the sweltering heat wave.
There were a few dramas to make the experience memorable. For instance, I had a hard time taking down the curtain hardware and he pointed out the right tool to use from my pile of amateur gadgets. It was the little things that matter. One of the screen frames was out of shape, leaving enough gaps for insets to come. He offered solutions. When it’s not enough by stretching the frame, he went extra inning to redo it when he should be on his way to the next job. He did not know that it meant a lot for my bug-hating husband, who also immensely enjoyed the clear difference of this investment.
By the time I got home, the Concord guy already set up the workshop. When the first set of windows went up, the clarity of the nature was so captivating that I firmly believed in the open architecture. With his laser sharpness for details and seamless coordination with my cleaning obsession, 11 sets of windows were completed in less than two days during the sweltering heat wave.
There were a few dramas to make the experience memorable. For instance, I had a hard time taking down the curtain hardware and he pointed out the right tool to use from my pile of amateur gadgets. It was the little things that matter. One of the screen frames was out of shape, leaving enough gaps for insets to come. He offered solutions. When it’s not enough by stretching the frame, he went extra inning to redo it when he should be on his way to the next job. He did not know that it meant a lot for my bug-hating husband, who also immensely enjoyed the clear difference of this investment.
Mr. No Leaks
The skylight and chimney had been leaking for years. The problem got worse since the persistent rain for three weeks in early spring. As I surfed on the net for a reliable roofer, I found the pictures were convincing and the tag line stood out on Wooster Roofing. When the manager came, he was agile with the tall ladder and honest with his solutions. When I check the reference, the lady’s voice trembled with happiness. That was the turning point.
One dog day afternoon, his team showed up with the skylight. Although I tried to tell him where the leaks were, he said it was not necessary to come inside until he needed to know if the new one sat squarely on the opening. He promised that the new one would not leak with sheer confidence. A week later, it rained for four straight days and the walls were bone dry. What a pleasure!
One morning I rushed home from Boston to get more paint for the condo. To my pleasant surprise, the roofers were almost done with re-flashing and water-proofing the chimney. It looked so professional with the roof shingles lined up with the lead flashing. I gave them a check before the project was done. From now on I could sleep with a peace of mind.
The next day was the last day of the heat wave. I sweated like a pig as I painted my decks. If the roofers survived, I could too.
One dog day afternoon, his team showed up with the skylight. Although I tried to tell him where the leaks were, he said it was not necessary to come inside until he needed to know if the new one sat squarely on the opening. He promised that the new one would not leak with sheer confidence. A week later, it rained for four straight days and the walls were bone dry. What a pleasure!
One morning I rushed home from Boston to get more paint for the condo. To my pleasant surprise, the roofers were almost done with re-flashing and water-proofing the chimney. It looked so professional with the roof shingles lined up with the lead flashing. I gave them a check before the project was done. From now on I could sleep with a peace of mind.
The next day was the last day of the heat wave. I sweated like a pig as I painted my decks. If the roofers survived, I could too.
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