HTTP_Request(2), Tough Times & Band To further the research in db2sql. I actually found built-in PHP modules for DB read access. So I could have in actuality written something to deal with the dbf files. It does not provide access for "note" fields, which is a rather important piece of information in the data set. It was a neat look inward, but it turns out this way is just easier. In developing this utility, I kept in mind future possibilities of others someday using it, so i could not create something specific to our in house setup. I wanted an easy way to push the converted SQL file up to the web server, but also know some things. Oh ... and lets not forget securely. This is when I discovered the PEAR module HTTP_Request, and HTTP_Request2 (rewrite in PHP5 class structures). Nifty little libray that implements the HTTP protocol. You can add GET / POST vars, and all sorts of other HTTPish things. I won't ruin your fun, but I do recommend you check it out here. This will come in handy for some other intranet features planned, like auto logins to all the different portals for staff. So they can just store username / passwords, and click a link to log them in. It supports basic auth, not sure about NTLM portals or anything. I have not investigated much.

So over the past few months, it's been some tough times in the industry. I'm not in a hot seat (AFAIK ... knock on wood). I have seen companies, and people I know around me close shop, lay-off, trim down. It can be a very stressful time for some. I've been lucky with some of the gigs I have been involved with over my career, that I'm fairly stable for now. My gut feeling is this will continue to be unstable for another 8 months or so. At least the end of the year. Not catastrophic, but up and down. If you have something going right now, I suggest you hang onto it.

Aside from work, all my spare attention has been on band. Our first contest was last weekend in Moose Jaw & Regina (Moosgina ... haha). We won 3 of 4 events over the 2 days. We won all 4 drumming events! It was my first contest and trip with the band (although I've played with and known several members for several years). I was personally extremely happy with my performances. As a group we all felt we could have performed better, leaving some of our better plays in the tuning circle, or at the legion in Calgary. That can only mean better things for us though. I did have some terrible back problems on the Sunday though. I could not even stand up straight that morning. There was no way I was going to let everyone down, and not play. So carefully (and frequently) timed intake of painkillers, and muscle relaxants. Along with leaving the drum off as much as possible, oh and a last minute back massage from Katey MacLean who is a massage therapist, I pulled it off. I was really proud of that. It's kinda like the NHL playoffs. Play through the pain, and do whatever it takes. we had this Thursday off from practice, but I'm kind of itchin to get back to it.

It was nice to go home, and spend time with family. Saw Ted & Tammy, hung out with Diana, and met her boyfriend Bill. Mom, Diana + Bill, Dolly + Scott watched me perform in MJ. Mom said it was the best band I've ever played with. Saw Kevin B, and Breanne for a while. I headed back later on Tues, and then took a few days off to recoup. Just moved everything from the car in on Fri, still not quite unpacked (but almost), and laundry is _almost_ done. I know I'm slow, but pffffffffffffft. My sis phoned my on the weekend, apparently shortly after she was in a car accident. She rear-ended someone, when her dog jumped and distracted her. Poor Diana, poor Georgia. She'd only had the car for a month. 2009 Corolla Sport. Ooops! At least she is not hurt.  ¶ 1:27:00 AM 0 comments