Recent blog entries for johnnyb

My new programming, New Programmers Start Here, just came out today! I'm very excited to get this in the hands of new programmers.

This book tries to be a "pull up by your bootstraps" guide to programming. It introduces more than just the language (JavaScript in this case) by taking the reader through how all of the pieces of data on a computer connect together, and how the computer itself works. I believe that this is the best first-programming book for new programmers.

If you have friends who are designers who want to start transitioning to programming, they should pick up this book. If you have young friends who want to get into programming, they should pick up this book.

Just recently posted an article on whether doubt was the engine of science.

Just finished a new book which combines engineering, philosophy, and theology: Engineering and the Ultimate. Check it out!

My new book, MicroSecession, has just been released! Here's the front cover:



Here's the back cover text:

Are you always trying to get ahead but feel like you aren’t gaining any ground? Tired of working more and somehow making less? Does it seem like you’re trapped in a game of economic roulette—always betting your time and energy but ultimately paying the price from your own pocket?

From the devalued dollar to the health care hassle, MicroSecession gives you new ways to think about money and value in a system overrun with ridiculous policies and unaccountable, out-of-touch politicians.

MicroSecession isn’t about getting rich, overthrowing the government, or abandoning civilization, but it will give you practical ideas for increasing your personal value and insulating yourself, your family, and your community from the negative fallout of government debt debacles and failing economic policies that hit too close to home. It may begin with your bank account, but it doesn’t end there—from finance to food, health care, education, and more—see how everyday people can make a real difference in their own lives and benefit from a better understanding of the value we all bring to the table.

Pick up a copy today!

Just posted a new blog entry - Why Contraception isn't the Answer to Abortion. A//A

Just released a new cross-media exploration iPad app called Moomat. Check it out!

See it on the app store

Anyway, I'm pretty proud of it. Check it out!

I've been working on using PostgreSQL for fuzzy matching, and posted a blog entry about my work:

Trigrams and fuzzy searching for PostgreSQL

Do you enjoy Skyrim's alchemy? See how modern herbalists make use of herbal actions

Conference announcement - Engineering and Metaphysics - June 15-16, 2012. Should be a great conference. I'll post more info later.

Starting up a new project - Newm. Basically, it is Objective-C on rails. Come and participate if you are interested!