Monthly Archives: July 2008

structural calculators

I’ve been working on some structural calculators lately, using some new software to convert Excel spreadsheets into HTML (web) applications. Examples include wood column design, wind and seismic load calculations, and steel beam design. I’ve always wanted to develop web-based calculators that would allow anyone with a browser to solve various structural problems; with this new software, I can develop the applications in Excel and have the JavaScript code created automatically, saving me the effort of learning to write such code myself. Some of you may be interested in checking out the software that does the conversion.

squints on a triple

The song, Squints on a Triple, is based on a true story: my daughter Jennie beat me in a game of Scrabble by putting the word “squints” on a triple word square on her last turn. Scrabble fans know that putting the letter “Q” on a triple word square generates many points; having the letter “Q” simultaneously on a double letter square makes the points scored even greater, and the pain of defeat that much more severe. Warning: song contains some metaphorical content.