Tinkering with XSLT again

The cool tricks for today (since I wanted to update my syllabus) include replacements and improvements to what I did before. Since TestXSLT is PowerPC-only, I had to find an alternative method. I'm using the command 'xsltproc --output Syllabus.html opmlsyllabus2html.xsl Syllabus.opml' where Syllabus.opml is a file I edit in OmniOutliner and save as OPML, and where opmlsyllabus2html.xsl is a modified version of beigeopml2web.xsl from Buzz, as noted before. Runs like a charm on Lion!

Since I was mucking about, I decided to try to insert the current date for "Last Modified" line, and this time I found a wonderful hint to insert the current date with XSLT (see the top reply). For a brief overview of the XSLT date options, see this reference. While playing around with formatting the date, I ended up without a space where I wanted one, so I had to look for a way to insert a single space too (see the first hint in the last reply). It works, better than ever! I just needed TestXSLT to stop working to motivate me to try again.

Vacation

Day 1 (December 3)

Our flight to Fort Lauderdale was early enough that I initially set my alarm for 4:30 am. However, I didn't fall asleep as early as I wanted, so I changed it to 4:45 am. Despite those sleepy intentions, I was wide awake at 2:30 am, so I got out of bed at 4 am, knowing it would be a long day.

Day 3 (December 5)

We went to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park at lunchtime. I went to the concession stand and asked for the cuban mix without cheese or mayo. I was told that special requests would not be honored, and if I had food allergies, I should just get the turkey sandwich. I don't want a turkey sandwich! I want ham and pulled pork and pickles, the yummy parts of a cuban mix! I really didn't like the dismissive tone of "just get a turkey sandwich," so I biked to the closest deli instead. For 75¢ more, I got a cuban mix with chips and a drink! I apologized for my food allergies, and was told, "Hon, if you're going to eat it, you should have it exactly the way you want it!" Wow, what a change from my previous ordering attempt! I am so glad I went to the Courthouse Deli instead! That one nice comment made me Very Glad I went there; I had pedaled over there because I was annoyed, but those kind words made me happy I had picked that deli.

Day 6 (December 8)

The best part of today is that I had a really good nap! This is somewhat amazing since fire alarm testing was in progress. The alarms weren't long, so I just went back to sleep every time.

The Mustard Stain

I like mustard as a condiment. However, when the top flies off the mustard container while I’m squeezing, I get more mustard than even I wanted. All over my shirt, too. Eventually my shirt recovered; I think soaking overnight in detergent (well, oxygen cleaner) was the biggest help. If this happens to you, check out <a href=“http://web.extension.illinois.edu/stain/staindetail.cfm?ID=72”>one</a> of <a href=“http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-remove-mustard-stains1.htm”>these</a> references.

web100clt for Mac

# install the latest Developer Tools
cd /Developer
mkdir Source
cd Source/
curl -O http://software.internet2.edu/sources/ndt/ndt-3.6.4.tar.gz
cd ndt-3.6.4.tar.gz
cd ndt-3.6.4
tar -zxf ndt-3.6.4.tar.gz
cd ndt-3.6.4
./configure 2>&1 | tee configure.out
make 2>&1 | tee make.out
find . -name web100clt
file src/web100clt
sudo cp src/web100clt /usr/local/bin

iCade

I just saw the iCADE, iPad Arcade Cabinet (cheaper at Toys R Us right now), and now I know what I would do with an iPad if I had one. I'm not tempted, but at least I know what it's good for now.

Travel Warrior Chunk Chicken Noodles

Here's another dinner that's simple to fix on the road (with a kitchen). After I stop at a store to pick up chicken breasts (one of the few foods Karston will eat) and a small bag of mixed frozen vegetables (or fresh, depending on the season), I can make this comfort food. Cale will often eat a lot of green beans, so between Cale and this soup, we can finish a bag of frozen green beans in a few days.

1 pkg creamy chicken ramen noodles

1 to 2 cup mixed vegetables (corn, bell peppers, green beans, or whatever you like; fresh or frozen), diced

1/2 to 1 cup chicken, diced

I started from this Ramen Fried "Rice" recipe, so once again, you can tell I can't follow a recipe.

On the same theme of ramen noodles as the basis of a quick and simple meal, how about beef-broccoli (maximum 1/2 lb steak maybe restaurant leftover and pick up a head of broccoli), hot and sour soup (add julienned squash, green onions, and bamboo shoots if available), tuna casserole (add parsley if available), spinach-chicken casserole (use 1 pkg ramen and twice as much spinach by weight as chicken), or yatsobi (with half or less of the meat, and probably double the veggies).

Travel Warrior Oriental Beef and Noodles Dinner

Here's another dinner, Oriental Beef and Noodles, that's simple to pack for my family, but with fewer leftovers (sometimes none) than the spaghetti.

1 package ramen noodles, oriental flavor

1/2 pound ground beef (maybe leftover from spaghetti)

1 15 oz can diced tomatoes

1 small package frozen corn (freezer pack for the cooler, then use immediately)

Surprisingly yummy!