Yearly Archives:

Cleaning Up Unicode Cruft in WordPress

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While helping someone with WordPress move earlier this week, I noticed a bunch of weird Unicode cruft (like ’ and –) in their posts and comments. Apparently, MySQL databases don’t like it when you switch their default character encoding. But different web hosts have different ways of doing things — so default character encodings can (and sometimes do) change while you’re moving a site around.

Anyhow, after a bit of digging, I found a really handy set of MySQL commands that fixed things up. But I like to save time, so I made myself a Gist for future use and decided to share it with y’all…

Hopefully someone else out there finds this useful! I know I’ll probably use it at least once or twice a week now that I’m doing a lot more work with MySQL imports.

Good luck!

CMD + Conquer

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When I started over at WP Engine earlier this week, a brand new MacBook Air came into my possession. It’s very pretty and lightweight and I kind of love it more than any other computer I’ve ever owned. So much so that I made the decision to break with my normal tradition and keep this hot little number sticker free.

That declaration only lasted about a day and a half tho…

Why? Well, I just came across the Command Bamboo Back from Grove. And I really want it. Like in a bad way.

It’s not a traditional sticker tho. It’s made out of real bamboo. And the shape carved into it actually changes that (somewhat ubiquitous) glowing Apple logo into something that I love so much that I put it on me forever.

Anyhow, they’ve got a bunch of clever and novel designs over there. If you’re looking for something a bit different, do yourself a favor and browse around their shop.

Lytro

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Hello, Lytro. You’re a mighty handsome gentleman, aren’t you?

One day, I will be able to justify purchasing you. Until then, I’ll just be hanging out over here. Staring longingly.

*sigh*

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

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4

Hey. How’s it going?

I’ve got some pretty major news that I’ve been sitting on for a while now, but the time has come where I can finally share it.

Ready? Okay. Here we go…

After October 26th, I will no longer work with the very amazing and inspiring people at DreamHost. Considering that I’ve been loyal to them for well over 5 years now — and I thought I’d be here for much longer — that’s kind of a big deal for me.

But that’s nothing compared to what’s next…

Just under three weeks from now, I’ll be hopping on a plane to Austin to start working with the wicked smart crew over at WP Engine. If you don’t know about them yet, they’re a startup that focuses solely on highly optimized WordPress hosting.

No mail. No one-click installer full of other stuff. No Rails or Django. Just pure, unadulterated WordPress.

Now this new job doesn’t mean that Sarah and I are going to be moving to Texas or anything. In fact, I still get to live and work in Los Angeles. I’m mostly just heading out there to get familiar with the team and soak up as much barbecue as stupid Weight Watchers will let me.

Anyhow, it’s really exciting (not to mention a bit scary) to go from an established company to a startup. But I really believe in what WP Engine is trying to do. It’s a fantastic space and a great idea and I’m ready to help make an impact.

Wish me luck!

Goodbye, Betty Jean

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1

Shit.

I just found out that my grandma Betty passed away this morning and I am absolutely gutted. I knew this day was coming and I tried bracing myself for it, but the very second I heard the news, my heart started to ache. Knowing that I’ll never get to see her smile or share a laugh with her again feels like almost too much to bear.

She was one of the most influential people in my life and now she’s gone. At least she gets to be with my grandpa Bill now. I know that’s what she wanted the most.

I love you, grandma.

Happy 1st Anniversary, Sarah!

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The Most Beautiful Woman Alive

Sarah,

This past year has been the best one of my life. I’m so happy that I get to spend every single day with you and Rowdy. I can’t think of a better person to wake up to in the morning or go to sleep with at night. You are my heart. You are the subatomic particles that make up my entire universe. You are my density. You are my everything and I adore you.

Here’s to the next year and the rest of our lives. Happy anniversary, my little churro.

Love,
Jason