Mo' SQL

Someone being rational about whether to use a NoSQl database? It can't be!

Precedent: public camera use

Ruling: Videotaping Police Is Protected Speech.

The interesting bit being that the police charged a bystander with violating a state wiretapping law, which outlaws the "secret use" of electronic surveillance devices by private citizens:

The general court further finds that the uncontrolled development and unrestricted use of modern electronic surveillance devices pose grave dangers to the privacy of all citizens of the commonwealth. Therefore, the secret use of such devices by private individuals must be prohibited.

Remarkably, common sense prevailed (perhaps the judge owns a cell phone?):

The police claimed they thought Glik was only taking pictures, as opposed to a video and audio recording, but the appeals court found that "a straightforward reading of the statute and case law cannot support the suggestion that a recording made with a device known to record audio and held in plain view is 'secret.'"

The lesson: make sure your equipment is in plain view when recording police, and even alert them to the fact that they are being recorded. Of course, such behavior will ensure arrest & seizure, along with a 24-36 hour run through the system (and attendant lost of wages/job/pride/etc). Do/don't damned, etc.

State of the art

How to become a great software developer.
Nicely done, sir. This list should replace the useless 'programming interview questions'.