I’ve been using mysql professionally for a little over 2 years now, and have found it increasing inadequate for humongous databases. I had first hand experience with this when building out a 7 million record database for a client of mine. I did resolve some of the issues by placing the proper indexes in the table structures, but it still had underwhelming performance issues when it came to the keyword searches. As I knew the client didn’t have the funds to have me solve this issue, I just left it the way it was.

But as a person who is always trying to seek answers to my problems I felt the need to do some investigative research. How are websites like Google able to have billions and trillions of records, and still have fast and responsive queries? It took me a while, but I discovered Apache Solr as the answers to my prayers. Based on the Lucene Search Engine, Solr is able to handle databases into the billions of records. The only catch to using Solr is that you must be on a server that has java. The only servers that allow java are dedicated servers, which can cost up to $200 a month. So obviously this search application is not for your average run of the mill website, but what kind of run of the mill website needs millions or records anyways?

Continue Reading

Right around New Years we received a call from Sarah Min at around 8 in the morning. Still feeling groggy from just waking up, we decided to let the call go to the machine. To our surprise, she was our very first referral that actually wanted to pay us to take her family portrait. Her family was in town but they were leaving the next day, so it was imperative that we do the portrait at that moment. I was in a weird dilemma because everything was such short notice, and there was no time for preparation. So I told her that we would be available in the afternoon to take some studio shots for her. That gave us about 4 hours to get ready, so I cleaned my equipment, pre visualized the type of pictures I would take, then headed off to meet with her family.

Continue Reading

It was around 6pm when Curiosity Media arrived at “On The Rocks” at Redondo Beach. It was a chilly night, and a very important night for a girl named Amy Fougy, one of the co-organizers for the Bishop Montgomery High school Reunion. The patio area of the bar was reserved for the reunion, which provided the perfect mix of atmosphere and booze. As guests started rolling in, it was our responsibility to snap a mugshot, aka portrait, of everyone. Overall Amy did a great job planning the event.

Continue Reading

Yesterday I was watching the news and saw this piece on Alan Brent Carruth. Apparently he convinces his clients to pay him thousands of dollars, then he either never shows up to the weddings, or never gives the couples their pictures. But what I’m wondering is how does this guy keep getting people to fall for his scam? From what I know photography is largely a referal business.

Well none of that matters now because a court has ordered Alan Brent Carruth to pay a fine up to $100,000, and possible jail time for this crooked old man. This is why you must always do your research when picking a photographer. Referals are probably the best means of finding someone because the person you know has had experience, and can recommend them.

Continue Reading

Why is it that once you use the word “wedding” everything seems to inflate about double in price. I think there is a whole conspiracy around this industry and I found two videos that explains exactly what is happening. Don’t get screwed on your wedding day, shop around and find the best deals, it’s just not worth it. Trust me.

view Wedding Flowers and Cakes video.

Continue Reading

Programming is an exercise in mental stamina, and a developer may have to hold intense concentration for hours at a time. This can cause unnecessary stress for the programmer, and also physical pains, such as a sore wrist, back aches, and eye strain. Unless you are the type that eats, and breathes programming, you will probably feel the wear and tear of this career over time. But there are a few programming stress management tips I could give that can make your days go by smoothly.

Continue Reading

Today Curiosity Media had just finished their first newborn baby photography session for the Sarah Min Family and instead of taking down our Black Muslin we decided to have some fun. I had just bought myself a nice new Domo T-Shirt and Jen went on a clothing shopping spree (Early Valentines Day, courtesy of John) with her new “Red Streak”, we turned our little studio into a fashion photography shoot. I’ve posted our favorite images for everyone’s viewing pleasure. As you can see we just got a bonus from work, and we’re celebrating by throwing it in the air and taking pictures of it. Jealous? You wish that those were your one dollar bills huh? LOL…..j/k

Continue Reading

Pizza and Chicken Love Letter
12238 Artesia Blvd
Artesia, CA 90701
(562) 402-8000
Hours:
Mon-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Sun. 1:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Website:  None
Get Direction

Continue Reading

Is it just me or does it seem like laptops last only a few years and completely break down, which only makes sense. Laptops go through a tremendous amount of domestic abuse from it’s owners so it’s just a matter of time before they become completely useless. There are literally a hundred things that can go wrong on any given day, so it’s a wonder how the convenience can outweigh the cost. But people still flock to purchase a laptop, fill it’s hard drive full of important irreplaceable documents, then wet their pants when they lose it all. I guess that’s just the price we pay to look cool at Starbucks. It’s really not enough to look cool with your steaming hot cup of bean juice, they need to have a laptop to spill that bean juice all over. I hope you have some extra pairs of diapers. For this reason I feel it’s my civic duty to at least educate my 10 readers on what laptop brands are considered the most reliable.

Continue Reading

Peppercorn Grille
553 Pine Knot Ave
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-5405
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:00 - 9:00pm Fri-Sat 11:00 - 10:00pm
Website
View Menu
Get Direction

Continue Reading