Macro Update · Tue Sep 14, 08:48 PM
Since the last time I posted, I’ve lost a job, done some contract work, been hired twice (was working 80 hours a week at one point.) Better that than unemployed, though, right?
Last fall, after the Ann Arbor News closed, my wife and I took a personal finance class taught (virtually through DVD) by Dave Ramsey. So we are doing out best to get out of debt (almost there, btw!) and set ourselves up for better things in the future (like a good strong emergency fund.)
I am now employed by a local web design firm, and am really enjoying my work now. It is nice to be doing something that is both interesting and challenging while getting paid for it.
On the school front, I am taking an SEO and Analytics class from Washtenaw Community College’s INP program. It is both something I am interested in and is applicable to my work.
— Mike Behnke
Classes done · Sat May 5, 05:58 PM
My classes are done for the semester. A lot of time spent, especially on the Coding III class, which was the Javascripting class I took. I learned a ton and feel confident in my Javascripting skills, which I did not before. I got some decent grades in both my classes, in case anyone was wondering. Feel free to browse some of my Javascript projects
For my Flash class, we had to create a game for the final project, and I created a “get out of the dungeon cell” game. It is fairly short (3 “action” scenes plus the final scene) but I have been told it is a quick bit of fun. If you want to play it, click the link above. Please let me know what you think of it if you play it!
— Mike Behnke
Learning Some Ajax this week · Tue Apr 10, 06:47 PM
As mentioned, I’ve been taking a Javascript class and we’ve been learning ways to use Javascript in an unobtrusive manner to enhance websites.
This week, we got into Ajax and it’s uses and applications. It is definitely a hot topic right now. Anyone who would like to can check my class projects.
The Ajax assignment will be posted by next Monday, and it’s goal is to implement a live search box that updates the results from an XML file on the fly as a user types into the box.
— Mike Behnke
Taking classes · Wed Mar 28, 06:21 PM
I’m currently enrolled in two classes in the INP program at Washtenaw Community College. I am taking:
- Web Coding III
- Flash I
The Flash class is relatively easy, although the Flash software can be a pain to use at times. But I’m learning my way around it, and could definitely offer basic Flash services to clients if I wanted to. I’m not a huge Flash proponent, so I’ll stick to XHTML/CSS when possible.
The Web Coding III class is one of the harder classes I have taken. When the teacher, Jason Withrow says he likes to assign a bit of homework, he means about 10-15 hours per week. But I am learning a ton, and I have already well exceeded what I had self-taught myself in Javascript, many times over.
Other classes I have taken in the INP program include:
- Web Coding II (I skipped Web Coding I)
- Web Graphics I & II
- Web Usability I
- Web Development I
I’ve also taken some basics listed below, but still have a few to take to meet the minimum requirements:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Composition I
- Computer Info Systems
I’m working towards the web design certificates as well as an Associates Degree.
— Mike Behnke
TextPattern used to update mikebehnke.com · Tue Mar 27, 10:35 PM
I finally got around to updating my personal site, and I choose TextPattern CMS to do so. I’m still learning my way around, so it’s a very minimal and sparse installation at the moment.
Look for some customization and things to be a little more graphical in the upcoming weeks as I learn the TextPattern software ins and outs.
— Mike Behnke