Joel Gross | Joel Gross's Blog

Microsoft Windows Azure Scammed Me Out Of $611.87

(As always, everything posted below and throughout my blog is my opinion and my opinion only. Thanks lawyers.)

I wanted to try testing out using Microsoft’s Windows Azure to see if it was a worthwhile service for my clients. I signed up for the Windows Azure Introductory Special after a salesman (and the website) stated that for testing a site I would have NO CHARGES unless I took it live to a production server (and even then I would have to have more use more than 10,000 storage transactions, 500 MB of storage and 25 compute hours of a small instance.… read more “Microsoft Windows Azure Scammed Me Out Of $611.87”

Motorola Droid X Delivers Electrical Shocks

I plugged my Droid X into my computer today for the first time and tried talking on the phone then got several nasty electrical shocks. Painful and not fun. I want my iPhone back.

99 Weekers: Die

To all those lazy fat useless people who are advocating an extension of their unemployment benefits past 99 weeks (nearly two years):

Go suck down some Drain-O and just die.

Hellbeast Unleashed on Basketball

The Hellbeast goes to war with my basketball.

Notice how she hides out behind me. Not the bravest animal.… read more “Hellbeast Unleashed on Basketball”

Funny Video – Rehab For Fictional Characters

The Cost of Money

Money is used to facilitate economic transactions. Instead of trading an apple for a haircut, you can simply hand your barber the amount of money needed.

So why are we spending MORE money to have our money created than it’s face value?!

Pennies cost $.0167 to make each one
Nickels cost $.07 to make each one

What a silly waste. … read more “The Cost of Money”

Jake Locker Not A #1 Draft Pick

I hate to say it as an alumni of UW, but Jake Locker should not be a #1 draft pick in the NFL after this season. After his dismal performance two weeks ago at Nebraska (4 for 20 passing) and missing several wide open receivers yesterday, Jake looks more like he should be picked up in the 2nd round as a wildcat runningback.

Modern Human Errors In Selecting A Mate

People are finding mates and sticking with them at lower rates than in the past. The misapplication of science to society is a big part of it.

Consider: As Taleb points out in his book “The Black Swan”, to consider how a billiards ball will react after the ninth impact, you actually need to know the stations of every molecule in the universe just to take into account the meaningful impact of gravity.… read more “Modern Human Errors In Selecting A Mate”

Crime in Venice CA in Last 6 Months

7 Lessons Of A First Year Startup

Exactly one year ago today I arrived in Los Angeles to start my new business. At the time I had almost no revenue and only vague plans for how I was going to get more.

Today I have a small but growing collection of small business clients and they are people I am really excited to work with. … read more “7 Lessons Of A First Year Startup”