All posts by Mark Jacobsen

Take me back: Amelia Island ✈

Just got back from a quick Spring Break trip to Amelia Island (Jacksonville, FL area). Stayed at this great Airbnb with some amazing ocean views. Spent each evening with the patio door wide open listening to the waves crash against the shore.

The first day we took a 2 hour boat trip with Amelia Adventures, and got to see wild horses, a manatee, and dolphins! Ate at Sliders Seaside Grill which was my favorite dining place of the trip (plus The Tavern by AIBC for beer and pretzels).

Wednesday we bummed around downtown Jacksonville and Neptune Beach. Downtown wasn’t all that great since the “Friendship Fountain” was closed, and not much to do, but Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop was a fun stop. There were also some museums and such, but we didn’t bother with those. Ate at Fish Camp on the beach, which was ok, but not as good as I’d heard it made out to be.

Thursday was a day for history and learning while we drove the A1A (“beachfront avenue”) and rode the St. Augustine Trolley Tour. Dinner at Salt Life Food Shack which was decent.

Overall, I could have spent the entire time just reading and listening to the ocean, but alas the kids actually wanted to do things, and I guess we had to eat too 😊. I’d say check it out if you’re looking for a laid back trip.

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Disclaimer: Thoughts and opinions are my own, and do not reflect the views of any employer, family member, friend, or anyone else. Some links may be affiliate links, but I don't link to anything I don't use myself.

The Founders 📖

Super interesting book. Surprising how much I recall hearing about or living through, but now getting the behind the scenes look. From the people you always hear about like Musk, Thiel, and Hoffman to the less known names this is an easy read that’s worth the time.

Here’s one passage in particular that I found telling and interesting. Specifically this “People who are smart and energetic are often angry. Not at each other, usually. Rather, they’re angry that we’re ‘not there yet'”

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Disclaimer: Thoughts and opinions are my own, and do not reflect the views of any employer, family member, friend, or anyone else. Some links may be affiliate links, but I don't link to anything I don't use myself.

Did you know? CAPTCHA

Do you know where the first commercial use of a CAPTCHA was? PayPal

Do you know CAPTCHA stands for Completely Automated Public Turing Test to Tell Computers and Humans Apart? I didn’t, but now you do!

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Disclaimer: Thoughts and opinions are my own, and do not reflect the views of any employer, family member, friend, or anyone else. Some links may be affiliate links, but I don't link to anything I don't use myself.

The pen is mightier 😂

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Disclaimer: Thoughts and opinions are my own, and do not reflect the views of any employer, family member, friend, or anyone else. Some links may be affiliate links, but I don't link to anything I don't use myself.

Everything happens for a reason

Seems like a good corollary to the brutality honest post. Because it’s true.Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Disclaimer: Thoughts and opinions are my own, and do not reflect the views of any employer, family member, friend, or anyone else. Some links may be affiliate links, but I don't link to anything I don't use myself.

Brutal Honesty

This is an interesting one because I’ve more than once been given this feedback, but there’s a nuance… one can give honest feedback in constructive and helpful ways or just being a dick about it.

I know it’s hard when the stupidity is so obvious, but that doesn’t really excuse being a jerk. Now, some people aren’t going to like what you have to say regardless, and you better have a good argument or alternative for your honesty. Being a seagull and just shitting all over everything and calling it “honesty” is no excuse.

Be a part of the solution, but never be afraid to speak up and hold your ground (even if some people don’t like it).Please remember to subscribe to the newsletter or feed to stay up to date!

Disclaimer: Thoughts and opinions are my own, and do not reflect the views of any employer, family member, friend, or anyone else. Some links may be affiliate links, but I don't link to anything I don't use myself.

Azure Data Fundamentals Certification

As I’ve said before, I’m certifiable 😂. Passed the DP-900 exam on Saturday. Look about 30 minutes (plus 15-20 for the remote proctor to release the exam). As with the Azure Fundamentals certification it was a lot of just knowing the names or classifications of things. I guess that’s why it’s a “fundamentals” exam.

Anyway, if work is going to pay for me to pad my resume I’ll take it.

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Disclaimer: Thoughts and opinions are my own, and do not reflect the views of any employer, family member, friend, or anyone else. Some links may be affiliate links, but I don't link to anything I don't use myself.

Scientific Fact 😂

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Disclaimer: Thoughts and opinions are my own, and do not reflect the views of any employer, family member, friend, or anyone else. Some links may be affiliate links, but I don't link to anything I don't use myself.

The Goal of Adulthood

“The goal of adulthood is to let go of the other possible existences and to make the best of the one. A successful adult is one who understands that it doesn’t matter which life you ultimately pick, only that you live it well.”

From (spoiler alert you have to actually read the article not just the title): A Surprising Number Of Teens Think They’ll Die Young, Or Live Forever, Whichever Comes First

But, back to the quote, it’s actually pretty spot on if you think about it. Somewhat difficult to do, but living your life well (however you define that) seems like a worthwhile goal.

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Disclaimer: Thoughts and opinions are my own, and do not reflect the views of any employer, family member, friend, or anyone else. Some links may be affiliate links, but I don't link to anything I don't use myself.