QR Code Generator in Chrome

Here's a quick and easy way to generate QR codes in Chrome. The result is that you will be able to type "qr[tab]" in the browser, paste a URL, and instantly get back a QR code. ("qr[space]url" also works)

How to set it up:

• Open preferences, Basics => Search => Manage.
• Click "Add...":

    
      Name: QR Generator
      Keyword: QR
      URL: http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=qr&chs=350x350&chl=%s
    

The Setup:

The Result:

Better Javadocs in Maven

Over the summer, I worked with Google's Android team on a project called Doclava. Doclava is a tool that generates modern javadocs for your project, including a refreshed look-and-feel, javascript-based search that works both on- and off-line, and federated documentation, so your project can link against others. For example, a method print(String theString) would have the "String" class link to the relevant documentation in the JDK.

Last week, we got Doclava added to the Maven repository. Now, Maven users can add support for Doclava by simply copying a few lines of configuration into the pom.xml file!

To check it out for yourself, see the Getting Started guide.

HTML simplified with JQuery: Building a Table of Contents

I recently wrote up a bunch of documentation for my research project Junction. I wanted to build a Table of Contents, but knew I would be editing the text a lot. So I thought I'd write a ToC plugin for JQuery.

A little Googling turned up a few workable plugins, but it turned out to be easier to write my own than to embed someone else's. Not that embedding was hard, just that writing the plugin was very easy.

My implementation builds a table of contents as a set of nested lists, and is generated by scanning the page for header tags (h1, h2, h3).

You can have a look at my code running "live" on that documentation page (http://mobisocial.stanford.edu/?page=junction).

I guess this post also acts as a shameless promotion for Junction, a platform for writing platform-spanning activities. So go check that out.

Speech Writing: How I learned to stop worrying and love the Speech

Recently, I had the honor and chore of writing a speech as the Best Man in my BFF's wedding. It stressed me out. A lot. But it really doesn't have to.

I am clearly no expert on public speaking, and as such, I think I can give out some advice that I gained along the way that others might find useful. I got some simple tips from friends and a few realizations along the way that helped a lot.

Writing your Speech:

1. YOU ARE WRITING A SPEECH.

Duh, right? But remember it. It's different than writing an essay. Don't use big flowery words if you don't usually say them. Keep your sentences short.

2. KEEP IT STRUCTURED

It really helped me to come up with an overall structure beyond "intro", "middle", "end". There are a few you can use, and you can mix/match them. This isn't a strict requirement, but it really helped me turn my ideas into a coherent speech. I roughly used chronology to keep my flow. You could bullet-point attributes, and expand on each. Or something else.

3. MAKE IT PERSONAL, KEEP IT ACCESSIBLE

There's a balance you should try and hit here. You want to tell stories that are personal, but you should keep in mind that the married couple are two of many people in the room. Make sure you tell stories and anecdotes in a way that other people can follow.

4. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

Saying it out loud is very different than reading it on paper. Practice to yourself. Practice to someone else. Time it, and make sure it's a good length. No one wants a 15 minute speech.

5. TAKE CRITICISM

When you practice with other people, remember that they are better representative of the audience than yourself. So trust what they say.

Delivering your Speech:

1. BREATH. MANY TIMES.

Make notes in your speech. Remember to breath, and slow yourself down.

2. READ IT, BUT ONLY IF YOU HAVE TO

Don't stress out about memorizing it. If you can, that is hugely great. But if it's going to stress you out and mess you up, don't worry. And if you are reading it, do it with some emotion and presence. You're not reading a novel; it's still a speech.

You should, though, at least give an on-the-fly introduction. It will help you settle in and adjust to your speaking persona. Thank the appropriate people, congratulate the appropriate people. But secretly use this time to settle yourself in.

3. BE PRESENT

If the audience is laughing, pause and let them laugh. If you get a bit emotional in your speech, great, let that happen. Just keep yourself in the moment.

That's it. Like I said, I'm no pro, but hopefully something here will help you write your killer speech.