Technology, Software, Brews, and Opinions

This morning, my workplace got a sudden change that was supposed to have happened 12 hours later than it did: The Great Google Migration.

That’s right, all of the IT people and a few others across the campus are now using Google Mail as their email standard. Well, of course with a custom domain, but it’s still the same, right? Save for the restrictions in account control, like your display name, pictures, web history…

But so far, everything is fairly smooth. Mobile devices can connect to the Google accounts, Google Drive can be enabled (the bump up for Google Docs), and most email pointers work right now (the new domain name isn’t ready yet, so you can send, but receiving is broken).

Plus I got to push out Google Chrome to all our IT areas using ConfigMgr (SCCM). I used nearly $3k to get SCCM 2007 training last week, and I’m already putting that training to good use!

There are a number of things that a member of IT should adhere to, and I will openly state that I am slightly guilty of this particular rant today: Providing clear documentation on changes to a system.

This site, the server it is on, was reverted today due to a problem from a third-third party support team.  1&1 is my current host, but the Plesk Panel (made by the Parallels company, the same folks who do the virtualization alternative geared to the Mac OS) had a problem.

Specifically, Plesk has the ability to install software directly on the system, automatically with the variables you feed it (username, password, directory, subdomain, etc…), and bring it up with the database table ready to use.  On-demand/JIT installs.  Useful, similar to Fantastico/Softalicous, but baked directly into the control panel.  That was broken, reporting that there was no command line interpreter, which is apparently a common issue that the solution will not be divulged to the public.

1&1 had to go to the Parallels support team to have this resolved.  Oh, and they did resolve it.  Apparently, I should have my main site PHP handler set to using FastCGI instead of the Apache module.  How does that make sense?  Really, it doesn’t, as most bash commands are common between different *nix OS’s, and if it’s trying to initiate a command via PHP, it should be able to, no matter the handler (see phpShell, a web based bash command tool).

Now, the problem was resolved.  All good, yes?  Nope.

The Parallels person deleted the MySQL database for this site, the main site.  Somehow in all their tests and fixes, they installed WordPress five or more (5+) times.  And in cleaning some previous instances, deleted the database.

That brings me to my point.  If you are going to work on a client’s system, website, or other gadgetry, and it’s not in front of them where they can see what you’re doing, tell them.  Verbally, or in writing.  In some of my own website projects, I’ve added into the core configuration document (the one that most new admins will take a look at to get a clue of what’s going on) what configuration changes I’ve made, warnings about potential breakage if code is changed, and some tips on extending the code.

It’s just good practice.

Last night, I had the pleasure of having my second taste of an Ovila abbey ale, the Ovila Dubbel.

Ovila - Dubbel

From the label:

A collaboration between Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and the monks at the Abbey of New Clairvaux, Ovila Abbey Quad brings the ceturies-old monastery brewing tradition to America.

Ovila Abbey Dubbel features a complex and rich malty sweetness with hints of caramelized sugar. The aroma is a heady and layered mix of fruit and spice with hints of clove and black pepper from the unique Belgian-style yeast.

A portion of the proceeds from this ale goes toward the restoration of the historic Santa Maria de Ovila chapter house on the grounds of the Abbey of New Clairvaux. This medieval building stood for nearly eight centuries in Spain. William Randolph Hearst purchased the monastery in 1931 and planned to use the stones for a castle even grander than his famous San Simeon. Although Hearst’s plans crumbled, these historic stones will rise again in a Califorian Cistercian abbey.

Similar to the Quad, this brew is robust, deep, and quite a pleasant taste.  Light enough for a smooth drink, yet dark enough to suit my personal taste.  My only wish is that I did not enjoy the whole bottle at once last night, so I could write a more thorough review.  But alas, I did enjoy the whole bottle.  Which means I will have to revisit this again.  Oh darn.

At 7.5% ABV, it lacks the potency of the Quad, but the flavors make up for the rest.

For more information on the restoration project, the Dubbel ale, or the other brews, look no further than here: http://www.ovila.com/

This one I have been saving.  Monday was a heck of a day, so I decided to break out my Ovila Quad.

Ovila - Quad

From the label:

 A collaboration between Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and the monks at the Abbey of New Clairvaux, Ovila Abbey Quad brings the ceturies-old monastery brewing tradition to America.

Ovila Abbey Quad is rich and complex with laters of flavor including notes of intense dark fruits, and caramel-like maltiness. Rich and complex, this ale should be shared among friends in the true spirit of the season.

A portion of the proceeds from this ale goes toward the restoration of the historic Santa Maria de Ovila chapter house on the grounds of the Abbey of New Clairvaux. This medieval building stood for nearly eight centuries in Spain. William Randolph Hearst purchased the monastery in 1931 and planned to use the stones for a castle even grander than his famous San Simeon. Although Hearst’s plans crumbled, these historic stones will rise again in a Califorian Cistercian abbey.

Uniquely identified from most other brews, this is cork-and-cap secured, and was one of the three variants on an Abbey style ale, produced by Sierra Nevada, under the label of Ovila.  The purpose: Raise the funds to restore and rebuild a monastery in Northern California.

The first pop of the cork was met with almost a wine-like scent, but the ale is most definitely not wine-like.  A good, dark brew, with a reddish hue when held into the light, and a perfect head when poured properly (though a patented Sam Adams glass makes the carbonation last longer).  Very smooth, not too fizzy (again, carbonation held in check), and the flavor is absolutely well rounded.  It tastes of the darker brews I’ve had, sweet, but without the super-thick, super-strong aftertaste.

At 10.4% ABv, this is a very well done brew.  As this is the Quad, there are two others that I will have to try, the Dubbel and Golden.

For more information on the restoration project, the Quad ale, or the other brews, look no further than here: http://www.ovila.com/