https://www.joeaucoin.com RSS feeds for Joe Aucoin, 60 https://www.joeaucoin.com/Blog/ID/7/Newport-Beach-Escape-Newport-Coast-Villas#Comments 0 https://www.joeaucoin.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=38&ModuleID=387&ArticleID=7 https://www.joeaucoin.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7&PortalID=0&TabID=38 https://www.joeaucoin.com/Blog/ID/7/Newport-Beach-Escape-Newport-Coast-Villas From the Cape to the Coast: My SoCal Escape It’s a long haul from Massachusetts to Southern California, but after a busy winter of Oqtane module development and managing the GIBS sites, a change of scenery—and a significantly different climate—was exactly what I needed. I recently traded the quiet charm of the Cape for the cliffs of Newport Coast, and the trip did not disappoint. Checking In: Marriott's Newport Coast Villas I set up camp at Marriott's Newport Coast Villas. For anyone looking for a sprawling resort feel, this place is massive—it’s actually a community of about 700 villas perched right on the bluffs. The views of the Pacific are stunning, and the Mediterranean architecture makes you feel like you’ve been transported to the Italian Riviera. Parking Note: If you’re staying here as a rental guest, prepare for the $40 daily parking fee. However, if you're an owner or on a vacation package, that cost is usually bundled in for up to two vehicles. A Celestial Show: The Worm Blood Moon The timing of my trip couldn't have been better. On March 3rd, I was treated to a rare double-feature: the Full Worm Moon coinciding with a Total Lunar Eclipse. Watching the moon take on that deep coppery-red "Blood Moon" glow over the Pacific was a trip highlight. Because the eclipse hit totality around 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM local time, it was a quiet, surreal experience watching the shadow creep across the lunar surface from the balcony of the villa. Exploring Dana Point Harbor & Baby Beach I spent a good chunk of time down in Dana Point Harbor. It’s a fascinating spot with a massive marina capacity (thousands of slips!) and a rich maritime history. Baby Beach: This is a great, wave-free spot tucked inside the harbor. I took a walk near the Ocean Institute and spotted a beautiful Red Gum Eucalyptus tree right near the sand. It’s a great place to relax, though it can get crowded with families. Parking: There is free parking at Baby Beach, but it is notoriously competitive. If you aren't there before 10:00 AM, be prepared to circle the lot a few times. The Marina: I also checked out the marina area. They’ve recently opened a new parking structure at the Golden Lantern entrance, which is complimentary for the first 4 hours—a huge win for visitors. Newport Beach Wandering Back in Newport Beach proper, I did some exploring and found myself admiring the local flora. I specifically went looking for a Coral Tree, which is practically an icon of the area with its twisted, sculptural branches and vibrant red blooms. It’s a stark (and welcome) contrast to the pines and oaks back in Harwich! Dining Highlights While I enjoyed the kitchen in the villa, I made sure to hit some of the local staples: La Vista Pool Bar & Grill: Right on-site at the Marriott. It’s perfect for a "low-effort, high-reward" lunch. The casual American fare is solid, and you can’t beat the poolside breeze. The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove: Just a short hop from the resort. Dining right on the sand is a must-do. Parking: You usually have to park in the Los Trancos lot across PCH and take the shuttle down, or walk the tunnel. Harpoon Henry’s (Dana Point): Since I was already at the harbor, this was a great spot for seafood with a direct view of the docks. Coastal Kitchen: A more refined "New American" spot in Dana Point. Everything is made from scratch, and the atmosphere is the perfect mix of upscale and relaxed. California was a great reset, but it's time to get back to the dev environment. I've got some new ideas for the Quick-Poll module that might have been inspired by that West Coast air. Would you like me to help you draft some social media captions to go along with your trip photos? Webmaster Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:52:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7 https://www.joeaucoin.com/Blog/ID/6/My-First-PC#Comments 0 https://www.joeaucoin.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=38&ModuleID=387&ArticleID=6 https://www.joeaucoin.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6&PortalID=0&TabID=38 https://www.joeaucoin.com/Blog/ID/6/My-First-PC AT&T 6300 Microcomputer and VirtualVideo Producer Software Description: Debuting in June 1984, model 6300 was AT&T's first entry into IBM compatible computers. It was the low end of the AT&T computer line. The machine was built by Olivetti in Italy. In comparison to the IBM PC XT, which used an 8 bit, Intel 8088 chip running at 4.7 MHz, the 6300 used a 16 bit, Intel 8086 chip that ran at 8 MHz. This example has serial number 0078251. Although the 6300 was a good machine in its class, AT&T did not follow it up, and within several years, the company abandoned the PC clone computer market. This particular computer was used by computer multi-media pioneers Robert Morris and Trip Denton to create a digital multimedia authoring software, VirtualVideo Producer. Introduced in 1986—a year before hypercard—this software allowed users to produce multi-media shows with their PC and an image capture board. It is one of the first, if not the first, multi-media authoring system on the market. The presentations could incorporate images, video, text, and animations. Morris and Denton created a company, V_Graph to develop and market their product. The Smithsonian has a range of materials that document the early history of the firm. By the early 1990s, VirtualVideo Producer had matured and was bundled as Tempra with products from Creative Laboratories, Mathematica, and others. Over 300,000 copies were eventually distributed. See related documentation and software 2004.3035.01-.06. Date Made:1984-1986 Maker:American Telephone & Telegraph Company Credit Line:Robert Morris and Leet Denton Data Source:National Museum of American History Id Number:2004.0117.01Catalog Number:2004.0117.01Accession Number:2004.0117 Object Name:microcomputer Physical Description:plastic (overall material)metal (overall material)rubber (overall material)Measurements:overall: 6 1/2 in x 15 in x 17 1/2 in; 16.51 cm x 38.1 cm x 44.45 cm Metadata Usage:CC0 Guid:https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ab-724b-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa Record Id:nmah_1278750 Webmaster Fri, 25 Apr 2025 09:59:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6 https://www.joeaucoin.com/Blog/ID/5/Carlsbad-Inn-Beach-Resort#Comments 5 https://www.joeaucoin.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=38&ModuleID=387&ArticleID=5 https://www.joeaucoin.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5&PortalID=0&TabID=38 https://www.joeaucoin.com/Blog/ID/5/Carlsbad-Inn-Beach-Resort 11/09/2024 - 11/16/2024 The Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort offers relaxing boutique hotel accommodations just steps from the beach in the vibrant epicenter of downtown Carlsbad. We provide a laid-back coastal vibe with the convenience of an incredible location to deliver the comfort and ease you expect of a California getaway. https://www.carlsbadinn.com/  Webmaster Wed, 31 Jul 2024 13:17:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5 https://www.joeaucoin.com/Blog/ID/4/Charter-Club-Resort-of-Naples-Bay#Comments 8 https://www.joeaucoin.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=38&ModuleID=387&ArticleID=4 https://www.joeaucoin.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4&PortalID=0&TabID=38 https://www.joeaucoin.com/Blog/ID/4/Charter-Club-Resort-of-Naples-Bay 11/02/2024 - 11/09/2024 1000 10th Avenue South, Naples, Florida, 34102 Phone: 1.800.438.2929 1.239.261.6782 Email: CharterClubResort@hgv.com Charter Club Resort of Naples Bay is located in southwest Florida, home to some of Florida's best fishing and white sand beaches. Get up close to wildlife on an airboat tour of the Everglades, explore the historic Old Naples shops or relax by the resort pool. Conveniently located in the Old Naples Historic District, you will find the area’s charm just a short walk or bicycle ride away. There is so much to do at Charter Club Resort that a weekend getaway may turn into a weeklong stay. Webmaster Wed, 31 Jul 2024 13:15:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4 https://www.joeaucoin.com/Blog/ID/2/Elara-Las-Vegas#Comments 4 https://www.joeaucoin.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=38&ModuleID=387&ArticleID=2 https://www.joeaucoin.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2&PortalID=0&TabID=38 https://www.joeaucoin.com/Blog/ID/2/Elara-Las-Vegas Location: Elara, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club 80 East Harmon Ave Las Vegas, NV 89109 Arrival Date: 02-Feb-2024 Departure Date: 09-Feb-2024 Check-In Time: 16:00 Check-Out Time: 10:00 Unit Type: 2 Bedroom Reservation Fees: Length of Stay: 7 Nights Once you check in at the resort, stop by our Concierge or Activities Desk. An excellent resource for tourist information, our friendly representatives will provide you with the assistance you need to plan your activities and maximize your vacation experience while visiting Elara, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club. Please note that a deposit for any charges you may incur during your stay may be required at check-in. We are confident your stay with us will be most enjoyable. We encourage you to review the above details for accuracy. Please contact the Destination Xchange Member Services team at Toll Free: 1.877.374.2582 or DEX@DiamondResorts.com regarding the Cancellation/No Show Policy applicable to your reservation, or for any other questions, special requests or further assistance you may require. Enjoy your vacation! Destination Xchange Member Services Webmaster Fri, 02 Feb 2024 12:35:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2 https://www.joeaucoin.com/Blog/ID/3/Westgate-Painted-Mountain-Resort-Mesa-AZ#Comments 5 https://www.joeaucoin.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=38&ModuleID=387&ArticleID=3 https://www.joeaucoin.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3&PortalID=0&TabID=38 https://www.joeaucoin.com/Blog/ID/3/Westgate-Painted-Mountain-Resort-Mesa-AZ Resort Name Westgate Painted Mountain Resort Address 6302 E. McKellips Road, Mesa, AZ 852152821 Phone 1-480-6543611 Fax 1-480-6543613 Check-In Friday September 16, 2022 Check-Out Friday September 23, 2022 Accommodations 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Accommodating 06 Privately, 06 Maximum Webmaster Fri, 16 Sep 2022 12:47:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3 https://www.joeaucoin.com/Blog/ID/1/Marriotts-Grand-Chateau-Las-Vegas-NV#Comments 3 https://www.joeaucoin.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=38&ModuleID=387&ArticleID=1 https://www.joeaucoin.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1&PortalID=0&TabID=38 https://www.joeaucoin.com/Blog/ID/1/Marriotts-Grand-Chateau-Las-Vegas-NV Marriott’s Grand Chateau 75 East Harmon Avenue Las Vegas, NV 891094500 1-702-8625600 1-702-8625610 Saturday April 06, 2013 Saturday April 13, 2013 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath   Webmaster Sat, 06 Apr 2013 12:31:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1