Code Archives – EzKool

Homeless Man Learns to Code, Launches App

A homeless man in New York, after receiving coding lessons from a helpful Samaritan, has launched a new app for carpooling with a focus on saving the environment.

(Credit: Journeyman)

Back in August, programmer Patrick McConlogue offered homeless man Leo Grand a choice: US$100, or 16 coding lessons. Grand, who had been homeless since 2011 after losing his job at insurance provider MetLife and being priced out of his home when a high-rise apartment block was built nearby, didn’t have to think for long: coding lessons it was.

After furnishing Grand with a refurbished Chromebook and three books on coding, McConlogue met with him every weekday morning for an hour for a lesson. Now, Grand has released his very first app: Trees for Cars, available for iOS and Android.

The idea behind the app, Grand said, is to decrease the number of cars on the roads with a view to reducing CO2 emissions. Users sign up, specify whether or not they want to catch a ride or offer one, and the app will connect them with like-minded carpoolers nearby. The app will then track how much CO2 was saved by all the passengers.

Every line of code was written by Grand, and all proceeds from the AU$0.99 app sales will go directly to him.

You can check out the course McConlogue taught Grand here, read the story of thisremarkable journey here, and pick up the app for AU$0.99 for on iTunes and Google Play.

What I’ve Been Watching

Well I may be a guy who loves his sports, action movies, and anything that involves explosions, I sometimes just channel surf and see what’s on. One night I ran into Girl Code on MTV and after one show I’ve become hooked.

Girl Code is just the female version of Guy Code. Though if you have never heard of either here’s a simple explanation: A group of women (comics, pop culture experts, celebs, etc.) express their point of view or “Girl Code” on various subjects that range from Shopping, First Dates, Sleepovers, Being Classy, and much more.

Carly Aquilino is one if the members

Of course you won’t be watching this show for it’s ability to spew vital knowledge onto your brain, you should be watching this show just for the laughs. The show is just funny to hear the blunt, honest, and funny responses to each category.

Girl Code has new episodes every Tuesday at 9:30 and 10:30; there are also reruns constantly.