Ryan Kopf's Blog

Five Awesome Places To Go In JapanJun 30, 10am

Japan is a beautiful country with a rich culture, delicious food, and stunning natural beauty. If you're planning a trip to Japan and wondering where to go, here are five awesome places you should consider visiting.

How to Add Tests to an Existing Rails App That Has No TestsJun 28, 5pm

So, you've built an application using Ruby on Rails. Perhaps it started as a pet project, or a learning experience, and testing was put on the backburner. Fast forward to today, and you're left with an application that serves its purpose but lacks tests.

Why I'm most excited for Anime MidwestJun 23, 10am

Nearly 20 years ago, I attended my first convention. It was a small convention in Iowa, and I was immediately hooked. Since then, I've attended countless conventions all across the country, but one in particular has captured my heart: Anime Midwest.

How Future Software Might Improve Our LivesJun 16, 3am

The digital age has brought about a wealth of software that has improved our lives in countless ways. From smartphones to social media apps, we rely on software every day to make our lives easier and more efficient.

Together we can end domestic violenceJun 12, 11pm

Today's topic is an uncomfortable one for many people. But this issue affects more than 10 million women and men across the country. (Content Warning: DV, Spoilers) The topic is domestic violence. Now why is an anime nerd emailing about domestic violence.

Sustainability Matters To Me and AnimeCon.orgJun 9, 3am

Talking about sustainability can mean so many things today. It could refer to recycling, turning off unneeded lighting, or capping the greenhouse gas emissions of large corporations. At AnimeCon.org, we take sustainability seriously and believe that every little bit counts.

Can A Programming Language Save The WorldJun 2, 3am

I started today with an interesting question: can a programming language save the world. Well, yes, programming itself can certain do amazing things in the world. Computer programs are already being used to detect cancer and cure diseases.

Amazing Food In JapanMay 26, 3am

Anime fans around the world think about visiting Japan someday. Anime fans around the world are often drawn to Japan not only for the famous sites found in anime but also for the amazing food culture. Japan has a rich culinary tradition, and its unique cuisine is enjoyed by people all over the world.

Presidential UpdatesMay 19, 3am

I'm thrilled about the upcoming AniMinneapolis. We have some of my favorite people coming as guests; people who have been in the anime industry for decades, supporting it for the love of fans around the world.

Good User Experience MattersMay 12, 3am

I think good user experience is essential when building things, whether it be software or anime conventions. User experience (UX) is a term that has become increasingly important in recent years. It refers to the way in which a user interacts with a product or service, and encompasses everything from the design of the user interface to the way in which the product is marketed.