Systems Thinking, Measuring Things and Really, Cultural Change is Free and Why Your Measurement are Likely Screwing Up Your Business
I was going to write this up. I stumbled upon this video of John Seddon presenting. But seriously, WATCH the video, especially if you work in an enterprise. If you’re in management or in executive leadership you desperately need to watch this and know it, understand it and listen to it. To benefit of yourself [...]
The Database Deluge… Who’s Who
These are the top NoSQL Solutions in the market today that are open source, readily available, with a strong and active community, and actively making forward progress in development and innovations in the technology. I’ve provided them here, in no order, with basic descriptions, links to their main website presence, and with short lists of [...]
Surface & iPad Collision Course
Ok, I’d been looking around for a Surface I could try out. Even though I have my doubts about Windows 8 and especially RT I also am excited about a lot of the features that these operating system(s) have. But amid the parts that I hate and parts I hate, there is the simple fact [...]
Apple iOS / OS-X vs. Windows 8 / RT == OS Goulash & Predictions
All These Thoughts Derived at Seattle Coffee Works in Downtown Seattle, a good place to enjoy the use of an iPad or Windows RT Tablet. Ok, I’ll admit it, I have a soft spot in my heart for Windows 8. At least in the tablet form. I honestly prefer it over the iPad model of [...]
Coder’s Vacation : #RICON2012 Shreds the House!
Here I am on day #3 of my Coder’s Vacation and RICON is happening today. This is a new conference put together by the fine folks at Basho, maker of Riak (which note, is a link to the project on Github because Basho is awesome like that, they roll all open source like). However, it’s a [...]
The #TypeScript Bomb Went off With a BANG Today!
First thing in the morning today the east coast was talking about Mary Jo Foley’s article about the TypeScript release. Later in the day Matt Baxter-Reynolds released a bit of write up titled “Microsoft TypeScript: Can the father of C# save us from the tyranny of JavaScript?“. My first reactions went something like this: TypeScript sounds interesting. [...]
Microsoft, Which I Hate and Which I Love
Ok, I’ll admit, I got issues with some of the past Microsoft ethical breaches of business dealings. Sure, but who doesn’t? Their technology that they develop ranges from complete crap (re: Bob, paperclip, sealed classes, The 1st X version of Entity Framework) all the way to the completely awesome amazing stuff, like the Node.js SDK [...]
Macbook Air Multiple Monitor Support
The Macbook Air is indeed an “insanely great” device. I have slammed this thing around, physically and virtually, from the bicycle messenger bag situation described in my buying decision post, all the way to running multiple virtual machines and multiple monitors! This machine, of course if you’re using lean, clean, powerful, and intelligent built software, [...]
Small, Powerful, Elegant, Sexy, and Hard Core
Ok, it’s that time of the year and I’m at the phase of the cycle when it is computer purchasing time. What do I want, what do I need, who has the best options available? In order of priority here’s my wish list for the ideal machine.
It must be able to run Windows & Linux. Even better would be the ability to run OS-X, Windows, and Linux. Preferably with Linux or OS-X as the core operating system and Windows either virtualized or dual booted.
Another high priority is I want elegant, sexy, and strong design. But not just in appearance but in functionality too. I want the device to be strong. I want the material to be fabricated well, I want the quality and durability to be built into the device. This comes down to the device being a single mold, probably of a high quality material like aluminum.
I want as much oomph as I can get out of the hardware. Demanding elegant and sexy usually dictates it won’t be powerful. Demanding tough is usually another strike against that.
Another thing which is super important, but I may be flexible on, is the resolution. I simply want as much resolution as possible.
The last thing, which isn’t as important, is I don’t really want to pay more than about $1500. I’d be all the happier if I can find something for even less.
Narrowing Down the Machines… (click through to read the entire article)
Following Good Practice, The Negative Bits About Windows Azure First, But Gems Included! :D
Ok, I’ve used Windows Azure steadily over the last year and a half. I’ve fought with the SDK so much that I stopped using it. I decided I’d put together this recap of what has driven me crazy and then put together something about the parts that I really like, the awesome bits, the parts [...]
Mac Battles, The Personal Day to Day of Software Development and Morale
I’ve been using a Mac for a couple of months now. My employer purchased a few for us coders to try out, and I’ve become spoiled. I rarely want to use my other machines now, as they seem cumbersome and inefficient. Mainly from a hardware perspective, as the OS itself seems to have plusses and [...]
Spotlight on HP Open Source
While at OSCON 2011 I spoke to a Phil Robb, Bryan Gartner, and Terri Molini with HP. Phil is heading up the Open Source Program Office for HP, which we spoke about. Context and Clarity: I knew HP was involved in cloud computing to some degree, know they make tons of devices, hardware, printers, and know they [...]
The Good Parts, Patterns, and a Cookbook of Javascript
I’ve been asked recently about some books to learn/get updated on/figure out this new found JavaScript craze, so here’s my first three suggestions… JavaScript: The Good Parts by Douglas Crockford I started reading JavaScript: The Good Parts by Douglas Crockford a few months back. I’ve been slowly making my way through the book and wanted [...]
Windows Live Microsoft Word Document UX vs. Google Docs UX
Before even getting to the point of writing a document, there are very distinct user experiences (UX). I have my own preferences, but I am very curious what others think. When somebody decides to create a new Microsoft Word Document in the Windows Live Site on their Skydrive they’re presented with this interface. Windows Live [...]
Little Bets = Greatest Hits Of The 2000s
I’ve just completed reading Peter Sims’ new book, Little Bets. I’ll admit that I’m horrendously biased because 1) Peter is an old friend, and 2) he quotes me on page 75 of the hardcover edition, but I think that Little Bets is a great book. (Apparently the world agrees; Amazon has 17 customer reviews for [...]
