Published...sort of

So I have been working with new CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) software at work. We are transitioning from Dassault's SolidWorks to Siemens PLM's SolidEdge. LOVE the new software. They asked to do a case study on our transition and I did. What I didn't know was that they'd tell the whole world about it. I have now been quoted by an industry professional on his blog. SolidWorks guru Matt Lombard discusses some of the statements in my case study here. The original link to the case study is here. And to top it all off, I will be giving a portion of a webinar on the 6th of December. Fun times...

Musings on memories and history...

I've been thinking about this for the last day. I feel like I need to say something but don't know what. I obviously (or maybe not) did not know Steve Jobs. I am also not an Apple Guy. I'm a PC and probably always will be (although I dabble with various and sundry Linux distros from time to time). I have an iPhone for work. If I didn't need a data phone there, I probably would not have one. I do not own an iPad or an iPod or anything else starting with an 'i' (other than the phone and I don't "own" it either).

With all that being said, Steve Jobs (along with Steve "the Woz" Wozniak) have done more for the personal computing industry than anyone except Bill Gates and it's probably a tie there. I still remember in Middle School in Johnsburg, IL programming Basic on an Apple IIe in Computer Club. Writing security software on Macintoshes and Power PC's in High School for our computer lab. I never owned an Apple, but some of my fondest computer memories involve them. The Steve's gave me that. For that, I am truly grateful. My current level of technological interest stems (in part) from their inventions, from their drive, from their ingenuity.

I still don't recommend Apple computers for multiple reasons. I do, however, pay my respects to one of the greatest marketing geniuses and businessmen in the history of the world. May he rest in peace in that great hackerspace in the sky. I know that in His infinite wisdom, a place can be found for an inventive spirit such as Steve Jobs.

On Hacking Charities

Saw an interview (video here) today that struck a chord with me. This is an interview by Space Rogue, the correspondent at Hacker News Network of Johnny Long of Hackers for Charity at the Hacker Conference SchmooCon in Washington DC. Once again, I am amazed at the effect that one person (or a small group of people) can have to affect the lives of those less-fortunate than them.

Much like the Khan Academy, these guys are trying to make a difference. Every time I see this, I want so badly to find a cause and have the freedom to devote my energies to it. It is an incredible inspiration, in contrast to all the bad press that the hacker community gets of late, to see people not giving in to the stereotype cast by the few.

That attitude is a difficult one to maintain in the face of such negativity but it is truly a testament to the mettle of these men and others like them that they persevere.