I’ve been playing guitar for more than 20 years now. One of the hardest things for me to learn in all these years is how to practice the guitar. In my rush to get to the point where I could play like my idols, I’ve neglected to learn how to truly practice the instrument. That’s why [...]

There’s been a ton of confusion among the techno-geeks regarding the less is more guiding principle. This is hardly surprising, given how literal-minded most techno-geeks are. It would therefore behoove us to re-examine this important principle. Let’s Talk About Design What is design? Here is the definition I like the best:...

There’s been a ton of confusion among the techno-geeks regarding the less is more guiding principle. This is hardly surprising, given how literal-minded most techno-geeks are. It would therefore behoove us to re-examine this important principle. Let’s Talk About Design What is design? Here is the definition I like the best:...

Most of you have probably seen the TV sitcom show Tool Time. A quintessential brand of male machoism, it is a telling testament to the bloat mentality, where any, even the smallest possible project, warrants dragging in the ‘big guns’. Many hilarious incidents ensue, as the show is fairly entertaining. Similar show could be made...

Most of you have probably seen the TV sitcom show Tool Time. A quintessential brand of male machoism, it is a telling testament to the bloat mentality, where any, even the smallest possible project, warrants dragging in the ‘big guns’. Many hilarious incidents ensue, as the show is fairly entertaining. Similar show could be made...

It had to eventually happen. After spending over 16 years in the software arena, I was finally ambushed by Microsoft henchmen and subjected to an hour of impromptu interviewing. Somehow, they’ve gotten my contact info, and wanted to talk to me about the Program Manager position at the world’s biggest software corporation...

It had to eventually happen. After spending over 16 years in the software arena, I was finally ambushed by Microsoft henchmen and subjected to an hour of impromptu interviewing. Somehow, they’ve gotten my contact info, and wanted to talk to me about the Program Manager position at the world’s biggest software corporation...

I live in the absolutely funkiest, grooviest part of town. Tonight again I’ve been fortunate to enjoy the rooftop concert by some fabulous semi-anonymous local band. As I’m typing this, the guys are still cooking. And they’re performing practically in my back yard (just half a block away from my back yard, actually)!...

I live in the absolutely funkiest, grooviest part of town. Tonight again I’ve been fortunate to enjoy the rooftop concert by some fabulous semi-anonymous local band. As I’m typing this, the guys are still cooking. And they’re performing practically in my back yard (just half a block away from my back yard, actually)!...

Human intellect is a very powerful tool as it helps us simplify our lives tremendously. The process of simplification occurs once we master the power of abstraction. Abstract concepts are what gives us the ability to separate signal from the noise and to simplify any, even the most horrendously complex situation. It has been a long [...]

Human intellect is a very powerful tool as it helps us simplify our lives tremendously. The process of simplification occurs once we master the power of abstraction. Abstract concepts are what gives us the ability to separate signal from the noise and to simplify any, even the most horrendously complex situation. It has been a long [...]

The first international conference on Ruby on Rails was a portentous event summarizing Rails-related things that happened so far, and projecting the vision and the shape of things to come. Naturally, many of the presentations focused on the vision, the overview, the technological and the cultural impact that Rails brings to the fore. But...

The first international conference on Ruby on Rails was a portentous event summarizing Rails-related things that happened so far, and projecting the vision and the shape of things to come. Naturally, many of the presentations focused on the vision, the overview, the technological and the cultural impact that Rails brings to the fore. But...

As I’ve promised yesterday, I’m now going to try and begin relating to you some of the most interesting and revealing conversations I’ve had with Ruby and Rails enthusiasts during the two days of Canada on Rails conference. One of the central themes of my presentation was the concept of a Smart Servant. Alex Combas, whom [...]

As I’ve promised yesterday, I’m now going to try and begin relating to you some of the most interesting and revealing conversations I’ve had with Ruby and Rails enthusiasts during the two days of Canada on Rails conference. One of the central themes of my presentation was the concept of a Smart Servant. Alex Combas, whom [...]