July 2007 Entries

What is under the top of the Microsoft Surface unit?

Popular Mechanics has a new article and video detailing some of the technologies behind the Microsoft Surface project.  By using infrared cameras and projectors Microsoft can allow multiple interaction on the "multitouch" screen of the unit.  Not only can the Surface computer interact with the user it can also with other wireless technologies like PDA's, smartphones and digital cameras.  Very cool stuff.

posted @ Wednesday, July 25, 2007 9:07 AM | Feedback (0)

Where I am Speaking in August 2007

I am speaking at the following events next month: August 16, 2007 -- Greater Lansing .NET User Group Topic: Microsoft Acropolis August 21, 2007 -- West Michigan .NET User Group Topic: Microsoft Acropolis

posted @ Sunday, July 22, 2007 10:07 AM | Feedback (0)

If you read Business 2.0 please try to save the magazine

Business 2.0 may go away.  I read it monthly and enjoy the articles, news and ideas that come from the magazine.  Now it may go under but not without a fight.  Colin Carmichael has started a Facebook group called, "I read Business2.0 - and I want to keep reading!".  If you read this great publication and want to help please join the Facebook group.

posted @ Wednesday, July 18, 2007 8:07 PM | Feedback (0)

My Favorite Leadership Quote

Tom Izzo is one of the people outside of my close friends and family that I respect the most.  I have not met him but I know people that know him and they say nothing but great things about the Head Coach of the Michigan State men's basketball team.  I read a quote from Coach Izzo that still impacts me to this day: If people take ownership in something, you have a better chance to be successful.  If players think they are simply doing something for you or the school they will do it, but it is not ownership. ...

posted @ Monday, July 16, 2007 9:07 AM | Feedback (0)

The Difference between Development and Consulting

This topic is part of my Personal Manifesto.  What makes a great IT consultant is different and also the same as being a software developer.  What do I mean?  I mean that you can be a great developer and not be a great IT consultant.  To be a great IT consultant you must be a very good developer.  Not a great one but just a very good one.  The key to consulting is listening, understanding and then finally modeling. The first thing a great consultant must do is listen.  I do not mean just to be in the room and hear...

posted @ Sunday, July 15, 2007 10:07 PM | Feedback (0)

I will be there, will you be there? devLink Technical Conference October 12-13, 2007

devLink should be a required conference in the Heartland District along with CodeMash this next 12 months.  Be there or be out of the lowdown from just a short list of speakers: Brad Abrams Jon Box Keith Elder Billy Hollis

posted @ Thursday, July 12, 2007 6:07 AM | Feedback (0)

Speaking on Acropolis Project in August to Lansing .NET User Group

I will be speaking on August 16, 2007 to the Greater Lansing .NET User Group on the Acropolis Project.  Acropolis is a set of components and tools that make it easier for developers to build and manage modular, business focused, client .NET applications. The user group meets at the Michigan State College of Engineering building on the MSU campus.  I am going to enjoy going back "home".  Have a lot of great memories in that building.

posted @ Thursday, July 12, 2007 5:07 AM | Feedback (0)

Are you a W-2 or 1099 Person?

I always tell people there are 2 types of workers in the world. Now I dislike putting people into categories (then why now you ask). I just have seen too many of the 2 types and not many of anything that could be a third type. But you will be surprised as to which type I think the majority in. Let me start by defining each type. The W-2 type is classic worker from 50 years ago. Lets say the year is 1970 (I only do that since I was born in that year). If you are from Michigan like I...

posted @ Thursday, July 05, 2007 6:07 AM | Feedback (0)

The greatest Brand you can help build….

is YOU!! I know your boss will not agree with me that you are more important than the company you work for but you are. When we all wake up and realize that each day you and I do not build our reputations is a day that we have lost the edge with those workers that are doing the work to gain the recognition and personal branding we all need in today's workforce. You may ask why do I need to build my Brand? Well the world is changing and like it or not we all are moving...

posted @ Sunday, July 01, 2007 11:07 AM | Feedback (1)