Sunday, August 22, 2004

What I've been reading on the plane

All this traveling means I am getting a lot of reading done.
I thought it was time to provide an update.



An interesting read, it is hard to rate a book like this. Paul Graham has brought together a collection of essays. The main points in the book could probably be put into 2 chapters. I liked the style of the writing and although I don't agree with everything the author states, there are lessons to be learnt from this book.

I give it 7 out of 10.

This book is much more technical. Aimed at the computer programmer. A number of topics are covered that help coders become better developers. The idea being that to develop and ship software requires more than just the abilty to write code. I agree with this. Each chapter could be read on its own and covers one topic.
I give this book an 8 out of 10. Programmers will become better at shipping software if they follow Mike's ideas.
In order to get a 10 Mike should have provided more hands on examples. In the book he discusses a project that he is building but I didnt feel connected with that project and the code snippets felt disjointed.

A bit of light reading. I liked this book a lot. A good read, interesting characters and a story full of puzzles to solve. Recommended reading, but don't take it too seriously! It appears that there are now a collection of books exposing the 'truth' behind this book. It's fiction! Get with the program and enjoy the story.


Still moving

It's been a while since my last post.
I've not really stopped moving in the last few weeks.
After TechEd in Canberra, I was in Melbourne for a few days presenting MapPoint technoliges at GITA
I then spent a few days in Singapore.
From singapore I flew to London, which is where I am now.
Tomorrow I leave for Greece.
Looking forward to getting back to some warm weather as the summer in England is over now.

Monday, August 09, 2004

City To Surf - Sydney

Yesterday I walked the Sydney City to Surf. A 14 KM run / walk from the centre of Sydney to Bondi beach.
I walked the distance with Brian Randell and Adam Cogan along with family members.
Travelling with Adam's two year old and a Brian's little baby meant we were close to the back of the pack.
It took us about 3 hours to do the walk.
Maybe next year I'll run it if I'm around.

Tuesday, August 03, 2004

Back in Aus

I flew back to Australia last Friday, and I am now in Canberra for TechEd Australia.
It is cold here. Really cold. It looked like snow earlier today, brrrr....
I am presenting some MapPoint technologies tomorrow. The maps for Australia are being launched here.