So I just found this really cool software called Terragen which enables rapid prototyping of a wide variety of virtual worlds. I spent about six hours playing with one on Friday night tweaking terrain, atmospheric settings, and getting the water just right and I have to say - this thing freaking rocks. They are working on a second release and I certainly hope that they get the technology preview out soon as this thing is really fun to play with.
If this does not work than I guess I’ll just have to be sad and not 1337 like other bloggers. If it does then it means I have a complete roll-your-own video blogging solution based on Dreamhost and flash.
Now off to relax, watch some real Borgs in Voyager, and recuperate from a wonderful experience. Thanks Mind Camp 2.0 for all the great times, and all the great pictures!
All I have to say is Mind Camp 2.0 ROCKS! I’m here with more than 200 geeks, I have not slept in over 24 hours, and I’ve had some of the most cool and amazing conversations about every topic under the sun from real estate, to DSL, to video blogging (just wait - more on this in a moment), and social networking.
On the new job and I must say I’m 100% glad I made the switch from recruiting. I still have a lot to learn but I’m starting to get my head around the meetings, specifications, and how best to represent both my users and the business.
Right now I’m splitting my time between the project I was hired to do (some proof of concept work) as well as spec’ing out a new version of a web product my group offers. It’s interesting to see the project management side of software development. Back when I was a developer I just kind of assumed that the specifications “happened” and I didn’t appreciate the detail, planning, and fore-thought that had to go into making something as amazingly complex as software work (well).
I’m looking forward to the week being over tomorrow. I have Mind Camp to look forward to over the weekend, and then another big week before I can finally “take a load off” and relax next weekend.
So day one down at the Redmond giant and I must say it went smoother than I had expected. Mid-afternoon I got all my network access squared away (although I’m still waiting for a few things to replicate out around Microsoft) and spent the majority of my day in meetings and doing brain-dumps with my boss on our technology platform.
Now it’s eight at night, and I’m fat, sassy, and exhausted. Luckily tonight I can sleep and worry about tomorrow… well tomorrow!
Until Monday at least! Yesterday I finished up the last bits of fanfare at my old company, and left amidst a Pho induced coma shortly after lunch. After an afternoon of drinking and hanging out with Mike and Cyn I went home to sleep.
Unfortunately I think Ian got me sick when I carpooled with him this week, so today I’m trying to take it easy. I’ve got some mild sniffles and a case of the blahs. I’m thinking it’s going to be pretty minor so long as I get plenty of rest and take my vitamin C.
After reviewing the official blogging policy at my new employer I’ve decided that for the first time ever I’m actually going to talk about specifics at work, and name the company:
As of Monday I will be a Program Manager I for Microsoft. I know it might seem silly to some of my readers that I’m going to Microsoft being such an avid Apple fan and all, but I’m really thinking that this is going to be an excellent opportunity to learn more about project management and get some good experience under my belt.
I’m quite excited about starting Monday and really want to go the extra mile and make sure to impress. Even if I’m only going to be with the company for 2-5 years I want to make a good impression and learn how to be a software ninja so that someday when the singularity comes I hopefully won’t be left out for cold.