Archive for February, 2010

Geek Groups

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

It's amazing to me to think that I never really joined a technology user group before I did in 2007. I did have a 2 month stint in the Triangle Mac User Group back in '99, but I hardly think that counts. As I get older, I feel the need to connect to others with the same passions I have. Some do it through sports, some through cross-stitching groups, some through old-boys-clubs. Those super-cool peeps, like me, do it through tech groups!

In my father's day geeks would get together to show off their latest Heathkit builds. Today, we show off the latest code framework builds! I can't begin to tell you how nice it is to meet others with the same passions in coding and technology as I have. In a society that generally portrays such things as "not cool" it's almost illicit to get together and geek out. I've met quite alot of really talented people in our group and keep up with alot of them on Twitter between meetups.

The funny thing is, I find there are actually alot of people that want to come and learn what us geeks know. More and more people are coming out to our little Frederick Web Technology Group to watch our presentations. I'm putting together a little presentation called "Code Writing for the Non-Coder" and it has been getting good responses from the local twitterverse. I'm really excited about it, as I was a non-coder once myself.

I guess the takaway from this post is to go out there and meet people with the same passions you have! Build new friendships and broaden you circle of friends, be they geeky or otherwise :)

Still Alive!

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Just a quick update! Just finished orientation at my new job- absolutely LOVE it! As one can imagine, I am completely overwhelmed with new information! The more time I spend with my new team mates, the more I'm sure I made the right decision.

On a different note, I'll be co-presenting at the Frederick Chamber of Commerce's New Media and Technology Conference Friday. Emily Dorr will actually be presenting the useful information and I will be dancing and performing for everyone's pleasure.

BTW- Our Government gave me a badge to get on an Army Base, does that build your confidence? ;)

Armchair Scientists Unite!

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

Ever since I was 7 years old, I've love nature and science TV shows. As I write this I'm watching "Haiti's Killer Quake," a fascinating look into a tragic disaster. As cable separates us into narrower specialized groups, science/nature/history channels rope [people like me] in as solid, loyal viewers!

I still have memories when I was in hospital, getting my tonsils removed, waking up to Marlin Perkins talking calmly about his associate, Jim, over my bed. My Mom (Hi Mom!) knew I loved Wild Kingdom and had it on while waiting for me to wake up from my surgery.

The Discovery Channel was the first cable channel that totally had me hooked, then TLC and finally the History Channel. Nature, Science and History shows made for armchair scientists/historians to soak up like nerdy sponges!

Not only are there shows about plate tectonics, but they have the most awesome computer graphics, nerdy scientist interviews and over-the-top "what if" scenarios! "Look! The Atlantic plate is ripping! Cool!"

ooh! Hey, gotta go- Burn Notice is on. I know- it's not science, nature or history, but it's a USA network show- USA, TNT and E are for another post ;)