How I Spent My Spring Break or Why I Took the "Architect Master Class by Juval Lowy"

Getting to where I could practice being a software architect has actually been a much bigger problem over the years than the act of trying to decide on how to structure the software or apply this framework or that one.

In one fell (week long) swoop, Juval's Architect Master Class has propelled my understanding forward by years, probably decades.

Agile Says What It Values, How About What It Doesn't?

The signatories of the Agile Manifesto are quick to point out that they value all the things mentioned in the manifesto.  For example, when the manifesto says, "Individuals and interactions over processes and tools," the signatories point out that they mention processes and tools because they value them, they just value individuals and interactions more.  A lot has been written about this point.

So that got me thinking, what about the things that Agile really does not value.  

Whiners Are Both the Canary in the Coal Mine and ... well, whiners

I worked on one of my previous employer's largest projects and it was a complete disaster.  I've tried and tried to take away really great lessons from that experience.  But here's the lesson I find most frustrating.  It's not that resources were squandered.  It's not that money was wasted.  It's not that opportunity was lost.  It's not about profit or loss. No, the lesson I find most frustrating is this:

From the president right down to the interns, the people on a project that whine the most will provide the least amount of actionable feedback and will contribute the least to avoiding the problem next time.

Explain Your Framework Before Implanting Your Memories...

Please explain your framework before telling me how to use it

Mastering Technology: It makes some feel stupid, others master it to feel smart

Another boomer trait I just cannot stand: "The kids are good at tech, I'll just never get it."   If you've ever said that then you are a liar.  Now, I'm not here to name call so let me point out that I'm simply stating a fact. I doubt you've spent as much time on the tech as your average 10 year old.

Traveling with Tech: OTG Cable

TECH-UPDATE: Android OTG Cable

Traveling with Tech: Galaxy S4 and Power

TECH-UPDATE: I just took two back to back trips where I was using my Galaxy S4 heavily.  Basically I was using it constantly for photos, video, status updates, movies, TV, music and email.   I came away loving this technology for how well it worked and I am usually heavily disappointed by tech.