SD West, one of the nation’s premier software development conventions, just concluded SD West 2008. Yours truly was fortunate enough to be able to attend, and for an entire fun filled week I got to embrace my inner geek and participate in tutorials on Agile Estimating and Planning, attend classes on Test Driven Development, and visit expo booths to play Guitar Hero (Hey - we may be developers, but we’re aren’t total nerds!). I even managed to go on a Segway Tour of San Francisco. OK, that last one was a little nerdy, but still pretty fun!
Starbucks reported last week on its ambitious plan to provide free Wi-Fi at more than 7,000 company-owned locations across the nation beginning this spring. That means you can get your fill of a double-tall non-fat no-whip half-the-mocha mocha plus a serving of free broadband to boot.
Reports this week illustrate the yin and yang of the exploding arena of mobile payments: one study suggests that mobile payments will grow to $22 billion by 2011, thanks to technology which will turn your mobile device into a virtual ATM in your pocket; yet other reports cite significant security issues as banks scurry to protect data and dollars as more customers use mobile devices to make payments.
The presentations at TED are always thought-provoking. This 35-minute talk by Bill Strickland is another excellent example. Here is the synopsis from the presentation page (you can see the video in a larger size from the site):
“With subtle accompaniment by longtime friend Herbie Hancock, and a slide show that has opened the minds (and pocketbooks) of CEOs across the country, Bill Strickland tells a quiet and astonishing tale of redemption through arts, music and unlikely partnerships.”
Strickland’s unique delivery style contributes to a compelling message. Thanks to Garth at Presentation Zen for the point.
Looking for a website that helps educate while attempting to combat world hunger? You’re in luck. Freerice.com is a charity website that allows users to play an interactive vocabulary game where each correct answer allows 20 grains of rice to be donated through the United Nations.
The site was created back in October by John Breen, a computer programmer from Ohio who got the idea for the site as he watched his son study for the SAT. Breen is also the creator of www.thehungersite.com, therainforestsite.com, and poverty.com, all sites devoted to charitable giving.
You’re in luck.