8.4 Mile Run: Brownell - Shades Creek Greenway

Judy didn't show today. She called after the run. She set her alarm clock wrong. So, I attached the iPod to the water bottle harness and off I went. Oh, well before starting I chatted with a fella I met while training for the Mercedes Marathon. He and I are interested in the same kind of reading material. That was fun to catch up. I sure wish I could remember his name. Then, I was off.

I started off listening to the Adam Curry's daughter's new podcast, Pod Save the Queen. Sounds like a young UK chick talking about indie music complete with slang that only such a person might recognize. But, interesting musical selections. I may subscribe. My American puritanical nature was pulled out while listening. Adam has ranted a couple of times about how puritanical we can be and he is right. But, nonetheless, I would be bothered if my 15 year old was publishing with profanity peppered in somewhat gratitously. But, to each their own.

I also got in another session of Phedippidations. Good one too. Steve's description of Accident Hash had prompted me to add it to my subscription list. I haven't listened to one yet, so cann't comment yet. And, Steve's rant about Muriel Gray's podcast interview was spot on for describing how podcasting will kill the radio for many of us. Already killed for me. And, I will have to go listen to the interview myself when I have some time. It sure pissed Adam off. On a side note, Steve's description of how much corn we consume in America was very interesting. Basically, he noted, based on a book he read, that we consume stuff cooked in corn oil, loaded with corn syrup, etc. Never thought about how pervasive corn is our diet is before...

I have discovered a really cool feature on the iPod by the way. Namely, I love that when you unplug the headset it automatically pauses! Since I switch between headset and cassette adapter is very cool not to have to worry about pausing. Still looking for the bookmarking capability. I usually have 4 or 5 listens going on at the same time. And, sure would love a sync with folder(s) I select. I do like the smart playlists.

I am nervous about the stuff in Iraq indicated that some marines may have killed 24 civilians. I sure hope we find out that the real story does not show wrong doing on our part. War sucks. How to you teach and expect morality from those for whom you have turned off morality to permit killing in the first place? We humans need to find a better way, period. Killing sucks no matter who is doing it. And those that use it to reach sinister ends, may they rot in hell.

Data

Distance:	9 miles (I measured and it's 8.4)
Time:	1:22:03
Heart Rate:	151
Pace:	9:46
Weather:	Partly Cloudy, 68°
Route

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Another afternoon run during which I listened to the latest Daily Source Code. Nothing special today, just needed to get the run in.

Data

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	29:01
Heart Rate:	152
Pace:	9:43
Weather:	Clear skies, 88°

6 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Another hot one. And, I walked part of the big hill back to the house. I was simply losing energy. I am sure it is the heat backed by work stress. I just have a lot going on right now and struggling to keep up. I reckon that is how work goes; it is work. I listened to the latest Daily Source Code during the run. The show was only 37 minutes long and I didn't have anything that I normally listen to during a run on the iPod to pick up when this show ended. So, it rolled on to a show from the IT Conversations. A disadvantage of putting music on one player and podcasts on another.

Data

Distance:	6 Miles
Time:	1:01:19
Heart Rate:	152
Pace:	10:13
Weather:	Clear skies, 88°

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Whew! It was hot and I felt it. I may need to figure out how to get these runs done in the morning. But, was a good run. I am always so slow in the neighborhood; it must be the hills. I listened to the latest Daily Source Code during the run. Adam is on the road and he and Patricia are recording together. For me, these are not the best shows, but this, show 395, was a bit hilarious as Adam's equipment was screwing up and he lost it. The good part was Patricia's laughing at his expense. So real, So funny. Adam, I know how you feel dude.

Data

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	30:12
Heart Rate:	148
Pace:	10:04
Weather:	Clear skies, 90°

10.5 Mile Run: Brownell-Shades Creek Greenway

We are off to Atlanta to visit the zoo and the aquarium, so I started my run at 5:00 am. I ran alone since it was so early. So, I loaded up the play list (I used the Creative Zen Sleek since I am fairly well caught up on podcasts). Twas a good run and I enjoyed the tunes (see selection below). Data: Distance: 10.5 Miles Time: 1:41:56 Heart Rate: 155 Pace: 9:42 Weather: Clear skies, 75° Route

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I'm back home, yeppee! I ran with an iPod Nano today. Why, you might ask? Well, while I was at the conference I met a friend of mine that works with a different company. His company and mine have a demo that demonstrates our products working together. During our first demo at one of my company's conferences, the demo suddenly stopped working properly just minutes before it was due to be shown. It was going to be shown during the opening key note session. The speaker was already on stage. I ran to get my friend who was in the audience at the time to see if he could help. On the way, I leaned too hard against a stair rail and broke the cover of my cell phone. Well, my friend had purchased an iPod Nano as a recompense for the whole affair. Which turned out fine. I had the speaker interrupted for an impromptu break. During the break, we made sure the test environment we had used originally still worked and shaped the demo just slightly to match the data in test. All went well. Back to the Nano, the Nano my friend purchased originally got lost in transit. So, at this conference. My friend said you have to come by on Wednesday! I did and that's when he gave me the Nano. What a guy! I have always wanted to play with an iPod, but not willing to buy one as about 1/2 half of my ripped CD's are in Windows Media format. I don't want to be bothered with transforming. Thus, couldn't be more appreciative of the gift. Now, I can check it out and it doesn't cost me anything. I like the player. I don't like iTunes. I am really hooked on the idea of being able to tell the desktop software that refreshes the player to simply monitor a directory. You can tell iTunes to import a folder, but I haven't not been able to find a way to have it monitor specific folders. Since I already use iPodder to manage my subscriptions and don't wish to change, this would make life easier. I have decided to use the Nano as my podcast device and leave the music on the Creative Zen Sleek. I may breakdown and start subscribing via iTunes. This would be fine for Adam Curry's Daily Source Code and Phedippidations (It was also interesting to learn that my friend listens to the Daily Source Code and Phedippidations too.). However, for IT Conversations, I normally filter the podcasts since I don't listen to all of them. I usually check out the show notes before putting on the player. That way, anything on the player is something I want to listen to. I listened to the Daily Source Code, btw. Data Distance: 3 Miles Time: 29:40 Heart Rate: 148 Pace: 9:53 Weather: Clear skies, 88°

5 Mile Run: Las Vegas, NV

Another early morning. This time I ran after my 5:00 am meeting. So, the sun was up and in my face for the first 1/2. But, still not bad. Tons of "naked women" rubbish on the side of the road. On the strip in Las Vegas, men stand around snapping cards to get your attention so they can give you a card. The card you receive has a very scantily dressed woman, a tantalizing statement, and some phone numbers. You can quess where it would lead. But, tons of these cards are on the side of the road. I can't imagine walking down this street with my toddler. I listened to one of my favorite running jams, Black Eyed Peas. Data: Distance: 5 Miles Time: 46:51 Heart Rate: Not Measured Pace: 9:11 Weather: Clear skies, 68° Route

3 Mile Run: Las Vegas, NV

An early morning, very early morning, run. But, it was beautiful. Something about the skies in the western US that are just more majestic than clear skies any where else. Things seem brighter and more clear. I presume its due to less moisture in the air. Other than the sky, the route was just urban sprawl away from the strip. I listened to one of my favorite running jams, Audioslave. Data: Distance: 3 Miles Time: 28:35 Heart Rate: Not Measured Pace: 9:22 Weather: Clear skies, 63° Route

9 Mile Run: Brownell - Shades Creek Greenway

Met Judy for our usual 9 miler from Brownell down the Greenway and back. Beautiful weather, if not a bit warm. There were lots of runners out and about. We chatted through the whole run, so no mp3 player. But, if you haven't checked out the Wrong Guy episode from the BBC, you need to. I heard about it from Adam Curry's Daily Source Code. It is a hoot. There were 2 Guys, yes that is their names, at the BBC office. One was there to interview for a job. He was from the Congo and had a thick, hard to understand accent. The other was an editor for a IT based trade rag. The funny bit is that they took the wrong Guy into to talk about the recent verdict in the Apple Records vs Apple Computer case about the Apple logo. Very funny bit!

Data

Distance:	9 miles
Time:	1:17:38
Heart Rate:	155
Pace:	8:38
Weather:	Partly Cloudy, 68°
Route

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

My normal Saturday routine does not include running, but I missed my Friday Run. So, I knocked off 3 miles before going to the gym for my usual Saturday Muscle Works group exercise class. Weather was great, but I didn't run very strong. I am still battling sinus trouble which may be affecting me a little.

I listened to the latest Daily Source Code during the run. The heart rate monitor seemed to work just fine.

Data

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	30:38
Heart Rate:	150
Pace:	10:13
Weather:	Clear skies, 74°

6 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I did bump into Steve Runner, Phedippidations, in Second Life. We exchanged a few nice words and he helped break my ice for chatting there. Although, I am not quite in the clique that hangs out at the castle yet. Well, at least, not the lot that were there. They were nice enough to invite to sit in the chairs, but were conversing amongst themselves. My chat was like a conversation with myself (except for my chat with Steve). But, hey, they probably knew each other already. So, I'm sure there is no malice.

I listened to the latest Daily Source Code during the run. The heart rate monitor seemed to work just fine. So, the previous problems must have been me.

Data

Distance:	6 Miles
Time:	59:57
Heart Rate:	151
Pace:	Unknown
Weather:	Partly Cloudy, 66°

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Well, despite a very stressful day and week, I got my run in. I didn't sleep at all Sunday night. YUK. The heart rate monitor does not appear to be working or I screwed up again. I will carefully test on the next run. I swear I hit the start button and 1/2 through the run I noticed the watch seem to think I has indicated stop. I had not. I listened to the latest Daily Source Code during the run. Some Second Life talk which just makes me think, dang I can't get out of First Life long enough to give Second Life any serious attention. I am excited to hear that Steve Runner, Phedippidations, is dropping by the Curry Castle there and anticipate meeting him there sometime.

Data

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	Unknown
Heart Rate:	Unknown
Pace:	Unknown
Weather:	Partly Cloudy, 68°

10.5 Mile Run: Brownell - Shades Creek Greenway

I mistakenly failed to hit the start button on the watch after a brief stop for hydration. Thus, the data is incomplete below. But, hey every once in awhile, one should just run to run, eh? I met Judy and Sue at 6:30 am and off we went. Sue ran with us until Montevello goes over 280. She has been running these long distances and is wise enough not to do so until trained up to it. She has run 1/2 marathons, so she can (no slight intended in previous sentence).

It was a good, but humid run. Since I have run so many miles with headphones, I had forgotten how chatty I can become if the person I am running with starts to go quiet. I think I about talked Judy's ear off towards the end of the run. After the run, I had a day of work to look forward to. :(

Data:

Distance:	10.5 Miles
Time:	Not measured
Heart Rate:	Not measured
Pace:	Not measured
Weather:	Cloudy, 61°
Route

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Well, this has been a week of missing data, barely having time to blow my nose, and more whining I can throw in. I realized after making my Sunday run log that I had never logged Friday's run. The data on the watch has been cleared. So, no data. It was a late afternoon run of little circumstance. If you are hooked on my data, sorry. Is rare that I am this bad.

5 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Early morning run despite sour throat, tight chest, and some coughing. I'm not sure what's up, but sort of feels like I have caught some kind of cold bug. Slow run, but I'm glad I got it in. Listened to Adam Curry's Daily Source Code.

Data

Distance:	5 Miles
Time:	51:07
Heart Rate:	150
Pace:	10:01
Weather:	Cloudy, 64°

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Not a lot of time for logging this week. So, here goes with just the facts.

Data

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	29:51
Heart Rate:	152
Pace:	9:57
Weather:	It was pouring rain, 68°

9 Mile Run: Brownell - Shades Creek Greenway

Wow! 8:33 Pace. I almost think I must have recorded the time wrong. I will have to follow up with Judy to see if her timing matches. Yes, I ran with Judy again. We started late, 8:00 am, as I was at the Schaeffer Crawfish Boil until 11:00 pm. What a show! I saw Better Than Ezra, P.O.D. and Live. It was a great jam. No mp3 player for the run today.

I got a small reminder that we do, in fact, live in a small world. I do a group exercise class twice a week. Yesterday, I noticed that a woman in the class had a "finisher" shirt from the recent Mercedes Marathon and 1/2 Marathon. I ran the race. I noticed something about a special finisher shirt on the website after the race. I didn't get one. This woman was wearing one. So, I asked her where she got it. She thinks it was in the finish line, but wasn't positive. Well, here's where the world gets small. Today, this woman, Sue, caught up to Judy and I as we were running. She and Judy started talking about the fact that they live in the same neighborhood. And, guess what? Yes, this is the same woman in the group exercise class. Go figure!

Data

Distance:	9 miles
Time:	1:16:56
Heart Rate:	160
Pace:	8:33
Weather:	Cloudy and humid, 62°
Route

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I had a 6:30 am meeting for work, so this was another early (early!) run. Weather was nice, a little dark but a good run. Another Daily Source Code and started a Phedippidations.

Data

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	29:25
Heart Rate:	153
Pace:	9:48
Weather:	Cloudy and humid, 62°

6 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Started off finishing up another of Adam Curry's Daily Source Codes and finished with 3 Doors Down. A good run and I got to watch the sun come up, which you may know I love to do. Although, I have a hard time starting a run in the morning. I prefer coffee and the news. Data: Distance: 6 Miles Time: 59:09 Heart Rate: 154 Pace: 9:51 Weather: Some clouds, 63°

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

A late afternoon run. Listened to Adam Curry's Daily Source Code. He keeps talking about Second Life, an online, interactive game. I signed up and have been able to spend about 2 hours there in the last week. I found his castle after leaving an audio comment that Adam played during his show during which he said how to find as he listed it in the find utility in Second Life for a fee of $30 Linden (currency in Second Life). I can't wait to get more time and figure out how to buy land, build a house, script, ... in Second Life. But, First Life seems to keep getting in the way.

By the way, Adam had said that one can not have their real name in second life, but I was able to have mine. There are few things on the Net where I can use my real name because there are simply way to damn many "Bob Evans" out there.

Anyway, run felt good and it was a beautiful day.

Data

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	28:41
Heart Rate:	156
Pace:	9:34
Weather:	Partly cloudy, 78°

Podcast Update

• Joe Paiva, Enterprise Architect for the U.S. Army, presented A Warriors Guide to Business Architecture. Joe delivered a well reasoned and well delivered presentation. The Army, like many commercial enterprises, is deploying and using a SOA based infrastructure. Joe made some very interesting and correct comments about how SOA not permits, but is there just for the purpose of continuing to get value from existing and well working systems. Great presentation.
• John Smart, President of Acceleration Studies Foundation, talked about How to be a Tech Futurist. If you, like me, sometimes fear for the future, this presentation contains content that will raise your hopes. John touches on many areas in technology and spins a futuristic viewpoint that is optimistic and seems to be informed. I need to listen to this one again as John went fast and the content is rich. Highly recommended.
• Scott Anderson, Director of Enterprise Brand Communications at Hewlett Packard, delivered a superior presentation about Business Blogging, Do It Right. At first, I thought this was going to be a dry speech about blogging and business. But, it was definitely anything but that. Scott was right on target. He especially nailed the importance of authenticity and transparency if you enter the blogosphere. An extremely good presentation.
  

10.5 Mile Run: Brownell - Shades Creek Greenway

I got started later than usual, about 7:15 am instead of 6:30. And, I ran alone. All my running mates were busy doing something else. I left the house with Gu, whaaaaa. I normally do a Gu 1/2 way through this run. But, it didn't seem to affect me much. I started the run listening to the Adam Curry's latest Daily Source Code. He played some cranking tunes in addition to the conversational content. He normally plays some music, but sometimes his choices are a little on the mellow side. Good music, but just not my preference while running. Then, the MP3 player rolled into some April Wine followed by Avril Lavigne. I loved the classic rock start and the upbeat, modern interlude of Avril, with a finish with a few numbers by the Cranberries. A good run. The weather went from cloudy with a list rain to clear skies and back to clouds. And, the wind was a cranking. I sat down next to a fella at the end of the run that gave me loads of unrequested advice because I dared say "Why not" when he told one no beer today. His advice went to stretching, napping, hydrating and avoidance of beer. He meant well, but I am telling you no where did he permit a word in edge wise. The only chin wagging was his. Conversation is best between 2 people especially in such a social setting. Data: Distance: 10.5 Miles Time: 1:40:38 Heart Rate: 161 Pace: 9:35 Weather: Cloudy and clear, 61° Route

Podcast Update

First, let me say that my descriptions for some of these will be weak as my memory has lapsed since I listened simply because of my tight time schedule which has not permitted me to log more timely.

• Bruno Haid, System One, talked about Educating our Machines. During this presentation he talked about social networking and how software and the Net is making it possible. Good presentation.
• Anne Thomas Manes, Burton Group, provided a SOA Reality Check. She reminded us of the importance of emerging standards, their adoption within major frameworks and tools, and the impact that will have on the continued growth of SOA. She also addressed the need for changing the incentives that motivate teams and their leaders if organizations want to fully harvest the benefits SOA will bring. Good presentation.
• Dr. Moira Gunn, Tech Nation, talks with John Barrow, Cosmologist and Mathematician, about his books including "Book of Nothing", "Theories of Everything", and "The Infinite Book...A Short Guide to the Boundless, Timeless, and Endless". John has a great sense of humor and Dr. Gunn and he carried on a spirited conversation that was extremely entertaining and educational. The discussions around when humans first considered things like true mean of infinity was especially interesting. Excellent podcast.

6 Mile Run: Columbia, SC

Another good morning run. I once found a Crown Royal bag (you know the purple cloth bag with a yellow draw string) on this route once. I use that bag to keep my iRiver, portable mic and such together. Today, I found 2 Crown Royal bags. I hope the driver is not on the road! I listened to the Killers and Shinedown. I had started listening while getting ready to run. So, I heard all of the Killers and and 1/2 of Shinedown. This made for a nice mix for run. With Shinedown there for the last half, it felt like completing a negative split. It was, however, just perception. According to the watch, the splits were about even. Data: Distance: 6 Miles Time: 56:32 Heart Rate: Not Measured Pace: 9:21 Weather: Mostly cloudy, 72° Route

3 Mile Run: Columbia, SC

A very pleasant morning and a smooth run. The Garwin stopped working on the way back and I hope it is as simple as the batteries which I haven't changed in a while. I ran to one of my favorite CDs, Audioslave Data: Distance: 3 Miles Time: 28:56 Heart Rate: Not Measured Pace: 9:39 Weather: Clear skies, 63° Route

9.3 Mile Run: Statue-to-Statue Run

I participated in the annual Statue-To-Statue run here in Birmingham. This is a hard, hilly run from the Vulcan statue to the Liberty statue. This was the best managed for this event I have seen. Water stops were well placed and staffed. And, the T-Shirt was made of wicking material instead of cotton. I WAY approve of this break from convention. I thoroughly enjoyed the run.

As to my listening pleasure, I built a playlist that I unfortunately lost track of later and can not report it accurately, so I am not going to try. I did start by listening to a long rant from Adam Curry (show 372) during which he brow beat Madge Weinstein (sort of a stage name) of Yeast Radio, be forewarned that the language and content is for adults, for calling him a bigot. It was very entertaining. I read the comments on curry.com. Man, some of these folks are just plain out there. I was especially entertained by the "Somebody Who Knows Better" entry. I have listened to Adam's show for a long time now. And, frankly, I don't think this person "knows better".

Adam definitely took Madge too seriously. The trigger word that fired this off is "f*gg*t". A horrible word as most trigger words of this nature are. It was in a promo for some rap stuff and not directly aimed at gays per se. But, like any trigger word like this, naturally some gay people are going to notice and take offense. Madge did. Madge has ranted. Adam has ranted. I have to say that if it is all genuine (and I think it is), it offers us all a reminder of how important words are and how important compassion and patience is. Intent does matter and Adam clearly has no harmful intent in this matter. And, Madge your language and style is so extreme that I can not bring myself to listen to you for very long. Be that as it may. If you wish to make a point about accepting and respecting folks that wish to be gay, you might do better if you don't sound so mean, mad, and crude. But, that is just my opinion. If there are tons of folks that like your style, you should give them what the want and you all have fun.

Don't scare off potential friends. And, in my opinion, we should all avoid these trigger words; all of us. F*gg*t simply shouldn't be said by anyone, IMHO.

Data

Distance:	9.3 (15K)
Time:	1:25:55
Heart Rate:	168
Pace:	9:14
Weather:	Clear skies, 62°
Route

6 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Another early morning run and I listened to the Daily Source Code. By the way, I bought some an "e-album" from Jim's Big Ego after hearing Stress during show 368. Man, so cool, no CD, no DRM, right off the credit card into the player. I love it. And, jamming tunes. For today's show, Adam informed the press that they should go read Dianetics before slamming Scientology. I could be wrong, but I got the sense he thought we ought to ease up on Tom Cruise a little bit. It's the birth of Tom's new baby and "silent birth" that has generated a lot of recent interest in Scientology. Adam is right that it is better to criticize after doing some homework. But, Tom sure invites it with some of his public outbursts and silly criticism of things like psychology. And, some things can be criticized on face value. I am thinking of things like basing one's spiritual being on removing contaminants left behind by aliens. OK, I didn't read the book. I watched something on TV, but it sure made it sound that removing these impurities is central to Scientology. Is easy for me to dismiss, but to each his own I guess. A search on Scientology's "official" site retuns "not found" for "alien". Hum, maybe the press found some more sensationalism again. Don't know, I don't have any compelling event to look any deeper. Adam's point that it makes sense to make the birthing experience as pleasant as possible for the new arrival (his point was that this is what was highlighted in the book) is a very good one. I also love the idea that L. Ron bet someone he could right a book and start a religion. He also noted that some Americans are apparently up tight about the term "Metro-Sexual". Not this American. I think it fits and I think it is cool. Oh, felt good running despite the slow pace. Data Distance: 6 Time: 1:00:19 Heart Rate: 151 Pace: 10:03 Weather: Clear skies, 69 degrees

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

An early morning run, and, man, the weather was awesome. I listened to the Daily Source Code. It was interesting to hear Adam talk about Steve Runner , Phedippidations. Adam had offered to sponsor Steve. Steve wore a Podshow t-shirt but declined any sponsorship offer. So, Adam made a donation to MS Walk Sunday per the biddycast. Very cool on both counts. I did notice that Steve finished: CONGRATS STEVE. I so want to run Boston, but I have some minutes to trim (not to mention I haven't run a marathon since 1995 and it is my only one). I've got lots of 1/2 marathons under my belt though. I am running a grueling hill run (15K) this weekend called the Statue-to-Statue here in Birmingham. This makes at least my third time to run it. It is one of my favorites, but it is tough.

Data

Distance: 3
Time: 29:10
Heart Rate: 148
Pace: 9:43
Weather: Partly cloudy, 69 degrees

7.4 Mile Run: Demopolis, AL

We are still at my wife's parents for Easter, so the run is in Demopolis today. I caught up on the Daily Source Codes and Phedippidations. I was targeting 9 miles, but I simply pooped out and walked the last mile or so. I had eaten a regular breakfast as part of our Easter celebration, probably had not had enough fluids, and I am not climatized to the heat yet. It has happened before and it doesn't seem to have an effect that lingers. So, it is what it is. I walked that last bit and ran shorter. I can live with it.

Data
Distance: 7.434
Time: 1:13:36
Heart Rate: Not measured
Pace: 9:54 (wow, it didn't feel this slow)
Weather: Clear skies, 86 degrees
Route (I started walking at Wildwood Circle & Herbert St.)

3 Mile Run: Demopolis, AL

We are at my wife's parents for Easter, so the run is in Demopolis today. I caught up on some of the Daily Source Codes (still 1.5 shows behind). When I passed the marina, I noticed that they were preparing for a "renew our river" activity. The parking lot at the marina had piles of stuff that had apparently come out of the river it was amazing to see how many shopping carths were in there. And, what a reminder that people are such pigs. It just never ceasees to amaze me how callous and uncaring people can be towards the planet (not to mention each other). Anyway, was a good run.

Data

Distance: 3.404
Time: 34:33
Heart Rate: Not measured
Pace: 10:08 (wow, it didn't feel this slow)
Weather: Clear skies, 72 degrees
Route

Podcast Update

• I listened to Ed Amoroso, Chief Security Officer at AT&T, talk about Frontline Security. This was a good podcast with an excellent write up at The Conversations Network (see link just referenced). I found the most interesting idea introduced by Ed to be the notion of moving some of the protections now managed on the edge of our networks closer to the center. In other words, more enforcement at the ISP and less at the firewall.
• David Heinemeier Hansson, Developer for Ruby on Rails, talked about the Secrets Behind Ruby on Rails. After listening to this presentation, I found myself wishing I had more time to investigate Ruby. Many of its goals match those of much of the software development I see. I wonder if Ruby is ready for enterprise scale deployments? I love the basic ideas introduced by David as the core competencies for Ruby. A framework of frameworks that makes development easier to do and learn! Yeppee. Good presentation.
  
• Mark Orttung, VP of Products and Engineering at Rearden Commerce, talked about SOA Build Best Practices. Again, The Conversations Network has an excellent write up. This presentation definitely highlighted what can be possible with SOA and the ubiquity of the web. The idea of being able to schedule appointments with commercial vendors and have my calendar updated all through a single user experience is just too cool. Check it out.
• Tim O'Reilly (CEO of O'Reilly Media, Inc.), Mitchell Baker (president and general manager of the Mozilla project), Jonathan Schwartz (president and COO of Sun Microsystems, Inc.) talked about Can Open Source Stay Open? This fast paced presentation discusses much of the modern landscape within which innovation for software is being created. Most specifically, as the title suggests, they focused on the culture around open source. The discussion includes consideration for some of the issues faced by commercial enterprises as they try to determine how to embrace open source given their history of managing IP as a private and protected domain. The panel correctly notes that the traditional methods include significant overhead for just maintaining centralized control of IP. Highly recommended.
• Ayn Lavagnino (Environmental Manager for Hewlett Packard's Imaging and Printing Group), Jill Kauffman Johnson (Executive Director of the Chemical Strategies Partnership), and Timothy Taylor (President and CEO of Environment Home Center) participated in a panel discussion on Clean Products at Stanford's 2005 Net Impact Conference. This was an interesting presentation that talked about a number of significant actions some organizations are taking to treat our environment more responsibly. Excellent! I was most impressed with Ayn's discussion of how HP has not introduced a lot of reuse of printer based hardware, but simplified the infrastructure from some 2500 to 250 parts.
  

6 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Another early morning run and I listened to the Daily Source Code. Adam is just back from vacation. Today, he played a promo for Phedippidations and offered to sponsor Steve during Steve's upcoming Boston Marathon. What a small world. Comic Strip Blogger provided Adam an audio comment claiming the "Best of Charlie" shows produced by listeners while Adam was on vacation were lame. Well, Comic Strip produce a non-lame one.

Data

Distance: 6
Time: 58:29
Heart Rate: 157
Pace: 9:45
Weather: Clear skies, 58 degrees

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I finished catching up on Phedippidations. Steve is about to run Boston. Thanks Steve for explaining how you got to toe up to the line. Since I know his target is to beat 4 hours in a marathon (not Boston per se, any marathon) and I know the times required to qualify, I was curious. He was invited to run. No matter, getting to run is what matters. I did sign up for the email updates of his progress along the way.

He played an audio comment and commented himself on the use of mp3 players and headphones. I was happy to hear Steve give a more balanced coverage than we typically get. It just gets up my back teeth when someone gets on their "holier than thou" soap box and tries to tell me danger I am introducing to myself and others because I choose to use an mp3 player and headphones. As to the lady described in the story that yelled out during the "Run to Remember", the problem was not the her headphones. It was what was in head, not on her head that led to such rude behavior. As to the audio comment, Michael needs to humble himself a bit and accept that just because he thinks it's important to hear all of the sounds in a race with naked ears, doesn't mean everyone else agrees. I act on my conscience not anyone else's.

Steve! Good Luck at Boston!!!!!!

Data

Distance: 3
Time: 28:36
Heart Rate: 154
Pace: 9:32
Weather: Clear skies, 76 degrees

10.5 Mile Run: Brownell - Shades Creek Greenway

Met my friend, Judy, and we took off for the distance. Since I have never run with Judy alone (normally we there were other folks with us), I didn't turn on the mp3 player. We chatted along the way and it was a great run. She had her yellow lab with her too. Good solid run with no incidents. It was remarkably cool, by the way. It doesn't take long to get spoiled by warm temperatures like we have had lately. So, it was surprising to see 42 degrees on the thermometer before we started. But, we were dressed right, so no big deal.

I forgot the heart rate monitor and watch! So, no data today. I felt naked.

Scary thing happened yesterday while walking! My left ankle (yes, the one I had so much trouble with last year) gave out. I caught my balance and I experienced no pain or swelling. Just a friendly reminder that my left ankle will always be trouble, I guess. My podiatrist had suggested that I always wear a brace. I have only been wearing one when running. I guess his advice is good and I should listen.

Data

Distance: 10.5
Time:
Heart Rate:
Pace:
Weather: Clear skies, 42 degrees
Route: Gmap

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Bad weather is coming! Bad weather is coming!... Well, the daycare is asking us to pick up our son early due to impending bad weather. The local schools are closing early. I guess that even though weather.com doesn't show any increment weather in the area and that the skies look beautiful outside, I better get my run in early. So, I did. Well, there was horrible weather in various parts of the Southeastern US, but not really here. Seems like a lot of over-reaction.

But, it was a warm run with no trouble. I listened to the latest Best of Charlie since Adam Curry is on vacation with his family. Talk about agility. For those of you that don't listen to the show, here's what happened. Adam announced during one of his shows that he was going on vacation and that there would be no shows. A listener sent a message saying what if listeners built some "Best of Charlie" montages. And, walla walla, it happened.

Data

Distance: 3
Time: 29:38
Heart Rate: 157
Pace: 9:52
Weather: Partly cloudy, some wind, 84 degrees

5 Mile Run: Neighborhood

This was a difficult run. Well, only because I felt tired and out of gas. I had planned on doing 6 miles, but dropped 1. I plan to do a 10.5 miler on Sunday, so between feeling tired and not wanting to risk injury, it was a easy mid-run decision. I wonder if yesterday's run with the jogging stroller introduced some DOMS and set up a situation where I simply needed more recovery time if I wanted to feel fresh and fast. Tonight, I ran to Gorillaz, Demon Days. My wife noticed their single "Feel Good Inc". This song is catchy and has a beat good for running. Most of the others songs do not. I need to hear it while not running to form a wider opinion. Music listening while running is rated for its suitability for that context. So, I am not damning the CD in general. I am actually looking forward to listening to it while NOT running. Data: Distance: 5 Miles Time: 50:04 Heart Rate: 152 Pace: 10:01 Weather: Clear skies, 72 degrees

Podcast Update

Susan Greenfield and Ray Kurzweil exchanged different opinions about Biotech: Will it Save Us or Hurt Us? Great podcast and I lean to the "save us" alongside Ray. Susan makes some good points, but I am not going to be convinced with arguments like what I am going to do in an additional 100 years of life that I didn't do in the first 50 years. I am much more concerned about "black hat" concerns like great technology in the hands of those with ill wishes for its use and unanticipated and dire circumstances.

Susan did make note (referencing Freud, I think) that if commercial enterprises could succeed in getting us to associate product ownership with our self image, then we would have a commercial bonanza. Now, given the current state of consumerism, this is a scary thought. Susan is doing a good thing to challenge us to ensure that we use the right technology at the right time for the right reasons. But, I look forward to the continued march of technical achievements.

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

The wife was at the beauty shop and I had our 3 year old. So, into the jogging stroller which I have used in a very long time. He has grown and with the hills it really slows us down. So, that explains our incredible slow time. But, it was fun to chat with him all through the run.

Data

Distance: 3
Time: 32:17
Heart Rate: 149
Pace: 10:45
Weather: Clear skies, 72 degrees

10K Run: Cooper River Bridge Run

I ran my 11th Cooper River Bridge Run in 12 years. The Charleston Post and Courier has a great slide show of the event. I constructed a playlist while waiting for the start and listening to the Adam Curry's Daily Source Code. Here's the list:

The Way You Move	OutKast
Hey Ya!	OutKast
Hey Baby	No Doubt
Running	No Doubt
Crawling	Linkin Park
Breaking the Habit	Linkin Park
From the Inside	Linkin Park
Smooth Criminal	Alien Ant Farm
Hands Up	Black Eyed Peas
Let's Get Retarded	Black Eyed Peas
Hey Mama	Black Eyed Peas
Anxiety	Black Eyed Peas
Pump It	Black Eyed Peas
Girls and Boys	Good Charlotte
H0llaback Girl	Gwen Stefani
Bubble Pop Electric	Gwen Stefani
Are You Gonna Be My Girl	Jet
Cold Hard Bitch	Jet
Harder to Breathe	Maroon 5

The new bridge was cool and I found it easier than running the original. The crowds were thicker than usual, but I started far enough forward to not be impacted much. We were not able to get our usual parking spot for the post race meet up. But, we were close. It was a very good time.

Data

Distance: 10K
Time: 53:42
Heart Rate: 174
Pace: 8:40
Weather: Partly cloudy, 63 degrees

5 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Late afternoon run before we go to see dinner and goto Delirum, a Cirque de Soleil event. I listened to the Daily Source Code by Adam Curry and ended the run jamming to the Gin Blossoms. Data: Distance: 5 Miles Time: 49:11 Heart Rate: 158 Pace: 9:48 Weather: Clear skies, 75 degrees

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

The wife has been ill, so a not so early run as I had to get our son ready for school AND take him to school. Normally, we share these tasks. A good run nonetheless. I listened to the Daily Source Code and The Vines. Which made me think of some irony. I bought The Vines because of an iPod commercial. Yet, I don't own an iPod as it would require me to re-rip or convert music I have ripped already. I don't want to spend any time recapturing music I have already captured. So, I bought the Creative Zen Sleek because it supported MP3 and Microsoft's format. [side thought: I remember purchasing LP's to given them a thorough clean and deionizing to record onto cassette. Good clean sound, little wear and tear, and portability. I already repurchased and re-ripped much music once] It doesn't end there though. I was recently listening to a podcast of Peter Coffee, eWeek based podcasts. He correctly noted that the recording industry just doesn't get it. The more they invest in suing customers and making DRM so onerous that we can't easily get music, we will just do it illegitimately. I don't support stealing music (file sharing copyrighted material) AT ALL. I buy CDs, rip them, put them on my MP3 player and share with no one. Why? Because, I can BUY the music and get it how I want it easily. In fact, I have purchased 1 song from iTunes. I couldn't legitimately convert it to something I could use. The end of iTunes utility for me. I went and bought the CD (yes, for just 1 song). I recently tried to buy a song from other sources that I could put on my player. Every single site I found wanted me to install their "jukebox'. Are you kidding me? I don't want you f**king software. I want the music. I already have more jukeboxes then I know what to do with. Fortunately, I realized I had the CD already. I just hadn't ripped it. Hint to music industry: give us a easy, reasonable, legitimate way to pay for music without sneaking software (sometime insecure software) on to my machine. Don't try to corner me into a single provider for hardware or software. To do otherwise, makes us both consider doing things that really doesn't help either of us. Get a f**king clue. OK, the irony turned into a rant. EXCUSE ME! (Not) Data: Distance: 3 Miles Time: 29:04 Heart Rate: 156 Pace: 9:40 Weather: Mostly sunny, 52 degrees

10.5 Mile Run: Brownell - Shades Creek Greenway

Started off quite cold, but I ended up peeling and draping layers over the belt of my mp3 player's holder. Over all, a beautiful day. I neglected to note that during last week's long run, I had a nose bleed. Seems like something that should go to the log. I started the run by finishing Adam Curry's latest "Charlie"(show 360). And, I must admit after listening I have go to godaddy.com. During the show he referenced the latest Playboy which apparently features the "godaddy" girl whom Adam describes as drop dead gorgeous. Well, I went and there is a girl on the main page, but I'm not blown over. She is attractive, but not enough to even get close to being on "the list". OK, I don't have a list, but if I did... No insult to her intended. Just wondering what is the brouhaha. She must not be the one. Looked a little further and found GoDaddy's TV Commercials (look under Go Daddy Girl). Now, I see what the brouhaha is. Morality still has to stop me, eh? I also listened to the latest Phedippidations. Well, Steve is struggling with some shin pain which may ultimately prevent him from running Boston this year. Dang, I sure hope not. All runners know what it is like to train and plan for such a big event only to have to cancel in the end. It is a HUGE let down. Steve, I wish you the best man! By the way, he mentions going out while in some pain to run 12 or 20 miles depending on the level of the pain. My experience has been that if the source of the pain is not DOMS (delayed onset of muscle soreness), then running through it makes it worse in the end. But, running through some pain works for some runners. I am pretty much a "if it hurts, I don't run". I concluded the run with the The Foo Fighters, There is Nothing Left to Lose, and Jack Johnson, In Between Dreams. I love this Foo Fighters CD, but for some silly reason hadn't ripped it despite the fact that I have owned it for so long. Rectified that problem this week. I bought 2 Jack Johnson CD's after hearing one on them during the cool down period a recent session of the MuscleWorks class I attend at our gym. Great CDs. Data: Distance: 10.5 Miles Time: 1:41:52 Heart Rate: 157 Pace: 9:42 Weather: Most clear skies, 35 degrees to start, 47 degrees at the finish Route: Gmap

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

A short afternoon run to get the mileage in. Once again, I got caught on Adam Curry's Daily Source Code. These more frequent postings of his show have just about murdered all other mp3 listening on my part. Data Distance: 3 Time: 29:04 Heart Rate: 154 Pace: 9:41 Weather: I can't remember as it took me too long to get to log... (I ran on Jan 10th, logged on 12th)

5 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Another early morning run, and it was cold. I had almost forgot about running in the cold. I listened to Adam Curry's Daily Source Code. Data Distance: 5 Time: 49:59 Heart Rate: 152 Pace: 10:00 Weather: Clear skies and 35 degrees.

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Another run just catching up on Adam Curry's Daily Source Code. Sounds like Comic Strip Blogger and Adam are falling out. CSB sounds a little mean so not too surprised. Good run.

Data

Distance: 3
Time: 30:20
Heart Rate: 149
Pace: 10:07
Weather: Cold front coming in. Partly clouding and 46 degrees.

9 Mile Run: Brownell - Shades Creek Greenway

I listened to the latest Phedippidations which was a good show about a race Steve ran in. The race is held in remembrance of police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. The race is called the Boston's Run to Remember Half-Marathon. The show was done very well. For music, I concluded the run with 3 Doors Down's album titled "The Better Life". Great CD! Data: Distance: 9 Miles Time: 1:21:29 Heart Rate: 153 Pace: 9:03 Weather: Cloudy (occasional light showers), 45 degrees Route: Brownell to Brookwood Mall, to Shades Creek Green way, to the end with a 2 mile add on at the end see map.

ifilm Update

OK. Well, since I have been checking out the videos on ifilm, I might as well list some that not only caught my eye, but after watching made me think, disturbed me, and such. Some of these are graphic and potentially disturbing. I note so by each one that is particularly likely to be such. Watch at your discretion and be forewarned.

• Arab-American Psychologist giving ‘em hell: http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2703896 and http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2706375 (note the MEMRI is biased forum thread contains some interesting tidbits to read.)
  
• Checkout this sniper (no blood & guts), just shows him shooting and you can hear his comments and radio chatter. It is amazing how matter of fact it is.
• A message for us from the enemy (the audio may be disturbing so watch and listen at your own risk).
• Palestinian children, clerics, parents talk of the glory of “Shahada” (suicide bombing). It is almost too much to believe.
• Suicide bomber in Baghdad has a bad day (I am warning you it is graphic, but only he got hurt and that real bad).
  

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

A quick (well not for better runners) afternoon run. No CD's on this run, I got caught on Adam Curry's Daily Source Code.

I have been checking out some of the video on www.ifilm.com based on threads on www.curry.com in response to Adam's comments that we should see more coverage like that done in Vietnam in order for us to adapt an informed and likely anti-war position against the Iraq war. Personally, I thought it was a mistake to go to Iraq from the beginning. I think it is terrible that after we discovered that virtually every premise except that Sadam was an asshole proved wrong, we didn't hold the administration to acccount. And, no doubt it is a huge mess now. I did read in interesting forum comment (on www.ifilm.com no less) that it is amazing that an insurgence is being waged against us. That this insurgence continues to grow and yet, no insurgence against Sadam in his day. Hum! Can fight us but not him.... guess that explains why no one in Iraq danced in the street when we reach "Mission Accomplished".

But, the videos on this site all seem to be just as biased as those in the popular media. Truth is elusive from all angles. It is incredibly unfortunate that we humans can not find a better way to settle disputes and manage cultural differences. It absolutely sucks! It just makes me sick to my stomach sometimes to think of the suffering humans inflict on other humans regardless of who or what they are fighting for. It is a sick condition we should cure.

OK, enough ranting. I apologize.

Data

Distance: 3
Time: 29:21
Heart Rate: 150
Pace: 9:40
Weather: Partly clouding, 60 degrees

Podcast Update

• Daniel Steinberg, O'Reilly Media, talked about Advanced Audio Editing Techniques. As noted on the The Conversations Network write-up (contained at the page just linked), this is a very hands-on presentation. I found that without the ability to see what Daniel was doing during the presentation a lot was lost in this presentation. Still, he offers some good advice during the presentation that one can leverage especially in terms of protecting the context and flow of a recording even after editing.
• Christopher Thomas Scott, Stanford Program in Stem Cells and Society, talks with Dr. Moira Gunn about stem cell research and most particularly the alarming news about Dr. Wang's apparently faked research. The description at The Conversations Network didn't match what I heard during the presentation. He talked about how Hwang Woo-suk's research suffered from ethical problems and how some of the findings were fabrications. Very interesting!
  

Podcast Update

• Josh Knauer, Director of Advanced Development at MAYA Design, talked about InfoCommons. This was an information packed podcast that talks about how MAYA's Information Commons is remixing content from a wide variety of sources (read as web sites) to provide new and useful views of data and services. Lots of ambitious projects and innovative use of data. I highly recommend this one.
• Janna Anderson, Director of Internet Projects at Elon University, talked about Imagining the Internet. This was a very interesting presentation that reviewed some of the predictive statements made about the internet in its early days. Janna is a great presenter and this is a very interesting podcast.
  

6 Mile Run: Neighborhood

An early morning run during which I watched the sun come up. I love that, but find it hard to get out that early most of the time.

No CD's on this run, I got caught on Adam Curry's Daily Source Code. France may pass a law that makes it legal for users to convert DRM'd material for use on players that may not support the format purchased with the DRM controlled content. Go France! Additionally, they may set limits on fines for filesharing. Sounds like France is making things more rational then the music industry's scary stories of hundreds of thousands of dollars. I don't support stealing music (e.g., filesharing of copyrighted material). I do support the idea that if I buy a piece of music regardless of medium, that I want to use it for personal use in a large variety of contexts (i.e., running, driving, dancing in my living room, etc.).

Data

Distance: 6
Time: 1:00:57
Heart Rate: 151
Pace: 10:09
Weather: Overcast, 49 degrees

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

A late afternoon run in cool temps. But, the sun is starting to hang around a little longer in the day. Yeppee! I hate running in the dark. I ran to Wilco today. Good CD, but a little mellow for running. I would still buy it, but reserve it for driving. Data: Distance: 3 Miles Time: 29:08 Heart Rate: 151 Pace: 9:43 Weather: Partly cloudy, 52 degrees

Podcast Update

Alex Lindsay, Chief Architect at PixelCorps, talks about The Next Generation of Digital Craftsman. Alex's positions remind of the next book I intend to read, Thomas Friedman's The World is Flat. Alex clearly believes that we should consider lowering our consumption to permit higher consumption for others around the world. I think he is right. Although, I am sure that I too would have to relinquish more then I do to be consistent. But, alas, ultimately it is about ensuring all can eat. It is not just outsourcing. There is a bigger picture. This is a good podcast that we should all listen too. And, then ponder how to be a responsible citizen of the planet. What is PixelCorps doing? Helping transfer knowledge to all parts of the world so they can build models to earn a living with digital technology. It does this using a guild model.

• Ben Lauri, Director of Security for the Apache Foundation, talked about Apache and SSL. It was interesting to hear him respond to Microsoft's assertions that IIS is so much more secure than Apache. Some statistics were thrown at him and he demonstrated how the statistics were questionable. He noted that Apache has always responded to threats within hours, while others take much longer. He also talked about Infocard and its utility for authentication. He seemed impressed and pleased in general. Although, he believes that InfoCard needs a C based module for true interoperability (a very interesting notion). This thought would imply that Java isn't every where we want to go! Great podcast.
• Paul Hitchman, Managing Director of PlayLouder, participated in a conversation as part of The Conversations Network's First Tuesday series. If you, like I, listen to Adam Curry's Daily Source Code and have an interest in the whole DRM, music download, peer-to-peer filesharing and such, then you would love this podcast. Paul has clearly been part of the digitization of music and the music industry's reaction to it. I get the sense that he believes that just suing the pants off of innovative companies ain't working. It ain't a matter of stopping digitalization, but managing it. Great presentation.
• Ray Ozzie, Yusuf Mehdi, and Gary Flake entertain a dinner crowd with a conversation about Microsoft. Tim O'Reilly and John Battelle kept them on their toes and asked probing and challenging questions. They did a good job of defending why some applications are not good targets for funding via ad words. They also demonstrated that Microsoft employs smart people. This was a lively and entertaining podcast. I highly recommend it.`
  

10.5 Mile Run: Brownell - Shades Creek Greenway

Checkout the Gmap of the route! Just discovered this cool feature via a link at our local running club site. What a beautiful day! I started the run with Phedippidations. Well, Steve put another zinger in for Tom Cruise (something about the aliens in Tom's head). Made me chuckle. I started daydreaming about a celebrity death match (think MTV) between Tom Cruise and Steve Runner. One would have to find a role in there for Brooke Shields knowing she would love to get a jab in on Cruise. On the only slightly more serious side, I think Steve said something about a podcast that is frequently on his playlist when he goes out for a run. Whoooooooooooooooa! Steve, in the show about safety you implied we shouldn't listen to mp3's while we run. Are you violating this dictum? I concluded the run with the Black Eyed Peas, Bridging the Gap. It is a good CD but it isn't up there with Elephunk and Monkey Business for motivating the feet to move during the run. It is much more of a driving or listening CD. Good stuff, but not for running. I enjoyed anyway. What the heck, I could have changed the selection, but didn't. Data: Distance: 10.5 Miles Time: 1:42:03 Heart Rate: 160 Pace: 9:43 Weather: Partly cloudy, 66 degrees

Podcast Update

• Anne Thomas Manes talked about Web Services and Open Source. As she normally does, she did an excellent job of quickly, accurately, and thoroughly covering the topic. However, the presentation is from August 2003 and if you follow web services and open source, you can tell the material is dated. However, many of the issues the viral influence of the GPL and corporate embracing of open source are still current. Good presentation.
• Bran Ferren, CCO (Chief Creative Officer - cool title), Applied Minds, Inc., delivered a presentation titled Web2.0 High Order Bit. He built the case that really good devices are frequently specifically designed for their targeted use. And, that the notion that a general purpose device withy general input devices like the mouse dramatically limit the usability of the computer for many of its current uses. He is right! Try to draw a picture with a mouse. Or, how many of use have drawn something on paper to scan it in. I know I have done it. Great presentation.
• Daniel Golding and Trent Henry, Senior Analysts at the Burton Group, delivered a presentation on Security and Network Perspectives on Spam. This was a great informative presentation about what is happening to prevent spam and its influence on business and our mailboxes. They mentioned the Sender Policy Framework, an open source project for adding some safety by registering email producers and setting up some sort of reputation service accordingly. This presentation will be of interest to anyone listening to the Daily Source Code and gaining interest in this issue as a result. Adam Curry has started a thread in his podcast on this email issue and the economy developing around it. Great presentation.
• Danny O'Brien, Activism Coordinator for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, delivers a geekish funny keynote On Evil. If you closely follow open source (and I do mean closely), this is a very funny presentation. If you sort of follow it, then you won't get many of the punch lines. The presentation was right on target for its venue, O'Reillys 2005 Open Source Convention. For the general techie that I know, I suspect you will have more questions about the material behind the jokes. No slight to Danny. I believe he did a great job and for this venue, this was a great presentation. I enjoyed and missed many of the punch lines. :(
• Dr. Moira Gunn talks to Scott Ritter, a former UN Weapons Inspector in Iraq. This was a very interesting presentation. What I found most interesting was Scott's assertions that the Bush administration was not really interested in the "real" findings of the weapon search given is bend toward regime change. I think he also validates that Saddam didn't help but not disclosing information in a manner that easily garnered trust from anyone.
• Dr. Moira Gunn talks with Tiffany Schlain, founder of the Webby Awards. This conversation included reminescing about what the web was like several years ago and how that contrasts with today. Tiffany has clearly been intimately in line with the journey and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to her perspectives. It was also interesting to her defend why Al Gore recently received an award for his real contributions to the Internet. Apparently, he didn't fully deserve the ribbing he got.
• Jamais Cascio, WorldChanging, talked about Personal Memory Assistants. This is the best presentation I have listened to in some time. Jamais talks about how technology is creating a situation where we can basically have TIVO for our live not just our TV's. He alludes to Orwell's 1984, but points out that what is happening is that little brother and little sister are the ones really watching each other. He notes several happenings in recent times that demonstrate attempted misuse of video recordings that were debunked by the milieu of other recordings of the same event. He builds on this theme to build the case that the time may becoming when dishonesty will be difficult. What if your finance and google your "real" history! Great job Jamais.
• Joichi Ito talks about The Future of Blogging. This interesting presentation talks about how the edges of mainstream are taking on more and more importance. Further, he notes that people no longer want the information sources to come from centralized giants. They want to participate and view the information of other participants. I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation.
• Larry Magid, Larry's World, talks with Saul Klein, VP Marketing at Skype, about (OK, you can guess) Skype. It was nice to listen to a Skype insider talk about its emergence and future. Very interesting.
• Leslie Lamb, Risk Manager at Cisco Systems, talks about Managing Risk in an Uncertain World. It was an interesting presentation, but mostly if you are a risk manager. She definitely knows her stuff. She stepped to deliver the presentation as the original speaker, from Cisco as well, was doing volunteer work to help Katrina recovery. Cisco is a great company and this presentation demonstrated why in more then one way.
• 
  

3 Mile Run: Columbia, SC

Well, my travel home got interrupted by mother nature and flight alterations. So, I am stuck in Columbia instead of on my way home. I am staying in a hotel near the airport. I ran along the frontage road. Uneventful run and it helped ease the travel stress. I miss the family and can't wait to get home. I leave at 6:55 am. I jammed to The Wired CD.

Data:

Distance: 3 Miles
Time: 27:11
Heart Rate: Not measured
Pace: 9:04
Weather: Cloudy, 65 degrees

5 Mile Run: Columbia, SC

I didn't get into Columbia until after 11:00 pm and the hotel until near midnight. So, I slept as long as possible knowing that I had to be ready to dial into a meeting at 8:00 am. I started the meeting in sweaty running clothes. I jammed to Puddle of Mudd which is one of my favorite CD. Data: Distance: 5 Miles Time: 47:21 Heart Rate: Not measured Pace: 9:28 Weather: Clear skies, 51 degrees

3 Mile Run: Treadmill in Ramsey, NJ

So, send a southern boy to the northeast, park him next to a very busy highway with no alternative, but run at least 1/4 of mile on it, and watch him run for shelter! Yep, I went for the threadmill instead of those conditions in 34 degrees and dark external conditions. But, I did crank up the pace and enjoyed jamming to the The Cars. Data: Distance: 3 Miles Time: 25:34 Heart Rate: Not measured Pace: 8:31 Weather: Indoors

Podcast Update

You must be thinking "man, did this guy quit listening to anything except Adam Curry's Daily Source Code and Phedippidations?" Well, you wouldn't be far from the truth. I have listened to the following podcasts over that last weeks, but only a little at a time. For some, I simply can't say much about them as too much time has passed an my brain has grown fuzzy.

• Josh Bancroft talks about Podcasting from Mobile Devices. This was a good presentation especially if you are new to podcasting. Josh clearly knows his stuff.
• Omid Kordestani, Google, participated in a conversation where many topics were covered. While I don't remember all of the details, I know this was a good podcast. I do remember the Google 80/20 work week. Each employee gets 1 day a week to do what ever they want! Man, could I did that.
  
• The Prospects for AI panel discussion with
  • Neil Jacobstein
  • Patrick Lincoln
  • Peter Norvig
  • Bruno Olshausen
  
  I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this panel. They discussed how AI can help humans behave intelligently and how we need to keep studying the brain to gain insight into how it works. And much more. Highly recommended.
• SDForum's SearchSIG was another worthwhile panel presentation. The panelists were:
  
  
  • Doug Kaye, IT Conversations
  • Evan Williams, ODEO
  • David Marks, Loomia
  • Eric Rice, Audioblog
  
  
  My favorite line from one of these guys was something like, "it's not the search, but the find that matters."
  


• I have started subscribing to eWeek's podcasts. I have totally made up my mind about their utility yet. I like that they are brief. I do remember hearing about Microsoft's Sparkle (something like Flash) which I haven't dug into yet.
• Trent Henry talks about Enterprise Security Architecture. Man, it has been awhile. I am confident this is a good presentation, but my memory is just too faded to say much. I may have to listen again.
  

Rant - To Divide is Not Divine

The more I think about all of the seemingly senseless violence in the world these days, I keep thinking about how we humans seem to have the tendency to divide people into different groups. The type of division I am thinking about isn’t that which classifies people in ways that is edifying or trivial (e.g., bike riders vs runners). It is more in line with saints vs. sinners, Muslims vs. Christians, straights vs. gays, etc. I guess the divisions I am thinking are those driven by ideology, religion, politics and the like. The ones that are concerning me the most in this case are religion and ideology.

It seems to me that we should be able to more easily weed through the hateful and wrong religions and ideologies. By the way, I think there are many of them, but the level of hate and “wrongness” does vary in degrees for some of these. The first idea that came to me in this regard was prompted by some ideas I learned reading Brian Greene’s books about physics. I was particularly struck by his description of experiments that demonstrated that if one sends individual particles through slots on a plane you get the same effects as when you send many particles at one time. He compared this to the effect one sees when you see flowing water through a series of even spaced and sized slots on a plane. The water forms waves and the waves from each slot interact with each other. Sometimes the waves cancel each other out and you see waves intermixed with smooth parts. OK, remember I am not a physicist. Thus, I may not say this quite right, but I think I’m in the ballpark. The interpretation in the particle case is that the particles which were released 1 at a time could not have interacted with each other like the water did. Thus, any given particle once released individually has at any given moment infinite potential movements within the same kind of space as that which would appear if many particles were released through the slots at the same time.

You must be thinking, “where is he going with this?” Here: what if the Divine behaves in ways that is consistent with the same principles governing the phenomenon we observe. For example, what if any given human released into the world has infinite potential movements in Divine space. Thus, it is invalid to classify Muslim or Christian as religions as more or less divine then the other. The seemingly deterministic, legalistic, “extreme” points of view that say if you dogma isn’t exactly like mine then you are damned or you are fodder for extermination and abuse are WRONG.

So, the critical question becomes what defines Divine space. I suggest that we can judge Divine by its objectives. When these objectives are seemingly focused on killing people of label X, it is not divine. When these objectives are to abuse people who don't believe like you, it is not divine. When these objectives are focused on convincing yourself or others that others are damned because they don't think like you, it is not divine. It seems to me that right now there are a lot of groups that are not focused on making anything better as much as they are focused on simply making them worse for someone else. That is not divine. No one is perfect, but we should all strive for the divine.

By the way, I put the NATO-Caliphates war I referenced in an earlier blog entry in this non-divine category. Identifying 2 sides from which one can choose to join to fight is not the answer to our woes. It is not divine. It does not even exist. There is strife. There is hatred. There are horrible things happening that result in the deaths of those who don't deserve it. Failing to accommodate the times and seeking the divine will only make it worse. Let's stop dividing into Jew, Muslim, Christian, ... for non-divine purposes. He hurts us all and helps no one.

9 Mile Run: Brownell - Shades Creek Greenway

Adam Curry's Daily Source Code was especially long today. So, that took up a good portion of the run even though I had started it yesterday. He had really gone off on the appearance of his opponents in his recent law suit and this one included an ex-employee of the EFF. Adam believes they should take a larger interest in cases like the one he just fought. He got an audio comment that basically said all of Adam's concern with his own appearance and remarks about his shabby opponents' appearance were of little value as appearance meant little to the judge. Adam, of course, disagreed. Adam is certainly right that everyone is influenced by appearances. But, I think Adam may give it too much credence.

The recent conversations about the efforts one must go through to get white-listed by large ISP's is quite interesting. Basically, if you send an email to a lot of folks and likely other observable characteristics, AOL, MSN, and others put you on their blacklist under the guise of protecting their users from spam. For an opening price of a mere $80,000 you can get them to list you in their white-list and your emails will go through. I would have to agree with Adam's sentiments. This is highway robbery.

Also, listened to the latest Phedippidations. Another good show. Steve went off on Tom Cruise a little. I mentioned it when I voted for Phedippidations on Podcast Alley. Steve emailed me. I hope I didn't help create any real guilt for him. Tom Cruise deserves grief for his silly statements about psychiatry and depression. And, I have to admit that when you cut to the core, I agree with Steve's perspective on Tom. Tom should stick to acting.

Data

Distance: 9
Time: 1:21:41
Heart Rate: 154
Pace: 9:04
Weather: Clear skies and about 45.

6 Mile Run: Neighborhood

This was a slow run in the dark on a warm night. This was a busy day and I was not able to hit the pavement until after 6:00. I hate running my neighborhood route at night as it includes 4 miles on gravel with no lights. But, I have alwasy survived. I felt tired early in the run. Thus, this was a "mental run". A mental run for me means I ran because my mind said so. My body said no. This was not due to any true pain hinting at injury or anything. Just the result of a hard day and general tiredness. I have always found the results are better for me if I run. Not running just makes it worse. I listened to Adam Curry and his wife discuss his suit with the gossip rag on the latest Daily Source Code. While I agree with Adam's position 100%. I thought he went over the top discussing how people looked. He hopes the judge sends a clear statement that violating Creative Common licenses is not acceptable. Me too! I did get some music time on the run. I listened to Nickelback's "The Long Road". I hadn't listened to them in quite a while. Man these guys rock! Data: Distance: 6 Miles Time: 1:01:54 Heart Rate: 155 Pace: 10:18 Weather: Clear and 66 degrees