Monthly Archives: May 2006

The End of JavaOne

There were some interesting talks towards the end of the conference that definitely increased the value of going. The bummer of it all is that I now have to give a talk to the group about my experiences at JavaOne. Just high level stuff though so that’s not so bad.

On the Thursday night the conference holds an “After Dark” party from 7-10. Picture this: An airplane hangar full of geeks and social inepts. About 5000 maladjusted peoples. So, what do you think these people (I guess I would have to include myself) do? Simply put: they need to be entertained. For without a computer it is hard for them to entertain themselves. How/what was the entertainment you ask? Well, it broke down like this: Continue reading

JavaOne: Day 3

So, the sessions are starting to overlap with content. I guess there really isn’t much to talk about Java. It seems there’s only AJAX, SOA and all these other “Web 2.0” technologies and that’s it. The talks are only 1hr so you never get any decent detail. You’d be better off just searching the web for the info.

Thus, the value is not the sessions. It’s the people you meet between the sessions and after hours at the meet and greets that are scattered around the area at the local pubs and hotels. It has been fun meeting people from around the world who have similar occupations. It provides me with an understanding of how I ‘rank’ with my work skills against the rest of the market.

Tonight is the after-dark bash that JavaOne hosts. It sounds like it’ll be a good time. Still have a few sessions to go before then. The categories sound promising but we’ll see how they go. I’ve learnt that it’s not insulting the speaker to get up and leave if the content simply doesn’t appeal. Unfortunately, because of the ‘pre-registration’ and the sheer numbers of attendees, it’s no longer plausible to jump from one presentation to another as was do-able in previous years. So if you bum out of one session, you’re stuck walking the pavilion or trying to beat my 1942 high score (242630).

Oh, something funny happened last night.  We were sitting in the bar when the Oilers finished off the San Jose Sharks – considered a local team by the San Franciscans.  As the game ended I kind of let out a big cheer, then immediately thinking that I would be promptly assaulted verbally by the heartbroken fans.  Instead, I was heartily congratulated – very unAmerican indeed.  Yet another reason why I love this town – I don’t think they’re really Americans here at all….except for the street bums…definitely Americans.

JavaOne – One is the loneliest number

Hi from San Francisco!   I used to think that this was one of the coolest things to say:  ‘Hi Mom, I’m in SF and the party is grooving and everyone’s losing control!’ 

Well, as much as I love Peter Sellers, he pales in comparison to my family.  And as much as I love this state and this city, I’m out of my mind missing my wife and my beautiful baby daughter.  It’s killing me.  I’m out of my mind.

I used to enjoy these trips around the world – what joy to see new and exciting things.  So fun to be in England chumming with colleagues.  So unique to be in Singapore 3000 miles from home.  Who wouldn’t love to be in Spain on the golf course?  Such a dream to experience so many adventures.  

Don’t get me wrong:  JavaOne has been a positive experience for me.  It was a milestone for me to set the high-score on the Pac-Man machine (161020):  There was an alcove of old arcade boxes that I couldn’t resist – thanks to my home MAME machine I have become a god amongst geeks:   over 55000 attendees and not one of them can top my high score.

I’ve enjoyed the conference so far, don’t get me wrong.  It’s been unusual and unforgettable.  Frankly though, I don’t see any value in telling you about the topics being presented here.  Really, it’s very uninspiring.  I’ll throw keywords like AJAX, JEE, JSF, etc. but it really doesn’t matter.  I’d rather prefer an O.G. sitting in my lap itching for a retelling of “Green Eggs and Ham”.

To leave you with a taste of optimism, I was able to head to Oakland to catch a ball game.  The A’s had Blanton on the mound and they won 12-6: thanks to Swisher and Melhuse.  Plus, I was able to get a nice souvenir for l’il O.G.  — I won’t say what it is because I want to surprise Sonia when I get home.  I am desparately waiting for that moment to arrive.

O weekend, please come soon.  I am desparate to see my girls. 

Roach

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