Biggs' Zone

A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

Category: General Cogitation Page 24 of 40

Soapbox: Dropping the Ballmer

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On August 23, 2013

In Microsoft, Soapbox, Technology

Steve BallmerI heard today that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has announced that he will retire sometime within the next 12 months.

Finally some good news for Microsoft!

Ballmer, in my opinion, has been less than stellar (and that’s me being kind). He hasn’t had a clue since the first time he came running and screaming out on the stage. He definitely knew how to wake a crowd up … and then put them all back to sleep. I think once he retires the only direction Microsoft can go is up. He doesn’t have too many accolades to be proud of since becoming CEO.

Windows Phone – FAIL.

Windows Surface – FAIL

Windows 8 – FAIL

XBox One – Almost a FAIL, but there’s still time.

Windows 7, and all the Visual Studio developer tools, are really the only noteworthy products that has come out of Microsoft’s doors in years (aside from the XBox 360, but I’m speaking specifically computers but the 360 is also a really great product!).

I really am pulling for Microsoft that the next guy to step up to the helm not only has a clue on how to market a product but really knows what the users actually want. Microsoft should no longer be trying to dictate to the user, they should be responding more on what they user wants and try to anticipate based on industry trends. I know, I make it sound so easy, so why shouldn’t I just do it. Yea, no thanks! Crazy, not stupid (though Ballmer was a bit of both – maybe a bit heavy on the “crazy”).

/endsoapbox

New Respect for Ashton

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On August 15, 2013

In General Cogitation, Movies

[embedplusvideo height=”388″ width=”640″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1a7QYb2″ standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/zuBSRC1zpHw?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=zuBSRC1zpHw&width=640&height=388&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep4098″ /]

Whether you’re a fan of Ashton Kutcher or not, the advice he gives in this video is almost as important as the audience whom he is addressing. He won a Teen Choice Award and, as you can tell from the video, he has thousands of screaming fans. You know there are teens hanging on his every word and when you have a captive audience who is easily influenced by celebrity behavior, I’m glad he took the opportunity to provide sound, practical advice instead of trying to influence teens with some hippy, celebrity political nonsense.

I think what I love most about his speech is the passion in which he delivers some of the key points. The notion that opportunities don’t always just fall in your lap, they are acquired through lots of hard work is something that I think is lost in younger generations. You learn to appreciate the things you have when you work hard to obtain them. I love his attitude toward his success as an actor and that he had to do all the shit jobs before he got his big break.

I wasn’t all that motivated to see his latest movie where he portrays Steve Jobs. I had a hard time imagining “Kelso” as one of the biggest innovators of the modern era. I even joked that Kutcher as Jobs seemed about as plausible as American Pie’s “Steve Stifler” as Bill Gates. However, after watching this video, our Kelso has grown up. He even admits that one of the points he makes in his speech was something he just learned after playing the role of Steve Jobs. It’s rare to see a rising star appear humble in front of thousands of screaming, doting girls.

It’s that humility, and his great advice, that has given me new respect for Ashton Kutcher. Now I do feel motivated to go see his new movie.

Lighting the Night 2013

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On August 9, 2013

In General Cogitation

light_the_night_logoI want to start off by expressing that I work for a wonderful company. Every year my company participates in a charity event called Light the Night. Its a 2 mile walk that raises money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society which conducts research for treatments and cures of blood diseases and cancers.

As some of you may know, I recently lost my wonderful sister-in-law to her battle with a rare form of lymphoma. Therefore, not only will I be walking in her memory, but my company’s team has also asked to walk in her memory. It is a great and touching honor that Cardinal Solutions would make such an offer.

The sad and unfortunate passing of Natalie has given me new vigor to raise money for lymphoma research and as such I hope that you will make a donation to our team. On the right hand side of the page you will see a widget that shows my fundraising progress. If you click on the Donate Now button it will take you to my fundraising page where you can make a donation. Any amount can help make a difference in the lives of those battling leukemia and lymphoma.

The walk in Cincinnati is scheduled for October 10th. I’m looking forward to meeting up with all the other folks who are supporters, survivors and those, like me, walking in memory of having lost someone. It is merely a 2 mile walk, so while it won’t be physically arduous, it has the potential to be emotional.

I hope you will be willing to make a donation and if you have any questions, please visit the Light the Night website.

So I Saw A Chiropractor

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On August 6, 2013

In General Cogitation

My back has been bothering me for a while now. It usually happened when I’ve been moving around a lot for instance after having completed my exercises and I start doing some housework. I would start to feel a sharp pinch in the middle of my back. I had never seen a Chiropractor before and I know there are some folks that don’t really buy into professional as medicinal. Considering how much my back was bothering me, I decided to keep an open mind.

I set up an appointment with a chiropractor just up the street per a suggestion by a co-worker. I wasn’t sure what to expect but after two visits my back is already feeling amazing. I had a muscle that was so tense it had pulled one of my vertebrae out of alignment with my spine. The doctor that I visited explained to me what was happening, what he would do to fix it and what kind of exercises I can do to help keep that muscle from tensing up again.

I have to say, based on how I’m feeling I don’t think there is any doubt as to the legitimacy of a chiropractor’s medical ability to diagnose and fix back issues.

If you live in the Cincinnati area and want to know the chiropractor I used, his name is Dr. Allan Byrne and he is located on the corner of Salem and Sutton in Anderson/Mt Washington.

Gone Before Her Time

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On July 25, 2013

In General Cogitation

Natalie Ungari 1978 - 2013

Natalie Ungari
1978 – 2013

Earlier this week my family and I had to lay to rest our sister-in-law, Natalie. She was 35 years old, married to my wife’s brother and they had two extraordinary daughters (ages 1 and 3). I cannot find the words to express the sorrow and grief all of us are feeling and I can’t even begin to comprehend what my brother-in-law is experiencing. All my prayers go out to him.

Nat always took such good care of herself. I always thought I got up early, but it never failed that before I even had my first cup of coffee she came walking in the door after completing an early morning run. I wish I had that kind of dexterity! I know that was the kind of lifestyle she was encouraging with her daughters as she only allowed treats on rare or special occasions, much to the chagrin of the grandparents 🙂

Nat was diagnosed with a very rare form of lymphoma (called Subcutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma). She’s had it for as long as I’ve known her but it was in remission until about a year ago (just before their second daughter was born). They tried several treatments but ultimately decided to do a bone marrow transplant and during the chemo treatments, to prepare for the transplant, she was taken into the ICU when the doctor’s found fungal pneumonia. She fought it gallantly but ultimately passed away from complications associated with the pneumonia.

When I was reading the beautiful obituary there was a section near the end where a foundation was mentioned called the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD – http://www.rarediseases.org/). This organization was formed to research “orphan” diseases to identify, treat and cure rare diseases. Donations in Natalie’s name can be made to NORD.

Just as these organizations are dedicated to finding treatments and cures, the family and friends of Natalie are dedicated to passing on to her daughters just how extraordinary and tremendous of a person she was. We will see to it that her influence on us will pass vicariously to her children.

We love you, Natalie!!
Rest in Peace.

For the Love of Movies

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On July 8, 2013

In General Cogitation, Movies

film_reelI’m among a fairly large group of folks that really enjoy movies. Though, I’m not talking about just watching a movie for its entertainment value, I really get into the movie making process. When I watch a movie, I’m watching it for the plot, the script, the score, sometimes even the cinematography. In some films I even try to image how they accomplished some special effects. I’m the guy that actually watches the special features on all the blu-ray or DVD discs, especially if there are behind-the-scenes and/or “the making of …” featurettes.

When I was in college I actually tried to apply for internships with Lucasfilm. I was pretty adamant about it; I would resubmit my resume for even the slightest change. I knew I didn’t have a hope in hell but my chances were better than if I hadn’t submitted at all. Obviously I was never contacted, but that’s OK.

It might seem a little childish and/or a silly pipe dream, but I still wonder what it would be like to work on a movie. I often wonder what it’s like to be there when the magic happens. I know its not a glamorous career regardless of what your role is in the process. I know there are a lot more happening with green screens and computerized special effects these days but, being in the computer industry myself, I would still find that extremely fascinating. I’m not an actor by any means, so that is definitely not something I would be any good at; however I did have a professor in college tell me that I might have a knack for directing.

I’m reluctant to say it would be a dream job because would I still consider it a dream after working in the industry for a few years. Be that as it may, I will continue to live vicariously through the performances of some of my favorite actors, blu-ray special features and HBO behind-the-scenes. Is that show Movie Magic still on? I use to watch that all the time in my teenage years!

/cheers

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