Last Supper (err.. Breakfast)

We've come to the end of the Java Posse Roundup 2008. I believe we can claim that it was a smashing success. This morning the last remaining stragglers have gathered for a last meal before we embark on our respective journeys home.

Thanks everyone for coming - and for those of you that couldn't make it, you have some pretty darn good discussions to listen to on the podcast over the next year. The great advantage to attending this conference is the chance to participate and have your voice heard - by a *lot* of people. There's no substitute for being here - but we hope the recordings do the live experience as much justice as they can.

- Joe

(sent from my bio-diesel powered internet tuba, of course)

Open Space Conferences

I'm sitting in a session at the Java Posse Roundup 2008, and it really strikes me how great an open space conference can be. If you're not familiar, it can be summarized as a conference composed entirely of interesting conversations that would normally happen between sessions or over coffee at a regular lecture-style conference. Those are the valuable moments from any conference, and open space conferences are *only* that.

In this session, folks are discussing the future evolution of the Java language. I am sitting here typing this. Technically, I should get up and exercise the "law of two feet" and go find another session - but I'm taking a special pass in the name of journalism. People are encouraged to walk out of the room if a particular discussion is not peaking your interest.

If you have never been to an open space conference, put it on your todo list.

- Joe

(sent from my bio-diesel powered internet tuba, of course)

Android discussion

We're here at Bruce Eckel's house in Crested Butte, CO - and having an interesting disussion about Android. Quite an impressive mobile app platform, I must say. It will be interesting to see what the folks from my old stomping grounds come up with (Apple).

- Joe

(sent from my bio-diesel powered internet tuba, of course)

6am flight

There's something wrong about seeing the moon over the nose of the plane you are about to board... before sunrise.

- Joe

(sent from my bio-diesel powered internet tuba, of course)

Laguna Seca sound restrictions

The sound limit at Laguna Seca raceway is 92dB. This is incredibly quiet for a race car. The sound check booth is on the right side of the track on the exit of turn 5. Many folks do something simple to their exhaust like this: A piece of metal macaroni that redirects the sound away from the booth. This is my Lotus tailpipe the night before my track day.

UPDATE: The macaroni worked well while it was attached. When it came loose, which happened 3 times, the car was over the sound limit. The net result is that my day ended early with 3 strikes for sound violations. Boo hoo. I need to get something that bolts on.