March 2008 – Survivor to Software

Because Government is so Great?

I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom.

–Bob Dylan

The National Post has this article which talks the Wal-Mart’s actions during the Hurricane Katrina response. Having grown up in Northwest Arkansas, I have an innate bias towards Wal-Mart (I am sure that my tenancy towards Libertarianism doesn’t have anything to do with it either.) It is was nice to see them get some, much deserved, good press.
Here is a quote by Lee Scott, CEO of Wal-Mart. The quote comes from the memo that Lee Scott sent out to all the regional and store managers regarding the Katrina tragedy:

A lot of you are going to have to make decisions above your level,” was Scott’s message to his people. “Make the best decision that you can with the information that’s available to you at the time, and above all, do the right thing.

The article reminded of one of my favorite episodes of Penn & Teller: Bullshit!

If this had been a REAL post

This has been posted with Deepest Sender. Another Firefox add-on that I am testing. Basically it creates a sidebar for posting to Livejournal/WordPress/Blogger. It seems to work OK, but I really wish it didn’t re-login every time I closed/opened the sidebar. It includes a full mini-GUI for editing/adding posts that is reachable via shortcut key (Ctrl+\).

The Time You Enjoy Waisting

Everything is funny as long as it is happening to Somebody Else.

–Will Rogers

Identity Management Methodology — Joel on Software’s article on Identity Management. Talks about developing vision and motivating employees.
How to Hire Software Developers — Another gem by Joel. Covers pay, benefits, and environmental obstacles to hiring and retaining quality employees.

Then Can It Ever Be Justified?

The “end” is the vision for which we change things. The “means” are the catalyst by which things change us.

Shipping Up to Boston

Shawn came to town this weekend to see the Dropkick Murphys concert. Dropkick Murphys are a Irish punk rock band out of Massachusetts; so think heavy metal drinking songs. These smaller concerts are always more fun because you get to be directly involved with the band. Half the people at the concerts seemed to get invited on stage at one point or another. It was also the first concert I have been to in a couple years… although Heather and I have one next month.