[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/xcoder/ Seattle Xcoders]

I have other affiliations but Xcoders is one that I encourage you to check out. Xcoders is a group of Macintosh programmers that meets twice a month. We are trying to stay focussed on Cocoa but branch out to other programming environments/languages too. If only I had a group like this ten years ago… and events like Mindcamp too. Ah, the power of the net.

I also contribute to the Mac topics of the SeattleWireless.net wiki.  http://www.seattlewireless.net/MacOS

I have recently mod’ed OS X to support my legacy Canon G1’s raw format. I shoot with a newer beast these days but have quite a few pics from the “old glass”.

I enjoy spelunking through Cocoa, Interface Builder, Python, OS X technologies such as Quartz and Dashboard.

‘’‘MindCamp 2.0 Synopsis’‘’ (out of order, incomplete):

It was another great Mindcamp. The organizers did a great job. It was especially difficult to find a space for this event, so the organizers should be congratulated at even getting one in time for the event.

Day 1:
* Swap meet and Free stuff tables have a few gems. I think I missed the rush. Scott Bradner, backs up the truck. Purchased the analog EQ from Jack.
* Social Networks on Mobile devices by Jack William Bell. Carrier is the problem. Location services costly, microsoft shows prototype group conferences on phone sim.
* Amal Graafstra discusses RFID. I had some questions about serial numbering. His book looks like a good buy. RFID tags still cost about $2.50.
* Toby Nixon had some reasonable things to say about vote counting methods. Missed some of it.
* Dinner was excellent, as good as MindCamp 1.0.
* Attended HB Siegel’s Paperless household.. good reccomendations.. duplex Fujistu snapscan, scans both sides of the page to PDF images.
* I hosted The Iron Wiki at 9pm in Thalmus.

Day 2:
* Marc Baldwin joined us for breakfast, he impressed me and and left me hopeful that Christine Gregoire will make some good decisions. He discussed biotech, alt. energy, VOIP, wifi, etc.
* And breakfast was great, custom made omelletes, etc.

‘’‘MindCamp 1.0 Synopsis’‘’ (out of order):

MindCamp 1.0 was a seminal event, part conference, part social gathering, a dusting of geekyness, BYOEV (Electric Vehicle).

Day 1:

Arrived in time for a great Larry’s box lunch

Conversed about heads up displays and got to try one out.

Saw people clowning around with a makeshift air canon. In a separate corner, a robot lifted folding chairs.

Discovered Rob Flickenger’s elaborate wireless network that spanned several protocols and worked well enough for me to load wikipedia.

Listened in on the LiftPort presentation. They’re going to be in space in a handful of years.

Studied Scott Bradner‘s Sony Jumbotron segments. Danger, high voltage.

Participated in an interesting group therapy/anthropology/sustainable living talk with Dan Barr.

Saw Jeff Barr (no relation of Dan) release Amazon.com’s Mechanical Turk. Offered that it might be used for airport security, examining luggage.

Discussed the future of podcasting with luminaries of the medium.

Learned about Squeak and SmallTalk from [http://slate.tunes.org/ Brian Rice], the man knows his languages. Successfully persuaded him to attend Xcoders.

Great catered dinner… high five to the organizers!

Played a group game called Werewolf for many hours. It really exposes my inability to lie. This definitely took the conference edge off of this event.

3am, David Geller offers to teach me how to ride a Segway. I can’t wait until these are $300.

Slept in my own empty office surrounded on all sides by floor to ceiling white boards, white drop ceiling. Very THX 1138.

Day 2:

Missed most morning events.

Snacked and listened in on [http://www.seattlewireless.net/ Matt Westervelt]‘s discussion of why internet is a utility like water or electricity.

Discovered [http://www.commutercars.com/ Rick Woodbury] and his amazing Tango electric car. We’ve been emailing ideas since. http://www.commutercars.com

Met [http://www.makezine.com/ Phil Torrone] in the parking lot.. still need to make good on hanging out.