Phone on Crack

I just finished watching this iPhone guided tour and I have to say: holy mother of God that is beautiful. The welling of technolust may be too strong. I need a paper bag.

Recently, I had a golden opportunity on a Sunday morning to acquire a Wii, but lying in bed I realized that it would likely lie fallow, underutilized and cold. So I stifled my inner child, congratulated myself on frugality well-done and thought of it no more. I’ve also been plagued by an on-again/off-again urge to pick up a new iMac, since the family computer is on dialysis and may not last the hot summer. But rumors say an update is due, Leopard drops this fall, and I just feel that I should wait it out. Just a little while longer.

Truly, there is a guideline – I buy only what I need, and failing that, only what I really, really want. And for the latter, multiple tests are constructed to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the desire is well-founded, true and everlasting. Nothing less is accepted. Except for that time I bought ugly $300 dress shoes. Or that grey suit that didn’t even fit (oh, I’ll never button it up anyway… looks better open). In fact, clothes stores may be my kryptonite.

Seriously though, the game is changing a bit as I’ve become older and more aware. My deeper experience with toys gives me a better gauge of actual play time versus immediate drool factor and that staves off most impulses. I also have an easier time these days confronting wily salespeople, whose attempts to derail are being met by my honed consumer confidence. I am, of course, hardened by internet steel – product reviews, detailed research, word-of-mouth – which not only makes me a smarter buyer, but a more conscientious one as well. Because past the price and luster, we must be responsible and think of environmental, safety, even political concerns. Ah, to be educated in the twenty-first century…

But that damn iPhone. I do think I need one.

Quality Meat

I had fun reading this post by Jeff Atwood, and proceeded to digest the linked resources. As a developer, it’s informative and downright scary to tread over a list of classic mistakes, and recall the ones you had seen first-hand, or God-forbid, are committing presently. Finishing that sentence, I could go on for pages narrating my mistakes, but I feel more constructive today. Besides, self deprecation in the pursuit of readers is pitifully shameful.

I believe the list of classic mistakes hit it on the head with numero dos – weak personnel. Taking the trivial argument off the shelf, sufficiently strong employees will minimize all the other mistakes. Ah, that was too easy.

And too true. Great developers and managers are pure gold, and should be treated as such. Not only will they produce quality work and direction, but they cast party spells that boosts the whole team’s attributes. They keep learning, lead by example, disseminate know-how, plan wisely for the team, institute best practices and are nearly universally smart and friendly.

Personally, I’ve had the good fortune to work with some of these superstars, and their influence is immeasurable. In turn, I strive to join the club and so should you, dear reader. And if you have a hand in HR or deciding the composition of your team, then devote some energy and hire strong personnel, without fail. There aren’t too many better things you can accomplish professionally than attracting the best talent to your hive.

Four Oh One Kay

It’s been a while, but I was off vacationing. So sorry.

With a little one on the way and my own father’s recent retirement, I finally decided to sit down and figure out this 401k business. Yes, for a good long while now everyone’s been pretty adamant about its merits, most importantly the tax savings. Honestly, I really don’t mind taxes. It’s how the asshats use that money that bothers me terrible.

Since I know very little, some mandatory research was the first course. Overall, I was surprised by how consistent the advice was – index funds – even backed up by my brother, The Financial One. So there is a magic bullet…

Of course, I’m no expert, so don’t take it from me. That’s a disclaimer.

One more thing: the search also turned up this gem, a Frontline broadcast about pensions and 401k plans. Between Frontline streaming entire episodes and The Economist’s beautifully produced podcasts (cover to cover readings of each issue), quality information has never been so accessible. My hats off.