I've retired this blog. For those interested in what I'm up to, check out my personal blog at http://alborn.blogspot.com

Shop Class as Soulcraft

My neighbor, I'll just call him Skip, is what I call a "gentlemen craftsman". While he earns a living in the high tech world, he can fix anything (and is usually working on something mechanical in his free time). He has a gift that I lack... the patience to understand a problem and the skills to figure out a solution.

I thought of him while reading Shop Class and Soulcraft by Matthew B. Crawford. This book explores how the concept of Knowledge Workers is the death knol of the concept of the traditional craftsman. Simply put, we no longer know how to "fix things" and don't value acquiring these skills.

This book hit home. I enjoyed a successful career perpetuating the idea of the Knowledge Worker. In retrospect, I'm not sure this idea will endure. Someone has to fix the underpinnings of our society. Someday, those who kept the knowledge alive (my friend Skip comes to mind) will inherit the earth.

It's a good read... I strongly recommend it!

A new direction...

I'm starting a personal project devoted to applying systems theory to the environment. I have been a fan and practitioner of Peter Senge's The Fifth Discipline for a long time. I just finished his latest book The Necessary Revolution. It focuses on applying systems theory to individuals and organizations to help them work together to create a sustainable world.

I am a Virginia Extension Service Master Gardener and a Virginia Master Naturalist. In these capacities, I am engaged in research involving Vernal Pools and their obligate species (Salamanders, frogs, etc.) I realize that I am working with a subsystem. My goal will be to apply systems theory to this and other environmental subsystems.

My focus is function over form. While I am in favor of saving natural places, I am more interested in ensuring that their function in our delicate ecological system is maintained and enhanced. I believe that "natural function" (i.e., things that occur in nature) are preferable to to "engineered function" (man made solutions based on technology); however, "engineered function" is necessary to supplement our dwindling environmental resources.

I consider myself an "idealistic pragmatist" willing to compromise. More to come later.

Busting the nine myths of cloud computing

For those of you interested in Cloud Computing, suggest you check out the latest (22 June 2009) issue of Computer World for its article Busting the nine myths of cloud computing.

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=Servers+and+Data+Center&articleId=9134625&taxonomyId=154&pageNumber=4

Returning to a quieter life

I"m returning to "semi-retirement" (with an emphasis on "retirement") on 30 June 2009 to spend more time pursuing personal interests. I have developed a strong interest in environmental issues and plan to combine this with a lifelong desire to explore art and photography. I will also spend more time supporting other volunteer activities that interest me.

I am re-opening Al Alborn & Associates. I will be available for occasional, interesting engagements for old friends, existing customers, or referrals.

Cloud Control

I just opened the June 1, 2009 issue of CIO magazine to read its article about Cloud Computing, Cloud Control, by Kim S. Nash and Jarina D'Auria. Good stuff! For those of you familiar with the Hype Cycle, this article puts Cloud Computing in perspective.