Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Introduction to TDD with MVC Slides and Code



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I have given this talk several times recently, and I still have more dates scheduled. I created a Google Code repository to host my presentation downloads. You can find the relevant files here:

Introduction to Test-Driven Development With The ASP.NET MVC Framework

If you would like to catch this talk in person, I'll be doing my song and dance at these events:

Cheers,

++Alan

 Thursday, April 10, 2008

Getting My Mojo Back



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I just finished spending over 60 days without a steady gig. I did some contract work, but nothing long term.

I'm happy to report that I have a steady development contract with a Chicago based company.

I'll be working remotely with regular trips to the office. This opportunity plays to my strengths while still providing opportunity in new technologies.

The most significant change I've noticed after starting this contract is that I feel more outgoing. Looking for work wears me down, and I had started to withdraw without realizing it.

I actually gave four presentations during the first quarter of the year, but I never felt motivated to blog about them. I've been having a great time showing people the ASP.NET MVC framework, and the support for test-driven development that it provides.

If you're interested in hearing me talk about these topics, you can come by the NashDotNet meeting tonight. I will be giving an intro and a deep dive on TDD with the MVC framework at the Indianapolis Code Camp so mark your calendar.

Cheers,

++Alan

My Life | TDD    Comments [2]
 Wednesday, January 30, 2008

No NuSoft Solutions For You!



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For the last week, I've been listening to Al Green and attempting to grok the ASP.NET MVC Framework in fullness. I have not been looking for a job. You see, on Monday of last week I had a three hour dinner with a hiring manager which ended with us agreeing to work together.

Because I have been around the block before, I did not crow from on high that I had found a job. Nothing is real until it is written up and signed by all parties. I know this, but NuSoft Solutions had been very forthcoming with me, to date. Prior to our dinner, this hiring manager had met with his superiors to confirm that my travel needs were acceptable. He called me to confirm that we were all on the same page regarding travel before scheduling our dinner meeting.

This morning, eight days after our meeting, I received word from my HR contact that I would not be hired. When I asked the reason, I was told that my travel costs would be too much. I find this scenario totally unprofessional, disrespectful to me and my family, and thoroughly unacceptable.

I am disappointed this morning, not just because I'm unemployed, but because this opportunity was such a good fit for me. I want, most of all, for my next position to be a good opportunity for my employer as well as for me. I know that I would have made very positive contributions to this organization, while working on a personally satisfying variety of solutions and technologies.

I will not slander NuSoft Solutions, but if any of my contacts in the developer community ask me about the company I will relate my experience and have them draw their own conclusions.

With all that said, I am still looking for a challenging and fulfilling new opportunity. Please have a look at my resume and contact me if you know of any appropriate opportunities. Finally, if you are reading this because you are considering me as a job candidate, please perform thorough due diligence before offering me a position.

Cheers,

++Alan

 Monday, January 21, 2008

New Website for ETNUG



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etnug

Thanks to the excellent work of Michael Neel, East TN .NET Users Group has a shiny new website. This is the first step in our quest for world domination! ;-)

Actually, the officers have some great developments cooking for the UG. Now we have a great website to promote our efforts.

++Alan

 Wednesday, January 16, 2008

CodeMash Podcasts are Online



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I regret that I missed the CodeMash event again this year. Fortunately, my friend Chris Woodruff conducted interviews with many of the participants. Now I can get my conference fix second hand. Here's the Podcast feed.

Currently, there are seven interviews online:

++Alan

    Comments [0]
 Thursday, December 20, 2007

Dude, where's my job?



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I found out recently that I will be available for exciting, new job opportunities at the start of next month. It's not my fault, honestly. These things happen. In this case, things happen to me and 22 of my co-workers.

Company President and CEO Brian Jones said Wednesday that the layoffs would be necessary if the Defense Information Systems Agency follows through with a plan to reduce the amount of a software development contract with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

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ORNL spokesman Billy Stair said the contract's annual appropriation has varied. The agency is considering reducing the amount from about $12 million to about $7 million, he said.

There you have it kids.  That's seven meeellion dollars that used to pay my bills, and it's going bye bye.  Such is life.

I've had a good run with DPRA.  If you recall, I was very happy to come on board, and I have no regrets. I am, however, ready to start my next geeky adventure.

If you, or someone you know, is looking for a first class geek for hire, I may be your man.  Have a look at my resume. Download copies and share them with friends. :-)

Cheers,

++Alan