Thursday, September 30, 2010

Big data article in JavaWorld

In JavaWorld recently, an article about the "Big Promise of Big Data" :

http://www.javaworld.com/javaworld/jw-09-2010/100914-big-data.html


It's a nice overview of what's happening in the world of Big Data, and where to look further for information.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

The Atlantic Tech Canon

This week in The Atlantic, Alexis Madrigal lists 50 books and films that purportedly constitute a "Tech Canon." Madrigal constructed the list with starting with over 200 suggestions from tech writers and scholars, then whittled it down to the final 50. Covering written fiction and nonfiction as well as film, the list includes old standbys like Fred Brooks' _The Mythical Man Month_ and William Gibson's _Neuromancer_. However the list also includes books like Orson Scott Card's _Ender's Game_, which is perhaps lesser known to the non-science-fiction-reading public, but thought to have been an influence in the creation of the fictional universe in which the bestselling video game "Halo" takes place.

As with any list, there are arguments to be made for and against each choice. I must say that personally I was surprised by the thoughtful case made for the inclusion of "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" on the list.

Check out the list on the Atlantic site at:

The Atlantic Tech Canon - Alexis Madrigal - Technology - The Atlantic