March 3rd, 2010
Viva Cozumel!
I’m happy to announce, for the first time in many years, I will be taking a hiatus from work to take an actual bona-fide, away-from-technology vacation from March 4th to March 10th. Kelly and I will be visiting beautiful Cozumel, Mexico to enjoy some much needed R&R away from the computer and the local arctic weather.
To prepare for this glorious undertaking, I will surely be driving everyone crazy by playing nothing by mariachi music for the next several days. Ay-Ha!
Upon my return, I will be sure to contact all current customers for an update on their project’s current status and to brag long-windedly about my tan and carnita-filled belly.
Posted in Random
February 26th, 2010
Wii Fit w/ Balance Board
Like most folks, I put on a little extra poundage during the holidays and was looking for a good way to trick myself into exercising more. I had recently purchased a Nintendo Wii when a good Black Friday deal presented itself and figured I’d give the Fit and balance board a shot.
I have to say, its worked out quite well. Opposed to summer when I spend my lunch time walking, winter I spend a lot of time right here in front of the computer getting an overwhelming lack of exercise. Not being much of a gym (or motivation) kind of guy, the Wii Fit has been a fun and easy way to force myself into getting a minimum amount of exercise while the weather remains gloomy.
The activities are presented in a fun way that makes it seem less like a workout and more like a game, which is perfect for me. I’m happy to say I’ve lost my holiday weight (and more!), reduced my waistline a bit and have much more energy in the afternoon from using my Fit around 30 minutes a day every day.
Given its not a solution to drop a ton of weight nor will it get you in olympic shape, but if you’re having trouble motivating yourself to lose a few LBS, give the Wii Fit a shot!
Tags: exercise, fit, nintendo, wii
Posted in Entertainment, Random
February 23rd, 2010
After reading an amazing article at MediaBistro, I feel like I’ve had an insight into the future of mobile aps and social media. Detailed in the article, a Swedish tech company has developed software that integrates image mapping and facial recognition into a mobile application that allows users to link their face to their social media profiles. By using the camera on your smart-phone, you could then scan someones face and retrieve all of their Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc data all at once.
I always feel like new technology like this is exciting and scary at the same time. At the rate information is indexed in our modern times, I often assume everything I’ve ever typed is open for public search- which can be somewhat jarring. On the flip side, our mobile devices now have 10 times the computing power ever imagined by Star Trek communicators taking place in the year 2250!
The future of mobile devices, mobile applications and social media will only continue to grow from here!
Tags: image recognition, mobile aps, new IT, social media
Posted in IT & Tech, Recommended Reading
February 12th, 2010
Center for Global Strategies
Another great collaboration between myself and my associates at Mindflint Media was launched today: the Center for Global Strategies. CGS is an organization focused on bringing tolerance, understanding, and proper global economies among different cultures specifically in Africa, East Asia and the Middle East.
This great organization contacted us for a custom design, animated slideshow and map of initiatives and integration into the Wordpress content management system for easy updates and blogs entries.
Yet another slick site for another great cause- cheers guys!
Tags: Case Studies, cms, non-profit, site launch, Web Development
Posted in Case Studies, Web Development
January 24th, 2010
I’ve been reading a number of articles lately relating to the growing popularity of “agile” software development. This specific article entitled “Agile Software Development is Now Mainstream” on InfoWorld caught my eye a few days ago.
“Agile” and “Scrum” software development processes, in gist, are the idea of building short iterations that work to an overall goal rather than developing an entire piece of software specific to specification then refining it.
I find this whole notion rather amusing as I’ve always used a similar process which I’ve always thought was halfassed in comparison to a full-on development schema, often called Waterfall that involves lots of specifications and documentation, and was often brought on by lack of planning.
That being said, I do find working in short iterations and keeping the positive outcomes in a repository the best way for an individual to program- it allows more flexibility and lots of other great creative ideas can come out of the process, though its inherent problem with the theory is without a clear set of specs, the outcome can be disastrous.
However, I do enjoy that the “halfassed” process I’ve embraced for years has melded into an industry-wide accepted practice.
Tags: agile, development ideas, methodology
Posted in Case Studies, IT & Tech, business development
January 18th, 2010
Well its a new year and I’m happy to say, last year turned out quite well. For being in business anew for less than 2 years, VectorDefector has grown at an amazing pace! I now have a steady set of great repeat clients, both agencies and individuals and have accomplished a wide range of projects from simple branding, to innovative streaming advertising solutions to large-scale corporate e-commerce.
That being said, I’m hoping 2010 is even bigger! VectorDefector will continue to offer its acclaimed customer service, attention to detail and quick and easy solutions to your web needs along with new additional services for Search Engine Optimization, Custom Content Management and E-Commerce toolsets, Newsletter / Subscriptions, and Credit Card & Security processing.
More updates about the first projects of this year will be forthcoming- thanks to all last years client’s for a great experience!
Tags: new year, services, vectordefector
Posted in business development
