Aldenta: Web Nourishment

As many of you know, I organize the Triad Web Meetup and we meet once a month to discuss various web topics. We’ve just teamed up with the Computer Science / Mathematics Department at High Point University and will be holding our next event at the campus.

What: Linking Thoughts - What is blogging all about?
When: November, 8th 2006 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Where: High Point University, Congdon Hall - Room 138
RSVP: Triad Web Meetup

Sean Coon and I will be giving you the 411 on blogging, why it’s important, and ways you can benefit from it. You’ll see the power of blogging through examples and learn why blogging is like (and better than) word-of-mouth communication.

Everyone is welcome and please spread the word! Special thanks to Sean who made a flyer with all of the details.

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I recently read a great article by Sam Stephenson of 37signals where he shows some of the difficulties Microsoft creates for developers (and all users). He’s recorded 2 screencasts that perfectly portray what it’s like working on Windows versus working on a Mac. Check out his installation of a script debugger on Windows Visa and then on Mac OS X. I showed both of these to my family to, once again, explain that it’s not their fault - users are not stupid but most software is.

David Heinemeier Hansson really says it well in the Apple video promo that he and Jason Fried star in. They talk about the joys of owning a Mac and how it’s changed the way they work. Having a Mac definitely makes my development work more pleasant.

On a final note, I have to send a big congrats to my brother who is, as of today, the newest convert to the developer community (and I’m jealous that he has a MacBook Pro and I’m still on my PowerBook). You can see how much brighter the screen is on the new models.

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I’m just getting back into the swing of things after returning from a 2.5 week business event overseas. These trips really take a toll on my body so I do my best to stay aware and focused on my health. As regular computer users we’re also abusing our bodies by sitting in front of a computer for hours at a time. It’s become the norm for many of us these days. Here are a few personal tips to help stay healthy and sharp.

Set It Up
Make sure your computer environment is as ergonomic as possible. There are a number of ways to setup and position yourself and computer to put less stress on your body.

Sleep On It
I know I’m guilty of getting hung up on something and not sleeping until it’s done. Of course, the next day I regret the long night and I’m less productive that day. When you feel yourself fading then take a break and sleep on it. I’m always amazed how often the solution comes to me as soon as I wake up.

Look Away
I asked my eye doctor for tips to keep my vision healthy. One recommendation was to regularly focus on an object far away from the computer. Apparently, your eyes start to adjust to the nearness of your computer. By looking away you can help counter it.

Eat It Up
Everyone knows how important diet is for overall health and well-being. Make sure you take time to eat good meals throughout the day. (Caffeine and sugar don’t count as good meals.) Your brain and body need nutrients to do their part.

Use some common sense and stay healthy when you’re using the computer. You’ll be more productive and your body will thank you.

What are some things you do to stay healthy?

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