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Wednesday, July 26, 2006 |
PLCdirect did it with catalogs, then over the Internet with a name change to AutomationDirect with PLCs then a host of other products. Then Automation Systems Interconnect for connectors, sensors and other products. EZAutomation for terminals. Advantech Automation for computers and I/O devices. Now there's an Internet-based marketer of Ethernet equipment. Check out EthernetDirect. Interesting.
Thanks to Industrial Ethernet Mark Fondl of Network Vision for the tip. Mark's one of a select few people who talked to me about Ethernet in manufacturing back around 1998-99.
9:09:28 PM 
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Speaking of running, those MLS referees are fitness fanatics. Chico was always in great shape, but I noticed that after he was approaching that level he lost some weight (never heavy) and really picked up some more speed. I'm running better than I have the last couple of years. As you get over 50, you've got to change your workout routine and your diet. I'm taking my college physical performance test Sunday. In a trial run yesterday ran fast enough for 5 points. That'll get me a few games if I could just stay home long enough to referee. I'm traveling every week in October--just when I should be working a lot of games. Last year I was referee for two D II mens matches--one a huge rivalry. Lot of fun.
As far as the workouts, I do more sprints instead of just running. A few years of yoga have helped strength and flexibility. Strength in the "core" (abs, lower back) actually helps with running.
8:43:41 PM
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I sitting here watching Everton at the Crew just after an interview with Citect's new CEO, John Ross. More on that later. For now, I'm watching Chico referee--funny feeling watching a guy I've worked many games with over the years who's now on TV. Way to keep it under control, Chico.
8:31:13 PM
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I'll be there, blogging live (if they have wifi). See you Carl. Gosh, 90s, that's the same as Ohio. I can go running without worrying.
PTO General Assembly Meeting Forecast. Here in the Scottsdale offices of the PTO, we are frantically completing the last minute stuff that must be done for next weekâo[dot accent]s General Assembly Meeting. Everyone is in the office this week which is an uncommon occurrence these days. The final agenda is set. We have four half-day themes: reports, marketing, PROFINET, and the buzzword session (wireless asset management safety). âo[ogonek]Reportsâo� sounds dull, but these are definitely not. Weâo[dot accent]ll hear reports on PI strategy and on new initiatives, in addition to reports on activities. We actually kick off on Monday with the PROFIsafe Developer Class. Tuesday brings the conclusion of the Developer class, the PTO Board of Directors meeting, and the PROFIsafe User Overview class, capped off by the Welcome Reception. The informal networking at the pool and bowling tournaments are always a highlight.
If youâo[dot accent]re coming to the meeting, the extended weather forecast is for highs in the 90âo[dot accent]s. Yes, just the 90âo[dot accent]s! Youâo[dot accent]ll have missed our 10-year high of 118 set last week. Meeting room temperature will be a constant 72. This is close to freezing for us Arizonans. Iâo[dot accent]ll be wearing my long-sleeved PTO shirts.
If youâo[dot accent]re not coming to the meeting, look for updates here on the PROFIblog and perhaps from members of the press who will be in attendance.
If youâo[dot accent]re not coming to the meeting, but really want to, give us a call âo[base "] we might be able to sneak you in.  [PTO PROFIblog]
8:26:35 PM
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Some of the people I talk with who read this blog and listen to my podcasts have suggested some podcasts (thanks John Hanks of National Instruments in particular). Here's paybacks. Dave Winer lists a couple of good podcasts in longer form. Sounds good. I'm going to try them out soon.
Two outstanding podcasts. I've discovered lots of new podcasts in the last few days, but two really stand out.
1. Times Talks is a series of hour-plus long interviews, a lot like the public symposia at Harvard, or meetings of the Commonwealth Club in the Bay Area. So far I've listened to two authors interviewed about a book on how we went to war in Iraq, and an interview with science fiction author William Gibson. I like the long form podcasts because I listen on my daily walk. It gives my mind something interesting to process while my body is getting some exercise.
2. CNN Long Form Programming is a series of interviews with CNN reporters, each lasting about a half hour, explaining their assignment -- what it's really like there. Very different from the superficial stuff we get in their TV reports. So far I've listened to reporters talk about Iran and Iraq. I learned more in these reports than I have in a year of trying to watch Anderson Cooper and Larry King. The podcasts are intelligent people talking to intelligent people about things that are really important. Unlike the dumbed-down crap we get in the official channels. One imagines the CNN reporters look forward to these podcasts because they rarely get to do "long tail" like story telling, which is probably why they got into journalism in the first place. [Scripting News]
11:00:05 AM
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© Copyright 2006 Gary Mintchell.
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