james kahn's scratchpad
a blog on technology – cloud computing, software and strategy

After much planning, work and rework, the Idea 11 website is now online at http://www.idea11.com.au. Click and enjoy!

Another year has drawn to a close, a new one has begun.  It seems to be something of a tradition that I write a short post at the end of each year.

2009 has been a big year for me.  2010 is going to be huge.

Looking back, a lot happened in 2009.  (I’ve learnt that a lot happens each year, if you sit and reflect).  In 2009 I:

• Started riding motorcycles, and got my first one
• Fought in a few Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments – winning the Gold Coast championship and coming third in the open weight novice Pan Pacific championship
• Took two trips to the USA thanks to Vizioncore
• And I launched a startup – Idea 11, a specialty software and services company.  (Yes, that means I left Vizioncore).

This year, the plans are simple:

• Grow Idea 11.  Things have already started off with a bang.  This is really my number one priority.
• Focus on learning techniques in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu while getting fitter.  The focus for me is not on competition this year, although undoubtedly there will some.
• Balance – make sure I spend time with my wife, family and friends.  I have a tendency to throw all my energy and mental space at one purpose, which is great in some ways, and in others not so.  This year I will be forcing myself to take time out.  I think that not only will this be better for my relationships, but also better for long-term focus on Idea 11.

Here’s looking forward to a great 2010.  Thanks to all my friends for making the journey through life so fun and fulfilling.

This is a little bit of a personal crusade of mine – ethanol fuel, or E10, is not good for your vehicle and not good for the environment.  It’s also a dud from a personal finance perspective, in that it costs you more in the long run.

Coverage (none of these are new):

• False Economy
• The Great Ethanol Scam

Why a personal crusade?  My car went through two fuel pumps in 11 months while I was running it on E10.  The particular model submerges the fuel pump in the tank, which accelerated the corrision that ethanol causes.

It’s all very well swimming as hard as you can, but how are you ever going to know if you’re swimming in the right direction unless you stop and look?

If Border Collies are supposed to be so smart, why can’t mine figure out how to stay out of the rain?  Anyone want an unused custom-made dog castle (aka huge dog kennel)?

Well, I had my last day at Clariti/S Central on Friday.  Finished up with farewell drinks and a BBQ, in true Clariti style.  In a couple of days I start my new job – Australia/NZ Systems Engineer for Vizioncore.  Should be a lot of fun.  Vizioncore have some great products for virtualised environments.

Don’t be surprised if my blog gets Vizioncored all of a sudden!

There is an excellent blog post over at The Simple Dollar on what we actually want vs how we spend our money.

I’ve been thinking along these lines a lot recently.  Go read it.

Apparently Border Collies are meant to be the smartest dog out there.  Why can’t ours figure out that when it’s raining, they can go in the carport, rather than lay in the mud!  Bloody hell!