Mark Edgington

Its the new year and I’ve not posted for  while, why? lack of slack, so after finishing the excellent book ‘Slack’ by Tom DeMarco,  I have decided to make myself and the people around me some.  The book is a must for anyone involved in running projects and it should be compulsory for anyone who is involved in the running of a business.  Like many books of this type and in this case time (2000-2001, a time of downsizing)  there are cringe worthy moments; when its all a little to American focused.  But, throughout there are gems for the taking.  Rather than list them i just give one that sets the tone for the book:

‘ Slack at all levels is necessary to make the organisation work efficeintly and to grow.  It is the lubricant of change.  Good companies excel in the creative use of slack.  And bad ones con only obsess about removing it.’

Google immediately springs to mind, i would not be surprised if they had read this book

I have always been a fan of Richard Dawkins books, they are always impeccably written and this is in my opinion his best and also more accessible than some.  I recommend it to anyone with an open mind, and will leave it there rather than comment further.

I have had this book for many years and often use it for referance, but over the last week i read it from cover to cover (again). It really is a great book, with good insight for software professional. The posts printed within are mainly from 2000-2002, but none the less the messages and thoughts still hold true. Although he does amusingly get a few predictions wrong. If your into software this is a must have book. Also don’t forget to visit Joel on Software

Yet another fantastic read, this book will have you looking at statistics in a whole new light. You can’t help hear or read statistics in the news without you mind running through a series of questions. Its an eye opener in terms of looking at problems and data in a new way, looking beyond the seemingly obvious in the pursuit of a real truth behind a way of working, interaction or event.

highly recommend reading this book, It is well written in an easy to follow prose, which builds throughout its chapters on the information it wishes to divulge.  Within the book you will be greeted with many examples of why the thoughts of many are better than one and i challenge you not to put its principles into action by the end of chapter one , let alone the end of the book.  One of my favorite sections refers to science and how knowledge is one of the few resources that does not diminish with use.  It details how ‘open science’ emerged with knowledge becoming increasingly non-proprietary and information being freely shared  with the public; this ties in nicely with the concepts around open-source software, of which i am a great follower.

What a great book. I read this recently whist on holiday in cyprus and even though i have kids could not put it down; which proved difficult at bath times. It’s so well written and the story is so original you can’t help but read, I very much liked the interludes regarding the evolution of tractors, this really adds something to the narative. If you would like an enjoyable read for commuting, holidays or relaxation then this is the book for you. I will definatley be looking out for other Titles by Marina

Over the last few years I had attended a few talks by  Jonathan schwartz the CEO of sun, all were excellent and in reading his blog i noticed the recommendation for this book.  It is an excellent read giving great insight into how the world came to have standadised (well nearly) elecricity and lighting. If you have the chance to hear any of Johnathans talks i advise reading this book, it allows you to get more out of them and gives some insight into the direction SUN is trying to pursue.