Happy New Year

Haven't posted to the blog since November 15 last year and that particular entry barely counts. I've been super busy with multiple jobs related to Constellation and interest in these Flash network visualizations doesn't seem to be dying down.

One of the highlights over the last six weeks was a trip to Berlin where I met a client face-to-face for the first time, along with half a dozen other consultants. We had several productive meetings and dinners as we all got to know each other. At the end of it we definitely weren't just vCards anymore.

SketchyD's impression of Paris. Click to see the sketch, "Navigation by Monument".

The Berlin trip was also the first time I've been to Europe. That was definitely very exciting and I got a quick car tour of the city. I also walked around the city one evening and checked out some of the monuments and the night market. After the meetings were over I stayed in Paris for a few days, doing more sightseeing before returning to Vancouver. That bit of traveling has certainly whet my appetite!

On a more techy subject I finally got my hands dirty with Flex. I'd poked at it a few times but had no real reason to dive in and build something useful. The Berlin trip resulted in my being very busy with work--including a project in Flex. The load time for the notoriously heavy Flex SWFs was definitely palpable but I was excited by how quickly an interface can be put together (once you know all the layout components). Maybe once I get Constellation working in Flex I'll finally have the time to apply the framework to some of those interesting datasets like Last.FM or Flickr. We'll see! d-:

SketchyD is still plodding along. Although I haven't been sketching daily as I'd originally intended, I'm afraid it's doing a lot better than this blog has. It wasn't a New Year's Resolution or anything, but I'm going to see about changing the trend on both outlets.

Happy New Year! May your dreams finally fall within reach!