After a few weeks of development I’m pleased to announce the launch of the new web site for the California Democratic Council. It’s hundreds of lines of PHP and MySQL code wrapped into a sophisticated CMS and data management system.

Too bad no one can see the code. I swear it’s really good… Many thanks to Cameron without whose committment to quality the site wouldn’t be what it is.

A colleague of mine was lamenting about his future and what direction he should go. As I was sharing my own feelings on the topic I started to summarize what I’ve learned from courses, books, and talking to successful people. Suddenly I realized the list I made was pretty damn concise and on-target. Enjoy.

1. Set your goals
2. Stay focussed
3. Know when to say no
4. Make a committment, honor it, and “clean up” if you break it
5. Don’t judge or envy others
6. Network, network, network
7. Do what you love and stop doing what you don’t
8. Exercise regularly and take care of your greatest asset – yourself
9. Take time to play
10. Stop trying to be perfect or “getting it right” the first time – just do it

The author of DVD Decryptor was sent a “cease and desist” order from an entertainment company (presumably Sony but that’s pure hearsay). The software allowed the user to remove DVD copy protection for personal use such as backup, watching on your PDA, etc.

Sure, people used it pirate movies but with the explosion of Personal Video Players there is a legitmate need to watch legally purchased DVDs on their device. DVD Decryptor and Nero Recode was perfect for that.

I think we have more to fear from DMCA laws than we do the Patriot Act.