And now, time for some words ... In the morning I tag along with Kevin onto the Pavilion floor. Someone needs help configuring a storage unit. It needs to be configured via the serial port, and the process reminds me of my BBS hacking days. I bump into Patrick Chan - he's there for the birthday celebration. During the day I continue to meet new people, as well as former colleagues. I really enjoy the social aspect of JavaOne. I usually tend to be shy, but not in this setting. As we walk the halls we constantly stop to chat. Someone comments that we are a "magnet" for meeting people. I recognize many faces, even though I don't know their names. I have worked on several of the Technology showcases - Java Ring, Zaurus, Palms (I was uber sync master ). One of the great perks of working on these projects was that I got to meet and talk to a great deal of people. There have been many wonderful conversations.

Later on in the day I run into Martin, and roam around with him taking pictures. FYI - he did the narration for the video playing at the ONE booth. We hit up the retail store and score some phat lewt. I really dig the new colors, and pick up a week's worth of new shirts (I've been modeling them back in the office.) Then we're off to the blogger's party. It's definitely not a time to be shy - plenty of conversation and new faces await us. It's a great time and the time flies. We decide to have dinner and reluctanly leave for much needed food.

I head off to use the restroom, and on the way back to my table - a fellow walking ahead keeps looking back at me. Finally he stops and turns and says while looking down at my badge (which only identifies me as Technical Staff 1) "so you are here for JavaOne as well?" I respond yes, and the conversation begins. His name is Victor, and he's from Hungary. He's lived in New York for the last five years. "So where do you work Viktor?" He tells me that it's an online grocery place, and I probably haven't heard about. I then proceed to describe "a large refrigerated warehouse, and everything is done to order?" He's surprised. Turns out that I have heard about it, and actually seen a show on it. The conversation ends, but I'm smiling. How many times do you meet a stranger in a crowded restaurant, and strike up a friendly conversation? But that's JavaOne for you.

Dinner is great (tapas! yum!), and on the way out we run into Gonzo. Conversations with him are always a treat - because he multithreads. He immediately starts talking about JXTA - because that's what he's passionate about. And if you have any doubt about that passion - you need to talk to him. Because I guarantee afterwards you'll walk away talking to yourself "damn! why am I not using this?" He's fantastic, and it's comforting to know that people like him work at Sun.

Before we head out the door, we check in on the bloggers. Yep, they're still going.

» Find more about JavaOne at Technorati

Comments [1] : Permalink

Published: (2005-06-29 15:21:09.0)