Posted by Eric Stewart
Thu, 09 Mar 2006 23:39:30 GMT
Almost two years have passed since I rode in my last bike tour, and the time has come for me to get back in shape and work for a good cause. I rode in the Tour de Cure twice, raising money for diabetes research. Now it’s time to do something a little closer to my heart and ride in the LiveStrong Challenge.
About 30 years ago, when I was a young child, my mother fought cancer and beat it. It was a tough fight, but she survived and lived to see me graduate high school. But the treatment in those days had taken its toll on her and she is no longer with us. I continue to be inspired by the fight she fought and what she went through.
In honor of my mother’s battle with cancer, and for all of those millions of people in the same fight, I’m participating in the LIVESTRONG Challenge in Austin in October. I’m going to ride my bike 40 miles and raise at least $500 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
The Lance Armstrong Foundation was founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist, Lance Armstrong, to provide practical information and tools for people living with cancer. Their mission is to inspire and empower people affected by cancer through advocacy, public health and research programs.
If you would like to help out with a wonderful cause or just root for someone who hasn’t ridden much in a few years, please donate to help cancer survivors and support me in my fundraising efforts for the LiveStrong Challange.
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Posted in Austin, Misc. | Tags biking, cancer | no comments
Posted by Eric Stewart
Fri, 17 Feb 2006 04:06:00 GMT
Is Alexander Muse right? In Brain Drain for Austin he muses that Austin is losing ground to our neighbor up the road, Dallas.
Another hi-tech company has given up the ghost and decided to leave Austin for the Dallas suburb of Plano. General Bandwidth, …
This loss follows several high profile losses for the city including Tyco’s departure last year. And one of several big wins for Dallas including Wednesdays announcement of QI System’s move to the city from Canada. I think we are witnessing a gravitational shift from Austin to Dallas – Austin will still be important, but the resources (human and otherwise) available in Dallas will irresistable for companies seeking a place to live.
Certainly Dallas is a much bigger city, but Austin has always had a strong tech presence including big players like IBM, Motorola (now Freescale), AMD, and National Instruments just to name a few. Not to mention the multitude of smaller players and startups. In fact, Austin just recently won out in a battle over the new future headquarters of Freescale. There is a ton of talent here.
Or is there?
By far, most of the jobs I see listed in the Austin market are for generic J2EE web/enterprise shops. I know there are companies with other software/hardware products out there. Has Austin’s talent pool become too heavy in one area? Are there just not enough tech workers? Or is it just the usual tax incentives game?
Maybe Alexander is jumping the gun. I hope not. If so, what can be done to attract more companies?
I’m not really sure either, but can someone check the plug just to be safe?
Posted in Austin, Software Development, Java, Misc., Technology | Tags industry, jobs, software, tech, technology | no comments
Posted by Eric Stewart
Sat, 07 Jan 2006 20:11:00 GMT
Deep in the heart of Austin, Texas!
UT National Championship tower lighting
This is how the UT tower is lit when a national champtionship has been won by one of our sports teams.
On normal wins the tower is only in burnt orange, but it sure is nice to see the #1 on the sides yet again.
Hook ‘Em Horns!!!
Oh wait, we just did that!
Well, hook-em again!
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Posted in Austin | Tags austin, football, longhorns, ut
Posted by Eric Stewart
Thu, 05 Jan 2006 05:50:00 GMT
It’s over! Again, I normally don’t blog about football, but I have to give a great shout out to my alma-mater. The University of Texas Longhorns have won the rose bowl and the national champtionship.
There is some partying going on in Austin tonight! I knew it would be a tough game, and close.
Now Vince, please please please stay!!!!
Hook ‘em Horns!!!
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Posted in Austin, Misc. | Tags football, hookem, horns | no comments
Posted by Eric Stewart
Wed, 14 Dec 2005 18:28:00 GMT
Last night I gave a presentation at the second Austin Ruby on Rails User Group meeting on ActiveRecord Migrations. We had an excellent turnout (the room was small, but it was packed) for a December meeting.
Read more...
Posted in Austin, Software Development, Ruby, Technology, Ruby On Rails | Tags austin, group, migrations, presentation, rails, ruby, user | 3 comments
