WebMink
Simon Phipps's personal commentary

In case you ever wondered what the capital of Taiwan looked like, here is a picture of Taipei City Centre (City Hall is the building in shadow on the right):

The comparison with Tianenmen Square in Beijing is fascinating.

posted at 6:41 AM (UK) | Comment? (0 so far) | links to this post | |

While I feel the fighting in Afghanistan was to say the least a hammer to a nut, the figures cited by its opponents for Afghan civilian casualties seem to have been inflated and it seems Google has taken it to heart and needs helping. So here, for my part, is the article on Marc Herold Afghan casualty figures.

posted at 6:16 AM (UK) | Comment? (0 so far) | links to this post | |

If it's Saturday it must be... Hong Kong. Watching for signs I am in Asia. The first (actually in a department store in Taipei) - the personal electronics/PDA counter included a Feng Shui compass.

posted at 6:07 AM (UK) | Comment? (0 so far) | links to this post | |

Taipei seems better to be in this time (you may recall I came here a year ago). Lots of oolong tea still, lots of cultural resonance and dissonance. Mopeds and motor-cycles are everywhere still. I had the chance to tour some city centre department stores last night - very western while still distinctively Chinese.

posted at 1:32 AM (UK) | Comment? (0 so far) | links to this post | |

If you only read my blog, you may have missed my reflections on India that I just published through my home page. I am always a bit nervous about publishing these travel notes as I'm sure they will unwittingly offend someone I met while I was travelling, so I apologise to you in advance if I offend through my lack of cultural sensitivity, I don't intend any offence.

posted at 3:50 AM (UK) | Comment? (0 so far) | links to this post | |

Singapore has been very busy work-wise, but stimulating. So much innovation and energy here. Next port of call is Taipei, hope I will be able to post from there...

posted at 6:56 AM (UK) | Comment? (0 so far) | links to this post | |

Spheres of Influence [WebTech]

The more I think about it, the clearer it seems that the huge problem we will all face is what my friend Sean McGrath warns of with web services. Back when we were getting XML flying I used to advise people to use object oriented development within their spheres of influence and to use XML document transfer between spheres of influence (be they departments, divisions, companies, governments, whatever). Presenting today in Singapore I was reminded of this as we were considering web services. Web services provide a transport mechanism for XML documents, and are the ideal way of linking between spheres of influence. So to use them as a way to connect objects simply by using a tool to expose methods is surely a mistake that will just lead to brittleness? All the vendors are doing it. I sense a rock in the water...

posted at 6:54 AM (UK) | Comment? (0 so far) | links to this post | |

Now in Singapore, just gave a fascinating interview with a journalist who, refreshingly, was interested in blogging rather than all my usual topics :-) It will be interesting to see what appears.

posted at 3:12 AM (UK) | Comment? (0 so far) | links to this post | |

The Working Lunch [PhotoTravel]

Travelling on a whirlwind tour of Delhi yesterday, I spotted the ultimate eco-friendly lawn mower in use to keep the gardens bordering the Rajpath in tip-top condition. It's cordless, starts first time every time, collects and disposes of the grass clippings by recycling them as fuel and even fertilises the turf. What more could anyone want?

posted at 11:38 AM (UK) | Comment? (0 so far) | links to this post | |