In Austin on Rails, whenever we’ve run beginner-focused meetings (which we have done from time to time), there has always been a great turnout for them. We’ve been debating about how to best structure the beginner vs. advanced topic mix for future meetings. It seems like a good idea to include some beginner content, but at the same time maintain the interest of our more experienced members.
One way that I am going to try to enhance the Rails knowledge within the Austin community is to offer a low-priced full-day workshop which will help get people up to speed on the basics of Rails. Several folks have directly expressed an interest in learning more about Rails in a more concentrated fashion than just a meeting here or there. So, a few of use have created what we are calling the Rails Bootup. It’s a introduction to Ruby on Rails served up in a single day workshop format. The day will be a mix of presentations, discussion, and hands-on work.
I am honored to be joined by Bruce Williams, Mike Perham, Edward Cruz, and Rob Rasmussen in teaching the event. These are experienced Rails developers and they are excited to share their passion for Ruby and Rails with you.
If this sounds interesting, please head on over and register for the event today (tickets go on sale on Monday, June 30th). The cost is $199 for one day and will take place on Saturday, August 2nd, in downtown Austin. The first Rails Bootup will be limited to 10 participants so the seats may fill up quickly. We want to keep it fairly small so that we ensure we are delivering a quality experience. Of course, this will be an iterative process and I am sure that there is much to learn as this experience unfolds.
First and foremost, Gary is a wine fanatic (and expert). If you have any doubt, just watch all 500 of his shows. But seriously, Gary has written a book, 101 Wines: Guaranteed to Inspire, Delight, and Bring Thunder to Your World, and the book is fantastic. He goes into some depth about each of his top 101 most interesting wines for 2008 and even provides helpful tips for picking out a wine for Father’s Day or how to impress a first date. For the more adventurous among you, you may want to check out wines to drink with “Something You Shot” or figure out “How to Blow Your Stimulus Check”.
Gary’s message is one of reciprocity (with a tendency to overdeliver), finding your own voice, and always working to build your own personal brand. He stresses being “RAT”: Real, Authentic, and Transparent in business and in life.
Many thanks to Gary for making his way from to Austin when he had such a monster schedule this week. I appreciate Jeff Jones who dug in and made sure the event happened. I’d also like to thank Chuck Huffaker and his staff at Grapevine Market for inviting Gary into the store and setting up such an awesome event.
Our very own Cesar Torres now (thanks to Gary) has an entry pass (a $500 value) to the amazing SEED Conference being held in Chicago this weekend. The event is being put on by 37Signals, Coudal Partners, and Segura Inc. and is focused on sharing unconventional ideas about collaboration and business. It was just an awesome moment when Cesar asked and Gary answered. Boom. Done. I’m totally jealous.
Fortunately, I brought my Flip Ultra and I captured 60 minutes of pure Gary for your viewing pleasure. Keeping with the tradition of WineLibrary TV, these videos are unedited. Here’s the raw footage of a good portion of the event.
Video 1: Gary’s Opening Remarks
Video 2: Q&A 1/3
Video 3: Q&A 2/3
Video 4: Q&A 3/3
Additional Coverage Around the Intarwebs of Gary’s visit to Austin:
If you’ve got a burning task on your list, or perhaps even just dusty from lack of attention, please come out to Genuine Joe’s [map] tonight from 7-10PM for another work session.
Hello! You have landed on the personal web site of Damon Clinkscales. I am an experienced web developer and modern day nomad currently residing in Austin, Texas. Please feel free to follow me on Twitter. You can also email me.
, and the book is fantastic. He goes into some depth about each of his top 101 most interesting wines for 2008 and even provides helpful tips for picking out a wine for Father’s Day or how to impress a first date. For the more adventurous among you, you may want to check out wines to drink with “Something You Shot” or figure out “How to Blow Your Stimulus Check”.
