Call it a change of heart, a U-turn or whatever you like, but missing out on Openworld has been bugging me so, having reviewed the company's finances, I've changed my mind and decided I'm going to accept my free pass to Openworld after all.
I suppose the main factors are :-
- I'll still be going on holiday with Mads soon. That was the first priority.
- I want to invest more in my personal education. That might include some courses this year, but hopefully there'll be plenty of learning opportunities at Openworld too. I might even get time to read a technical book on the plane!
- I really like San Francisco and Openworld was good fun last time. It's certainly a unique experience.
- It's another chance to meet up with a number of people I know through the community, some for the first time.
- I can meet the OTN and ACE team for myself, say thanks for the award and raise some of the questions that Howard's raised, face-to-face.
- I'm going to be working a lot of Sundays over the next couple of months, so this'll be my reward.
- Prince. Yep, sorry folks, but remember my age I can forgive him all his minor lunacy for some classic tunes. Better than flipping Elton John, anyway!!
Of course, now I'll feel bad about not attending Miracle Openworld (but I was at MSDBF), Hotsos (although I was there in March) and the rest, but it's been a while since I've attended an "official" Oracle conference (7 years, in fact) so I suppose it's time.
P.S. There will be some technical blogs soon. There's plenty to write about, but it just takes a little more effort than the fluff.
My thoughts on this 'artist' are well documented.
Billy Joel
Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood
Prince
No other choices allowed. Oops, forgot some previous candidates.
Lenny Kravitz
Elton John
Right, those are your only choices. Pick one and betray your eternal lack of soul.
I'm going to hazard a guess at 'I'm Still Standing' or 'Uptown Girl', given the Swing Out Sister influences.
If any of the above were playing in my neighbours garden and I had a free invite, I don't think I would bother crossing the road.
Depeche Mode
Editors
Maps
Kings Die Kings
Maps - Tedious. Music made by James from Northampton in his bedroom (and sounds like it).
Depeche Mode - my era but I despised 'Just can't get enough' and 'New Life'. Quite liked 'Everything Counts'
Kings Die Kings - Decent, interesting indie guitar sound but the deep monotone vocals scare me. Might tempt me into a dingy Edinburgh bar.
Editors - Despite 'making it', still get my vote.
Full disclosure: Had to listen to Maps and KdK.
And now a question of my own. If I found myself alone in a European city and these bands were playing tonight, which one gets my money ?
The Tides
Puressence
65daysofstatic
Brakes
5 out of 6 ain't bad
You have much better musical taste than Doug and you're right, I have been (am) living in a musical timewarp.
I know it's no excuse but I claim this was related to getting married and then having kids.
I once made my wife stand up in a muddy field (Finsbury Park) with people blowing high pitched whistles in her ear, waiting for New Order. She also unreasonably objected to me listening to John Peel under the bedclothes on our honeymoon
I used to actually go and watch bands (The Smiths, The Chameleons and The Fall mainly) and United a lot. I should really try to get out more these days.
All the best in the new job. Watch out for those travelling IT consultants. They'll probably give you more grief than American tourists visiting 'Edinbro'
--
AndyIT