Theo's Blog

Yes it's true: I've turned fifty today, and the world kept spinning :-)
It might be a milestone for me, but a non-event for most of the galaxy.
Nevertheless, reaching 50 started me thinking (a but more than I usually do).
When I look back I realize how blessed I've been. I could complain or weep, but I'm just grateful for those past 50 years.
I've met some amazing people, and I still do every day. I've learned so much, and I'm glad I can pass it on to others.

Here's a list of what I consider milestones in my live:

• 1960: (Feb 7th) was born in my home town Tessenderlo, Belgium at 1.50h (am)
• 1977: played with a computer for the first time (a Tandy TRS-80)
• 1982: got married to Hilde (almost 28 years now: thanks love)
• 1983: bought my first computer (an Apple IIe)
• 1983: got my degree as an Industrial Engineer (focus on IT)
• 1984: bought my first Macintosh (a Macintosh 512K)
• 1985: started using MS Excel
• 1987: co-founded a company called Gnosis (still exists today as Merant)
• 1988: bought a house in Olen, Belgium (still living there)
• 1993: started working for Vers a Versa
• 1993: learned about Lotus Notes for the first time
• 1995: went to my first Lotusphere in Orlando (15th time in 2010)
• 1998: got bitten by the wine bug (thanks for that, Yves)
• 2001: started my own company: Xceed (should have done this sooner)
• 2007: started blogging and got introduced to the Lotus community
• 2009: got involved in the BLUG
• 2010: turned fifty

Do you agree that these are milestones ?
Have you got some that could apply to me too, and I should have mentioned ?
What are important milestones for you ?
Let me know.

Category:  Personal  | Technorati: Personal

Comments (14)

I took some picture at Lotusphere (including the Blogger Open event). Have a look:

Category:  Lotus  Notes  Domino  | Technorati: Lotus, Notes, Domino

Comments (0)

The final day is usually kinda mixed: a couple of sessions, some 'closing' events, and some great networking. Let's go over the day:
Julian Robichaux did an excellent session around iPhone development. Too bad Rob MacDonagh had an emergency at the office; we all missed him.
I had an appointment at the UX lab, and talked to Ethan about Connections (I've been using it for a couple of months, and really did have some UI issues, which apparently will be covered in 3.0 ;-)
Gurupalooza was great as always. It's not really about the questions (nor the answers), but about the wonderful people being on stage. We all admire and respect them, and we owe them a lot. They are the ones that make Lotusphere better then good ! I did not go to the Developer's beating, nor to the closing session (although I met the speaker later on at Kimonos).
Did some shopping afterwards (yes, again). At 17.30h it was time for the 2nd bloggeropen event. Around 40 people gathered for a game of mini-golf. We had loads of fun. I was so lucky to be in the same team as Mary Beth Raven, Kitty Elsmore, Sean Burgess and Steve (sorry, didn't got your last name). I took quite some pictures of everybody. As soon as I've a faster connection (and the time), I'll upload them (to be continued). Phil was the days winner, with a really low score (Steve, Bill and Richard where very close). One anecdote I absolutely need to mention: the last hole, was pretty easy, but one guy managed to need 2 shots in order to complete it (I won't mention names, Luis). Great fun; kudos to the sponsors (Northern Collaborative Technologies and IDoNotes) and Mitch for setting it up.
Had a great dinner at Shula's (a 22 ounce Cowboy steak !). I truly enjoyed the company of Bill, David and Gary. Thanks guys.
As it was pretty early (21.45h), we went to Kimonos. I finally met Peter Presnell, and caught up with a lot of folks: Bruce, Gayle, Bill, Gary, Kitty, Tim (and his wife), Darren, Jess (who's really has a great voice), Kathy, Stuart, Bill Bucan (who has a rather high voice when he's singing ;-), Spanky, Greg, Sean, Phil (and many more).
I couldn't have had a more pleasant ending to a great week in Orlando.
I'm already counting down to next year's event: January 30 - February 3: put it in your calendar, as you don't want to miss this one !
Thanks all for making this a Lotusphere to remember fondly.
2am again: glad I don't have to wake up at 6.30h

Category:  Lotus  Notes  Domino  | Technorati: Lotus, Notes, Domino

Comments (1)

I woke up, without a hangover, but with a serious lack of sleep. A shower, and some juice did wonders. I spent some time in the labs, and saw some great stuff at the Innovation lab. 'XPages just keep getting better' showed us a bit the direction XPages is going, and the future looks bright ! IBM really sees XPages as being strategic.
More XPages wonders when Tim Tripcony and Stephan Wissel showed some cool SSJS demo's. It's obvious we're just scratching the surface of this environment.
Andre Guirard and his team are close to having real DXL roundtripping. IBM is listening ! This has been a long standing request. Great work guys.
Ed Brill and Scott Souder brought back some fond memories of 20 years Lotus history. In a packed room we saw the birth of Lotus (aka Plato) 1.0, all the way up to 8.5.1. Lots of pictures, people and movies of way back.
The final 'session' of the day, was a BOF about creating and running a user group. As I'm pretty heavily involved in the BLUG, this was pretty interesting. In a way to small room, about 40 people exchanged ideas. Just the fact that so many are involved in User Groups is invigorating. Lotus definitely has momentum here.

It took quite some time to get on the bus and off again at the Hollywood Studios, but we finally got there. Only 4 attractions were open, and 3 of them had rather long waiting times. The funniest one was Toy Story, where you could shoot 3D targets using a 'gun'. Great fun.
Really need some decent sleep. It's midnight now. Let's hit the sack.
Got some cool things coming up tomorrow. Cu.

Category:  Lotus  Notes  Domino  | Technorati: Lotus, Notes, Domino

Comments (0)

First session: Viktor Krantz and Rob Novak: the great code giveway: awesome as usual. Not as 'contained' as last year, but for me way more useful.
Stephan Wissel and Steve Castledine enhanced our existing applications using Xpages, and they did it in style.
Paul Mooney and Bill Bucan: what can I say: they must have been twins in a previous life; they are so 'in sync'. Hilarious and very educational at the same time. Good thing I saw Billl's pre-session slides up front or I would have ROFLOL.
Declan Lynch and David Leedy (a first timer) pulled it of nicely: CSS and Themes in Xpages: Thanks guys, I learned a lot.
Then it was up to Bruce Elgort and Tim Paque (another newbie), to do some firefighting. Bruce told me yesterday it was all low key, but is was concise, to the point and very much appreciated. Tim: you did just great !!
Networking time again: Too much on my plate this evening. First a dinner with IBM US and Ernst & Young: too bad I had to leave early. Melanie: tx for the invite. I'll try to join you in 2011 too (if you'll have me). Wine tip: we had a d' Arenberg 'Laughing Magpie' 2007 Shiraz: a bit young, but nevertheless excellent !
Then I went to the Teamstudio reception. I fondly remember last year's event, when I has announced the winner of their Spotlight Award. This time it was more subdued, as the winner was not at Lotusphere.
I needed to rush to the dinner, hosted by IBM Belgium/Luxembourg, in Il Mulino, down at the Swan. Both Stijn and Ronny were celebrating their birthday ! Congrats guys. We all had a good time. Thanks Laurent (and Douglas) for a great night: good company  good food, good wine and a Talisker to finish: what more can a man want ?
I met Matt White on my way to my room, and I joined him (no, he didn't twist my arm) to Kimono's. Stuart, Paul, Julian, Kathy, Rob, Jess, ..: nice to see you again. The karaoke singers really tried hard (I know I can't sing so I stay off the podium).
Anyway, another marvelous day. 2.50 AM: time to go to bed: NOW !
cu.

Category:  Lotus  Notes  Domino  | Technorati: Lotus, Notes, Domino

Comments (0)

I woke up (a bit late for breakfast :-), and went straight to the OGS (Opening General Session). I was sitting next to Rob McDonnagh, and enjoyed his twittering and the tweets he was following (damn, should I register on twitter ?). To be honest, this was the weakest OGS I've been to. Sure, we 'finally' got William Shatner (Capt. Kirk for you Trekkies), who was good, but it seemed so polished: one more 'collaboration', and I would have puked. Sure, there were some great announcements (improvements to the whole product line, iPhone app for encrypted mail, project Vulcan (the future direction for Notes). Sure, we got a good (but a bit long) speech from Bob Picciano, followed by the new GM of Lotus Alistair Rennie, doing his best, but not really at ease yet in his new role. Kevin and Jeff, doing the product announcements, with demos from Ron. It was all rather OK, but I missed the 'spark'. I never got 'excited'. Really, for me, the worst OGS, ever !

Capt. James T. Kirk himself. Who would have thought after all these years !

Bob Picciano, accompanied by a plethora of BPs.

Alistair Rennie, the reigning GM of Lotus
Then off to see Maureen Leland: A bit long about 8.5 and 8.5.1, and rather short on 8.5.x. Promising, but evolutionary.
The rest of the (working) day I spent most of the time talking to vendors on the product showcase. I love seeing new or improved products and seeing new and familiar faces again. This year however, in my new BLUG role, I had the 'pleasure' of looking for sponsors too. A necessary evil, but we need them to give our BLUG attendees the best experience, and at the same make sure the sponsors get their money's worth too.
The rest of the day can be described with: Party Time.

• Showcase reception: for once good beer (Sam Adams) and decent fingerfood
• The Dutch drink over at the Boardwalk: Marnix being the gracious host as ever (the 7th time he organized this for the Dutch speaking attendees)
• Back to the Dolphin for a cocktail party, hosted by Joe and Bill. I had an amazing drink (forgot the name, but it contained at east some cognac and cointreau)
• Then over to a packed party, offered by the UKLUG. Wonderful chaps, aren't they ? Blimey !
• Last (but least ;-) IBM hosted a party at the Atlantic Dance hall for Business Partners. Luckily I met some nice people to finish the evening with.

I had to decline a BBQ invitation, but my schedule was already rather full. Next time guys.
Tired, but satisfied. Going to sleep now. Another 'short' night. CU.

Category:  Lotus  Notes  Domino  | Technorati: Lotus, Notes, Domino

Comments (1)

I've always registered for BP (Business Partner) day but as Sundays always has been my 'shopping' day, I've never attended. Well, I did go to the Keynote this year. It was OK, but, being a 'very small' BP myself, this is way over my (non-sales) head.

I did manage to do some shopping anyway. Line, Ankie: I got most of the stuff you asked me to buy ;-).
Then it was off to my first party of the day: Sherpa (and others) offered great beer (they even had Sam Adams !). I caught up with Andy Donaldson, and we went to The Turtle's session. Scott was just hilarious !

Andrew Donaldson	Devin Olson	Rocky Oliver
Bob Balaban	The Turtle	David Leedy
Scott's wife's rabbits

Then we all went to the Pool Party Welcome Reception. I met some great people again, and (hopefully) convinced some to be a speaker/sponsor for our upcoming BLUG event on March 30th in Brussels.

Stephan Wissel

Kevin Pettitt

Thomas Bahn

Volker Weber

Tim Clark

Mary Beth Raven (wizard queen)

Bill Bucan

Had an excellent day. Tomorrow is the OGS (Opening General Sessions, for you, non Spherians).
Looking forward to it.

Category:  Lotus  Notes  Domino  | Technorati: Lotus, Notes, Domino

Comments (0)

This is my 15th Lotusphere, but my first time on campus (at the Dolphin itself).
After a bad start in Brussels (1 hour late departure due to a technical problem), I barely got my connection flight from JFK to Orlando (my luggage didn't make it though).
I had a great chat with Sean, who works for UNICEF, and who was heading for Lotusphere too.
After checking in, I immediately went to the ESPN where I met the 'cool' guys & girls: Scott (the Turtle), Bruce, Gayle, Ben, Tim, Matt, Paul, Julian, Troy, Bob, Mitch, Gary, Victor, Andy, Sean, Bill and many others.
Had some excellent Sam Adams ;-)
Some pictures here (some were not for publication):

Matt White: love your T-shirt	Julian Robichaux: Ben (Poole) are you paying attention	Bruce Elgort: serious as ever
Tim Paque: care for another Sam Adams, Viktor (Krantz)

Great start for a great week. But after being awake for 24 h., I need my beauty sleep.
Until 2morrow.

Category:  Domino/Notes  Lotusphere  | Technorati: Lotus, Notes, Domino

Comments (0)

No, nothing to do with Lotus(phere) this time, but after a long hiatus a small wine-blog-entry.
Yesterday, at my wine club 'Het Negende Vat' (the 9th Barrel) we had a great (and expensive) tasting. The subject was Italian Brunello di Montalcino.
Now, I'm not a great fan of Italian wine (except for Sicilian Nero d'Avolo and Alto Adige's Lagrein), but I was pleasantly surprised.
The star of the evening was the Casanova di Neri 2003 (Tenuta Nuova):

• very dark rather concentrated color (unlike most Brunello's)
• ripe black forest fruit, black pepper, blond tobacco in the nose.
  You just could keep on sniffing ! Even the empty glass smelled delicious !
• powerful taste, well balanced, integrated tannins, full bodied, very long spicy finale
• sangiovese (of course), 14,5% alc., 44 EUR (in Belgium e.g. sold by Vinhmm), around $70 in the US (e.g. here), 92 Parker points

Runner ups: Fanti 2004, Lambardi 2003, Palazzo 1998.
Thanks a lot Heidi, for this nice selection.
If it wasn't for the price, I would surely buy more Brunello.
Bjorn, her husband, opened a couple of bottles of Grappa (a few from Montalcino too), but I'm not into this stuff.
Was it to please me, I don't know, but he came up with a very nice bottle of Scotch Whisky:
a Talisker single malt, from the Isle of Skye. A rather strong peat smoke in the nose, but smooth on the palate.
I'm normally not that enamored by this strong smokiness, but I did like this one.
I'll try to blog a bit more about wine this year, that's a promise.

Category:  Wine  | Technorati: Wine

Comments (0)

Lotusphere is my reward for a year's work.
It's 'battery charging time' to give me enough yellow juice for another year.
As a small company, it's also a rather big expense: entrance fee, flight, hotel and a week revenue loss.
But the moment I get on the plane to Orlando, I'm on my way to my second 'home': the Orlando airport, the airport shuttle train, the big ads for park attractions along the road, Mickey's 'Welcome to Disneyworld' banner, the Disney palms and immaculately cut lawns, the impressive Dolphin and Swan hotels, the friendly LS registration bots, my new backpack, but above all my 'yearly' friends and colleagues.
This is my 15th Lotusphere, and I'm still full of keen anticipation !

Here's a list of things you should not forget to do/pack (in random order):

• Good shoes/sneakers (everyone says so, and they are right, as you'll walk a lot)
• Picture ID (passport or driver license with your picture on it, as you need it for registering)
• Business cards (to win stuff at the Product Showcase, and to get info sent about great products)
• Power strip and charging adapters for your electronic stuff (mobile phone, laptop, ipod, camera,...)
• Extra (empty) bag, in case you have amassed a lot of (paper) info, goodies, gifts, books
• List of questions/requests to ask to the Developers ! (You can really talk directly to the Notes/Domino developers: they love to meet you)
• An old Lotus(phere) T-shirt for the Showcase Reception on Monday evening
• A warm sweater/fleece for the Pool-Party Welcome Reception on Sunday night (I might be cold, you'll need it)
• A raincoat for the Disney's Hollywood Studios party on Wednesday evening (who said Florida has great weather !)
• (Yellow) Lotus T-shirt for the flight in
• Download The Lotusphere 2010 Agenda database by Ben Langhinrichs: study it, and plan ahead. Defining the sessions/bofs you want/need to go to is the toughest part of the conference. Don't forget to include plenty of time to visit the Product Showcase and the Labs !
• If you're a blogger and you still have one:
  your 'Read my Blog' button
  (I still have a few left, so see me, and ask for one)
• Last but not least: bring along your good mood, great smiles, positive energy, humor, open mind, eagerness to learn

If you're a foreigner (like me), (who doesn't visit the States often):

• Passport & electronic Visa (English for Visum)
• List of things/gift to buy (for yourself or others) (the dollar is still rather cheap)
• List of books to buy

P.S. You can still register your flight using the Lotusphere 2010 flight registration system on the BLUG website,

Anything to add ?

Category:  Lotus  Notes  Domino  | Technorati: Lotus, Notes, Domino

Comments (2)