Brianna Wu is the CEO of GSX and is one of the women behind Revolution 60. Join us as we talk about gender imbalance in Engineering and Technology, and how we can help bring balance to the force. With Brianna Wu and John Chidgey. Briannas Other Podcasts: “Isometric” (5by5.tv/isometric) Rocket Debug 44: Brianna Wu, Amanda Warner and Revolution 60 Related TechDistortion Articles: Pragmatic T-Shirts Pragmatic and TechDistortion Stickers T-Shirts and Stickers Direct Links: TeeSpring: Pra...
Feb 06, 2015•1 hr 14 min
Privacy online is becoming a bigger issue with more servers hacked every week our personal data has never been at more risk. Seth Clifford joins me to talk strategies to reduce your exposure on the internet. With Seth Clifford and John Chidgey. You should also check out Seths new venture at Hey Derby and their iOS app Stringer . Related TechDistortion Articles: Pragmatic T-Shirts T-Shirt Direct Link: TeeSpring: Pragmatic T-Shirt Previous Pragmatic Episode Links: Episode 42: Hopefully They Don&rs...
Jan 31, 2015•2 hr 46 min
The Apple Watch promises to make Apple Pay even easier and safer than traditional credit card transactions. We look at the history of Credit Card data transactions and consider the practicalities. Of course. With Vic Hudson and John Chidgey. Related TechDistortion Articles: Pragmatic T-Shirts T-Shirt Direct Link: TeeSpring: Pragmatic T-Shirt Previous Pragmatic Episode Links: Episode 1: Faraday’s Cage Episode 44: Order A Steak and Get A Piece Of Rat Episode 47: Interrogation Signal Related ...
Jan 23, 2015•1 hr 9 min
There is a growing trend to eliminate the wires and go wireless for data and for power. Can it work? Is it practical? Dive in. With Vic Hudson and John Chidgey. Previous Pragmatic Episode Links: Episode 1: Faraday’s Cage Episode 38: Watch This Time And Space Episode 47: Interrogation Signal Episode 50: Accidental Clicking Related Links: Wireless power physics - Is there any data on how efficient Tesla wireless power transmission was? - Skeptics Stack Exchange OET – RF Safety FAQ&rsqu...
Jan 16, 2015•1 hr 26 min
Are electric cars going to save you money? We look at all electric and plugin hybrids, charging habits and being energy independent. With Vic Hudson and John Chidgey. Previous Pragmatic Episode Links: Episode 2: The Battery Problem Episode 2a: The Battery Problem Follow-up Part A Episode 2b: The Battery Problem Follow-up Part B Episode 2c: The Battery Problem Follow-up Part C Episode 2d: The Battery Problem Follow-up Part D Episode 46: Out of Steam About Steam General Links: Nissan Leaf Fast and...
Jan 08, 2015•2 hr 49 min
Automation in OSX, iOS and the PC can save lots of time for users prepared to invest some time up-front. We delve into the history on these platforms, where it can be useful and when you should use it. With Vic Hudson and John Chidgey. Related TechDistortion Article: Tweaking Workflows Previous Podcast Episodes Referenced: Pragmatic Episode 37: The Sledgehammer Solution Pragmatic Episode 35: Written by Kernel Hackers for Kernel Hackers Addenda 4: Before Pragmatic Episode 49 General Links: Doug&r...
Dec 30, 2014•1 hr 1 min
John Siracusa joins me to discuss RSI in depth, drawing on both of our experiences we look at what works, what doesn't and why you should care. Keyboards, trackpads, trackballs, mice, chairs, we cover it all. With John Siracusa and John Chidgey. John Siracusa Related Links: 5by5 | Hypercritical #6: Frivolous Things Hypercritical RSI Links: Dr. Pascarelli’s Complete Guide to Repetitive Strain Injury: What You Need to Know About RSI and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Emil Pascarelli M.D.: 97804...
Dec 23, 2014•2 hr 55 min
With holiday cheer Vic and John dive into some of the finer details of Christmas and the Holiday season looking at wrapping paper and sticky tape, what to wrap, what you shouldn't and why, and a bit about Santa (warning for young kids POSSIBLE SPOILERS!) With Vic Hudson and John Chidgey. Related Links: Pressure Sensitive Tape Scotch 25 MultiTask Tape How Wrapping Paper is Made Thomas Nast I Solved The Santa Theroem Spy Magazine January 1990 Yule Sinter Klass Jingle Bells - Joe Williams - Bom...
Dec 12, 2014•1 hr 1 min
Follow up (Part A) to Prevailing Wind Direction where we address different personality types and how they cope with remote work, safety cultures around the world and recent FIFO suicides. With Vic Hudson and John Chidgey. Depression/Suicide Helplines by Country: Beyond Blue (Australia) Suicide Prevention Helpline (USA) The Calm Zone (UK) Support Pragmatic on Patreon Episode sponsor: Harvest: Harvest allows you to track your time quickly and easily with the ability to quickly turn those timesheet...
Dec 06, 2014•18 min
SCADA User Interface design has many things in common with other graphical design methodologies. We look at how SCADA works, what it does, the limitations of the human eye and colour perception, buttons as buttons, indicators as indicators and more. With Vic Hudson and John Chidgey. Previous Pragmatic Episode Links: Episode 29: You Can’t Fight Physics Episode 47: Interrogation Signal Related Links: SCADA History (DOC) Abnormal Situation Management Colour Blindness Rods & Cones of the H...
Dec 04, 2014•1 hr 27 min
Follow up (Part A) to Watch This Time and Space where we address durability of mechanical watches vs quartz watches, accuracy, using the band as a charging point, batteries and cameras and whether a smartwatch without an always-on face is a failure. With Vic Hudson and John Chidgey. Related Links: Railroad Chronometer Support Pragmatic on Patreon Episode sponsor: Harvest: Harvest allows you to track your time quickly and easily with the ability to quickly turn those timesheets into invoices for ...
Nov 29, 2014•24 min
We delve into Barcodes and RFID tracing their history and dissecting exactly how they work and where the future of identification technology is headed specifically for shopping experiences. With Vic Hudson and John Chidgey. Previous Pragmatic Episode Links: Episode 16: One Man’s Hopes and Dreams of an RF Bubble Episode 39: Look Ma, No Wires Related Links: Dewey Decimal System Barcode Barcode Reader How Barcode Readers Work - TalTech How Barcode Scanners Work Barcode History Photosensitive ...
Nov 27, 2014•1 hr 15 min
We delve into energy conversion efficiencies of solar photovoltaics, fuel cells, the Hydrogen Economy, steam and hydro-turbines and ways you can conserve energy in your home. With Vic Hudson and John Chidgey. Previous Pragmatic Episode Links: Episode 2: The Battery Problem Episode 2a: The Battery Problem Follow-up Part A Episode 2b: The Battery Problem Follow-up Part B Episode 2c: The Battery Problem Follow-up Part C Episode 2d: The Battery Problem Follow-up Part D Solar System Design Presentati...
Nov 20, 2014•2 hr 33 min
Managing features and requirements on your project is difficult and scope creep is your constant enemy. John and Seth explore classifying features, dealing with client requests and making it all work to a plan for internal and external projects. With Seth Clifford and John Chidgey. TechDistortion Companion Article: Four Quadrants Related Links: Finding Colours That Sell Scope Creep Activated Sludge Rathole Verb (2) HeyDerby Support Pragmatic on Patreon Episode sponsors: Harvest: Harvest allows y...
Nov 13, 2014•1 hr 15 min
Follow up (Part A) to Hopefully They Don't Burn It where Vic and John touch briefly on DRM, looking at kill switches and when it's right/wrong to use them confirm that Chapters is still open, touch on libraries already lending books via Kindles and more. With Vic Hudson and John Chidgey. Related Links: Amazon Wipes Customers Kindle Episode 12 Pages Blocks Planes Die Bank Device When an eReader is Loaded with Books, Does it Gain Weight Overdrive Sources and Methods Podcast Stochastic Solu...
Nov 10, 2014•31 min
Working in retail and in customer facing roles comes with its own set of challenges. We dive into coping mechanisms, closing a sale and identifying when you're being worked over, Apple's Genius Training manual and the effectiveness of tipping. With Vic Hudson and John Chidgey. Related Links: Gizmodo: Apples Secret Employee Training Manual Banning Tipping At My Restaurant Tipping (PDF) Does Tipping Improve Customer Service? Dick Smith Electronics Stephen Covey: Habit 1 Closing (Sales) Sup...
Nov 07, 2014•1 hr 20 min
Follow up (Part A) to Coffee where Marco and John revisit Johns coffee setup, oxalates, different milk warmer/frothers, portafilters, cold-brew coffee, reasons why grounds are left behind when you pop an AeroPress filter off and lots and lots more. With Marco Arment and John Chidgey. Related Links: John’s New Gear and New Favourite Coffee Auswana GlassHouse Mountains Coffee Breville BMF600 Baratza Preciso Vacuum Insulated Thermos 16oz Mug General Links Dissolving Solids Into Liquids Frothi...
Nov 03, 2014•1 hr 22 min
When you create a product the time inevitably comes when you have to either hand it over or shut it down. Marco Arment joins John to look at how they have approached the problem of letting projects go. With Marco Arment and John Chidgey. Related Links: Instapaper Overcast The Magazine Betaworks D&LP: Defects and Liability Period Tumblr The Magazine is shutting down The Magazine is making a book and shutting down Support Pragmatic on Patreon Episode sponsors: Wet Frog Studios: Wet Frog Studio...
Nov 01, 2014•57 min
eReaders have many advantages over paperbacks and although Amazon would have you believe that eBooks are leading the way, the paperback is far from dead and we look at both sides of the debate. With Vic Hudson and John Chidgey. Related Links: Paperback Books Kindle Books Outselling Paperbacks The Rise of e-Reading Average Book Weights Kindle Paperwhite Kindle Paperwhite (1st Generation) A Comparison of eBook Pricing vs Paperback Pricing Caribu A Snapshot of Reading in the USA eReader Sony Reader...
Oct 24, 2014•1 hr 16 min
Independence and job satisfaction is a consideration whether you work for yourself or for a large corporation. Understanding what matters to us the most we consider how recognition plays a role and the differences between whichever path you choose. With Vic Hudson and John Chidgey. Related Links: Microsoft Excels Lead Developer Vesper Review: MacStories Overcast Icon Napkin App Support Pragmatic on Patreon Episode sponsors: Lynda.com: Lynda.com is the easy and affordable way to learn where you c...
Oct 17, 2014•1 hr 15 min
Remaining productive in your projects with limited time and constant interruptions can lead to giving up. John delves into strategies for being productive in a real world situation and it's not about the tools but about how you set your time and goals. With Vic Hudson and John Chidgey. Related Links: The Critical Path Lao-tzu Quotations You Need an MVP Support Pragmatic on Patreon Episode sponsors: Mandrill: Mandrill is a transactional Email service that easily ties into your website and app...
Oct 09, 2014•57 min
Follow up (Part A) to Safety, Safety Everywhere with Fire Extinguishers being fitted to the wrong spot in a Nuclear Reactor and the dangers of Nitrogen purging. With Vic Hudson and John Chidgey. Related Links: Pierced Containment With 6 Holes Columbia’s First Victims Atmosphere of the Earth Nitrogen Nitrogen CSB (PDF) Support Pragmatic on Patreon...
Oct 07, 2014•9 min
Radio and Amateur/Ham Radio played a huge role in John's career in Engineering. We delve into EM Waves, Antennas, Transmission Lines as well as many of the facets of Amateur Radio including DX-peditions, Fox-hunting, Hamfests, Moonbounce and more. With Vic Hudson and John Chidgey. Related Links: Amateur (Ham) Radio Operator Amateur (Ham) Radio OSCAR DX Century Club Q-Codes ARDF (Fox-Hunting) Support Pragmatic on Patreon Episode sponsors: Audible: Audible is the Internet’s leading provi...
Oct 03, 2014•2 hr 51 min
The Apple Watch promises new functionality from a smartwatch. John dissects the detail behind the power demands of wristwatches, screen types, movement types, GPSs, super-capacitors, batteries and why the Taptic engine could be a big deal. With Vic Hudson and John Chidgey. Related Links: Mechanical Watches The Watch The Hamilton Watch Company Quartz Watches Seiko Astron SQ 35 The First Quartz Wrist Watch Seiko Electric Mechanical Watches Electric Watch Hamilton Titan 500 Electric Watch Kinetics ...
Sep 27, 2014•2 hr 48 min
Cancer is the number two cause of death in the US and can affect anyone at any age. Federico Viticci joins John to talk about the history of the disease, what it is, how we fight it and Federicos first-hand experience with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. With Federico Viticci and John Chidgey. Related Links: History of Cancer Oncology Cancer Leading Causes of Death Chemotherapy Radiation Therapy Targetted Cancer Therapies Targeted Therapy Types of Radiation Therapy Used to Treat Cancer Tamoxifen Hodgkin...
Sep 15, 2014•1 hr 13 min
Working in Engineering construction sometimes requires working away from home and this comes with its own set of challenges. Vic Hudson joins John to talk about good and the bad and the issues no-one else seems to think or talk about. With Vic Hudson and John Chidgey. TechDistortion Companion Article: Death By Site Related Links: Fly In Fly Out Suicide Rates Doctors for FIFO Workers Support Pragmatic on Patreon Episode sponsor: Many Tricks: If you’re looking for some Mac software that can ...
Sep 08, 2014•1 hr 8 min
Why write open source code and when you should start. If you're interested in Python, John's found just the man, Nick Coghlan of Red Hat joins John to discuss open source, python and how a casual interest can turn into big part of your career and your life. With Nick Coghlan and John Chidgey. Related Links: Red Hat Linux Open Source Keep Calm and Merge On Comparison of Open Source Software Hosting Facilities Python An Interview with Nick Coghlan on PSF Opening up Membership Python 3 Q&am...
Sep 01, 2014•2 hr 33 min
Everyone thinks they know the best way to write code. Irrespective of the platform there's some common concepts that every programmer should try to follow. Guy English joins John to discuss everything from comments to object structures and more. With Guy English and John Chidgey. Related Links: Code Complete by Steve McConnell Can Commented Out Code be Valuable? ArsTechnica How do I deal with a team member who refuses to make comments in code? ArsTechnica How To Write Unmaintainable Code Thi...
Aug 24, 2014•2 hr 54 min
Loyalty to a single platform can be a risky business position for developers. Russell Ivanovic of Shifty Jelly joins John to discuss his experiences on Android vs iOS and shows that putting Android willingly in your blindspot may cause you to miss out. With Russell Ivanovic and John Chidgey. Related Links: The Android Screen Fragmentation Myth Bug Splitting PocketCasts Motivated Reasoning Cognitive Bias Brand Loyalty Support Pragmatic on Patreon Episode sponsor: Many Tricks: If you’re look...
Aug 19, 2014•1 hr 15 min
Where does one host their site or service on the Internet? There are lots of choices, places and trade-offs to consider. David Smith joins John to walk through the options as we explore which is the right choice for different use cases. With David Smith and John Chidgey. Hosts we use: Digital Ocean CloudShards Soft Layer Linode Related Links: WordPress WordPress Optimisation Bible Blogger cPanel Softaculous Camel Tumblr SquareSpace NameCheap BlueHost Yahoo buys Tumblr Pocket Sized Podcast Episod...
Aug 12, 2014•2 hr 33 min
