I`m a long-time developer since the days of wiring IBM 407 plug-boards. My fascination with IT and the march of technology is unending. If anything takes my breath away, it`s the speed with which changes are hitting the field. The cliche disruptive technology is probably too mild for some events now taking place. I continue to believe that applied IT should solve real problems or make tasks easier for real people engaged in every day activities. Pure research isn`t a bad idea, either, providing you have the funding or the talent. (I have neither.) Much research becomes practical reality, so it`s just a longer way of getting to the same problem, we hope with even more effective solutions. Right now I work on development for small for-profit and nonprofit organizations. I wish I knew more Delphi developers in Chicago (the city proper, not places like Schaumburg or Naperville.) We need to get together to support the craft someplace closer to where the Chicago tech community lives and works. ©