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Problems Worth Solving

What's a problem that's been on your mind lately, one you think might actually have a solution, even a partial one? Not "solve world peace" scale, necessarily. Think smaller and more concrete: something in your industry, your city, your daily routine, or your codebase that bugs you, that you've caught yourself sketching solutions for even if only in your head.

Is technology part of the fix? Could better tooling, automation, or a clever bit of software chip away at it? Or is technology part of the problem in the first place, something that got broken or complicated in the name of progress? Maybe it's both: a problem tech created that only more (or different) tech can untangle.

Come share the problem that's stuck in your head, and whatever half-baked solution you've been kicking around. We're not expecting anyone to have it all figured out — that's what the discussion is for.

Everyone and anyone is welcome to join as long as you are kind, supportive, and respectful of others. Zoom link will be posted at 12pm MDT.

A brass Persian astrolabe, intricately engraved, used centuries ago to solve problems in astronomy and navigation

What Would You Teach?

If you had to teach a class, course, seminar, or something similar, what would the topic be? What knowledge and lessons would you like to pass on to others? Would it be an intro course, expert seminar, or something in-between? How would you teach: slides, examples, lectures, labs, etc.?

Share your thoughts in today's (September 8th, 2026) chat. Everyone and anyone is welcome to join as long as you are kind, supportive, and respectful of others.

P.S. - Image created via ChatGPT which is different from previous images. I wonder if ChatGPT got an update or something else caused it to switch its style.

An instructor at a whiteboard, covered in code and diagram sketches, teaching four developers seated around a table with laptops, beside the words "What would you teach?"

Types of fun in Software Development

Today's (2026-07-21) topic is applying the types of fun to software development. The 4 types of fun are:

  • Type 1: Fun in the moment and when you remember it.
    Example: Stroll in the park on a nice day with friends. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

  • Type 2: Not fun during the moment but is fun in retrospect.
    Example: Hike to the top of a mountain on a hot day with some great views at the top. Get a feeling of accomplishment.

  • Type 3: Not fun during the moment or when you remember it but often makes the best stories.
    Example: Getting lost at night during a hike and your headlamp isn't working. Holy crap, that was more dangerous than I thought.

There is also a 4th type of fun that some people have added:

  • Type 4: Fun in the moment but regret it later.
    Example: Eating and drinking too much. Often counter to your long-term goals such as staying in shape.

What are some examples of the types of fun in Software Development? Inspired by me recently spending six days hiking to and around Mt. Assiniboine. It was definitely type 2 fun due to the long days of hiking, the mosquitoes, and crappy dehydrated food but great to remember.

Everyone and anyone is welcome to join as long as you are kind, supportive, and respectful of others.

P.S. - Image created by ChatGPT.

Gives examples of the 4 types of fun