Random thought I had while brushing my teeth this morning...
There seems to be a decent parallel between Derrick May and Alan Kay. For
non-computer-geek types, Kay (still alive) is a legendary pioneer in user
interface design and computing in general, having invented and prototyped (or
helped do so) at Xerox PARC research center and elsewhere in the 70s and 80s
many technologies that are in use today, for example the idea of powerful
portable computers and the concept of overlapping windowing. Some of the
parallels:
- Both May and Kay produced legendary works ("Strings of Life" or the
Dynabook, the mythical portable computer) within their respective fields, and
their names always come up when discussing the pioneers of their field.
- Both of their legendary products are still remembered fondly and with awe by
others, and mentioned when deriding the faults and shortcomings of other
products. Witness the frequent musings about how "Strings of Life" is
untouchable compared to other techno tracks, and how the Newton pales like a
ghost when compared to the Dynabook.
- They've both been quiet for an awful long time, not necessarily living off
their legends consciously, but certainly not producing any innovations lately.
Most interviews / lectures they give tend to be to an audience full of awe and
respect, but they say little of what their current activities are.
- Their names rhyme.
Slightly bored,
James Jung-Hoon Seo // Oracle New Media
(415) 506-3829 // jseo@us.oracle.com
Chewbacca. // Harrison Ford, on the Tonight Show, when asked who among his
numerous co-stars was the best kisser