October 2005, Gerry presents to the Ann Arbor Computer Society

On 5 October 2005, Gerry will make a presentation to the Ann Arbor Computer Society entitled Biologically inspired Computational Methods. This talk will provide an introduction to Genetic Algorithms, computational methods that can be used to optimize a wide variety of otherwise intractable problems. These methods are so named because the underlying mathematics were inspired by the processes of Darwinian evolutionary theory. Also to be discussed are Genetic Programming (similar method, different representational scheme, used to create programs) and Genetic Design (similar method, similar representational scheme as Genetic Programming, used to create real-world artifacts). The slides and handout, as well as a trivial, Excel-based example are available.

March 2005, Gerry invited to join GLIMA Board of Directors

The Board of the recently created Washtenaw Chapter of Automation Alley's GLIMA Network, invited Gerry to join the Board. GLIMA supports and promotes the growth of the Interactive industry throughout Michigan and the Great Lakes region. GLIMA is a professional organization for individuals who are engaged with and involved in the Interactive industry.

December 2004, Gerry participates in founding of the Michigan Hi-Tech CEO Alliance

Sensing the need for the means by which Hi-Tech CEO's could more effectively be heard, Gerry and several others founded the Michigan Hi-Tech CEO Alliance (MichTeC). MichTec is an independent, action forum for CEO's of High Technology-based companies in Michigan that brings their presence to issues of business capitalization, job creation and government policy. Its action agenda includes sharing creative business solutions with Michigan governmental agencies developing legislation to create high-paying jobs in the high technology sector for the 21 st Century, and mentoring CEO's of newly emerging companies in the art of being successful in high technology.

October 2004, Pair of Docs complete office expansion project

To provide more comfortable surroundings for our clients, a deck and patio were added to our place of business. Though this project falls outside of our recognized areas of expertise, we are quite proud of the results, especially considering the the design and the vast majority of the work was done by Lorraine and Gerry. We might even be able to answer some basic questions regarding material choice, construction methods, etc.

February 2003 , Lorraine presents at the 2003 Governor's Conference on Career Development

Lorraine shared her research on learning in the workplace and ways to retain good employees at the 2003 Governor's Conference on Career Development sponsored by the Michigan Department of Career Development. Here is a copy of her presentation entitled Learning in the Workplace: How to Keep Good Employees. A condensed version of the presentation is available here.

January 2003, Excel-based mortgage comparison spreadsheet released

Unlike most mortgage spreadsheets that limit you to a single loan or simply comparing two mortgages, this one allows you to compare two "mortgages plans", where a mortgage plan is defined to be a series of up to eight mortgages that can stretch out over a 45 year period. This spreadsheet compares the two mortgages based on the users future predictions of interest rates, etc. This spreadsheet will provide you the best possible understanding of your mortgages options. Note that this spreadsheet does not consider taxes in its calculations and it does use macros.