You are Dead to Me

For the reader who has read my "Dirty Little Secret" essay on this site, you will not be surprised to hear me say this:  Enterprise Agile is dead to me!

For goodness sake, software engineering and IT have been hocking agile for 22 years.  What has it yielded?  I'll wait.

To reiterate, Agile is fine for startups and green-field development, but even then, it can be argued that the cost of spinning up an Agile practice is not justifiable.  Agile never promised a plethora of tools that would be required to preside over an agile engineering discipline.  In fact, the Agile Allience abundantly rejected tools in favor of personal interactions.  Yet in practice most companies adopting Agile quickly outfit their Agile practice with a large acquisition of tools:

1. Tools for CI/CD aka pipelines, with not less than 1/2 dozen tools required.

2. Tools for Agile Management (is this even legitimate, as we rarely see any integrated management in enterprise Agile rollouts. Instead we have clueless Scrum Masters who know knothing about traditional project management, and have even less knowledge or experience with agile management)

  a. We get JIRA, Confluence, Service Now, and others.

3. Tools built on top of CI/CD tooling to address legacy concerns that traditional CI/CD tooling does not handle. Worse still, everything happens at the same time, so there is no ability to assess impact or incorporate any planning into the  "Agile Transformation" - a term that I am quite certain means "Suicide" in The Oxford English Dictionary.

Tooling required does come with not only up-front costs and maintenance and leasing costs, but there are also integration costs that are not typically well understood.  These often get bundled into the term DevOps, but these DevOps concerns oare often manifested in roadblocks, which cannot be easily quantified, nor circumnavigated in highly controlled or even regulated enterprise environments. The costs add up, but no one is responsible for tracking the overall costs of engineering around the requirements imposed by Enterprise Agile and it's requisite tooling.

Given these findings.  I can easily say, that Enterprise Agile is dead to me.  I hope that the reader finds this information of benefit.

bMoreov, isnt it time that Agile had a facelift, or f, in the alternative, for smart engineers start to look beyond agile?  Facing the facts, it is clear - Agile is not the holy Grail of software engineering discipline. Instead of feeding the beast that is Agile, shouldn't we be seeking to feed our Customers and users once and for all, rather than a technology monkey that  has taken a rid on our backs?

A Dirty Little Secret

The world over, companies are embracing the Agile Revolution.  All software engineering is relegated to agile practices. Sounds good, right?

Wrong.  Agile is not a one-size fits all solution.  It is not even a methodology.  Agile is only a set of guidelines.  Most companies embracing agile have no appreciation for the pitfals that come with agile.  Invariably, many companies will embrace the SCRUM methodology in some form or other.  Unfortunately, SCRUM is not really a methodology either.  Rather, it is a further set of guidelines and rituals that may be adopted.

There is a dirty little secret about SCRUM and Agile.  The only promise that the agile alliance makes is that there is an emphasis on working software.  This is a good thing, right? Not exactly.  

In practice, SCRUM and Agile are pitched to corporate executives with the promise of greater efficience (read: cost savings).  The dirty little secret is that there are virtually no successful agile implementations of Agile methods in the corporate world.  Large corporations come replete with a set of challenges that Agile is not equipped to address. Namely, large corporations have the challenge of large amounts of legacy and commercial software  products which may be highly customized and integrated into a vast web of complexity.  Furthermore, corporate software may have evolved over years, or even decades such that the underlying business rules which prompted the development of various features of the applications are not well understood.  These software modules are typically very poorly documented and it is prohibitive to reverse engineer the software, and the time and budget to do this is typically astronomical.

The bottom line, is that the "experts" pitching agile to corporations are selling snake oil.  There is literally not one large corporation the world over that can point to any successful agile implementation at corporate scale with the possible exceptions of Amazon and Ali Baba, both are arguably green-field, startups, which is the sweet-spot for agile approaches.  When you have no legacy software, no installed base, and no contractual commitments whatsoever, agile can work brilliantly, but established corporations are being blind-sided by agilists who promise the world only to deliver nothing of value.

Guitar lessons

Slow Blues in C - Griff Hamlin lesson

slow-blues-in-c-DL.mp4

Beginnings Lesson - Chicago 

 

From <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Osnjp5bSeM>  

 

Beginnings/Chicago (tutorial) 

 

From <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jCd7DIaiDE>  

 

 

 

Crossroads - Cream / Eric Clapton (Songs Guitar Lesson) 

 

From <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp0Jkf-7Iwc>  

Closer to the heart

https://www.facebook.com/reel/968459544922990

Over the hills and far away:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/3400089573470096

Babe I'm Gonna Leave You:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/930552218508636

Brown Suger:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/404488925433434

LaGrange:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/749403340248448

Black Dog:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/624203959827255

Bluegrass Ditty

Roxanne

CAGED major pentatonic scales

CAGED: Five Shapes on the Fretboard

Rock you like a hurricane

Courage

 Introduction:

Courage, my dear friends, is not the absence of fear, but rather the triumph over it. It is the audacity to face adversity head-on, to stand tall in the face of danger, and to persevere when all seems lost. Courage is a virtue that has been celebrated throughout history, revered by great minds and embodied by extraordinary individuals. In this essay, we shall embark on a journey to explore the essence of courage, drawing inspiration from the indomitable spirit of Robin Williams and the wisdom of prominent historical figures. And of course, no exploration of courage would be complete without the profound words of Morgan Freeman.

Defining Courage:

Courage is a multifaceted concept that encompasses various aspects of human existence. It is not limited to physical bravery alone but extends to moral courage, emotional resilience, and intellectual audacity. It is the willingness to take risks, to step outside one's comfort zone, and to confront challenges with unwavering determination.

Robin Williams once said, "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." This quote encapsulates the essence of courage – that spark within us that propels us forward despite our fears and doubts. It is this madness, this audacity to dream big and pursue our passions relentlessly, that fuels our courage.

Physical Courage:

Physical courage is perhaps the most instinctive form of courage. It is the ability to face physical danger or endure pain without succumbing to fear. Throughout history, countless individuals have demonstrated extraordinary physical courage in the face of adversity.

One such example is Alexander the Great, who led his armies fearlessly into battle against overwhelming odds. His unwavering determination and audacity on the battlefield earned him a place in history as one of the greatest military leaders of all time. As he famously said, "I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion."

Moral Courage:

Moral courage, on the other hand, is the courage to stand up for what is right, even in the face of opposition or personal risk. It is the willingness to challenge societal norms, to fight against injustice, and to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Nelson Mandela, a true icon of moral courage, once said, "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." Mandela's unwavering commitment to justice and equality during his fight against apartheid in South Africa serves as a testament to the power of moral courage.

Emotional Courage:

Emotional courage is often overlooked but equally important. It is the ability to confront and overcome our deepest fears, insecurities, and emotional challenges. It requires vulnerability and self-awareness, as well as the strength to persevere in the face of emotional pain.

In his role as John Keating in "Dead Poets Society," Robin Williams delivered a powerful message about emotional courage. He said, "No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world." This quote reminds us that emotional courage lies in expressing our true selves, sharing our thoughts and ideas with the world, and embracing vulnerability as a catalyst for personal growth.

Intellectual Courage:

Intellectual courage is the audacity to question established beliefs, challenge conventional wisdom, and pursue knowledge without fear of judgment or ridicule. It is the willingness to explore new ideas and perspectives, even when they go against the grain.

Albert Einstein exemplified intellectual courage throughout his life. His groundbreaking theories challenged long-held scientific beliefs and revolutionized our understanding of the universe. As he famously said, "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing."

The Wisdom of Morgan Freeman:

No exploration of courage would be complete without the profound words of Morgan Freeman, a voice that resonates with wisdom and gravitas. In his role as Nelson Mandela in the film "Invictus," Freeman delivered a powerful speech about the power of courage. He said, "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." These words remind us that courage is not something bestowed upon us by external forces but rather a choice we make to take control of our own destiny.

Conclusion:

Courage, my dear friends, is a virtue that transcends time and space. It is the unyielding spirit that defies all odds, the audacity to dream big and pursue our passions relentlessly. Whether it be physical, moral, emotional, or intellectual objectives.  Courage is the willingness to face adversity head-on and triumph over fear. As Robin Williams once said, "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." So let us embrace our madness, nurture our courage, and let it guide us on our journey through life.

Lumière,

 Chapter 1: The Outbreak

In the small town of Lumière, nestled in the heart of a picturesque countryside, a mysterious virus began to spread. The virus, known as Lumina, infected its victims with a peculiar ailment. While not deadly, Lumina caused those affected to fall into a prolonged state of hallucination until they eventually recovered. The townspeople were bewildered and frightened as they witnessed their friends and family succumb to this strange affliction.

News of the outbreak quickly spread beyond the confines of Lumière, reaching the ears of government officials and scientists around the world. Panic ensued as people grappled with the uncertainty surrounding this new pandemic. Governments scrambled to contain the spread of Lumina, implementing strict quarantine measures and travel restrictions. The world was thrust into a state of chaos and confusion.

Chapter 2: The Political Chaos

As the pandemic raged on, political tensions escalated. Governments blamed one another for the origin and spread of Lumina, fueling animosity and distrust between nations. Conspiracy theories ran rampant, with some claiming that Lumina was a biological weapon intentionally released by a rival country.

In Lumière, the local government struggled to maintain order amidst the chaos. The mayor, Monsieur Dupont, found himself overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the crisis. He desperately sought guidance from higher authorities but received little assistance. Frustration grew among the townspeople as they felt abandoned by their leaders.

Chapter 3: The Origin Unveiled

Amidst the political turmoil, a group of individuals emerged determined to uncover the truth behind Lumina's origin. They called themselves "The Enlightened," inspired by their desire to shed light on the darkness that had befallen their world.

Led by Dr. Étienne Rousseau, a renowned virologist, The Enlightened embarked on a perilous journey to trace the source of Lumina. Their investigation led them to a clandestine laboratory hidden deep within the mountains. There, they discovered evidence of a secret experiment gone awry.

Chapter 4: The Conspiracy Unveiled

The Enlightened unraveled a web of deceit and corruption that reached the highest echelons of power. It became clear that Lumina was not a natural occurrence but rather the result of a sinister plot orchestrated by a powerful pharmaceutical corporation. The company, driven by greed and ambition, had sought to create a revolutionary drug but had inadvertently unleashed an uncontrollable virus upon the world.

The revelation sent shockwaves through society, further eroding trust in governments and institutions. The people demanded justice for the countless lives disrupted by Lumina. Protests erupted worldwide, demanding accountability and transparency.

Chapter 5: The Road to Recovery

As chaos reigned, Dr. Rousseau and The Enlightened worked tirelessly to find a cure for Lumina. Their efforts were met with resistance from those who sought to protect their own interests. However, their determination prevailed, and they eventually developed a treatment that could bring an end to the hallucinatory state caused by the virus.

With the cure in hand, Dr. Rousseau and his team embarked on a global mission to administer it to those affected by Lumina. Slowly but surely, people began to awaken from their prolonged hallucinations, greeted by a world forever changed.

Chapter 6: Lessons Learned

In the aftermath of the pandemic, society faced the daunting task of rebuilding and healing. The events surrounding Lumina served as a stark reminder of the fragility of human existence and the consequences of unchecked power.

Governments were forced to reevaluate their priorities and address the systemic issues that had allowed such a catastrophe to occur. Transparency and accountability became paramount as societies sought to regain trust in their leaders.

The world emerged from the darkness of Lumina forever changed. It was a painful journey, but one that ultimately led to a newfound appreciation for the beauty and resilience of humanity.