A Conceptual Model for Event Processing Systems

An Event is anything significant that happens or is contemplated as happening. An event happens completely or not at all and is significant because it may affect some action. It is contemplated as happening as it could be a fact becoming true or could be a transition of an entity in the real world. It may be part of a business process...
via ibm.com

This is a good whitepaper on the basics, but I couldn't help hearing Mr. Miyagi's ghostly voice in the background saying "Wax on! Wax off!".

Chapter 1: Language and Syntax — Jython Book v0.91 documentation

“Elegant”, that is an adjective that is often used to describe the Python language. The term elegant is defined as “pleasingly graceful and stylish in appearance or manner”. “Uncomplicated”, and “powerful” could also be great words to assist in the description of this language. It is a fact that Python is an elegant language that lets one create powerful applications in an uncomplicated manner. One may say that if you look at trends that are occurring within the computing industry today, Python can be looked at as the main objective. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of programming languages available today which each offer a different flavor to the field. Although there are many flavors, there is a similar objective for each of these programming languages...and that is to produce powerful and uncomplicated code that is easy to construct and maintain. Python does just that.

Interesting...

Does anybody else feel that the media/industry froth over Apple's Wed announcement is insane...

“This will be the most important thing I’ve ever done”Steve Jobs, referring to the soon-to-be-launched Apple Tablet.

I'm beginning too think that Apple is too confident and that worries me. Is this Apple's cool aid moment? Steve was touting the Next Cube as revolutionary at one point... He called a press conference for apple speakers and socks. If this is "the most important thing" he's ever done.... I'm hoping for something great, but beginning to think we'll something overpriced and cool that no one will buy.

ignore the code: Realism in UI Design

The history of the visual design of user interfaces can be described as a gradual change towards more realism. As computers have become faster, designers have added increasingly realistic details such as color, 3D effects, shadows, translucency, and even simple physics. Some of these changes have helped usability. Shadows behind windows help us see which window is active. The physicality of the iPhone’s user interface makes the device more natural to use.

Great article! Click through above to read the rest...

Chubb, the High-End Insurer, Looks Like a Bargain Play - WSJ.com

Chubb has one of the best brand names in the property- and-casualty insurance industry. Its Masterpiece homeowners coverage is the top choice of wealthy Americans to protect their houses.

The well-managed insurer, based in Warren, N.J., also has a conservative underwriting and investment approach that enabled it to weather the 2008 financial crisis with little damage to its balance sheet.

Considering its consistent profitability and franchise value, Chubb (CB) looks attractive at its current price around $50. That's less than 1.1 times the company's estimated 2009 year-end book value of $46.50.