Bio: Russ Eggen

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Bio: Russ Eggen
23-Jan-2002 -- Susan Pichotta
 
This week's INN Bio debuts a new series! From now until the ETC conference, we'll occasionally feature speakers and other people who will be instrumental in making ETC a success. We're pleased to kick off this series with one of the most well-known people in the Clarion world. An accomplished teacher and active participant on the newsgroups, who knew he wrote science fiction? Some photos of his visit to England, too.
 
Who do you work for?
I work for myself. Kathleen (my wife) and I are looking into starting our own business. We have a few plans in the works, but at this time, I think I'll keep quiet about them.
 
What do you like best about what you do now?
I'm involved with a Clarion project with a very good friend of mine. This is the most fun I've had in quite a while. I am learning all sorts of new stuff, some of which I'm sharing at the next ETC conference. Another aspect is that I may get back into teaching again. I can't tell you how much fun that is. I'm always mindful that when I look into the faces of students, I was once there myself, so I know what they are going through.
 
What has been one of your biggest challenges in using Clarion?
It is very easy to get ahead of yourself. Clarion is a clean and elegant language, thus the temptation to short cut things. When I've done that, things have a habit of breaking, sometimes to my embarrassment. Another part that is difficult is that Clarion hides the complexities of programming. That sounds a bit strange on the surface, but for me, when I rolled up my sleeves and learned why something behaved the way it did, I write better code.
 
One of the biggest challenges was not being upset or confused about GPFs. Today, I love getting GPFs when I develop! They are so easy to trace back to their source and find not the line of code that the GPF occurred on, but the line of code before it that set up the conditions to cause the GPF. After a slap on the forehead with the palm, I can fix the line of code and retest.
 
What has been one of your biggest challenges in business?
Communication. When you sit down with a client, he has a problem. It is so obvious to him what the problem is. I've no clue, thus I have to ask stupid questions to get a handle on things. Add to this, the client can't really put their finger on it either as if they knew what the problem is it would cease to be a problem.
 
I still trip up on this point when answering newsgroups questions and I've resolved to do better here. Based on the recent "Thank you that was it" responses, I am doing better, but I want to improve more than I have.
 
Communication is also one of my best attributes. You will always know where you stand with me as I do believe in being honest with people. Sometimes I'm blunt, other times I'm diplomatic, but integrity of communication lines is something I won't compromise on.
 
Do you use any computer languages besides Clarion?
I use C++ because it has its strengths. Mostly it is educational for me in order to use Clarion better. I can see a lot of C++ in the design of the ABC objects. In addition, I've been enjoying coding ActiveX controls in C++ and then using them in Clarion. So far, so good! <g> But I do not use C++ to replace Clarion, merely a supplement or companion. Clarion is my development language. I just like to learn new things and explore.
 
When did you start using Clarion?
Way back in 1986 when offered by Barrington Micro Systems! At that time, I spent a lot of money on C and MASM. I saw an ad that the single biggest, newest feature of Clarion was the window and report formatter in the editor. How much that improved your production, etc. Best $495 I ever spent! I've never looked back.
 
However, I would be remiss is stating that I was not really sold on Clarion back then. When I read Bruce Barrington's article about how Clarion came to be, which sold me.
Kathleen at Hogwarts (LaCock Abbey)
 
What's the coolest project(s) you've worked on using Clarion?
That is a tough one. I have two that is a toss up for differing reasons. When Andy Ireland and I worked for Topspeed, we were on a project in Washington DC for about 6 months. Working with Andy was fun and learned quite a bit from him. We did things on that project that you were not supposed to be able to do (I mean code-wise! <g>).
 
The other was writing my first class as a "free agent". It was all hand coded, but the class worked. I heard the client banged on my code for about 5 hours straight testing it and it would not break. I also had to create this code in under 72 hours, so that did not give me much time to design it as well as I would like. I took a recent look at the code and was quite disgusted at it <g>. I was critical of the code as I knew I could do better, why did I not use certain techniques, etc..
 
Looking back at code you wrote in the past is an excellent gauge on how far you've progressed in your abilities.
 
You're going to be a presenter at ETC in May. What will you be talking about in your presentation?
COM and how it fits with Clarion. There is a lot of ground to cover here and I have only 3 hours (with two breaks). Andy is covering the advanced portion and his classes. My part covers the basics that Andy won't have time to cover, due to his material. I could say a lot more, why I wanted to do this subject, but we'd be here for a while.
 
Using COM objects is as easy as it is in VB. After both of our seminars, I think everyone will agree. However, I don't want to get too specific as there is a lot to organize, and there is a rumor that 5.6 might be released by ETC. If so, this will affect how COM objects are used in Clarion, so that might add a nice wrinkle to this.
 
However, the point is that Andy and I are working together to ensure both presentations mesh and ensure everyone has a little fun while we are it.
 
Where did you get the idea for that topic?
I was already doing some research in the area when Bob Dobbins asked me to do a presentation on a different subject I really am not familiar with. Then I got this crazy idea about COM. I also knew Andy was working on some very nice classes on this same subject and I approached him with the idea that we do a two part presentation. Andy thought it was a good idea and I made a counter suggestion to Bob. Lee White also thought it a good idea.
 
What do you think is important about technical conferences such as ETC?
Clarion developers love a challenge. They like to pushed a little into unknown areas. What better way to utilize their favorite tool and stand up to teams of developers? We really do have an unfair advantage. <g> So learning something new is very important to people. If you are not learning something new, then improving one's skills. Or both.
 
Of course, there are also the social aspects of this as it is a great way to meet your peers, have a few laughs, trade some tips and generally have a good time. I only went to the first ETC (I regret missing the second one) and I remember after it was over how much fun it was and was sad to be going home as I thought it ended too soon. I'm sure Lee thought it would never end! <vbg>

What do you get out of, or bring home from, conferences like ETC?
I always want to meet at least a few new people, and I do try to mingle and talk to those I don't know. With so many friends showing up at these events, it gets harder as you just have to catch up on things. Leaves less time to meet new people.
 
I also like attending the other presentations, as I am always interested in how other use Clarion. I also learn new things myself, which is the point of going! <g>
 
Have you done anything for a living other than software development?
Yes. I worked as a printer (pressman as we called it in the trade). I think it took about 6 months before the Reflex Blue ink left my fingernails! Also, a carpenter, greens keeper and heavy equipment operator. However, I think the most fun was an actor. Yes, I've been in front of the camera! However, I doubt anyone would have seen me as I was mostly earning a living as an extra in foreign commercials. I even took acting lessons from Robert F. Lyons. I credit his classes for teaching me how to speak in front of people. I decided not to pursue the career when I saw how political Hollywood really is. No thanks! Anyone who knows me understands I don't like to get into politics <vbg>.
 
What are your hobbies/what do you like to do when you're not using Clarion?
I love to fly and anything aviation. I'm not worried about the money, but making the time to pursue this is my problem. I also love the NFL (love the Dallas Cowboys!) and Arena Football (go Tampa Storm!). Other than that, there are no true sports (except for Texas high school football! How did the Burkburnett Bulldogs do this year?)
 
Married, children, grandchildren, other close family you want to mention?
Married over 20 years to the lovely Kathleen, no children. My parents live close by and I'm proud to say my Dad is my best friend.
 
This is a bit interesting, but with the exception of Kathleen and my sister, I come from a family of teachers. My mother was a high school teacher for years and recently a chiropractic business consultant. My father was an Air Force instructor pilot for 14 years. Kathleen and my father are both financial gurus, so I get a lot of good advice from them. I think Kathleen may have a slight edge in the stock market, but that is really a tough call. <g>
Russ and Kathleen at LaCock Abbey, England
Where were you born?
Bexar County, Texas! (That's pronounced, "bear" for you fur n ers!) Randolph Air Force Base. They knew I was trouble, as I was born at 12 noon precisely and made many folks miss their lunch <g>.
 
Where do you live now?
We live in the Scottish community of Dunedin, Florida. This is west of Tampa. For those that think anything west of Tampa is water, consult your maps <g>. They have their own piping band, which I can hear off in the distance from our back patio. They've cut some CDs as well. We are twinned with Stirling, Scotland.
 
We love the climate, especially the lack of "real" winters. It still gets cold here, sometimes below freezing. The summers are not as hot as folks think since we live a few miles from the water. In addition, we know the secrets of beating the heat. We are not near as hot as Las Vegas and Phoenix in the summer. I've been to both places and it is not the humidity, it is the heat!
 
What's interesting about where you live?
Other than the mosquitoes carrying off your youngest? The sunsets are spectacular when there are clouds low on the horizon. Also, I've watched shuttle launches from the front yard. We can see these if it is a clear day (or night). We are also very close to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Pure white (can go "snow blind" in the summer) and soft as talcum powder. Watching dolphins swim in the channels is a delight (as a few students will attest).
 
Have you lived any other interesting places?
Other than Texas? Omaha, Nebraska. Most snow I've ever seen in my entire life! I've stayed only briefly in other areas of the world, so I never lived there, but visited. I think the two most interesting ones was the Latin DevCon in Argentina. A wonderful experience and would love to go to another one. The other place was Dakar, Senegal (W. Africa). Stayed there for 10 days doing a Clarion class! Now that was an experience and my first real exposure to an Islamic country. What a wonderful culture! Talk about ethnic foods! Ask me about this at ETC and I can give you more details. And of course the UK, where all the pictures came from.
Kathleen convenes the Bath City Council
Which person, from past or present, do you most admire and why?
From my recent past, I would have to say L. Ron Hubbard. I've enjoyed our years of correspondence. Talked about all sorts of differing subjects, from writing, photography, philosophy, even rock music! I was saddened of his passing in 1986. I only knew him for a short 16 years. He was always interested in what I found interesting.
 
Another person, actually group of people, is this country's founders and framers of our Constitution. Recent data has come to light about how these men were not exactly salt of the earth. Despite this, they could set aside these flaws and agree how a country should be run. That is quite a feat let alone a responsibility! Their actions are even more impressive they could establish a country, ignore the fact they were wanted for treason (a hanging offense) and push aside their flaws long enough to do the job right.
 
I have a long list of other people I admire, and I never could list them all. That is my nature to look at the best of people rather than their flaws. Flaws can be fixed. But the best in people is natural and is always there, even if hidden. So you could say I admire everyone I meet. I'm funny that way <g>.
 
What is your favorite food?
I like any ethnic food. If I've never tried it before, I need a guide to walk me through the dishes and how to eat it. Last food I tried like this was in Scotland. Haggis was quite wonderful (needed some Tabasco to wake it up a tad <g>). I also like Thai, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Jewish, Italian, and even Cajun! <g> I know I've not tried everything, so there is so much more to sample. You can learn a lot about a culture through their food. I think the next ethnic food I want to try is Minbari <g>.
 
What is your favorite drink?
Other than coffee? Has to be Guinness, served the proper way, cold. I used to love margueritas, but I should have listened to Larry Teames when we sat down for some when I was last in Phoenix about what is a proper one. That was the last second to last one I had. Next time I will listen to you Larry! <g>
 
I also have my own home beer brewing set. I got it as I was too curious as to how beer is made and could not take the mystery how it is made any longer. I've made one good batch and a horrible batch. However, one guest at my last party loved the horrible batch and she is pestering me to brew more. Sorry, the next brew is a stout.
 
I also enjoy cold water and a few sodas. We have tea (Assam) every Saturday night whilst (yes, whilst!) watching British comedies every Saturday night.
 
What is your favorite type of music?
Rock. Many various bands, mostly British. Almost any band that features a good keyboardist as well as good vocals (Yes, Pink Floyd, ELP for example). Best concert I ever saw was Yes on their Union tour when they had all former members of the band on stage at once. I was sitting about 30 feet from Rick Wakeman (my hero) and even got a good high 5 from Chris Squire.
 
I also love the classics, but only full orchestrations. I have not learned to appreciate opera yet. I can get into some Country and Western, but I don't listen to it much.
 
But I love Enya! What a voice! What a composer! Also, Charlotte Church. She is truly blessed and I hope she continues for many years.
 
If Clarion never existed, what do you think you would be doing at this time?
Rick Wakeman's replacement <g>. Hard to say, but I think it would be computer related. I might even be a <gasp> Unix-head! I've written Science Fiction stories for my own amusement, so I might be doing that. I once asked Mr. Hubbard about his secret of writing. I'll never forget his reply, "Just write. And when you are done, write some more." How simple is that? <g>
 
There is one aspect of Clarion that I don't think anyone has ever mentioned before. Clarion developers are some of the nicest and most interesting and colorful people I've ever met. Many backgrounds, interests, politics, religions and creeds. I've been enriched by knowing them and I love Devcons and ETC gatherings for this very reason. It's a chance to meet many old friends and make some new ones, catch up on what they are up to and so on.
 
It is painful to try to picture never knowing these people.
 
Anything else you want to mention?
Thank you for the interview. I enjoyed answering your questions.
 
Kathleen at Victoria Garden in Bath, England

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