[CentralOH] Links from last night

[Eric Floehr]

Last night's Central Ohio Python meeting was a lot of fun!

I wanted to share a few links that were mentioned in conversations I was in
last night for the benefit of the whole group.  If you have other links and
tidbits to share, please reply!

First, Ramond Chandler is working on a cool new startup called Grammar Tree
that will provide tool, activities, and assessments for teachers and
students in language arts. He is planning on building the system using
Django and Python: http://www.grammartree.org

Raymond is also looking for some part-time Django consulting work to help
in the transition between corporate/state job and startup, so if you know
of anyone that needs Django or Python development, send him a note!


While not strictly Python related, there was a discussion about teaching
from first principles, and Pete Carswell had some thoughts on teaching
computer graphics from first principles.  I mentioned that there was a
recent book/workbook on teaching computer CPU/machine language/assembly
from first principles that was very well reviewed (and is on my wish list).
 The book is called "The Elements of Computing Systems: Building a Modern
Computer From First Principles".  Here is the link:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Elements-Computing-Systems-Principles/dp/0262640686

While the book came out in 2005, it recently has gained some attention.
 Here is the book author's page: http://www1.idc.ac.il/tecs/

The interesting approach this book takes is that it's software-based.  You
create a CPU, but you create it by simulation.  One person even decided to
implement the CPU in Minecraft!
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/10/virtual-computers/

And finally, here is the author himself talking about the approach and the
book... From NAND to Tetris in 12 steps:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtXvUoPx4Qs



We also talked about Ray Tracing and how Nvidia recently demo'ed real-time
ray tracing in their latest chip set.  Here is the video:
http://youtu.be/h5mRRElXy-w?hd=1


Cheers,
Eric
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