Artist's Statement:

I am a software developer ('hacker', a.k.a. 'Java Poet'). I am NOT a systems (O/S) 'hacker'. I am at best a superuser, at worst a user. While I am not uniformed about O/Ses, I am not a "grand master". Don't expect me to know what minor level of kernel I'm using. Be glad if I can remember the distro name. Again, it's not that I'm dull, but rather that I have other things on my plate, and many of these are far more important than which version of grep I'm using.

As a software poet, I write programs. I write programs because, like a poet, I cannot envision a universe in which I do not write programs. Code is the language for the mental images in my head. I do use proper syntax and style conventions, not because I must, but because the ones I use make my programs beatiful.

As an Engineer, I solve problems. Those problems are often prioritized such that I solve the most important problem first. If something is not part of the solution, then it is part of the problem! It may be a different problem, but it's a problem nonethless. When solving problems, my time is valuable. I do not have time to waste chasing down stuff that is not essential to the problem at hand. Often, the real secret to problem solving is determining what is essential and what is distraction.

'A train leaves New York bound for Chicago at 11:15 a.m. precisely. At the same time, a train leaves Chicaco bound for New York. The first train has ten passenger cars, each capable of carrying 64 passengers. The second train has 15 passenger cars, capable of carrying 48 passengers. The first train has two engines, and is capable of twice the speed of the second train. Each train makes 5 stops to drop off and pick up passengers. At each stop, the first train picks up double the number of passengers that it drops off. The second train drops off 1/3 the number of passengers that it picks up at each stop. Given the above information, calculate the average ticket price for a one-way trip from Boston to Miami.'

THIS INFORMATION sets the tone for my presentation. I want to USE an operating system in order to publish my poetry.