Between the Lines

AU 2006: What an event...Thursday

Over 7500 people in attendance makes for the largest AU ever. I had a great time last night and ended up at the Studio 54 and Tao. My possible broken finger due to a mechanical bull riding incident has been miraculously healed by a firm 3AM handshake from Kelcey Lemon which hurt but fixed what was apparently a dislocated finger. I would recommend Kelcey for other possible miracle cures.

My booth was very busy today and I also took the opportunity to interview on video more customers about AU as well as turn the tables on the press by interviewing Roopinder Tara of Tenlinks.com. I also met with Betsy Weber of Techsmith which develops some of my favorite daily software SnagIt and Camtasia and we gave some shirts and software around. My voice is almost completely gone now.

 

I also had a great time with Jamie Thomas and will be up at the Seattle CAD camp after many requests as it seemed at times like most of the people stopping to talk to me were from Seattle but it turns out Jamie encouraged the user group to attend AU this year and it definitely worked.

   

 

Jamie even climbed the rock wall and rang the bell at the top despite having a fear of heights.

Don't miss the very special dinner and entertainment tonight as comedian Don McMillan a former engineer and hilarious comic will perform right before a very very special Blue Man Group performance.

I have posted more photos to the AU 2006 Photo Gallery from last night and this morning.

Did you hear DWF will be embedded in the new Microsoft Windows Operating System?

 

Technorati tags: Autodesk, Autodesk University, Jamie Thomas, Don McMillan, Blue Man Group, Roopinder Tara, DWF, Windows Vista, SnagIt, Camtasia, Betsy Weber

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Having a blast at All Sports Arena

One of the Autodesk University parties is at the All Sports Arena racing cars, batting, paint ball, and the climbing wall. I am having a blast but babying a possible broken finger from mechanical bull riding incident last night although another person also ended up with a messed up hand so I am in good company. I am also walking like a cowboy..

In an hour or so we will be headed back to the Venetians La Scena and possibly Tao.

For those at AU don't miss the Don McMillan and Blue Man Group tomorrow night as I hear there will be a very special show!

Cheers
Shaan ( from my Blackberry)

AU 2006: Some Autodesk University 2006 Blog Posts

Here are some links to posts from other blogs on Autodesk University 2006.

• Greetings from AU 2006 
• Back online and Live at AU
• It's not just about entertainment anymore!
• AU 2006 - Day Two
• Autodesk University 2006 Day 2 - Wednesday 29th
• First day of AU
• Pecha Kucha at AU
• Day 1
• Brokk's Candy
• AU Update: Freewheel Here, Freewheel There, Freewheel Everywhere
• MapGuide Open Source and Community Participation
• And AU is Off and Running!
• Autodesk University 2006: Learn and Schmooze
• AUGI Day at AU 2006
• AU Class CV25-2: Links Mentioned in Class
• AU Day 1
• AU2006 Day 1
• Autodesk University 2006, Day 1 -- CEO Keynote
• AU 2006 - From the Show Floor
• Autodesk University - Day One
• Autodesk University Revit Mixer

 

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AU 2006: AUGI Wish Lists 2005 & 2006

The following was presented last night to a packed room at the AUGI Annual Meeting here at Autodesk University by John Sanders Vice President Platform Technologies Division. Following the meeting a packed Beer Bust was held.

Autodesk’s Progress Report for AutoCAD and some past Wish List Items.

You Asked in August 2005 Voting for:

#1 Multiple Leaders (working on)
#2 Transparent Layers (we hear you and are researching)
#3 Spell Check Improvement (working on)
#4 3D Dynamic Blocks (we hear you and are researching)
#5 Dynamic Linetype (we hear you and are researching)
#6 Better Tables (working on)
#7 Manipulating Layouts (working on)
#8 Paragraph Spacing in MText (working on)
#9 Easier way to add sheets to a Sheet Set (working on)
#10 Better support for Dual Monitors (we hear you and are researching)

You Asked in February 2006 Voting for:

#1 Macro Recorder (we hear you and are researching)
#2 Plot to PDF (Now in AutoCAD 2007)
#3 Parametric Modeling and Free form Modeling (we hear you and are researching)
#4 Hide Crossing Dimension Lines (working on)
#5 Area and Perimeter Tools (Now in AutoCAD 2007)
#6 Modify Solids with grips (Now in AutoCAD 2007)
#7 Changing a dimension changes the object (we hear you and are researching)
#8 Sections of 3D objects (Now in AutoCAD 2007)
#9 Dynamically Link Excel files (working on)
#10 Detect Lines that are not absolutely horizontal or vertical (we hear you and are researching)

You Asked in June 2006 Voting for: 

#1 Dimensions on the correct layer (we hear you and are researching)
#2 Valid Hatch Boundary Error (we hear you and are researching)
#3 Break symbol in dim lines (working on)
#4 Better insertion of Word and Excel files (working on)
#5 Compare Drawings (we hear you and are researching)
#6 Draworder setting for layers (we hear you and are researching)
#7 3D to 2D conversion tool (Now in AutoCAD 2007)
#8 Double click to open dimensions (we hear you and are researching)
#9 Create Hatches (we hear you and are researching)
#10 Default printer when opening drawings with unrecognized printer (we hear you and are researching)

Other Wish List Items were are working on:

• Multiple Leaders
• Dynamically Link Excel files
• Insert blocks and text in the same cell
• Table formats: number, currency, etc.
• Autofill cells along rows and columns
• Spell check Improvements
• Multi-line Attributes
• Paragraph spacing in MText
• Hide crossing dimension lines
• Break symbol in dim lines
• Inverse XClip
• Layer properties per viewport
• Homogenous Plot file for Plot and Publish
• New layer notification
• Bind model space with paper space
• Spell check dimensions
• Automatic DIMDLI
• Easier migration
• SSM Reverse Publish Order
• Perspective horizon
• Manipulating layouts
• Add layouts to SSM easily
• Layer control in DWF Underlay
• Change multiple copy default
• Activation of palettes by cursor
• Overriding tool icons in palettes
• Redefine blocks in tool palettes
• Tool Palettes command line access
• Command line render support
• Saving tool order in tool palettes
• OSNAP to 3D solids while dragging
• Recover for XRef’s
• Isolate command by dimming
• Trim fence option fix
• Tool tips for dynamic block grips
• Dimstyle scale/ltscale related to vport scale
• Text/Mtext/Dimensions controlled per viewport

Make sure to get involved in AUGI and the AutoCAD and Inventor Wish List as it is free and over 100,000 members.

The links to the AUGI main Wish Lists:
AutoCAD www.augi.com/wishlists/autocad
Inventor www.augi.com/wishlists/inventor

Wish List Voting Results

August 2005 Voting Results

February 2006 Voting Results

June 2006 Voting Results

Technorati tags: AutoCAD, Wish List, Autodesk University, AUGI

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AU 2006: Autodesk University Day 1 Tuesday 11/28/06

Autodesk University 2006 has now officially opened and started with a breakfast for over 7500 people and then followed by keynote presentations which were hosted by worldwide Autodesk Technical Evangelist Lynn Allen of Autodesk and Autodesk CEO Carl Bass. The keynote showed a ton of very very cool stuff by Autodesk customers. I snapped some photos this morning and placed them in the AU 2006 Photo Gallery.

Some images:

Carl Bass Autodesk CEO

Carl Bass Autodesk CEO in Second Life http://www.autodesk.com/secondlife

 

Some examples of 2D and 3D DWF files in the Freewheel project on Autodesk Labs (http://labs.autodesk.com) was shown quite a few times.

 

Mike and Melanie Perry with Bill Adams center

 

Press Martyn Day and Roopinder Tara were also caught by my camera.
 

I hope to see you at booth 415 tonight during the AUGI Beer Bust and also at the Geekfest which people will be meeting at 10-10:30 at the Venetian La Scena lounge then headed to see Pete Kelsey's awesome band which will be playing in the Veronese 2504/2505. After the band we will go out on the town for some fun.

Cheers,
Shaan

 

 

Technorati tags: Autodesk University, Autodesk

AU 2006: Tuesday Schedule

Autodesk University 2006 officially starts in about 1 hour and it feels like it has already been going on for a week here in Las Vegas. I simply cannot believe the number of people in attendance and all of the activities to be held this week. At the AUGI Annual meeting the AUGI wish lists will be handed to Autodesk.

6:30 am – 10:00 pm Registration Open
6:30 am – 8:00 am Continental Breakfast
8:00 am – 9:30 am Welcome General Session Palazzo Ballroom with Carl Bass
9:30 am – 7:00 pm Classes
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 pm – 5:30 pm Classes
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm AUGI annual Meeting
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Exhibit Hall Open / AUGI Beer Bust

Visit the AU website for the final daily schedule and floor layouts to use when planning your calendar. You'll also find updates to classes as well as the latest about conference events.

I added some more photos to the AU 2006 gallery late last night . I need to hurry to breakfast and the opening sessions to get some pictures and interview some people.

Autodesk University 2006 Photo Gallery

Cheers,
Shaan

 

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AU 2006: Geekfest Tuesday Night

There will be a Geekfest outing after Tuesday nights Beer Bust. A bunch of people will meet at the Venetians La Scena lounge from 10-10:30PM then go to see Pete Kelsey's band play and then head out on the town for some fun.

Cheers,
Shaan

 

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Autodesk in the Second Life!

http://www.autodesk.com/secondlife

I know, most have too much already for a single life but there is a new online world named Second Life that is like the next big thing in the connected world where you interact in a 3D world. This is pretty cool, and I even have a private island to play around in. Then there is Autodesk Island in Second Life. Give it a try although it does take a little to get used to things but you don't have to spend a penny as access is free.

Some of my Second Life Pictures
   

Anyone notice the Autodesk Island in Second Life looks like a DWF logo?

This online 3D virtual world is an immersive experience accessed by thousands of users at any given moment, and growing every day. Many of the things you find in the real world also exist in Second Life: people, places, buildings, roads, bridges, vehicles, stores, groups, and classes. And it's built entirely by its users, so you'll feel right at home.

Get Started in Second Life

1. Get a free Second Life account and download the Second Life client application here.
2. Follow the directions to get started in Second Life. You will create your Second Life character, or "avatar". Learn the ropes at Second Life's Orientation and Help islands.
3. When you're ready to join us in the virtual world, just let us know!

For AU 2006 Attendees:

Join the Autodesk University Community in Second Life

4. Log in to AU Connect.
   Send a message to user "Second Life" and give us your avatar's name. We'll invite you to join the Autodesk University group in Second Life.
5. After we add you to the group, your avatar will get a notecard with further instructions for joining us on Autodesk Island and joining in with the rest of AU attendees as you explore Second Life.

We expect Autodesk Island to be a busy place during AU week, often reaching its capacity. There's plenty to do and see in Second Life, so our notecard also has information on many other interesting locations to explore in Second Life. We'll also update you on our Second Life events, parties, classes and tours during Autodesk University.

We're looking forward to seeing you in Las Vegas in real life, and meet with you again in Second Life!

There are actually quite a few people including other Autodesk employees in Second Life. Here are a few names to chase down and tell them you read this in the blog Between the Lines.

My Second Life name is (Firstname, Lastname) Shaan, Diplomat
Jonathan Knowles Dir. of Worldwide Market Development is Collaboration, Source
Brian Mathews Dir. of Autodesk Labs is Zarf, Woodward

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AU 2006: Pete's Civil 3D Party at AU Late Tuesday Night!

Pete's Band will be playing after the Beer bust on Tuesday night at Autodesk University. I will be taking my Geekfest group those who meet between 10 to 10:30PM at La Scena in the Venetian to see Pete's awesome band and then we will head out for some fun on the town. C'mon you know you are a geek and want to have some fun.

http://petekelsey.typepad.com/the_dirt/2006/11/civil_3d_party_.html

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AU 2006: Sunday 11.26.06 Countdown!

1 Day 16 hours 13 minutes and 41 seconds until Autodesk University officially opens to over 7000 attendees!

The registration desk opens in 1 hour in Hall C in the Venetian Meeting and conference area and I will be there. The walk is much easier than in past AU years and the Venetian as an AU venue look to be a real winner. Those that are members of Autodesk MyFeedback will get a special MyFeedback ribbon when they sign up and if you don't, please chase me down or see me at booth 415 on Tuesday when the Exhibit Hall opens. If you are a blogger make sure to find me for a special blogger ribbon.

I met with some people last night then headed off for some sushi at Treasure Island. After the free Sirens show headed back to the hotel and wimped out and went to bed instead of staying out all night at the clubs as I was dead tired and a ton of stuff to do.

Sunday Highlights: I have began publishing more and more photos to my AU 2006 Gallery and some photo descriptions will be added as time permits. I got to meet a famous nature photographer who has a gallery here in the Venetian shops his name is Peter Lik. Peter just happened to be in town and walked into the gallery of his showing some of the nicest images I have ever seen. I also felt lucky and placed $10 in a slot machine and won $50 then walked away with the winnings.

I ran into a number of people I knew including two of the brains behind Autodesk University scenes Sheryl and Tina.

A couple of AU speakers Matt and Alex were spotted at the AU meeting place La Scena.

Behind the Scenes shots of the Exhibit Hall under construction. This place is HUGE!

I am trying to organize a Geekfest outing after Tuesday nights Beer bust. A bunch of people will meet at La Scena lounge from 10-10:30PM then head out on the town for some fun.

Visit the AU website for the final daily schedule and floor layouts to use when planning your calendar. You'll also find updates to classes as well as the latest about conference events.

 

Technorati tags: Autodesk University, Venetian, Las Vegas, AU 2006 Gallery

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AU 2006: Saturday Arrival

I have checked into the Venetian Hotel, location of the Autodesk University 2006. The Venetian is one of the top hotel rooms I have ever had. I feel a little weird as they gave me a suite and the room is huge and fancy and even has a printer and broadband. I am headed out to look around and then to the La Scena at 4:40PM to see who are up for a bite to eat, some chat, and perhaps tonight Tao, Voodoo Room, and Rum Jungle.

An important AU Tip: If you plan on going to clubs or nightspots, you cannot wear jeans or tennis shows. You must wear nice clothes or prepare to be bounced from entering the fun spots.

If you need to reach me my cell is 415 328 6747 or you can try to contact me or leave a message with the Venetian Hotels front desk. The weather is not warm it is around 50F degrees and overcast so bring a jacket not your shorts and tank tops.

I hope to see you here this week. I will start posting images to the AU 2006 photo Gallery late tonight.
Autodesk University 2006

Cheers,
Shaan

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I made it!

I am now in Las Vegas headed from the airport to the Venetian. The shuttle is $5 one way or $10 round trip.

Viva Las Vegas AU!

--- Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

AU 2006: Breakfast in Los Angeles, Lunch in Las Vegas

I will arrive in Las Vegas tomorrow Saturday November 25th at the Venetian Hotel and Casino and begin Autodesk University 2006 blogging live which is to officially start on Monday. This will be my 4th year of blogging from the event and be the 14th AU I have attended. With well over 7000 people confirmed to attend it is expected to not only be the largest AU ever but also the most fun and educational.

Saturday: Get my bearings, unpack, adjust, and have dinner and a night out with some fellow AU attendees. You can find me around 4:30 PM PDT at the La Scena in the Venetian and I will provide more details tomorrow.

<UPDATE> La Scena & Oculus should be the common meeting spot throughout AU 2006 with La Scena being the main hangout.

Sunday: I have plenty of work to do as well as get geared for the first day of AU.

Monday: I will be setting up my booth #415 as well as interviewing attendees for AU videos with Helge Brettschneider and of course taking tons of photos and posting them.

AU 2006 Venetian Hotel Las Vegas

Technorati tags: Autodesk University, Autodesk, Blog, Venetian

Autodesk University 2006 Podcast

Scott Sheppard of Beyond the Paper posted the first Autodesk University 2006  Podcast of which more are to come.

Join Brian Mathews, Director of Autodesk Labs, and Jonathan Knowles, Director of Worldwide Market Development from Autodesk in this first in a series of podcasts from Autodesk University 2006 in Las Vegas. Listen along with Brian and Jonathan for this informational series with conference tips, what not to miss, luminary and attendee interviews, and much more.

In this first episode, the guys talk about some of the practical things you need to know before you arrive and as soon as you get to the event.

---

Size: 3.53 MB
Duration: 12:20

---

Email podcast@autodesk.com with suggestions.

The Future of AutoCAD Profiles Survey

Over the releases, AutoCAD profiles have inherited many different attributes enabling them to serve many purposes, from capturing lists of file locations to recalling palette layouts. As such, many people have many different uses for profiles.

We would like to rethink the structure of profiles to make them more useful for everyone, but before we can do that, we need to understand how they are being used today. Please take a moment to complete this brief survey and tell us how you use profiles, and how we can make them better for you.

AutoCAD Profiles Survey - November 2006 Survey

Technorati tags: Autodesk, AutoCAD, Profiles, Future, Survey

Breaking AU 2006 News! Don McMillan Engineer/Comedian

For those that attended Autodesk University 2004 and remember the hilarious Engineer Comedian Don McMillan, he will be at AU 2006 as well. This guy had me laughing so hard I was crying as were about 4000 other people in attendance. You definitely should not miss this. I believe he will be during the Thursday night entertainment before or after the Blue Man Group.

Be ready to laugh hard!

Some images from his AU 2004 performance from my AU 2004 Image Gallery.

  

     

 

Technorati tags: Autodesk University, Entertainment, Don McMillan

New AutoCAD related Blog: Daily AutoCAD

http://www.dailyautocad.com/

Erhan Toker of Taliasoft gave me a heads up on their new AutoCAD blog from Turkey in English. They have been blogging in Turkish for 7 months as well at http://www.autocadgunlugu.com/

Welcome to the CAD Blogging world!

Technorati tags: Autodesk, AutoCAD, Blog, Turkey

AU 2006 Daily Highlights

Autodesk University 2006 dalily highlights from Sunday, November 26 to Friday, December 1.

Autodesk University 2006 Countdown

Techsmith Attending Autodesk University 2006!

Techsmith the software developer of Camtasia and SnagIt will be attenmding Autodesk University this year. I have used these products daily for almost 10 years. If you want to meet Betsy Weber stop by my booth #415 and I will make sure you get to meet her as she and Techsmith are awesome people. Maybe they will even bring some trials and perhaps like in past years give away a few seats of their products.

Link to The Visual Lounge:Screencasts of the week plus meet-up at Autodesk University

Technorati tags: SnagIt, Camtasia, Techsmith, Betsy Weber, Autodesk University 2006

FeedDemon 2.1 Released

FeedDemon is my favorite RSS Feed Reader and a new release is available. FeedDemon is not free but after using many free RSS Readers I finally found the power of FeedDemon well worth the small price. It allows me to read thousands of feeds easily like scanning through a daily newspaper.
2.1 Readme: FeedDemon 2.1 Release Notes

 

Technorati tags: FeedDemon 2.1, RSS Reader

2 New Autodesk Blogs: Outside the Lines & Inside the Hues

The Autodesk Impression Community (http://impression.autodesk.com/) has now launched and with it 2 blogs from my fellow team mates Lisa Counse and Todd Hunter. Autodesk Impression is the way cool new product in the works and available from Autodesk Labs (http://labs.autodesk.com). You can also get on the inside and still join the private beta and discussions by signing up at http://myfeedback.autodesk.com and using the Beta Code of Vespa. If you are already a member of MyFeedback log in to http://myfeedback.autodesk.com select the User button and edit your portal profile and select the Autodesk Impression product.

A big bloggy welcome to Lisa and Todd!

• Inside the Hues: with Lisa Crounse
  
  http://impression.autodesk.com/blogs/blog/5/
  RSS Feed

• Outside the Lines: with Todd Hunter
  
  http://impression.autodesk.com/blogs/blog/4/
  RSS Feed
  

Autodesk Impression Discussion Group

AutoCAD 2007 Video on Youtube.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ASjwduqNtM

 

Autodesk Impression Technical Preview 2 Just Released on Autodesk Labs

The latest update to Autodesk Impression Technical Preview has just been released 5 minutes ago from my machine in the middle of power outages south of Vancouver British Columbia. No major storm with 70+mph winds will stop me from posting Autodesk Impression Preview 2. There have been many changes sine the Technical Preview 1 of Autodesk Impression

See http://labs.autodesk.com

The new Autodesk Impression Community including new blogs! http://impression.autodesk.com/

Autodesk Labs RSS Feed: http://labs.autodesk.com/autodesklabs.rss

Here is an image I made just for fun this week and also one from customer Jeremy Noftle.

Here is the infamous Nozzle styled in Impression by me.

Below are two designs by Jeremy Noftle of Focus Architecture styled in Autodesk Impression.

Autodesk Impression is fun and easy!

Cheers,
Shaan

What a Travel Day

Rough flight from San Francisco to Vancouver BC Canada due to some very large storms. After landing I was detained by Canadian customs for 3 hours on an error. Then instead of a rental car I got a mini van.

On the bright side I got bumped to first class on the flight and got I to play with a shiny new black Microsoft Zune Media Player on the flight as there were some musicians that were given the toys and all in all the device is well built and sweet. I also went out for a bite to eat with a couple Autodesk resellers which was fun.

I need some sleep...