July 20, 2005
Bill Gates' Home
Monday night was the intern BBQ at Bill Gates' home. I heard that BillG (as he's known internally at Microsoft) used to have dinners for all new employees at his previous home. The current home is designed well for hosting large groups - there were more than 200 there on Monday. Other than seeing the actual location and very very nice water environments and some of the more public areas (no tours of the actual house), the neatest aspect of the night was that Mr. Gates answered questions for more than 2 hours straight. He was mobbed by the undergrad interns and most questions seemed to be more technically focused, and he seemed to enjoy the interaction. He speaks very well and seems to think on this feet well.
The portion of the home that we did see - main staircase down to the waterfront, theater, external gardens, and pool house - were amazing. Excellent use of natural and wood materials in a very classy fashion. I've heard that much of the house sits back into the hillside, which seemed true after the drive back up the lane.
It was definitely one of the summer highlights. :)
Play Test
Yesterday the MBA interns had a tour of XBox's PlayTest facilities including the usability labs and play labs. We all played a couple games of Halo 2 against each other. I wasn't the most skilled...but near the top. :)
July 11, 2005
Game Testing
Following up on a comment a couple days ago, I wanted to list a few links if anyone is interested in MS game testing or Accessibility testing.
July 06, 2005
Seattle/Mt Rainier
I haven't posted many pictures of Seattle yet, mostly because I've been busy or busy relaxing when not working, and also because the camera on my always convenient Treo 600 is awful. But here is one I took this past weekend from Kerry Park, located up in Queen Anne north of downtown Seattle. Note Mt Rainier in the background! It looks sureal and floating in real life. Also, sorry for the huge tree in the foreground, although vegetation is a Seattle strong point. :)
Ultimate
The first work day of each week is generally my Ultimate Frisbee night. Microsoft has a summer hat league - of mostly learners and quasi-good players with a couple excellent team captains and teachers mixed in. I'm dreadfully out of shape, although gradually improving. Still using the same shoes from undergrad so maybe it's time for a new pair.
Tonight we had a refreshing cool rain/drizzle and the excitement of a security-forced time out as a helicopter took off from part of the ball fields carrying someone, relatively important I assume. :)