Grab A Cup Of Coffee...Really.

Ever read this?

Privacy Policy (Updated March 24, 2010)
http://www.autodesk.de/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=786921

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Cookies? Environmental Variables? Pixel Tags? Financial and credit card information? All required to run Autodesk software? Really?

"The PII requested may vary depending on which product, service or Site you are using or accessing. We typically ask for PII about you, such as your name, e-mail address, postal address, telephone numbers and fax numbers. We may also ask for financial information, such as account or credit card number to verify your user identity and to allow you to pay for any purchases you make."

So let me get this straight. In order to use Autodesk software, I must submit "Personally Identifiable Information" (or PII). Okay - fine. Just tell me how Autodesk will secure that information and we're all set.

"You hereby consent to the transfer of any PII to the United States or any other country outside of your country of residence where Autodesk or its licensees, agents or service providers are providing services or processing or storing PII in accordance with the terms of this Privacy Policy, which countries may provide a different level of data security than in your country of residence. Autodesk does not represent or warrant that the Site, or any part thereof, are appropriate or available for use in any particular jurisdiction."

So in order to use Autodesk software, I must hand over personal information - even including financial, credit card numbers, etc. - that Autodesk refuses to keep secure?

And if I don't agree to this - ahem..cough..straight face - "Privacy Policy", then I can't legally use Autodesk software?

Really?

NYC-RUG rat on the prowl

Fellow Wiley author (BIM and Integrated Design, 2011) and blogger Randy Deutsch AIA, LEED AP has written a glowing (and quite detailed) review of our latest New York City Revit Users Group meeting here. I’ve subscribed to Randy’s blog in recent months and it’s a quite impressive read. Can’t wait to get a copy of his book!

As an FYI to Randy and our other webcast attendees, we had a bit of an interesting scenario this month at our lecture location. A group was in our space – right up to the start of our event! I had to start the webinar on an alternate laptop in the adjacent gallery while our guests mingled – then turn everything over to the podium laptop as the Pratt crew changed the room over. Lesson learned? I’ll probably change the start time of the webinar to 6:15 or so to avoid the loss of attention. Thanks to Randy for the feedback.

Take a stroll over to http://bimandintegrateddesign.com and prepare to be entertained…

Phoenix and Cadillac

Before their song “1901” became so ubiquitous on every Cadillac commercial, I remember watching this band on the Late Show with David Letterman and really liking this tune. It’s one of those songs that sticks with you like peanut butter on the brain…

Music keeps us inspired as we toil away on our chapters. More to come on my love affair with Pandora…

TRIVIA: Can you identify the building shown in the Late Show opening theme right before they show Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra?

Chapter 15 - Family Editor

Mastering Revit 2011 is coming along nicely. Once of the things that will make creating complex geometry really easy is to approach it as sculpture that is subtractive (carving) rather than additive (casting). The results can be surprisingly interesting and complex.

More to follow. But it'll cost ya. ;)

Speaking of which, got an email this week from an architectural intern trying to learn Revit and needing some stair and railing tutorials, content, etc.
A few emails back and forth. Happy intern! Thanks for the stuff!
What firm, I wondered?
Oh - that firm? I know a few people there. Do you know so an so?
No? That's interesting. Especially since I'd worked with that person and the firm and they've been using Revit on fairly complex projects for a few years now.

So Google.
But it turns out they've not worked there for years.

Turns out they're actually an Architectural professor.

Seriously dude. I like helping people. I'd have offered to help more. Loads of Revit files and images and parametric family content stuff. I really like your college. Would've gladly dropped by at your convenience. Grab a beer.

Just don't data mine me like a struggling intern.

And if you're going to use this stuff in your class - that's cool. Just be honest. Just ask. Maybe give some credit. Twitterblogemailshoutout.

Se comprendre?

So Sleepy...

And instead of going to sleep...just one more read of email, news, blog posts, waitwhatsthis?!

Ever wanted to control your PC or Mac from your iPhone?

Seems now you can. For free (non-commercial use).

Link from image above to TeamViewer app.

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Update (like 5 minutes later).

First I downloaded and installed this:

Which I then started to get this (codes not shown):

Then plugged the codes into the iPhone app and within a few seconds saw this:

That's my desktop. On my iPhone. Dang.

Looks like I'll be installing this on all the computers at home this weekend. The TeamViewer web app works across computers as well.

Another stupideasywonderful thing.

Enjoy.

And the Winner is....

A quick THANKS! to all of you who participated in our competition for your tips and tricks.
I have to tell you, we had several entries and I'm still weeding through them. I promise to get my act together soon, get that finished and get a winner posted. Until then.....

NYC BIM Event – March 2010

The next meeting for the New York City Revit User Group (NYC-RUG) is scheduled for March 18 beginning at 6:00 PM. We will be featuring a presentation titled “BIM and its Application to the Building Lifecycle.”  Our speakers will be Chuck Mies, LEED AP/Assoc. AIA, Richard Thomas, AIA/NCARB/LEED AP and John Aaron Phillips, LEED AP.  Chuck is BIM Solutions Executive with Autodesk who works on a national scale with university clients.  Richard and Aaron are with SHP Leading Design with headquarters in Ohio.  SHP was founded in 1901 and offers planning, architecture, interior design, engineering, construction administration and facilities management services.  They helped Indiana University develop their BIM Standards and Protocols and have also been featured in a recent Autodesk Customer Story.

Chuck, Richard and Aaron will discuss how owners are using BIM to face certain challenges within the building lifecycle and how the industry is poised to support these initiatives.  They will also talk about developing standards for BIM deliverables and use of contract documents such as AIA E202 (BIM Protocol Exhibit) and others.

For a complete presentation abstract and speaker bios, visit the NYC-RUG event calendar.

About the Event

This event is the first joint venture between the NYC-RUG and the NYC Metro BIM Group (a buildingSMARTalliance Interest Group).  Please visit either link to join one or both of the groups for event location and to RSVP if you plan on attending in person.  You can also register for the free webcast by clicking here.

AIA Continuing Education credits will be available for in-person attendees