Evernote, archimate, mind-mapping, xslt, notepad++, xsl:easy, PDF, Open Office hack

Evernote is a great app that I use daily, but it's missing a key feature such as mind mapping.

I use Archi. Its not a mind mapping tool per say, but easily re-purposed as one, as it shares the fundamental features. The reason I choose Archi is because it's free, available on many platforms, light weight, fast, easy to use, has strong generic types following TOGAF/Archimate, and saves in a simple XML native format.

I also use Archi at my day job as an Enterprise Architect :)

I follow two workflows.

1) Some notes, belong in Archi. An Archi document can be easily attached to an Evernote note and filed as an attachment.

2) Switching from Evernote to Archi and Archi to Evernote is analogous to switching between mathematical co-ordinate systems to simplify a formula, also giving a vantage point for a different perspective. Archi also supports JasperReports. Further allowing exports to Adobe:PDF, Microsoft:Word, Excel & Power point, and even the Open Office Equivalents.

For the 2nd workflow, Since both are based in XML, I use XSLT to transform from .enex to .archimate formats. There isn't a 1 to 1 translation between the two,  more like art then science, and potentially dependent on the notes content. I'm constantly editing my .xslt in tools like notepad++ and xsl:easy

Actually once comfortable in the process, you would be able to convert from .enex to .enex, or any other xml based format. You could build a .enex to .docx and convert your notes to documents that Microsoft Office , Open Office or even Google docs supports.

Notepad++ has XML syntax highlighting, and an optional plug-in called "XML tools".  Under XML Tools > XSL Transformation, will prompt a dialog where you can transform the current file using a xslt document. 

xsl:easy is a nice Drag & Drop GUI based xslt editor.

Special thanks to Sacha Chua for encouraging me to write this post.

Apple TV, AirPlay, YouTube, immersion, learning, group think, karaoke, symbolism

Interacting with young children is not enough. Every engagement should be about teaching in a fun and interactive way. Leveraging all the modern tools, but with proven, time tested methodologies. My goal is  opening as many opportunities as possible and peak the child’s interest.  

I love engaging children with music and dance. Karaoke is also a proven time tested methodology, making it personal with music they know and recognize, while also engaging their reading skills.

It’s hard to improve on such as great formula but recently I came across a YouTube lyrics video that also shaped the words and fonts into recognizable and easily understood symbols. This is great for younger children learning to read. Slightly older kids appreciate the additional complexity.

If you already have Apple TV just search for “Lyrics” YouTube video’s and you get a superb  immerse activity everyone in all ages can enjoy together.

AT&T Hackathon NxNE/@MaRS (Toronto), mHeath, Tiggzi, FitBit, Zeo, sublime

I had a great time @ AT&T Hackathon NxNE/@MaRS (Toronto). I met great people and used cool technology while walking away 1st prize winners in many categories.

Kevin Kelly, Nicholas Manolakos(me), June Avila, Peter Newhook, & Michael Anderson

The tools we used to win
Tiggzi a great cloud mobile developer environment.
mHealth an API that can integrate with FitBit, Zeo and many more cool devices with personal collected data.

These kinds of events are great for developers in different domains to meet and swap some shop talk.

Not to mention working on your creativity, team-working and marketing skills. 

I was also pointed to sublime (special thanks, Kevin!)