HUGH S. MYERS 3735 S Gekerler LN APT 196 83706 (208) 342-4936 hsmyers@gmail.com CAREER BEGINNINGS: In I believe 1975 I moved across the campus from 8 years of fines arts study to the nascent computer department (actually math department---wouldn't become computer department until long after I left) sat down in front of a model 29 keypunch machine took a summer course in a pseudo language modeled on IBM 360 assembler. It was made up of macros and was enough to show the basics of programming if not language. Shortly after that I was handed my professors old copy of Susan Stern's book on IBM BAL. For those who have never had the pleasure, it is (was?) very near a high level language even if it had a low level implementation. My first observation was that there was very little difference (meta) from planning a piece of sculpture to planning a program. As I joked, the biggest difference was clean-up; with code, you just turn things off, with sculpture you spend a fair amount of time with physical work. My first significant project was building a concordance generator---a key words in context generator from a given corpus. This meant not only the usual trapping of text in, new text out with no library to aid, but taking quick-sort apart and writing it in assembler. Looking back it was one of the harder things I've ever done; but that said, also one of the most enjoyable. There after I began the usual progression, skipped PL1, took FORTRAN etc. I was introduced to C at the New Jersey Computer Faire by Scott Guthrie who was selling a version of Small C, enough to get a leg up. Then BDS C on my 8085. Looking back, I've loon since adopted an approach of 'What have I lost, what have I gained' with regards to the language and syntax. Programming itself remains the same, although some things are easier to express in some languages versus others (Noam Chomsky and 'Language conditions thought' seems to apply to computer languages in my opinion.) Over the years, it is the usual 'Wash, rinse, repeat' with regard to language with the selection dependent on what the client wants or provides. CAREER SUMMARY: More than 30 years of intensive, professional programming experience in microcomputer based software design, ranging from conceptual design through development, documentation, installation, user education, and troubleshooting. Extremely versatile; projects have ranged from business and scientific applications to architectural design and game software. Most recently created a major release of the Internet Chess Club's Chess Client, BlitzIn. This involved extensive work, embedding a customized browser as well as developing the target web site. Within the last 10 years, designed and produced a major database system for Capital One, allowing a mix of real-time information access and asynchronous dialer technology, coupled with a user friendly interface. Previously, developed the PC based portion of a government database designed to track implementation of Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Experience also includes CADD systems management, software marketing, and classroom software training (as instructor). In an ongoing effort to 'Pay forward', developed various chess related modules for CPAN (the Comprehensive Perl Archive Network) as well as several volumes contributed to the 'C' User's Group---Number Theoretical and Extended Precision Numeric packages. LANGUAGE, NETWORK, AND OS EXPERIENCE: C, Perl, Python, C++, FORTRAN, FORTH, PASCAL, LISP, Scheme, VISUAL BASIC; assemblers (370, LSI-11, 80xx, 80X86/7, 6502, 680xx, etc.); Network Operating Systems, Lantastic and TCP/IP; Operating Systems (RSTS/E, RT-11, UNIX (LINUX), MS-DOS, WINDOWS (3.x, 95, 98, NTx), OS2, CP/M); Web Related, HTML, CSS, XML, XSL. WORK EXPERIENCE: 2008 -- Present DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMER for Aliphant, Santa Cruz CA. This involves text extraction and analysis with an eye towards semantic content. Primary Language/s used: Perl(5.8 -- 5.12), Lisp (Allegro Common) 2004 -- 2008 H M Bogner & Associates, Half Moon Bay CA. Designed prelimanary versions of a new web site for Chess Express. In the process, trained and assisted the original designers (and owners) in more current dialects of Perl. Primary Language/s used: PERL(5.8), SQL(mySQL), HTML 2003 -- 2004 CONTRACT PROGRAMMER Internet Chess Club, Pittsburgh, PA. Created version 3 of ICC's Internet client. Implemented internal web browser and developed client web for players. Extensive work in client-server software in a real-time environment. Primary Language/s used: VC++, Perl 2001 -- 2003 TECHNICAL EDITOR Micron Technologies Incorporated, Boise, Idaho Developed a database driven Web and Help system for in-house applications. This project involved 'Generative Programming', hence the need for an experienced software developer also capable of sufficient technical writing skills to develop the necessary material. Further, built support utilities (menu editor, emacs package, perl scripts, etc.) as needed to support both the applications as well as the documentation project. Primary Language/s used: PERL(5.6), SQL(Access), XML, XSL, XSLT, Lisp, VB6, HTML, DHTML, XHTML HTML 2000 -- 2001 WEB DEVELOPER H M Bogner & Associates, Half Moon Bay CA. Worked on a typical Linux/Apache web server providing programming and related skills. Developed a database driven EBook site for client. Primary Language/s used: PERL(5.6), SQL(mySQL), HTML 1999 -- 2000 CONTRACT PROGRAMMER Alternative Resources Corp. Worked as sub-contractor with Capital One as sole client. Designed and implemented CROI (Credit Recovery Operations Interface), a 3-tier database system in VC++ and VB6. Front tier user interface in VB6, middle tier in VC++(ATL-based COM component.) Far tier was in Oracle 8.01. Initially part of a 4-man team, later developed individual efforts and specializations as needed for an on-going production system. Particular work included implementation of the VB6/Mosaix Dialer Asynchronous interface. As well, produced a document preparation subsystem (fax and print). Helped set a corporate-wide record for shortest (less than 90 days) design to production of a major database system. Primary Language/s used: C++ (VC++ 6.0), Visual Basic (VB 6.0) 1993 -- 1999 FREELANCE PROGRAMMER Various. Worked as a contractor or freelance programmer for numerous projects, including: Implemented sound and video portions of Kasparov’s Gambit(C) , a master level chess program, for Electronic Arts. Primary Language/s used: C++ (Borland C++ 5.01), Assembler (Tasm) Under a long-term contract, developed the PC portion of ADMS(C), a tracking system used by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to cover implementation of Access for the Handicapped legislation. This was taken from initial development under DOS to a prototype of WEB-based system. Primary Language/s used: C++ (GCC), Clipper (5.1), Visual Basic (VB 4.0, VB 5.0) Wrote device drivers for Saitek’s PC Auto Chessboard(C). Primary Language used: Assembler (Tasm) Developed RetiBoard(C), a Windows-based platform for electronic books as hypertext, for Hypermodern Press. Primary Language/s used: C++ (Borland C++ 4.51) Developed user interface for Zane’s Eric Schiller’s Chess(C), a computer chess program with emphasis on education. Under contract to Strat Labs, developed another chess program. Primary Language/s used: C++ (Borland C++ 4.51) 1991 -- 1993 APPLICATIONS PROGRAMMER Morrison Knudsen Corporation, Boise. For MK’s Environmental Group, handled the entire software development cycle, covering preparation of specifications, implementation of specifications into code, preparation of test data, and final testing and debugging. Evaluated and modified existing programs or initiated new programs to accommodate changes in system requirements and equipment configurations. Worked with documentation specialists to prepare system and application specific materials. Designed and built the Worker Exposure Tracking System for MK’s U.S. Department of Energy Superfund project at Weldon Spring, Missouri. Primary Language/s used: Fox Pro, Clipper (5.1), C++ (Borland 4.0) 1985 -- 1991 SOFTWARE RESEARCHER/DEVELOPER Bourbaki, Inc. As part of a software design team, developed and marketed 1Dir(C), a copyrighted file management and menuing package for IBM PC and PC compatible microcomputer systems. Participated in ongoing maintenance and revision, and contributed to 1DirPlus(C) in 1987. Later, played an integral role in developing Bourbaki’s fractal-based mathematical-graphical entertainment software; lead programmer for FracTools(C) and sole programmer for FracZooms(C). Primary Language/s used: C (Borland Turbo C), C++ (Borland Turbo C++, Zortech C++). Assembler (Masm, Tasm) 1983 -- 1985 PARTNER Bazeghi Myers & Associates. Managed research and development of architectural software and supervised computer assisted design systems for architectural projects. Also researched and selected new and enhanced hardware and software for company applications. A special project during this period involved design and development of an Arabic word processing package, AshKal(C). Primary Language/s used: C (Borland Turbo C), Assembler (Tasm) 1982 -- 1983 CHIEF OF PROGRAMMING Austin & Lindberg. Information systems consultant to management, specializing in methods to minimize the "microprocessor impact." Developed course materials and presented seminars on computer systems and applications to business clients. 1978 -- 1982 SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER Latah, Inc. Systems and applications programming for turnkey microprocessor based small business systems. Designed, specified, and developed custom applications for business users, provided on-site troubleshooting and consultation, and trained clients in the use of microcomputers and software packages. Supervised programmers and developed utilities used by the staff. Primary Language/s used: Micropolis Basic, Cbasic, Assembler (Masm) 1977 -- 1978 COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST State of Idaho, Department of Administration. Initiated, tracked, and updated licensing of all state owned radio communications equipment. Developed a computerized FCC license database system accessed by a series of EASYTRIEVE report programs run on the Department of Transportation mainframe. Primary Language/s used: EasyTrieve 1969 -- 1972 INFORMATION SPECIALIST U.S. Army. As editor of a large circulation post newspaper, researched and wrote feature stories and columns, supervised staff, proofread and edited copy, and assisted in distribution. Received citation from Department of Defense for co authorship of special series of feature stores, investigating civilian price gouging of military dependents. Awarded Bronze Star while serving in Vietnam as combat photographer/journalist. Received honorable discharge at the grade of Specialist E-5. EDUCATION: University of Dever; Fine Arts Boise State University; Mathematics, Computer Science, Fine Arts U.S. Dept. of Defense Information School; Journalism, Public Relations ASSOCIATIONS: IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) MAA (Mathematical Association of America (MAA)) ONLINE COMMUNITIES: Perlmonks Slashdot GrokLaw CPAN C User's Group Hacker News