[1]: http://www.digitalcyclone.com
[2]: http://www.my-cast.com/
[3]: http://www.startribune.com/535/story/919086.html
[4]: http://digitalcyclone.com/news.and.pr/garmin.php

I worked with [Digital Cyclone][1] from 2000 to 2002 as Internet Programmer. We built [My-Cast.com][2], a popular website providing free, very localized weather forecasts. The business model relied heavily on web advertising revenues. As the dot-com bust drew near, we had a number of layoffs until, finally, they had to pare the company down from dozens to only four employees, and so finally it was time for me to move on. It was gratifying to have been useful for so long, but sad to have to go. I learned *so* much being there. They’d pulled together an amazing team, and it was heart-wrenching each time a layoff came through.

I continued to work with them off and on after leaving, doing occasional freelance work on their web site as they refocussed the company on mobile technology – weather on mobile phones.

Their move worked. Brilliantly. They got past that really rough period and built up a very compelling set of mobile products. And last week they were [bought out by Garmin for $45 million][3]! (Press release [here][4].)

It’s a fantastic success story, and the people who pulled it off are really top notch folks. It’s inspiring to have had my small glimpse into how they did it.

Congratulations Paul, Craig, Peter, Ray, Jan, David, Tony and Adam! I hope I didn’t miss anyone. :)

We had strep sweep through the family a couple of weeks ago. I didn’t get it. So far, I’m crediting gargling. 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, about a half cup warm water. A few times a day.

I’m going out on a limb, since it looks like another round of something is going to pass through the household. We’ll see if soaking my throat’s lintel and doorposts will allow these bugs to pass over.

I’ve always liked using the comma before the “and” in a list in a sentence. Turns out my rebellion against the AP Stylebook isn’t entirely unwarranted. According to [this fellow](http://wordwise.typepad.com/blog/2006/12/comma_comma_com.html), anyway.