OStatic

I have been developing Web applications since 1993, when I co-created one of the first 100 sites on the Web, just after graduating from MIT's computer science department.

I currently split my time between Web/database consulting projects, my PhD dissertation in "learning sciences" (i.e., computer science + cognitive science + design, all for education), and running a stealth-model e-learning startup.

I live in Modi'in, Israel, halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. I grew up in the US, but moved to Israel in 1995. I live here with my wife, daughters (7 and 5), and son (2).

When I'm not writing or hacking, I enjoy spending time with my family, walking, cooking, and reading, typically about politics, history, science, or (even better) the intersection of all three.

I write Web applications using a wide variety of languages and frameworks, including Ruby on Rails (my current strong preference), Perl/Mason, PHP/Smarty, Python/Django, and Python/Zope. I have a strong understanding of the underlying technologies and standards of the Web, including HTML, HTTP, XML, JavaScript, and CSS.

I have been designing, using, programming, and administering databases for more than 13 years. I prefer to work with PostgreSQL and MySQL, but have also worked with Oracle, Sybase, and SQL Server.

I have been administering Unix and Linux systems for nearly 20 years.

In addition to my technical skills, I am an accomplished writer, teacher, and public speaker on a variety of topics. I enjoy teaching people how to use Web/database technologies, and can do so at a variety of different levels, depending on the needs and interests of the audience.