About

Hello. I'm Jerry Yoakum. My blog, Jerry Yoakum: Cogitation about Computing, is focused on software engineering. I like to reference articles and books from the past because I want to drive home the point that hardware has changed a lot but not so much with software. We should not delude ourselves into thinking that that we stand apart from the founders of our field. We stand on their shoulders and can only make real improvements by learning from them; otherwise, we just make the same mistakes they did.

I love everything about being a father. Reading to my daughter was always wonderful. Some of my favorite pictures of my daughter are of her reading or when she was really little handing me books to read to her. I would definitely give up everything for her. I'm reading Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters Devotional: 52 Devotions Every Father Needs again and recommend it.

My main reasons to get outdoors is to go canoeing, kayaking, or hiking. I enjoy learning. I read a lot of nonfiction so I make an effort to read some fiction to balance things out.

Mary Roach is my favorite author. She is a science writer that focuses on presenting topics in a way that interests everyone.

I'm a Christian but have tried to study other religions and philosophies in order to be a well-rounded person. I recommend The Meaning of Life: Perspectives from the World's Great Intellectual Traditions by The Teaching Company as a good source for independent study. I've also found Stoicism to be very helpful. A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy is a good book.

For humor, you just can't go wrong with "Get Fuzzy" by Darby Conley.

Sincerely,
Jerry Yoakum

EDUCATION:

• BS, Computer Science 2003
• Minors: Mathematics, Physics, Computer Information Systems, & General Business
• MS, Natural and Applied Science 2011
• Primary: Computer Science, Secondary: Mathematics

Photos from a past Chicago trip: