Opinion

The WTF Series: Big data

On a daily basis, Ben Kittrell translates the jargon-filled world of technology for clients of his tech consultancy. The Words that Frustrate (WTF) series aims to offer readers some clarity in an industry dominated by techies’ confusing argot. I don’t remember if I had heard the term “Big Data” before 2012 but after attending South-by-Southwest that year…

Roberts: 5 things the world can learn from KC entrepreneurs

This week, entrepreneurship is king in Kansas City. As we welcome the world to our burgeoning tech hub during Techweek, it’s tempting to think that Kansas City’s startup community is a new phenomenon. But in fact, the names of the city fathers (and mothers) — the Kauffmans, Kempers, Blochs and Helzbergs — that adorn almost…

Markel: Education fix can fill local talent gap

Carrie Markel is a co-founder of The Lean Lab, a Kansas City-based education incubator that helps educators create and implement innovative ideas in schools to help students. It was August of 2013, and I was readying my classroom for 24-second graders. I had neatly arranged six groups of four chairs with their own supply buckets,…

Startup families: 3 similarities between my new baby and business

Starting a company is hard. Having a baby is hard. Doing both at the same time is kind of insane. But one major advantage of living in the Midwest is that founders have the ability to do both. In the coming months other founders will share their stories, experiences, and advice for having the best…

The WTF Series: The Cloud

On a daily basis, Ben Kittrell translates the jargon-filled world of technology for clients of his tech consultancy. The Words that Frustrate (WTF) series aims to offer readers some clarity in an industry dominated by techies’ confusing argot. When most people think of the Internet, they think of websites. But it’s actually much more than that. Emails,…