Let me introduce myself. My name is Karel Thönissen. In my daily work I run Garabit Technologies, a young ISV in 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands. Until the groupware that we are developing is ready for show time, its exact purpose will remain secret.

My professional interests in the area of computing include: programming, programming languages, functional programming, object orientation, literate programming, compiler theory, type theory, memory management algorithms, usability studies and user interface design, operating system theory, virtual machine design, groupware and social software, systems architecture, development methods, high-integrity software techniques, digital preservation, knowledge management and knowledge-based systems. I am also professionally interested in graphic design, information design and typography.

I have been designing programming languages since the age of 17. It all started with the observation that I had more trouble fighting the programming language than dealing with the complex linear algebra when I was programming a CAD-program on a TRS-80 in the hours after school. This sparked my interest in other languages. During my study of business administration/ industrial engineering I took all the courses required in the computer science curriculum, although I have never graded in computer science for practical reasons. That leaves me as a graded MBA, I guess. A sort of technology-challenged Pointy-haired Boss (-8.

As a manager of a software company, I am particularly interested in the organisational aspects of software engineering (something I call 'software organisation engineering', as opposed to 'software code engineering'). Peopleware, Psychology of Programming, Software is not Manufacturing, are all themes that have my fondest attention. I try to apply these practices in my company. My example at this point is Joel Spolsky: he started FogCreek Software, a small independent software company. Fortunately for you and me, he shares his brilliant ideas via his weblog.

Before I started my career in industry, I have done research in the field of organisational semiotics. This has started a lasting interest in philosophy, semiology, lingusitics, logic (modal logics, temporal logics, deontic logics, non-monotomous logics), analytic philosophy, intuitionistic logic, knowledge representation, artificial intelligence and database design.

My hobbies include travel, trekking, photography, reading (one could have guessed), classical music in general and French and Italian opera in particular, cartography, architecture, urban architecture and modern art. With regard to music, art and architecture: I am a consumer rather than a producer. Within the field of architecture, I am most interested in bridges, towers, chimneys, industrial buildings and plants, defense works and domes. Travel offers me the opportunity to visit, study and take pictures of these objects. Usually in a country where life is good...

Favorite artists, architects and designers include: Guiseppe Verdi, George Bizet, Giacomo Puccini, Amilcare Ponchielli, Amélie Poulain, Modest Moussorgsky, Ludwig van Beethoven, Ference Liszt, Franz Schubert, Maria Callas, Placido Domingo, Amalia Rodrigues, Yann Tiersen, Vangelis, Jean-Michel Jarre, Ed Alleyne-Johnson, Eduard Manet, Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt, Berthe Morisot, Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissaro, Alfred Sisley, Vincent van Gogh, Piet Mondriaan, Victor Vasarely, Van Kooten en de Bie, Monthy Python, Battus, le Maréchal de Vauban, Eugène Haussmann, Hector Guimard, Ricardo Bofill, Santiago Calatrava, Jean Nouvel, Christian de Portzamparc, Sir Norman Foster, Gustave Eiffel, Raymond Loewy, Ettore Bugatti, Steve Jobs, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Maurits Escher and Bernd and Hilla Becher.

My favorite operas are Macbeth, Boris Godounov, Il Trovatore, Carmen, Rigoletto, Lakmé, La Gioconda and I due Foscari.

As an engineer and former scientist, I am interested in anything mechanical, technical or scientific: trains, railroads, automobile design and technology, math, military hardware and technology, flight, industrial heritage, etc. Broken equipment is disassembled to determine how it worked. However, I am not that handy that I can repair electronic equipment.

I collect vintage road maps, math books, and mechanical computing devices and other office machines that have been surplanted by the digital computer. I also collect and mint aphorisms (4000+ now) and post cards of places where I have been (5000+).

Perhaps as a surprise after this list, I love foreign languages. Unfortunately, I have no time left for reading proper literature, but I read books often in their original languages. Other topics that I like or that interest me: jokes and pranks, foreign politics, European integration, the democratic process, defense politics, good (European) movies, la dolce vita, l'art de vivre, sitting under a tree at Café de la Gare on the Place de la Republique in some village in southern France on a warm day, Tuscany, Paris, Provence, Auvergne, verbal and non-verbal communication, art of warfare, Formula One, cyclism and camping.

I love Italian, French, Thai and Chinese food and talking with family and friends (possibly over dinner). My favorite dish is the Tarte Tatin. Although not a dish, you can wake me up for good nougat. Other favorites are fresh bread, olives, pasta, a good cup of tea and fresh fruit. I like doing the dishes, particularly when a good conversation is extended this way.

's-Hertogenbosch is a great place to live for someone who likes architecture, defense works and the good things of life. So if I am tired of work, I walk through the historic center of the city. Photos made during my walks in the historic city will appear on this site and on garabit.nl.