Don Box simplified my XAML code using resources and styles. He also illustrates another XAML-ism that I’m coming to love: dotted element names. When you see something a dotted element name in XAML:

<GridPanel>
  <GridPanel.Resources>...</GridPanel.Resources>
  ...
</GridPanel>

what you’re looking at is a more convenient way of specifying an XML attribute using XML element syntax. For example, while you can specify a menu item like s

<MenuItem Header="New" />

However, if you’re doing anything fancy, like specifying an access key, you can do this using the dotted element name syntax:

<MenuItem>
  <MenuItem.Header>
    <FlowPanel>
      <AccessKey Key="N" />
      <SimpleText>ew</SimpleText>
    </FlowPanel>
  </MenuItem.Header>
</MenuItem>

In the first case, we’re just specifying a string, so declaring the Header attribute inline makes sense. In the second case, we’re composing the Header for the MenuItem as a FlowPanel, combining an AccessKey and a SimpleText element. Underneath the covers, XAML attributes translate into properties, so for those properties more complicated than strings, the dotted element name syntax allows properties to be specified as sub-elements.

I've always been a big fan of wacky analogies to illustrate points and Steve’s got a good one.

"There are many sites on the web related to Longhorn already, but none that are geared towards academia. In fact, the most common sites like LonghornBlogs.com are made up largely of Microsoft employees. We think that an independent site where users can share their knowledge but also opinion will go a long way towards making Longhorn a better product for everyone!" LonghornBlogs.com is for anyone, but a site for academics interested in Longhorn is a good thing, too. Welcome!

Duncan [1] points out Tim Dawson’s set of WinForms controls, all of which are either free or cheap for commercial apps. Not only are the controls well-designed and flexible, they're also documented with a set of tutorials and provide an extensive design-time experience. I don't know how someone can make a living giving this stuff away, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy Tim's generosity. [1] http://weblogs.asp.net/duncanma/posts/40415.aspx

I read a post yesterday that pointed at Wesner Moise, an ex-Microsoftie, and now I'm hooked. I'm enjoying how he applies his technical riguor to Longhorn. I also want to know about SoftPerson, his software company that "develops desktop applications based on AI." Subscribed.

Markus Mielke, a PM doing performance for the Avalon team, lists some pointers on perf in the PDC build of Longhorn and provides a place for you to send in your perf complaints (him).

ComputerWorld corralled an Orbiz developer and took down his observations about Longhorn from a developer point of view. It’s interesting to see the perspective.

If you missed the PDC, the WSA is sponsoring a day-long “Best of” in Redmond on December 16, 2003. Learn about the new technologies coming in Microsoft's "Longhorn", "Whidbey" and "Yukon" directly from the leaders driving the evolution of the Microsoft platform and tools, including Don Box, Scott Guthrie and John Shewchuk.