"This is the kind of resource I myself would have given my right arm for (I’m a lefty) when I started my instrument construction project."

Have you ever found that the software provided with your laboratory automation systems didn't quite fit your needs?  What if there existed "open source" lab automation software, written by the community of users, which you could freely modify to meet your specific needs?  The same open source concept has led to the quite successful Linux operating system.  Could the same happen in our field?  Neil Benn thinks so.  

What if you determined that your employer was more interested in corporate profits vs. informing the public about the possible health risks of their product?  Would you feel that the public ought to look out for themselves, and quietly keep doing your job?  Would you try to change your employers' attitude?  Would you simply quit?  Or would you blow the whistle, knowing that your employer would not only fire you, but attempt to discredit you?  Let's hope you never face this situation.  But Dr. Jeffrey Wigand did.  The LabMan talked to Dr. Wigand in advance of his plenary lecture at LabAutomation 2009.