I’ve just finished reading through The C# Design Process: A conversation with Anders Hejlsberg.  I must say that it is an interesting read and well worth checking out, if you have the time.  Anders compares and contrasts features of Java with those of C#, as well as diving into other c# topics. 

Also, one other thing worth mentioning is that I really enjoy and marvel how all program managers at Microsoft know intimate details of the product(s) that they are responsible for.  Even some of the marketing people know detailed information about the products that they advertise.  I have seen many companies where program managers only know a high level overview of products, thus reducing the effectiveness of that product.  I think that it should be a requirement of a program manager (and even the marketer) to know their products inside and out.  They should treat their product(s) as their own children.  I think that also is a major factor in the quality produced by certain companies…