Demming extremism...
good stuff, but often misused and abused.
2) I just got through a C# SAMS (teach yourself in 21 days book) from the library. That was cake. The .NET version ( which is actually C++ based) looks a bit more involved.
There's a very good reason for that. It works. Further, if you approach it without prejudice it's an incredibly simple concept that can be applied to any structured activity. I spent last summer training 500 people in my company, 20 at a time, on the fundamentals. From clerks to senior managers, all were able to get the high level picture. Now, I oversee and help develop their formal projects and casual initiatives. Key phrase: Show Me The Data, and Keep It Simple Statistically.
Happy New Year, eh!