So, my not having a job, then waiting for a job, then that job vaporizing into atoms, then me finally getting a job is a long story. I’ll tell you the ending:
I have a new job! I’m one of a few IT guys at Frazer Ltd. They are an ambulance manufacturer. They used to do oilfield stuff, but figured that people are more consistently in need of ambulatory service than of petroleum.
So, now I’m back to a 9 to 5 job – haven’t had that since last December, and a real software development position – haven’t had that since February 2001. And, if you have any hints on how to turn on these compyewters, or what all these new acronyms mean, I’d appreciate the help. 
And Droubi’s (houstonpress, zagat) is just a few blocks away. Is it Mediterranean or Middle Eastern? Who cares, it’s good.
October 9th, 2007
Posted by
bshirley |
job, tech |
one comment
As soon as the iPod was out, some users whined about wanting a radio tuner embedded, and eventually they got an external one. Personally, I almost never would want it. That’s the point of the iPod - the radio these days sucks.
Now that the new iPod touch is out, and is quite nice for video, I’m thinking it would be cool to have an HD tuner attached to it. Of course, watching college football made me think of it – that would be the ideal use.
How small can a tuner be made? How much power does it consume? Will Apple let companies start officially adding applications (it seems so from the half vacant home screen)?
I heard a business pundit on NPR the day before the announcement - “what’s left to do with iPods? they’re already played out. who could want more that 80GB?” That person looks like an idiot today. These will be the holiday fodder once again.
But how long will it take before we have an HDTV tuner on these puppies? I’d be surprised if it’s not before Xmas 2008.
Note to me: all Houston library branches have free Wi-Fi (and so does HCC). Oh,… and get the iPhone without the phone: iPod touch. Then I can continue to stay cell phone free.
September 8th, 2007
Posted by
bshirley |
idea, tech |
one comment
photo by etchasketchist
MgGuff points out: The New York Times covers the impending release of the iPhone, and can only say bad things. (”That iPhone Has a Keyboard, but It’s Not Mechanical” - John Markoff, June 13) Even the title sounds condescending: “That iPhone”! And he’s expounding upon “news” we’ve known for six months.
Is this true objective analysis, or is there some CA v NY in there? Are they resentful of Apple’s recent business acumen?
They try to tie the dead weight of Apple’s Worst Design Decision Evar™: the one button mouse. <sarcasm>We know that cost them a Billion dollars, just like they warn this will.</sarcasm>
The first quote of the piece shows an insecurity that seems quite fragile – without a keyboard, I’m afraid. Is this a true umbilical need Americans now have of technology (that it be rigid and unchanging?), or is an analyst just trying to show that he’s smarter than Steve Jobs?
“The tactile feedback of a mechanical keyboard is a pretty important aspect of human interaction,” said Bill Moggeridge, a founder of Ideo, an industrial design company in Palo Alto, Calif. “If you take that away you tend to be very insecure.”
Though, the article does finally represent the crux of the matter, two-thirds through the piece with an attributed unquote: “Dispensing with a physical keyboard has given software an increased importance over hardware in product design.”
This is the true key. If there is a perceived problem in the product – and this is version 1.0, so there will be – you don’t have to sell them the fixed product, you just rev the software.
Full NYT article cached: (more…)
June 14th, 2007
Posted by
bshirley |
inthenews, tech |
no comments
Day 23 of the new blog and the spammers have found me. 13 spam comments showed up this evening. It seems I didn’t have Askimet installed, yet. It always does a fabulous front-line on WordPress spam comments.
May 24th, 2007
Posted by
bshirley |
administrative, tech |
one comment
I bought some new shorts - summer is here you know. Lots of pockets. Nice fit. Brown denim. They look nice now, but I’ll be wearing them all summer.
There was a pocket with a big cardboard label on it that said “Cellphone Pocket”. I guess owners of cell phones are so stupid they can’t figure out what to do with them. That would explain why they’re ALWAYS talking on them.
Anyway this “cellphone” pocket is the ideal size for 3×5 index cards and a pen. And the battery never fails on that.
In other news, I canceled the Call Notes™ on my phone. About 6 years after I should have. (It used to be a business expense.) At $8 a month, here are the pluses and minuses of Call Notes™. (more…)
May 23rd, 2007
Posted by
bshirley |
corporations, random, tech |
no comments
Both of my iPods were updating at the same time. Of course, as soon as I took the picture, one had quit.
The 20MB takes firewire, but the 2MB has to use USB. Winslow has my name and address engraved on the back. The name is that of an AnthroPC from the web comic Questionable Content. The other is named my home phone number in case it is found my a good Samaritan.
May 3rd, 2007
Posted by
bshirley |
pod, tech |
no comments
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